I dont know that Brad is stocking them, but there is one on the wall there with the rest of the packs. It is OD.
I am with you on the internal frame packs. I have a Marauder and a Zulu and enjoy them both, but neither have the internal capacity of an ALICE. The Marauder is going to be used as an Aid Bag (if I ever get that far...No comments from the Peanut gallery.) The Zulu is more of an intermediate bag and with the modularity that comes with the PALS coverage on the exterior I could damn near add enough pouches to get it close to the CI of an ALICE, but in no way would I want to. I think this would throw the balance/wear characteristics off. I like the MMR and EMR as well, but damn 4 Washingtons and change.
Other than the mesh backing how does the MAP 3500 stack up against other 3-day/assault packs?
As for comfort in the short term, have you given any thought to an ALIPAD from
HighSpeed Gear Inc? Again, I dont have one, yet, but there are several of the TAC's here who have them and swear by them. I know of a couple guys out at Sage now who purchased them to make an ALICE more user friendly.
just my uneducated .02 YMMV
Crip