010- Smart Alec Update

After 6 months of daily use in a variety of situations, the Smart Alec is still my go to bag.  It gets used for almost all of my backpack needs, but being as expensive as it was, I don't take it places that I think it will get excessive damage, i.e. canoeing.  For that I still go to the old REI Flash 18 UL.  It took a few minutes of sitting in the rain this summer without any of the contents getting wet.

I've bought a couple add ons to the SA and made a few carry tweaks that have made it even better. Two accessory straps now adorn the lower section of the bag and while not used much, they have come in handy.

Target had some cheap LED wire on clearance at the end of summer, and I grabbed one for $2.50. Turns out it worked perfect as a 'glow wire' run from one side pocket to the other through the pocket drain holes and around the accessory loops.  This routing also works well for a piece of 550 paracord. This can give the bag some added personality or be a useful thing to clip other items to.

A TB padded organizer pouch now holds my camera clipped to an O-ring in one of the side pockets.

The biggest add on so far is the SA upper modular pocket.  It works as well as advertised in that capacity.  I got it in steel and now wish I'd held out for the SA in steel too.  Great color.  The UMP easily holds 2 full TB small organizer pouches and bunch of other small items.

But where I've really found the UMP useful is to attach it to the INSIDE of the bag.  I just so happens that the top two gatekeeper clips on the UMP align almost perfectly with two webbing loops inside the rear of the SA.  I think these are for the TB Cache with Rails system, but I don't have one of those to verify.  When clipped together the UMP hangs inside the bag right up by your shoulders.  It keeps the overall exterior footprint of the bag nice and clean and leaves that spot on top open to bungee bulky items.

The UMP can be easily flipped out of the way when the bag is laying down on it's stomach to allow unfettered access to the main compartment.  This does not work as well however when the bag is standing upright.  The SA is not padded so it does not stand up on it's own with the weight of a laden UMP connected to its top (whether inside or out).

There is even plenty of space to hold a full double organizer pouch below the webbing loops meaning the bag can carry a typical load.  In fact, the UMP is roughly in the same footprint of the SA lid, only underneath instead of atop.  So when the bag is otherwise fully loaded it pushes the top of the bag upward evenly.  Further, that space at the top inside of the main compartment is mostly empty anyway with a typical load, so this arrangement does not sacrifice the ability to carry my usual load.

The SA is, quite simply, the best backpack I've ever had (and I've had a lot).  Comfortable, big (but not too big), tough, nicely shaped and with an unlimited array of organizational configs, it has handled everything I've thrown at it so far.  And as it gets older, I may start even taking it canoeing!

009- Bihn Double Zipper Pouch as an Attaché.

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In my ongoing goal to keep things I need to certain contexts grouped into 'kits', I'm trying a new school/work/papers kit.  This kit should be contain:  my notebook (circa 8.5x11), whatever file folders I need that day, a clipboard, pens/pencils/etc, and a place to carry my ipad.

The goal for this kit is that it can fit vertically into my backpack (currently a TB Smart Alec) and also be carried standalone at those times when I don't want to look like I'm heading out on a hike.  It should also contain all the items I need so that I'm not constantly having to adjust the pile.

The TB double organizer pouch serves this purpose beautifully.  It easily swallows all the things I need it to and does so while looking pretty good!  The back, or main, compartment holds the circa notebook, some files and a clipboard.  The smaller front pocket fits my iPad 2 and a TB Clear pencil organizer vertically.  The zipper can be completely closed when the pencil organizer is stowed as shown in the photos below.

Minor nitpicks:

- The clear plastic on this pouch attracts and shows debris and dust.  

- This clear plastic is also slightly tacky (in both the sticky and fashionable senses) so it sticks to the like material on the pencil organizer pouch.  Maybe should have sprung for a non-clear one (if Tom even makes one).

Bottom line:  Great set up!  Great bags!

All zipped up with everything inside!

008- REI Taj 3 Tent

I bought my Taj 3 tent in 2009 as a smaller and lighter weight tent to use when I camped with my Cub Scout son.  It has lasted now five years through more than a dozen uses in all weather with few to no issues.

Taj 3 in the snow.  It was about 16F
overnight and we had an inch or
so of snow, but no issues with the tent!

It happens to be on a 20% extra off sale today at REI-OUTLET:  http://www.rei.com/item/848007/rei-taj-3-tent-2012-special-buy 

Cost: As of today, $239 at REI- OUTLET.  I think I bought it for well under $200 on super-extra-mega sale back in '09.  I don't have the receipt, but about $170 comes to mind.

