eBay find: Custom ALICE panel

Appears to be a custom or small-batch MOLLE panel for an ALICE frame, no brand or label mentioned in the auction.

What I find most interesting is the shape of the pad on the suspension side, it has more coverage then nearly anything else I've seen slipped over the ol' girl's shoulders:

eBay find: Down East MOLLE panel

Another bit of new trickle-down surplus, I assume a specialized bit for breachers or other heavy-hauling tasks.

The core of the system appears to be a slip-over flat PALS panel for the 1606 frame with a standard MOLLE II hipbelt and shoulder straps.

Additional pouches came with the kit, their non-standard size implies a fairly specific use but they are certainly beyond my abilities to ID. The panel also seems to include an integrated cargo flap similar to many hunting packs.

Flat PALS panels are reasonably common for ALICE frames, which would normally be compatible with the 1606, but this one at least appears to be purpose built for the newer style frame and the picture is too cropped for me to guess if it is backwards compatible.

eBay find: Jansport water bottle innovation

Not something I've seen before, and a placement I've only joked about:

Of course it would only really work with bike bottles which I don't care for, but it would likely allow for fast access with less contortion then is required for most low mounted bottle pockets.

eBay find: Mystery Ranch/Jansport hybrid

MR crew cap mounted to a Jansport K2 frame. Wouldn't have guessed that they were compatible, apparently the old Jansport frame width is similar to an ALICE. I can't remember what the seller said he was hauling in the pack, but it was obviously acidic.

Massive damage to the center flap/bag:

Frame fit is surprisingly good:

Vintage PVC pack frame

Probable the oldest plastic pack frame I have seen, it certainly predates the Coleman Ramflex/Peak 1 frame, and unlike most flat plastic frames this retains the tubular design of most metal frames.

made by Alpine Designs, I am assuming this frame is in fact heavier then an aluminum and probably more fragile as well. With the lack of plastic tube-frames in the wild or on the market this should be a safe assumption.
I think plastic frames have a place, but unfortunately they all seem to be saddled to sub-par suspension (Walmart frames or the coleman) or are ridiculously short (the military's Down East frames). With carbon fiber frames being the new hotness I'm not expecting a resurgence in plastic anytime soon.

Bizarre backpack of the week: Gregory

A less famous backpack from a famous brand, this abomination uses two upright metal tubes with plastic cross-pieces and mounting points, with what looks like an internal frame suspension tacked on.

Ebay find: 'Merica

Been on a hunt lately for vintage external frames. Found this little beauty:

Which raises the question, why is it so hard to find patriotic cordura? This could be a new thing.