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

  • We felt that to modernize the Smart Alec, it needed a laptop compartment that fits up to 16" laptops, we specifically used a Macbook 16" as a sizer during our design process. The interior laptop strap helps secure a laptop further, and it also stores out of the way thanks to the Velcro strips sewn into it.
    

• Breathable Skeleton Back Panel

  • For the back panel, we knew we wanted to swap the previous mesh version with the skeleton back panel used in the Techonaut, Bixi, and more. 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.  

• 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 — add it on for extra support, if needed!

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

  • A callback to the old all-400d Halcyon versions, we are excited to incorporate Spectron into the Smart Alec 2.0!

• Upper Modular and Lower Modular Pockets are not returning

  • However, 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 inverse for ballistic styles

  • Previous version had black side panels, colored center;  now it is colored side panels, black center. No functional reason for the change…we just like the aesthetic!

What fits in the Smart Alec 2.0?

Here’s what we’ve comfortably packed inside for a day of work, followed by an afternoon at the courts:

• A 16” laptop (Depending on the brand of laptop you use, it might fit more seamlessly through the interior entryway only) 
  

• 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 from June 27th through July 14th. We’re so excited to be bringing this iconic design back into our lineup.