Early heads-up: Tom has updated the design of the Smart Alec

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Originally Posted by MaggieScratch

Possibly a stupid question: what part of the Smart Alec is ballistic and which part Cordura? (Besides the bottom and back, of course.)

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+1. I think the sides are cordura (because of the need for detailed sewing) with the front and bottom ballistic.

More ballistic and less cordura is a big plus for me. I actually bought and returned a Smart Alec because I didn't like all of the cordura or the absence of a mesh back... this looks much nicer to me now... maybe I should order one again...

BTW, I know that cordura is probably a better all around material than ballistic (better abrasion resistance and lower weight than cordura; that said I just don't like cordura very much because of the way it picks up lint and dirt and its feel)

Thanks for answering my question, Illum. The updated style is certainly appealing!

This is probably a dumb question but here goes anyway....

Is the Smart Alec a "top opener"/rucksack type of a backpack? Or does it open wider so that it's easier to see the contents of the bag? I've never particularly liked the style of a rucksack. There's never enough light for me to find the one thing that fell out of place and ended up at the bottom of the bag. "Regular" backpacks like the Brain Bag open wide enough so that you can pry apart the front and back and really see what's at the bottom of your bag.

The Smart Alec has very nice looks but I'm afraid that accessing the contents within might drive me nuts.

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Originally Posted by pw1224

This is probably a dumb question but here goes anyway....

Is the Smart Alec a "top opener"/rucksack type of a backpack? Or does it open wider so that it's easier to see the contents of the bag? I've never particularly liked the style of a rucksack. There's never enough light for me to find the one thing that fell out of place and ended up at the bottom of the bag. "Regular" backpacks like the Brain Bag open wide enough so that you can pry apart the front and back and really see what's at the bottom of your bag.

The Smart Alec has very nice looks but I'm afraid that accessing the contents within might drive me nuts.

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The bag has four zippers that open 3 areas. If you are facing the bag, the left side zipper opens into a storage area that is designed for a water bottle -- the right side has a similar zipper and that area is designed for pens/pencils and smaller items (I keep a camera in one small pocket in this area) and the other zippers open the main compartment which is a top flap that folds towards you and allows you to see into the bag. The top flap has zippers on the inside to access 2 small storage compartments. Inside the main bag is a larger area for general stuff and this is where the brain cell can be clipped in for a laptop to be carried. There is also another storage area tucked away towards the front of the bag which I have decided to use for carrying lunch, snacks, etc.

I guess it could be said to be similar to a rucksack bag but it is much easier to see inside and has much easier access -- you also have the O rings inside each area of the bag for storage attachment points which allow easy access to small items.

First photos of the webbing accessory straps for the Smart Alec (available for pre-order soon):

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Top modular pocket. (Bottom modular pocket photos coming soon...)

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I love this! Too bad I can't add this to my dear existing Forest/UV/Black SA!

This is awesome! Do these modular pockets have any special features inside if them like O-rings, zippered sections, etc?

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Originally Posted by Darcy

Top modular pocket. (Bottom modular pocket photos coming soon...)

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i totally love this! will you be offering a version in the dyneema fabric to go along with the forthcoming dyneema smart alec?

the dyneema smart alec spoke to me in a dream last night. he said that he can't wait to have me carrying him on my back, and that i should pass the message along to darcy! :)

i can't wait to hear more information about this modular pocket!

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Originally Posted by maverick

i totally love this! will you be offering a version in the dyneema fabric to go along with the forthcoming dyneema smart alec?

the dyneema smart alec spoke to me in a dream last night. he said that he can't wait to have me carrying him on my back, and that i should pass the message along to darcy! :)

i can't wait to hear more information about this modular pocket!

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YAY! I keep checking to see if the dyneema version is offered for pre-order BEFORE Monday! One of them is calling my name. Is the dyneema version ALL dyneema? Or is the bottom ballistic? Thanks.

Hello Darcy!

I just ordered the Smart Alec a few days ago. They are backordered through the end of February. Does this mean my Smart Alec will encompass the new design as pictured above?

Thank you!

-Eric

The Black/Steel/Steel Smart Alec I ordered a few days ago is on its way to me and I do like the looks of the modular pocket above. Looking forward to seeing the bottom modular pocket. Will they be ready to order soon?

Okay, I've had enough! The Smart Alec is going on my Christmas wish list, dangit. Love the modular pocket idea!!!!

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Originally Posted by EricSB

Hello Darcy!

I just ordered the Smart Alec a few days ago. They are backordered through the end of February. Does this mean my Smart Alec will encompass the new design as pictured above?

Thank you!

-Eric

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Hi Eric! Thanks for your order. :)

Your Smart Alec will definitely have the new design as pictured above, though it doesn't come with the webbing accessory straps or modular top pocket (those, along with a second lower modular pocket, will be available for order separately sometime within the next few weeks.)

All Smart Alecs at our Seattle factory/showroom have the new design, so no one has to worry about getting the previous version.

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Originally Posted by Seikoguy

The Black/Steel/Steel Smart Alec I ordered a few days ago is on its way to me and I do like the looks of the modular pocket above. Looking forward to seeing the bottom modular pocket. Will they be ready to order soon?

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Within the next few weeks for sure. :)