Back in 2003, the original Smart Alec made its debut–and it’s been a fan-favorite legacy design ever since. Retired, then brought back, then retired again, over the past few years, many of you have let us know through our forums, emails, and social media that you want us to bring back the Smart Alec (with some updates).

You’ve spoken and we’ve listened. The Smart Alec 2.0 is officially here. 

A Brief History of the Smart Alec

2003: The Original Debut

The first iteration, back when our bags were made in Port Angeles, WA, was made of 1000 denier Cordura and 1050 Ballistic nylon. The design was simple, sleek and unique–no webbing loops or extra bells and whistles–just a daypack through and through. 

2012: The Redesign

In 2012, major updates were made to the design. Its shape was reformulated, making it slimmer at the top and easier to zip. Additional webbing loops were added to the front panel, making it more customizable with the detachable bungee cord. The fabric was also changed from Cordura to Ballistic nylon and mesh for the back panel.  

2017: Retirement

We retired the Smart Alec to make way for future designs. 

2022: The Comeback (Sort of)

In 2022, coming out of our COVID mask-making era, we decided to bring back the Smart Alec again, slightly updated with edgeless shoulder straps this time, but it didn’t feature the extra upgrade that many of you have been asking for.

2025: The Smart Alec 2.0

Now in 2025, it's back and better than ever. The Smart Alec has adapted and grown with us (even if it needed to take a few years off in the process). 

So, What’s New in the Smart Alec 2.0?

While the DNA of the original remains intact, here’s what’s different in the Smart Alec 2.0:

• 2-Way Entry Dedicated Laptop Compartment

• For the back panel, we knew we wanted to adapt the current construction to include the new features. By carving the panel into a spine-like shape, we retain the comfort and support you expect, while reducing bulk and enhancing airflow for a cooler, lighter and more comfortable carry. Using the back panel construction on the TechonautShadow Guide and Addax as a guide, we were able to determine how we would go about adding the new features to the Smart Alec. 

• Luggage Pass-Through Sleeve

• Just like the Techonaut, there is now a luggage pass-through sleeve tucked behind the skeleton back panel. It’s invisible until you need it for a trip with a roller luggage. 

• Optional Frame Sheet

• Upper Modular and Lower Modular Pockets are not returning. You can still use your old ones on this version or clip other accessories, like the Bantam, Side Effect, and Everyday Cubelet instead.

• Colors are inversed for ballistic styles. Previous version had black side panels, colored center;  now it is colored side panels, black center. No functional reason…we just like the aesthetic.

• Available in an all-Spectron version for the first time.

What fits in the Smart Alec 2.0?

Here’s what we’ve comfortably packed inside:

• A 16” laptop (Interior access only) 

• A 15’’ laptop

• Water bottle

• A tennis racket (strapped through the bungees)

• Organizational cubelets

• Light jacket

• A change of clothes

• A baseball cap 

• Charging cables

• A snack or two

• A couple of books 

We’d Love to Hear From You!

What do you think of the updates? Do you like the new features? Excited about it coming out of retirement? Let us know in the comments below!

Pre-order Details

The Smart Alec 2.0 is available for preorder now through July 14th. We’re so excited to be bringing this iconic design back into our lineup.