$30 doesn't sound ugly for ALICE kit. There is a whole lot more to her than suspenders, belt and canvas canteen pouch. There was a pack, that starts at $52 in some surplus joints. Different coloured suspenders, that can run $30 by themselves. Pack frames and a bunch of assorted pouches for mags and such. ALICE has changed over the years too. Wikipedia isn't a good info source, but they have pictures.
All-purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment - Wikipedia
Keep in mind that some times a guy just needs a way of carrying his can teen when he's out hiking.
"...never issued a handgun..." Neither were most troopies. Handguns are mostly status symbols, but it takes a lot of time and money to train a troopie to use a handgun well enough. Ditto for compasses.
"...we were not a combat unit..." Yep. No need for a bayonet, you don't get one.