The Mini-ALICE

Defensive Concepts

Cli

    Some of you know that I am assigned to my agency's SWAT unit. I pull double duty both as an entry team member and a sniper. I'd like to recommend, for those whose teams don't buy all their equipment, a rucksack that has served me very well over the years. The mini-ALICE. It is available from a variety of providers, retailing at around forty dollars (US).

    The pack is a small, frameless ruck based on the proven ALICE Pack used by the U.S. Military. It comes in either SWAT black or OD green. The main body of the pack is roomy enough to hold the necessary gear for a call out. The closure flap has a convenient map pocket which is big enough to stuff a do-rag, field cleaning kit and other small items. There are three pockets on the outside body of the ruck that can hold ammo, powerbars,

your data book, etc. A backpad on the ruck does double duty as a grab handle when your not slinging it on your back.

    I've carried and used the mini-ALICE for, literally, years. It is tough. No broken straps, no rips or tears even after going through some really tangled woodland areas both in training and on call outs. You wouldn't want to try and carry enough gear for a week in

the boonies, but that is not what is designed for. However, for short term missions (say up to sixteen hours or so on site) it works very well.

    You say you're not an operator on a team? This pack will do nicely for day hikes or even an overnighter.

    For those on a budget, take a look at the mini-ALICE. I don't think you'll be disappointed