Ok I need some enabling here... I'm very close to decided that I need a Smart Alec. I finally admitted to myself that I'm not as ultralight a packer as I want to pretend and my Synapse 19, as much as I adore it for EDC, isn't big enough for travel - I've used it but it always requires a decently sized second bag like a Medium Cafe Bag or Large Shop Bag and I want to go one bag or at least one bag + Side Effect for easy access. I'm about to destash my Synapse 25 (too long for me and I don't like how egg like it gets when the main compartment is packed, so I haven't used it in almost a year). And so the Smart Alec has caught my eye... Just booked my travel back to the east coast for the holidays so would love to get it for that trip since I'll likely have a decent amount of stuff (bulky winter clothes, holiday presents, etc).
First question, does anyone have experience using Eagle Creek Spectre cubes in there? How do they fit? What does it look like space-wise with two full size ones in there?
I'm also having some color angst. I almost always go with neutrals and my instinct is to go with Black/Black but I'd really prefer Iberian over Steel for the lining. Also I've been loving my Grey/Iberian S19 so was tempted by the Black/Steel/Iberian until it recently disappeared (but maybe it'll come back?). I can't quite convince myself about the Black/Navy/Iberian (too patriotic?) but maybe some nice photos would do the trick. Thoughts?
Also, trying to decide if the Upper Modular Pocket would be better in Black or matching the secondary color in Steel or Navy, if I end up with one of those - anyone have thoughts on this (or photos)? Does it only come with a Steel lining? Has this always been the case? Any chance of finding an UMP with an Iberian lining?
Thanks for any help!!
First question, does anyone have experience using Eagle Creek Spectre cubes in there? How do they fit? What does it look like space-wise with two full size ones in there?
I'm also having some color angst. I almost always go with neutrals and my instinct is to go with Black/Black but I'd really prefer Iberian over Steel for the lining. Also I've been loving my Grey/Iberian S19 so was tempted by the Black/Steel/Iberian until it recently disappeared (but maybe it'll come back?). I can't quite convince myself about the Black/Navy/Iberian (too patriotic?) but maybe some nice photos would do the trick. Thoughts?
Also, trying to decide if the Upper Modular Pocket would be better in Black or matching the secondary color in Steel or Navy, if I end up with one of those - anyone have thoughts on this (or photos)? Does it only come with a Steel lining? Has this always been the case? Any chance of finding an UMP with an Iberian lining?
Thanks for any help!!
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