Side view of the Taj 3.
Note the 'window' on the right.

Highlights:
- Excellent materials and build quality.  No issues with seems, zippers, stake loops or poles.
- Lightweight for most uses.  I would not take it backpacking unless sharing with another person )or two) to carry the load.
- Lots (4) interior pockets + a gear loft + multiple interior loops to hang small items.
- Aluminum poles
- No-see-um mesh
- Two doors and two (smallish) vestibules.
- Top vent
- Window!  Not sure I've ever used it, but it's pretty cool to have.
- Personality- this tent, with it's quirky shape, colors, window and set up has more personality than most tents.
- Smallish size means almost the whole tent is within easy reach when you are groping around for glasses, water bottle, extra blanket, in the middle of the night.
- Tent body is free standing.  Fly requires only two points to staked or guyed out to hold shape.
- No pole sleeves for quicker, less frustrating set up.
- Full coverage fly keeps the interior a little warmer in cold weather.
- Queen size air mattress fits nicely inside, just touching the tent on all four corners, but due to the hex shape of the tent there is a little space at each end and both sides for gear.  Actually very cozy in that config.

Front view of the Taj 3.  You can see
a BP sticking out of the right vestibule.
Not super big, those vestibules.
The Passage 1 vestibule is much larger.

Lowlights:
- Vestibules are very small.  Room for a couple pairs of shoes in each, but probably not a full size backpack.
- Full coverage fly, and I mean FULL, means not much air circulates when the tent is closed  up tight.
- Three pole design is tricky to set up the first few times (I marked the poles with duct tape to make it easier to align the poles and hooks.
- Three pole design also leads to a hexagonal interior shape that is not super space efficient. It does make for nice little gear zones by the doors if using with only one or two people.

The Taj 3 used as the master suite
with the Eureka Sunrise 11.  A tarp is
stretched between the two tents.

What I use it for:
- On car camping trips with Boy Scouts, I use it as a one man tent with ample room for gear and luxuries.  These campouts usually requiring a fair walk from parking to campsite, and I'm happy for such a light and small tent.  I don't like to make multiple trips and this tent fits easily into my duffle.
- Camping with Cub Scouts, this tent has plenty of room for me and one or two of my younger sons (8 and 11) and pretty much all of our gear.  Again, small size makes carrying it the camp site easier.
- When family camping, my wife and I will use this as a "Master Bedroom" at the campsite and put the boys into the big Eureka tent so we have a tiny bit more privacy and quiet.  As mentioned above, it fits a queen size air mattress.

What I don't use it for:
- Backpacking.  At 6 and change pounds, its just to heavy for one (and overkill) and most folks I BP with don't like to tent share.  I could see using it for this purpose if you can share with 1 or 2 folks.

Would I recommend?  Absolutely.  I love this tent.  It is my go to tent for most camping.

007- Eagle Creek Packing Cubes (quarter and full, including Specter)

Available from: Various places: REI, Amazon, Eagle Creek, etc.

Bottom line: Efficient way to organize for packing and EDC.

High points: Size is just right for numerous small items.  Modular system fits easily into other bags.  Overall construction quality.  Specter bags are partially water resistant.

Caveats: None for now.  

Wishlist: More conservative colors on the Specter line (black, charcoal, navy, etc)


Why I use this system: Having gotten hooked on one bag travel years ago, and being a frequent camper and hiker, I'm always on the look out for ways to make my trips go smoother.  Being organized and knowing where things are is a key aspect to smooth travel.  Using a kit based system for that organizing means it's very easy to pack for the day's adventure (even if that is just the daily commute).  Numerous small bags work for a kit system (in fact, I combine several brands) but the Eagle Creek Packing Cubes are well made, easy to find in stores, and proportioned correctly for most uses.

Regrets: None.

Eagle Creek Specter Quarter Packing Cubes.

Eagle Creek Quarter Packing Cubes compared to 1 liter Nalgene.

Eagle Creek regular and Specter Packing Cubes with 1 Liter Nalgene.

Eagle Creek Spectre Packing Cubes with a ruler for size comparison.  Regular EC quarter packing cubes are the same size.

Eagle creek regular and Specter quarter packing cubes with a Maxpedition organizer pouch, 1 Liter Nalgene and a ruler for size comparison.  Note the Moleskine standard notebook in the front mesh pocket on the Maxpedition.

Close up of Eagle Creek quarter packing cube.

