Becker Patrol compared to a Medium ALICE?

DH1

DH1

Joined
Nov 8, 2006
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I've been researching top loading packs, and would like opinions on these two packs. More specifically, what makes the Becker Patrol Pack by Eagle about $170 more than a medium Alice pack?

They are very similar in design and I think space (I haven't seen both side by side)...but a Medium ALICE with straps can be had for about $30, whereas the Becker pack is around $200.

For all I know that extra money for the Becker is well worth the quality and ease of carry, but that $30 ALICE is tempting:D
 
I'm looking forward to the answers to this, too - as I have a medium Alice w/frame, and have been eyeing upgrading to something newer.
 
For the price an Alice pack with frame is pretty hard to beat. I am a bit biased though as I humped quite a few miles with one of those things back in my Army days.

The mil-spec straps are crap in my opinion. I did myself a huge favor and bought a better padded version sold here:

http://www.tacticaltailor.com/superstraps.aspx

These things make a HUGE difference in comfort. They also make a super-padded waist strap but I never had a chance to use it as it could not really be worn with LBE.
 
I can't comment on a comparison, since I don't have an Alice pack. I do have the MOLLE Becker. It's been a good pack. With the molle, you can get it fitted up in multiple configurations. It's not a large pack. It's built quite well and I have no doubt will handle my level of use for years to come. Some pics to give you an idea what it's like.

Loaded up with some extra pouches (I was seeing how much I could load it up).
Becker001.jpg


Lid open.
Becker004.jpg


The roll top collar.
EBM070121017.jpg


The frame sheet (must get separately, but adds greatly to load carrying performance IMO; the frame sheet has two removable and bendable aluminum stays).
EBM070121019.jpg


The frame sheet inserted (when not used, this pocket can hold a hydration bladder).
EBM070121018.jpg


Interior view (there are two full length pockets front & back, two half length pockets each side).
EBM070121023.jpg


Back view (belt is secured by velcro and removable).
EBM070121024.jpg


With the straps down.
EBM070121026.jpg


Longest use I've given the pack is a 3 day, ~52 mile backpacking trip. It was a tight squeeze, but doable. Otherwise it's seen mostly day and overnight use, and as a mountain biking pack.
 
You can now upgrade the medioum ALICE to a better frame.
The Airborn Assault frame from DownEast has undergone changes to make it compatible with ALICE. I just received my frame last week and havent had the chance to finish my mods to my pack to try it out.

http://www.downeastinc.com/1606.html

The new MOLLE frames are nothing like their old counterparts!
I have broken at least two MOLLEs in the past (Gen 1 & 2) the latest Gen 4s are much better.

No mods are required, these are just some things I am working on myself.
When finished it will have the fully padded LC2 straps with MOLLE quick release buckles. Im also considering sending the pack to tacticaltailor for some other mods like MOLLE panels.
 
Like others said, you can't beat ALICE for the price.

BTW, you can hook MOLLE pouches up to the ALICE loops just fine, either with real MOLLE pouches built-in straps, or with aftermarket ones using short Tac-Ties or MALICE clips (ALICE loops are 3", same as a pistol belt).

The newer Gen 4 and Airborne MOLLE frames are good stuff. I've even got a Gen 3 frame that I tested out at 10 degrees F with 120 pounds in it. Threw it from 8' onto a concrete patio and it didn't break. Gen 1 or 2 won't survive. Reason I say that is I've seen the modded Airborne frame on another sight, and IMO it's way better than the ALICE frame. Although I consider frames overkill for something the size of a Med ALICE.

Also check out Tactical Tailor's website for their Medium ALICE mods under the Rucksack Mods button. You can add carry handles, storm flaps, reinforcements, MOLLE panels on the sides, and replace all the ladder locks with Fastex buckles. Personally, I just bought some field repair Fastex buckles (they have a slot in them so they can be put on without cutting and resewing strapping) to replace the ladder locks on the main compartment straps, and it's good enough. Get a set of those and the TT Super straps at a minimum and you'll have a real nice ruck for little money.
 
Necrodamus said:
You can now upgrade the medioum ALICE to a better frame.
The Airborn Assault frame from DownEast has undergone changes to make it compatible with ALICE. I just received my frame last week and havent had the chance to finish my mods to my pack to try it out.

http://www.downeastinc.com/1606.html

The new MOLLE frames are nothing like their old counterparts!
I have broken at least two MOLLEs in the past (Gen 1 & 2) the latest Gen 4s are much better.

No mods are required, these are just some things I am working on myself.
When finished it will have the fully padded LC2 straps with MOLLE quick release buckles. Im also considering sending the pack to tacticaltailor for some other mods like MOLLE panels.
Click to expand...

Looks pretty interesting. Have to check it out, most of our BOB's are alice packs, and the older style frames leave a bit to be desired (to say the least).
 
I've done several humps in the old Alice packs and the main difference in the Becker and Alice is COMFORT and quality. If you have never used one of the Alice packs they were not built for comfort, at all!!! Most of the time you have a metal frame jammed into your back. The Eagle Becker is first class in quality also, Eagle makes great products and has a great warranty. If you have a way of trying out an Alice before buying it, please do. The Eagle costs much more but will last you forever and your trips will be much more enjoyable on you and your back.
 
i've missed out on several deals of second hand bargain priced Becker Patrol packs over the years, and yet i cannot make myself spend full price on one. yet. maybe soon... this from the guy with too many packs, bags, sacks, etc :>

looks like a fantastic pack overall...


Bladite
 
sweet pack, froogle kelty's military line-they have some superb packs from previous years that are on clearance on a few different sites. definately worth checking out.
 
Spend the money, get the Becker and you will never be sorry.
 
35 years of hiking, backpacking and camping My Becker Patrol Pack is the best in my opinion.
 
jeff, we need a hammock made out of something tougher than grocery bag ripstop nylon for hangin' in style in the backcountry...
I've had the best luck for super high end packs with Eberle... though my everyday user is a mountainsmith maverick, as far as yuppie gear goes it's the most comfortable and durable pack out there, and best organized IMO. for 75 bucks it can't be beat.
 
hopefully, i can score an old one. there's some antics i've read about with the new ownership.

that said, the ESEE big bag is intriguing... and kifaru makes some neat stuff. have to tell Ethan about those, he'd go ga-ga i bet.


Bladite
 
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