• visible variant TB0102-BTTD^^Smart Alec in Black 420 Spectron
  • visible variant TB0102-BTTD^^Smart Alec in Black 420 Spectron
  • visible variant TB0102-BTTD^^Smart Alec in Black 420 Spectron with a Tahoma 200 Halcyon interior.
  • visible variant TB0102-VKZD^^Smart Alec 2.0 in Saguaro Ballistic
  • visible variant TB0102-VKZD^^Smart Alec 2.0 in Saguaro Ballistic
  • visible variant TB0102-VKZD^^Smart Alec 2.0 in Saguaro Ballistic with Zest 200 Halcyon interior
  • visible variant TB0102-BKND^^Smart Alec 2.0 in Black Ballistic
  • visible variant TB0102-BKND^^Smart Alec 2.0 in Black Ballistic
  • visible variant TB0102-BKND^^Smart Alec 2.0 in Black Ballistic with Northwest Sky 200 Halcyon interior
  • visible variant TB0102-UKYD TB0102-UK9D^^Smart Alec 2.0 in Aubergine Ballistic
  • visible variant TB0102-UKYD TB0102-UK9D^^Smart Alec 2.0 in Aubergine Ballistic
  • visible variant TB0102-UKYD^^Smart Alec 2.0 in Aubergine Ballistic with Wisteria 200 Halcyon interior
  • visible variant TB0102-PKGL^^Smart Alec 2.0 in Raspberry Ballistic
  • visible variant TB0102-PKGL^^Smart Alec 2.0 in Raspberry Ballistic
  • visible variant TB0102-PKGL^^Smart Alec 2.0 in Raspberry Ballistic with Mountain Grey 210 Cerylon interior
  • visible variant TB0102-RKML^^Smart Alec 2.0 in Ursa Ballistic
  • visible variant TB0102-RKML^^Smart Alec 2.0 in Ursa Ballistic
  • visible variant TB0102-RKML^^Smart Alec 2.0 in Ursa Ballistic with Moss 210 Cerylon interior
  • visible lifestyle^^A person with their Smart Alec 2.0 at a tennis court.
  • visible lifestyle^^A person carrying a Smart Alec 2.0 with a hat attached to the front.
  • visible lifestyle^^A person carrying a Smart Alec 2.0 with a tennis racquet attached to the front.
  • visible lifestyle^^A person carrying a Smart Alec 2.0 holding a tennis racquet.
  • visible lifestyle^^A Smart Alec 2.0 in the foreground while a person plays tennis in the background.
  • visible lifestyle^^A person sitting beside a Smart Alec 2.0 at a tennis court.
  • visible detail^^^The Smart Alec 2.0 over the handle of a rollaboard bag.
  • visible detail^^Interior pockets of Smart Alec 2.0 (bag reversed to show)
  • visible detail^^The back panel of the Smart Alec 2.0
  • visible lifestyle^^A person accessing the main compartment of a Smart Alec 2.0
  • visible lifestyle^^A person carrying a Smart Alec 2.0.
  • visible detail^^^The Smart Alec 2.0 over the handle of a rollaboard bag.
  • visible detail^^The main compartment of the Smart Alec 2.0
  • visible detail^^The main compartment of the Smart Alec 2.0
  • visible detail^^A person accessing the top pocket in the main compartment of the Smart Alec 2.0
  • visible video^^A thumbnail for a video showcasing the features of the Smart Alec 2.0.
