Guys, to be clear, these straps are great with the Smart Alec but if you use a little imagination, they can also be leveraged with other attachment systems - like molle. And for the more savvy among you - I know what you're thinking. What about the 5.11 Tier Straps? Well, I have both. The Bihn straps are three times the length of the 5.11 straps fully extended. Plus, while the hardware on the 5.11 straps is arguably simpler to get on and off, the Gatekeeper clips are far more robust and secure. I'd trust them more under load if you're carrying something heavy. If anyone wants pics comparing the two to illustrate the differences then let me know and I'll post them here.
Quick First Impressions - Field Journal: http://edcforums.com/threads/quick-first-impressions-tom-bihn-field-journal.103660/
... and just placed my order for both pockets and 3 straps. I don't even have my Smart Alec yet and I'm *pre-ordering* accessories. ISM / NAPM is soo going to nix my procurement certs ... Oh, and great customer service - I called to ask a question about adding items to an order, and the TB Sales Associate, Amy, was cheerful & helpful.
I hear you. (FYI for everyone else: our $65 flat rate shipping to Australia is via UPS Expedited.) We used to ship USPS Express Mail to Australia -- it was an ordeal for our customers (and for us.) Some packages sent via Express Mail were delayed weeks. Some never arrived at all. Tracking information was hardly ever updated. And in the event that a package did get lost, the claim filing process took months and was sometimes never resolved. UPS, in our experience, has consistently provided our customers (and us) with great service. So, we worked with our folks at UPS to come up with the best rates possible for our customers outside of the U.S. and on top of the discounted rates we negotiated with UPS, we added a small discount ourselves. It's still expensive shipping but it's fast and reliable. It's also flat rate -- no matter how many bags you buy (ok, if you buy 10+ big bags, we'll probably need to talk!) shipping is still $65. Many of our customers outside of the UPS take advantage of the flat rate shipping and combine orders with friends/family/colleagues and split the shipping cost.
Liking the Smart Alec more after seeing that ^^ I think someone has caught onto a certain groups obsession of attaching things with pockets to packs
So, I've been using the leash for EDW (Every Day Walks, but ya'all knew that ... ) since its arrival. I love it. Shorty's ambivalent on it, which means he likes it (because if he didn't, that I'd know). Feels great in hand - very light. The grip loop works really well. The rope doesn't knot or get twisted up like a flat leash, and I dig the purple.
The Smart Alec arrived today! The quality is outstanding and it looks like it will carry a ton. The accessories (Snake Charmer for charge cords, Large Organizer Pouch for documents, and Large Packing Cube for clothing)that I purchased go perfectly with it. I don't know if I will need any accessory pouches but time will tell.
Im thinking about trying a messenger bag out as my edc bag and looking at the Western Flyer. Is that to large of a bag for edc? I like to have more room than needed in case i need to pack a sweatshirt or anything along those lines. I know it has 1600 cubic inches, same as the SA. So it has lots of room, just not sure if it would look HUGE hanging off my shoulder
Can you post a packing list or photo of what you carry? You might also want to take a look at our Ego messenger bag (smaller at 1400 cubic inches).
Awesome, glad to hear it. Let us know how it works for you. And maybe we'll get to see some photos of it fully packed..
If it doesn't have to be a messenger bag you might look at the Synapse back pack. Only 1160 cubic inches but it seems to swallow anything you put in it. Lots of pockets to put things in also. I got one for xmas and I love it as my EDC bag now.
As of right now I do not have an exact packing list but off the top of my head it will be a few pens, moleskin journal, EDC knife and light along with my LM Wave. Then random stuff such as my Klean Kanteen, Kindle or hardcopy book/magazines. Micro Four Thirds camera gear with a laptop- plan on getting a Mac Book Pro or similiar in the future. Now all this stuff may or may not be in at the same time. I may also be throwing in extra clothes or jacket. I am just wondering if it is to big to carry around all the time, I love the looks of it but I am also looking at the ID which is smaller and may be just as capable. I love the Synapse bag along with the Smart Alec but I really want to give a messenger style bag a try. Never had one before
You contradicting yourself a bit because you don't want a big messenger bag and yet you want the ability to carry an extra layer. You need to make up your mind which is more important. If you stay within Tom Bihn's line, then that will determine whether you go ID, Ego, Super Ego, or even with a vertical messenger like the Ristretto or Cafe Bag.
I personally don't think the Western Flyer is too big to carry around all of the time: we have many customers who do so. That said, I think of the Western Flyer as a convertible briefcase/travel bag more than a messenger bag. If you want a messenger bag, I'd go with the ID: it will carry everything you've listed and it's more of a classic messenger bag design. The ID has multiple built-in organizational pockets and you can add a Cache or Horizontal Brain Cell laptop sleeve/case once you get your laptop. Your Kleen Kanteen can fit in the side water bottle pocket. And with the ID, you have the option of adding the Q-AM (Quick Adjust) Messenger Strap, which I think helps maximize the benefits of carrying a messenger bag. Below are two photos of the Q-AM being worn (shown with the Ego messenger bag.)
I never said I don't want a big messenger bag or at least didn't mean to come off like that. I just don't want to lugging around a duffle bag lol. And Tom, Thank you so much for you help! You are right and I think the ID or Ego is the way to go. I will have to get my girlfriend to take a look and see what she thinks about both, may have to order both and see what I like more. I look forward to ordering from you.