Eagle Creek quater packing cubes in the full size EC packing cube.  When packed like this, the quarter cubes are very slightly too long and narrow to fit into the full packing cube.  It works fine, but they have to be compressed some on the long axis and have extra space on the short axis.

Eagle Creek quarter packing cubes loaded into the EC full size packing cube.

Eagle Creek full packing cube filled with 4 EC quarter packing cubes inside the main compartment of the Tom Bihn Smart Alec backpack. The SA could easily hold two flu packing cubes.

Eagle Creek full packing cube filled with 4 EC quarter packing cubes inside the main compartment of the Tom Bihn Synapse 19.  

Eagle Creek full packing cube filled with 4 EC quarter packing cubes inside the main compartment of the Tom Bihn Synpase 19 with 13' 2011-12ish Apple MacBook Pro.  This combo does fit into the 19L Synapse but pushes the main compartment close to it's limit.  Depends on how full the auxiliary pockets are.

Eagle Creek full packing cube filled with 4 EC quarter packing cubes packet vertically inside a Kelty Binto.  

006- REI Flashback

Available from: No longer on REI's site. Maybe eBay?

Bottom line: Excellent small outdoor pack, especially when you want to rock the retro hiker vibe.

High points: Terrific, retro styling.  High quality for the prices.  Not many fussy points.  Simple, easy to use in almost every respect.

Caveats: Price (~$45 new- a touch steep for such a simple pack.  No waist strap.  Shoulder straps loosen with the slightest tug.  

Wishlist: A slightly larger version.  A Flashback 22 or 25 would fall into the same range as Tom Bihn's new Guides Pack, but could come in at 40% or less of the cost.

Why I bought this bag: I've had a REI Flash 18 UL for about 5 or 6 years and it has been my go to adventure bag that whole time.  The Flashback seemed like a great update to my older bag. 

Regrets: Doubting my old Flash 18 UL.  While I love the styling of the Flashback, the original flash still fits my actual outdoor needs slightly better, being a touch lighter and slightly more comfortable.  

005- Tom Bihn Smart Alec

Available from: Tom Bihn

Bottom line: Excellent compromise between a conservative work/school bag and a useful/comfortable adventure bag.

High points: Best materials I've seen on a backpack.  Top loading design.  Removable sternum and waist strap.

Caveats: Price ($160 + $10 Shipping).  Waist strap not ideal for hiking and load carrying.

Wishlist: A Tom Bihn gatekeeper compatible hiking waist strap that is more comfortable and carries the load better.

Why I bought this bag: I've been looking for the one bag that does it all for a long time and have never really found it.  About a year ago I bought a Tom Bihn Synapse 19 (see my post about it here).  It is a fantastic little pack and accompanied me on several adventures.  However, it was better for travel than for outdoors adventures.  I have long used an REI Flash 18 for my outdoor adventures, and have generally been VERY happy with it.  However, the Flash 18 is simply too narrow to fit normal size (8.5 x 11) size documents and the like.  My iPad 2 would fit with a lot of effort, but deforms the bag.  I've come to prefer top loading designs for mist uses, but my pack also needs to be able to carry papers, textbooks, iPad and occasionally the laptop.  The Flash can't do that.  And the Synapse was a touch fussy about handling bulk items like sweatshirts when hiking.  Further, the Synapse lacked any way to attach substantial volume to the exterior.  The Smart Alec deftly threads the needle between carrying an office/school load and carrying a weekend load.  Plus it gives you the ability to attach items to the exterior in a variety of ways.  And it does THAT without looking like a trail pack.

Regrets: As conservative as I like my bags, I'm wishing now that I bought a version of the Smart Alec with a color panel down the top-center.  Maybe gray.

Bihn's small clear pouch is clipped to an 'o' ring in the side pocket of the Smart Alec.

This pack would easily hold five 1L Nalgenes in a single layer in the main compartment.

The dyneema lining really sets Bihn's bag apart from other manufacturers. 

Cutaway view of Tom Bihn Smart Alec.

004- Vargo Folding Stove

Available from Amazon here.

There appear to be two versions of this stove: one titanium and one aluminum.  Mine is the latter.

Bottom line:  It works!

Caveats:  It took about 20 minutes of steady feeding to boil 16oz of water.  I was not using the best wood, so your milage may vary.  The oil camp cup I used was not particularly stable sitting up there. I can't recommend this combination. A proper camping pot would probably be safer.

Good view to get an idea of the size.  This is the folded stove inside its included pouch.