  • visible variant TB0102-BTTD^^Smart Alec in Black 420 Spectron
  • visible variant TB0102-BTTD^^Smart Alec in Black 420 Spectron
  • visible variant TB0102-BTTD^^Smart Alec in Black 420 Spectron with a Tahoma 200 Halcyon interior.
  • visible variant TB0102-VKZD^^Smart Alec 2.0 in Saguaro Ballistic
  • visible variant TB0102-VKZD^^Smart Alec 2.0 in Saguaro Ballistic
  • visible variant TB0102-VKZD^^Smart Alec 2.0 in Saguaro Ballistic with Zest 200 Halcyon interior
  • visible variant TB0102-BKND^^Smart Alec 2.0 in Black Ballistic
  • visible variant TB0102-BKND^^Smart Alec 2.0 in Black Ballistic
  • visible variant TB0102-BKND^^Smart Alec 2.0 in Black Ballistic with Northwest Sky 200 Halcyon interior
  • visible variant TB0102-UKYD TB0102-UK9D^^Smart Alec 2.0 in Aubergine Ballistic
  • visible variant TB0102-UKYD TB0102-UK9D^^Smart Alec 2.0 in Aubergine Ballistic
  • visible variant TB0102-UKYD^^Smart Alec 2.0 in Aubergine Ballistic with Wisteria 200 Halcyon interior
  • visible variant TB0102-PKGL^^Smart Alec 2.0 in Raspberry Ballistic
  • visible variant TB0102-PKGL^^Smart Alec 2.0 in Raspberry Ballistic
  • visible variant TB0102-PKGL^^Smart Alec 2.0 in Raspberry Ballistic with Mountain Grey 210 Cerylon interior
  • visible variant TB0102-RKML^^Smart Alec 2.0 in Ursa Ballistic
  • visible variant TB0102-RKML^^Smart Alec 2.0 in Ursa Ballistic
  • visible variant TB0102-RKML^^Smart Alec 2.0 in Ursa Ballistic with Moss 210 Cerylon interior
  • visible lifestyle^^A person with their Smart Alec 2.0 at a tennis court.
  • visible lifestyle^^A person carrying a Smart Alec 2.0 with a hat attached to the front.
  • visible lifestyle^^A person carrying a Smart Alec 2.0 with a tennis racquet attached to the front.
  • visible lifestyle^^A person carrying a Smart Alec 2.0 holding a tennis racquet.
  • visible lifestyle^^A Smart Alec 2.0 in the foreground while a person plays tennis in the background.
  • visible lifestyle^^A person sitting beside a Smart Alec 2.0 at a tennis court.
  • visible detail^^^The Smart Alec 2.0 over the handle of a rollaboard bag.
  • visible detail^^Interior pockets of Smart Alec 2.0 (bag reversed to show)
  • visible detail^^The back panel of the Smart Alec 2.0
  • visible lifestyle^^A person accessing the main compartment of a Smart Alec 2.0
  • visible lifestyle^^A person carrying a Smart Alec 2.0.
  • visible detail^^^The Smart Alec 2.0 over the handle of a rollaboard bag.
  • visible detail^^The main compartment of the Smart Alec 2.0
  • visible detail^^The main compartment of the Smart Alec 2.0
  • visible detail^^A person accessing the top pocket in the main compartment of the Smart Alec 2.0
  • visible video^^A thumbnail for a video showcasing the features of the Smart Alec 2.0.

