Twenty years after its original debut, the Smart Alec is back–and we think it's better (and smarter) than ever! We were beyond excited to bring it out of retirement, and your responses to its comeback have been incredible. From longtime fans who’ve carried their original Smart Alec for decades, to new folks discovering it for the first time, your enthusiasm means the world to us! 

One of our forum members, atlhzl, was among the first to receive a pre-production batch version of the Smart Alec 2.0. We sent it to her for trial and feedback, and she was kind enough to share her first impressions. These are her honest, unedited thoughts, and we’re excited to highlight them below.

You can read the full review on our forum, along with thoughts from our other moderators.

First Impressions

“For me, the Smart Alec 2.0 does everything the Smart Alec post-2012 does brilliantly and more.”

A few key features stood out right away: 

• Suspended Laptop Compartment: “Very easy access from the interior or the exterior.”

• Skeleton Mesh Back Panel: “Makes carrying the Smart Alec 2.0 more comfortable than the SA post-2012.”

• O-Rings: “Very importantly for me, it has plenty of O-rings (6).”

In Depth Look At The Features

Packing Capacity:

“I honestly noticed no difference whatsoever in terms of what I can pack in the Smart Alec post-2012 and the Smart Alec 2.0 … I did measure the bottom of the Smart Alecs, and they were very close in size. I also measured the upper panel, the back panel, and the height, and the measurements are the same.”

Laptop Compartment:

• Suspension Mechanism: “At first, when I put my hand inside the laptop compartment all the way to the bottom, I could not understand the suspended part. I thought the laptop would definitely hit the bottom. Then, I put the laptop down and saw the magic happening.”

• Hook & Loop Closure: “I know this is a controversial one. TB explained that they did not want to add snaps or buckles because these can scratch a laptop. I agree. They also said that, in terms of making the bag as lightweight as possible given all the additions, it was a more natural choice. I completely agree. I do understand why the Velcro is needed. Piscine is soft and slippery, and I wouldn’t want my laptop sliding out if, when doing capoeira, the Smart Alec 2.0 ends up upside down and open. Okay, no jokes. It keeps the laptop secure inside the laptop compartment. It was easy to reach out to it.”

• Laptop Compartment Capacity: “It is big!! The compartment measures approximately 12 in. x 16 in. I don't see any problem with the laptop compartment fitting any laptop. Even the external side zippered access is ample.”

The Skeleton Mesh Back Panel & Edgeless Shoulder Straps:

“It is very comfortable for me; without the laptop, it sort of molds to one’s spine and is more flexible than other back panels, which feels great when one moves … The Edgeless Straps feel perfectly fine for me in this Smart Alec 2.0. And they actually helped when my back was hurting.”

Luggage Pass-Through Sleeve:

“The lower opening of the pass-through is slightly more than 9 inches in width, while the upper opening is slightly larger. The passthrough can accommodate a lot of telescopic handles.”

“My fully packed Smart Alec 2.0 weighed 15.5 pounds, and I had no problem putting it down the handle of my July carry-on (6 inches wide) or lifting it out of it. I did so many times during my excursion, and in moving buses and trains. It never felt tight or difficult. At the same time, the SA 2.0 did not move from one side to the other while I was carrying it in my July carry-on. It stayed put.”

Final Thoughts

“So, would I get the Smart Alec 2.0? For me, what makes it all worth it are the passthrough and the Skeleton! I packed my SA 2.0 to take to the airport with one week's worth of travel essentials, while my carry-on was only carrying blankets. In theory, I might not need the passthrough. In real life, however, I usually travel with a carry-on, mainly to save my back. My computer is stored in the carry-on. The Skeleton without the laptop hugs my spine nicely, and in doing so, the Edgeless Straps actually feel nice.”

“Are there other TB bags that can fit the bill? If you are a Synik person, the answer is yes. However, the Smart Alec fits in more than the Synik 26 (I have done some comparisons in the past), so a Synik 30 is probably more comparable in terms of capacity. Then, there is the Addax 26, which has great capacity, or the Shadow Guide 23, which features the Skeleton; unfortunately, both are no longer available. And then there is the Aeronaut 30 and the Techonaut 30, bigger, that is for sure. What I have always loved about the Smart Alec is its modularity and versatility.”

So, can the Smart Alec 2.0 Live Up to the Original?

Based on early feedback from our community member, althzl, we believe that Smart Alec 2.0 stays true to what made the original so well-loved while introducing thoughtful upgrades to enhance its original DNA, not change it. Thank you again to atlhtzl for their thoughtful review, and you can always read more thoughts via our forum.

The Smart Alec 2.0 is currently available for preorder through July 14th, and we can't wait to hear your first impressions once it's in your hands!