Per my last post, I've been testing and have now reviewed the Smart Alec from Tom Bihn. From the review ...
The Smart Alec is super comfortable - the straps are wide and well padded. For you folks who are super-ergonomic there are sternum AND waist straps for additional support and security. I like to play it loose, though, so I removed the waist strap (it has a cool design so that when it was removed, there was no extra hardware left; and it lies quietly waiting for me to hike Everest ... shh, don't wake it).
Now, it did take me a while to get used to the Smart Alec. The placement of the opening is different than most backpacks I'm used to. I'm used to a straight top-down opening. But the Smart Alex kind of opens like a can - where you access the interior with the back of the bag facing towards you. I like this very much now because it doesn't expose the contents of your bag as much to prying eyes (don't want anyone to start coveting my chocolate chip cookies and Vanity Fair that I take on the plane with me).
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