Smart Alec 2.0

$305

Ready to Ship

Smart Alec 2.0 is a spacious, modular everyday backpack — built for customization, easy laptop access, and all-day comfort, whether you're commuting, traveling, or making it your own.

What Goes Into A Tom Bihn Backpack?

Each bag is handmade in the U.S. using premium, hard-wearing materials—and built to last a lifetime, guaranteed. You're not just buying a bag, you're investing in decades of thoughtful design, durable function, and responsible craftsmanship.


Color & Material
Available Color options

Exterior Color:
Raspberry
Interior Color:
Mountain Grey
Exterior Material:
Ballistic
Interior Material:
210 Cerylon

Upcoming Colorways

Upcoming Color Colorways

Made in Seattle
Carry-on Friendly
Laptop Compartment
Lifetime Guarantee

Smart Alec 2.0

Join the Waitlist!

Description

The Smart Alec 2.0 sits at the intersection of DIY spirit and modern pack design — versatile, spacious, and built for customization. It shares the same frame and capacity as the Synik 26 while offering a more open main compartment with fewer built-in elements, giving you room to make it your own.

This is a carousel with slides that contain product key features. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate.

Smart Alec 2.0 Key Features

visible lifestyle^^A Smart Alec 2.0 in the foreground while a person plays tennis in the background.

Secure More, Carry Smarter

Front webbing loops and a removable elastic cord let you secure pouches or stash bulky items like jackets or racquets — all without opening your bag.

visible detail^^The main compartment of the Smart Alec 2.0

Pack Smart, Weather Ready

Top-loading, weather-resistant main compartment offers open, customizable space with secure laptop storage and versatile attachment points — ready for whatever your day demands.

visible lifestyle^^A person carrying a Smart Alec 2.0.

Expandable Pockets, Streamlined Carry

Two sleek side pockets expand to hold pens, water bottles, or other essentials — keeping your gear organized without bulk.

visible detail^^The main compartment of the Smart Alec 2.0

Laptop Access, Dual Ways

A padded laptop pocket offers quick top or side access, secures laptops up to 16", and protects with a cushioned bottom — designed for on-the-go convenience.

visible lifestyle^^A person carrying a Smart Alec 2.0 with a hat attached to the front.

Built for Comfort and Travel

Ventilated, padded back panel offers all-day comfort, luggage passthrough, and optional frame sheet compatibility — built for on-the-go ease.

visible lifestyle^^A Smart Alec 2.0 in the foreground while a person plays tennis in the background.

Secure More, Carry Smarter

Front webbing loops and a removable elastic cord let you secure pouches or stash bulky items like jackets or racquets — all without opening your bag.

visible detail^^The main compartment of the Smart Alec 2.0

Pack Smart, Weather Ready

Top-loading, weather-resistant main compartment offers open, customizable space with secure laptop storage and versatile attachment points — ready for whatever your day demands.

visible lifestyle^^A person carrying a Smart Alec 2.0.

Expandable Pockets, Streamlined Carry

Two sleek side pockets expand to hold pens, water bottles, or other essentials — keeping your gear organized without bulk.

visible detail^^The main compartment of the Smart Alec 2.0

Laptop Access, Dual Ways

A padded laptop pocket offers quick top or side access, secures laptops up to 16", and protects with a cushioned bottom — designed for on-the-go convenience.

visible lifestyle^^A person carrying a Smart Alec 2.0 with a hat attached to the front.

Built for Comfort and Travel

Ventilated, padded back panel offers all-day comfort, luggage passthrough, and optional frame sheet compatibility — built for on-the-go ease.

visible lifestyle^^A Smart Alec 2.0 in the foreground while a person plays tennis in the background.

Secure More, Carry Smarter

Front webbing loops and a removable elastic cord let you secure pouches or stash bulky items like jackets or racquets — all without opening your bag.

visible detail^^The main compartment of the Smart Alec 2.0

Pack Smart, Weather Ready

Top-loading, weather-resistant main compartment offers open, customizable space with secure laptop storage and versatile attachment points — ready for whatever your day demands.

visible lifestyle^^A person carrying a Smart Alec 2.0.

Expandable Pockets, Streamlined Carry

Two sleek side pockets expand to hold pens, water bottles, or other essentials — keeping your gear organized without bulk.

visible detail^^The main compartment of the Smart Alec 2.0

Laptop Access, Dual Ways

A padded laptop pocket offers quick top or side access, secures laptops up to 16", and protects with a cushioned bottom — designed for on-the-go convenience.

visible lifestyle^^A person carrying a Smart Alec 2.0 with a hat attached to the front.

Built for Comfort and Travel

Ventilated, padded back panel offers all-day comfort, luggage passthrough, and optional frame sheet compatibility — built for on-the-go ease.

