Alice Pack Large vs. Medium for Hiking – Which One is Better?

Choosing the right backpack can make or break a hiking trip. With so many options, deciding which size and style to go for can be overwhelming and time-consuming.

In particular, deciding between Alice’s large and medium backpack for hiking can be tough.

They’re both popular choices for outdoor enthusiasts. However, their distinct differences make them better suited for certain hikes and personal preferences.

In this article, we’ll compare the two models and help you determine which is better for you, so let’s dive right in.

Dimensions

When comparing the Alice pack large vs. medium for hiking, you can notice the medium is smaller.

The medium backpack by Alice has a main compartment with dimensions of 19 x 11.5 x 9.5 inches and three additional pouches with dimensions of 5 x 2.5 x 9 inches each.

So, the total capacity of this backpack is approximately 40 liters or 2,412 cubic inches. It can be used with or without a frame.

Moreover, it’s recommended to carry up to 50 pounds of gear. This size is great for day hikes or overnight trips where you must pack lightly.

On the other hand, the large backpack by Alice has a main pouch measuring 22 x 6 x 14 inches and six external pouches totaling about 3,800 cubic inches or approximately 62 liters.

It also has three external utility pouches plus three mag pouches that could carry items other than ammunition for backpacking.

So, it’s perfect for longer hiking trips where you need to carry more gear.

Aluminum Frame

When comparing the aluminum frame of Alice pack large vs. medium for hiking, you can notice they both perform better with it.

The lightweight aluminum frame helps distribute the weight of your pack across your shoulders and hips, allowing airflow between your back and the pack.

However, the frame is a required part of the large backpack by Alice, while it’s optional on the medium one.

Using the frame on the medium backpack by Alice is recommended if you carry more than twenty pounds of gear, as it can greatly improve your hike’s weight distribution and comfort.

The frame for both sizes weighs only about 3.1 pounds and is easy to install. On a hot and humid day, the airflow provided by the frame can be a great bonus for hikers.

Overall, the aluminum frame is a crucial part of both models and can greatly enhance the comfort of your hiking experience, especially when carrying heavier loads.

Components

When comparing the components of Alice pack large vs. medium for hiking, you notice that both have a similar design.

The large and medium backpacks belong to the ALICE system. They include individual belts of various sizes, suspenders, and optional aluminum pack frames.

But here’s the real kicker. They’re modular so that hikers can customize and reconfigure their packs for different purposes and weights.

Both backpacks feature one large compartment and three smaller compartments on the exterior.

Additionally, the optional aluminum frame can be used with both sizes of packs for better weight distribution and comfort, especially when carrying heavier loads.

In addition to the frame, both backpacks come with padded shoulder straps, a padded kidney protector, and a waist belt for added comfort and support during long hikes.

The belt also has eyelets for attaching equipment like canteens and other gear, while the suspenders provide extra space for knife sheaths, pouches, etc.

Overall, both backpacks have similar components as part of the ALICE system, mainly their size, and capacity.

The modularity of the components allows hikers to customize their backpacks for their specific needs and preferences.

Carrying Capacity

Regarding carrying capacity, the medium ALICE pack has a capacity of 40L and can hold up to 50 lbs of weight, while the large ALICE pack has a capacity of 62L and can hold up to 70 lbs.

The large and medium models can accommodate much gear when used with a frame.

However, expectedly, the large backpack can carry more than the medium one because of the larger size and extra compartments.

Note: The backpacks can carry extra than the recommended load limit. However, they can become uncomfortable and hard to control over time.

The frame can help distribute the backpack’s weight and provide airflow between your back and backpack.

Optional parts, such as a belt and straps with eyelets, can be added to medium and large backpacks to increase carrying capacity.

They’re both suitable for hunting as they can easily fit a hunter’s essential gear, and the frame can help pack larger amounts of harvested meat.

They’re also great for longer journeys or adventures that require more gear.

Ruggedness

Many hikers prefer Alice’s backpacks over other brands because they’re durable and long-lasting. So, they’re perfect for various outdoor activities, including hiking.

They’re both made from a tough, water-resistant nylon material that can withstand harsh weather conditions and heavy use.

They’re also designed with reinforced stitching and heavy-duty zippers to ensure that they can handle the weight and strain of a fully-loaded pack.

Additionally, they’re built to withstand rough terrain and abrasion, making them ideal for outdoor adventures.

Finally, the frame makes both models more durable because it distributes the weight of the backpacks evenly and prevents damage.

Overall, they’re both durable backpacks for outdoor activities, including hiking. They can handle the wear and tear of extended use and exposure to the elements.

Price

When comparing the prices of Alice pack large vs. medium, you can notice the large one is more expensive.

However, the price of these models can vary depending on the item’s condition and availability.

Still, the medium models cost less than the large ones for obvious reasons.

They’re smaller and less appealing to some hikers.

However, prices can also vary depending on the condition of the backpack, whether it has a frame or other accessories, and whether it’s brand new or used.

You can find backpacks by Alice at a good price at military surplus stores and online retailers.

Final note: Consider buying a used backpack in good condition because this can often be cheaper than purchasing a brand-new one.

Overall, the affordability of these models makes them appealing for hikers looking for a durable and versatile pack that can handle various outdoor activities.

Happy Trails!

You can’t have a successful and enjoyable trip with the wrong hiking equipment.

And a good backpack can either make or break your hiking experience, so make sure you pick the right one.

If you’re considering buying one of Alice’s models, remember they have pros and cons.

However, they’ve been on the market for years, suggesting that the pros outweigh the cons for many hikers.

When choosing between the Alice pack medium vs. large for hiking, consider the details above and your specific needs to make a well-informed choice.

Hopefully, this article has helped you learn more about these products.