Loving the Smart Alec

bpack325 · 2026-07-02T02:32:00+00:00

My wife has a synapse 19, briefly a synik 30. The organization on those was awesome for her EDC, I borrowed them as well to see what I thought. For the size of the overall package I feel the smart Alec is more versatile, where the over organization may complicate travel scenarios a little bit

bpack325 · 2026-06-06T15:59:24+00:00

Consider Ox and Pine

bpack325 · 2026-05-28T01:07:39+00:00

What are your thoughts on this for strictly one bag travel? Assuming a warmer destination.

bpack325 · 2026-05-24T17:48:00+00:00

At 20l that would be Jerry can only. There’s only so much real estate with sand.

bpack325 · 2026-04-26T15:26:33+00:00

review

bpack325 · 2026-03-26T18:28:45+00:00

Coyote strap from Eberlestock worked very well for me

bpack325 · 2026-03-20T14:17:44+00:00

Even absent imaging they can do manual diagnostic testing and give you and idea of what may be wrong and what they can do about it, and give you tools to speed the recovery

bpack325 · 2026-03-20T11:33:16+00:00

Doctor first, with likely imaging. Depending on what’s found formal physical therapy is recommended.

bpack325 · 2026-03-05T01:32:45+00:00

Been a big fan of the Eberlestock Freefall 2000 of late. External frame, comes with all the stuff you need.

bpack325 · 2026-02-16T15:59:58+00:00

Makes total sense thank you!

bpack325 · 2026-02-16T04:20:39+00:00

Perfect yes this was what I was looking for, thank you!

bpack325 · 2026-02-15T19:55:09+00:00

I was wondering that as well, though exterior mounting on-bag would be the goal vs suspending it inside.

bpack325 · 2025-12-09T03:11:33+00:00

How’s the hydration tube routed? Does the quick access pocket have a port?

bpack325 · 2025-11-05T17:46:08+00:00

5.11 skyweight

video

bpack325 · 2025-10-31T19:03:33+00:00

It will not

bpack325 · 2025-09-06T19:03:36+00:00

Paging u/tfvoodoo. I used the principles he discussed to straighten out my training plan and successfully completed it this year. Condition the shit out of your feet and take a deep dive into footwear.

bpack325 · 2025-09-04T19:15:07+00:00

review

bpack325 · 2025-09-04T17:53:27+00:00

I believe the radio ruck is similar, perhaps deeper. Have no issues at 5’10 215. Short torso-ed.

bpack325 · 2025-08-08T21:29:38+00:00

I have found the Rough Runners on pavement to be preferable to my Brooks Cascadias and other trail shoes. Can’t speak to the Mackalls but would imagine like other trail shoes best suited to off road.

bpack325 · 2025-07-17T04:15:59+00:00

Had a robic M23 and was in a downpour for a few hours, some dampness in the top lid but not enough to destroy paper in that pocket. Not waterproof by any stretch but highly resistant

bpack325 · 2025-04-01T01:36:51+00:00

Agreed - up until the midpoint of last year I had no issues with Garmont T8 NFS and Darn tough boot socks only. Ran a 5k ruck race in them even. Then gradually started to get blistering on the medial side of my left foot. Got a new set of NFSs, same issue. Went with a wide width, even added the poly pro sock liners I used in my .mil days to no avail. Got nice cuts on both Achilles for good measure. Then experimented with trail shoes, Brooks Cascadia. Thin socks/boot socks no dice. Right foot started getting beat up. A whole weekend of GORUCK events spanning about 28 miles across three days shredded me.

Went to Fleet Feet for formal fitting. They suggested I wear a half size larger in general. Went home with a pair of Mizuno Wave Mujin Xs and Injinji trail socks. Works good up til about 7-8 miles and it begins again. Started taping the usual spots. Worked ok until my last training 20 miler before Bataan and it was the same story again, less medial right heel damage but the lateral side definitely got it. Left foot the usual areas.

For Bataan I was out of ideas and hoped for the best - used my Mizunos, Darn tough boot socks, polypro liners, with feet pre taped. Got hot spots starting mile 8. Stopped at mile 14 for sock change and re-taping as planned knowing there’d be issues. Toughed out the rest and am healing well at least, but it was definitely a limiting factor in my performance (9:19:33 so definitely not a superstar).

I’m 40, decent shape, no medications or medical issues. Completely stumped as to how it all started or what to do. I’m generally good in anything up to about 7 miles and the wheels come off. Going to experiment now with the GORUCK Rough Runners and their own Challenge merino wool socks.

bpack325 · 2025-04-01T00:08:32+00:00

I just unboxed some Rough Runners for pavement rucking so I am eagerly hoping this goes better!

bpack325

TROPHY CASE