Reviews

4.9
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars
Based on 31 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 29 Total 4 star reviews: 2 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 0
31 reviews
  • VC
    Vanessa C.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Comfortable, Durable, Good Storage Size
    1 week ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Comfortable, Durable, Good Storage Size
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Replaced an old favorite!

    My intro to TB was a bag like this from 2005. I used it until 2021 when the inside lining finally started peeling too much to use and a strap broke. That’s a good long life for a daily use bag.

    This new one has the cushier straps, lighter zippers, and side pockets that make it even easier to use. I don’t need the elastic strap on the outside but otherwise it’s awesome. I’ve been waiting for this bucket-style backpack to come back around!

  • R
    Rick
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship, Sewn in USA, High Quality Finishings
    2 weeks ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship, Sewn in USA, High Quality Finishings
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Smart ALEC 2.0

    Best bag hands down for every day carry .I had version one , sold it big mistake. Thank you for bringing it back version 2.0. I probably have 20 backpacks , sling bag . Messenger bags , combined. from almost every manufacturer out there . smart Alec best bag in the world. I don’t like fussing around with a bunch of pockets and zippers. It’s very simple open up and throw in all my pouches good to go . I also have the addax 31 love that bag little too big for EDC . Absolutely a fan of top loading. Both of these bags stand up on their own. That’s the most important feature for me. winner all the way around .

  • JK
    Julie K.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, Good Storage Size, Versatile, High Quality Finishings, High Quality Craftsmanship
    3 weeks ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, Good Storage Size, Versatile, High Quality Finishings, High Quality Craftsmanship
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    One bag to rule them all

    For me, this is the perfect bag. I have had a Synapse 19 for year before getting the SA 2.0 as a preorder. I love my Synapse but it’s a bit too small for some travels and sometimes feels over-engineered.

    Now in the 8 days I’ve had the SA, it has travelled as my one-bag trans-atlantic to a 6-day conference, and functioned as my day-to-day carry on said conference as well as a typical day at the office. The bag feels like a big, black hole that you can just keep adding stuff into, but elastic cord makes it possible to adjust the size of the bag considerably when using it for daily carry.

    It stands on its own and the way it opens from the top with a good overview without spilling its contents means it’s a joy as a companion.

    Only regret I have is that I can no longer argue that I need more backpacks! And I would have loved to try the spectron one too.

    Side kick for size (fits great inside the SA too). I carried 9 kgs in the bag as I had lots of devices and chargers, and I’d say that is the limit for comfortable carry, even for small distances (<30 mins consecutively).

  • ET
    Elizabeth T.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Sewn in USA, Good Storage Size, High Quality Finishings, High Quality Craftsmanship, Thoughtful Design
    7 hours ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Sewn in USA, Good Storage Size, High Quality Finishings, High Quality Craftsmanship, Thoughtful Design
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Love my new TB Smart Alec 2.0

    This is my second TB backpack. The quality of all their products is top notch. I like the openness of my Smart Alec and the organization of my Synapse 19. Look forward to picking out my next pack!

  • AS
    Alfredo S.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship, Sewn in USA, Good Storage Size
    3 days ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship, Sewn in USA, Good Storage Size
    Rated 4 out of 5 stars
    A very versatile bag and a great purchase

    I love my Smart Alec 2.0 because of its versatility and open top design. The only complaint I have is the lack of structure. This is only an issue for me when the bag is packed full as the shape of the bag seems to loose its symmetry and deform in ways that instead of it sitting flat on your back you end up with more of an arch. Not a major issue, just something I have noticed when the bag is full. Overall, I'd highly recommend it if you're looking for an open top design with the legendary Tom Bihn quality.

Quality Designs Since 1972

Designed with obsessive attention to detail, we pride ourselves in offering bags in unmatched quality and durability—whether you're commuting, traveling, or navigating daily life. Built to endure, made to move with you.

The BIHN Guarantee

We stand behind every bag we make. If it’s our fault, we’ll fix it—no questions asked. For everything else, we offer honest repairs in our Seattle factory.