Specializing in packs, Squatch Survival Gear was founded by an Army Veteran.
This is their Yowie Ruck Sack. It features an astonishing 10 external pockets along with a large main compartment with smaller interior storage.
The Army Yowie sits atop the DownEast 1606 Paratrooper Frame and their own closed cell foam straps.
That Shadow Grass looks awesome horizontal like that, good looking pack.
1606 frame is the rightful heir of the glorious Alice. May it live long, until another rightful heir replace it again.
By the way, the original Alice packs becoming rare in surplus market. Grab them when you can, if you read this comment.
The rightful heir to a legacy of abuse and pain. The 1606 is crap, nearly as bad as the ALICE for any real load carriage. The ALICE gets a pass as an originator and for loads under 30 lbs.
For hard use and heavy load management try a competent modern frame system like Mystery Ranch’s NICE frame and you’ll free yourself from this nostalgia.
Nit everybody is comfortable with MR. I much prefer Tactical Tailor Malice Frame, shoulder straps and hip belt, than my issued MR frame.
I haven’t used a 1606 yet but my main concern/gripe is the lack of gap behind the back that Alice provided. I really like that space to put things and for airflow.
Looks a lot like the Australian issue pack with some of the many problems fixed.