I am a vet & can tell the pack i have has a alice rack with it--it gives it suport to be a sound shape--with out the rack--the pack is indeed flatter then a pancake--they were made that way so we could break it down & move --light wieght & not much --as it can roll into a ball type & carry--it iw well worth what he has & said 82nd Airborne Ranger T.C.