Hey /out/

What do you guys think of ALICE packs? I can't afford a $200 pack, so I think I'm going to go ahead and pick up this beast:

http://www.amazon.com/Military-Large-Olive-Straps-COMPLETE/dp/B005BTVG94/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1376722802&sr=1-2&keywords=alice+pack+with+frame

Also, has anybody done this modification or have any experience with it?:

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_10_18/620597_.html

(I know they are using the medium size packs for that, but the only milsurp medium pack I found was the same price without the straps, frame, or pad/belt)

Are milsurp the best, or are there any companies that make good copies?

Any tips, advice, or info on ALICE packs would be awesome. Thanks.