I own a decent number of bags, including many a backpack for various use cases, including a decent amount of overlap. I have both a Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45L and an Osprey Farpoint 40 for 1 pack traveling (but also my Briggs & Riley rollers for when I don't want to carry a load). I have multiple hiking daypacks, mostly from Osprey. I have "technical" backpacks and slings and totes and probably too many messenger bags.
Currently my two "EDC" (Everyday Carry) backpacks of choice were a Peak Design Everyday V2 at 30L, and a slimmer, no-name, cheap laptop bag that, frankly, got the job done. The Peak Design was a bit too big through as a true EDC, though great for traveling, so I wanted a slimmer EDC, because the cheap one was starting to fray, and the definitely not YKK zippers were starting to get stuck. After watching many a Youtube video (Chase Reeves, Packhacker) and reading various reviews on Wirecutter and elsewhere, I somehow stumbled on this Troubadour Apex, a brand I'd never even heard of. I did more research on it, thought it fit my needs very well, and finally pulled the plus when Amazon got it back in stock.
I'd considered going with the compact version, but I wanted something that could fit my 17" LG Gram, which, admittedly is about the smallest 17" laptop you're going to get, but also an additional 16" portable monitor. The Apex accommodates both easily in the laptop compartment, with a bit of room to spare. That laptop compartment also floats off of the ground by a bit, a key feature for laptop safety from the odd drop. I then also tried to cram in my work laptop, a 15" (ish) Dell Latitude, in the same compartment, but out of the floating pocket, so encased in its own padded sleeve, and all three fit!
The rest of the backpack is decently roomy for a couple of medium sized packing cubes and/or a tech pouch/dopp kit. I'd imagine you could easily fit enough for a weekend without a sweat, though I would probably favor the Peak Design on a multi-week trip. There's enough organizational nooks and crannies to pack away various cables, pens, etc., though I rely more on a tech pouch for my organization. There's an odd hidden sleeve that I'm guessing is for stowing passports or boarding passes, but I'd rather put those things on a sling or dedicated pouch.
The Apex does have a very convenient luggage pass through sleeve to stack on top of a suitcase roller, and it keeps the backpack upright, unlike say on the Peak Design that puts the backpack on its side. Honestly, this is a bit of a key feature that eliminated other well rated backpacks, like Bellroy's various backpacks, because they lacked the pass through. But when on my shoulders, it's very comfortable, though I'll have to get back to how comfortable after walking a few miles across town, or running to catch a plane a few times.
Finally, the bag is just cool looking. The overall aesthetics are stylish, with bits of vegan leather accents, including the zipper holds that I'd be comfortable bringing into any work meeting space. Having said that, this brings me to the one minus to the bag (so far), which is the water bottle holders, which are pretty small. They're good for a slim bottle, but my 20 oz Contago coffee mug doesn't feel very secure in there, and I'd rather give up a bit of that slim aesthetic (again, looks great on your back) for a deeper, secure fit for the bigger water bottles.
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This item: Troubadour Apex Backpack 3.0 - Ultimate Work & Travel Laptop Backpack - 17" Padded Laptop Pocket - Waterproof, Lightweight, Spacious - Innovative Pockets - Made From Recycled Materials - Navy
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From the brand
Product Description
 Apex 3.0 |  Apex Compact 3.0 |  Pioneer |  Ember |  Momentum |  Featherweight Tote | |
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Customer Reviews
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105
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Price
| $245.00 | $225.00 | $275.00 | $145.00 | $195.00 | $100.00 |
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Capacity
| 25L | 16L | 23.5L | 13L | 13L | 26L |
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Fits Laptop Size
| Fits up to a 17" laptop | Fits up to 16" MacBook/15"PC | Fits up to 16" Laptop | Fits up to 16" MacBook/15"PC | Fits up to 16" MacBook/15"PC | Fits up to a 17" laptop |
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Luggage Sleeve
| ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Premium Lightweight Fabric |
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Carry Handle
| ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Minimalist Design |
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Breathable Back Panel
| ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Zipped & Elasticated Pockets |
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Ergonomic Straps
| ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Side Snaps |
Videos
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Troubadour Goods Apex Backpack 3.0 Review
Pack Hacker
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Troubadour Apex Backpack
Troubadour Goods Ltd
Reviews with images
BY FAR THE BEST BAG I'VE EVER OWNED
This bag does not leave my side. From the second I opened the box, the aesthetic blew my mind. I share this attraction with dozens of strangers who have stopped me to compliment my bag during my travels. I like it so much that I purchased 6 of them for my wedding party, who are all just as in love with the bag as I am.The Apex 3.0 stands firm on its own while empty, the profile is slim and sleek, the materials are structurally firm but soft to the touch, the straps are comfortable, the design is practical and the interior is absolutely elegant.I will say, it’s not perfect as I noticed a few minor blemishes (example, small gap in the waterproof zipper where the zip is located in packaging). I just wetted my finger tips and massaged it into place. Gentle friction, enough to warm it up. It was driving me crazy but the good news is the material is pretty ‘smart’ and it will take shape more as you use it.My bag has been on several trips with me; full day at Disney, carried for 30 days on two separate trips to Europe, tossed under plane seats, carried to the office every day, and it still looks and feels brand new. The picture in my review is after all of this use, almost a year later (please note, its full and sitting awkwardly in the first pic).In summary, if you want a good looking, versatile and trustworthy bag, think less and try the APEX out.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2023
Top reviews from other countries
Amazon Customer
Well-made, stylish backpack
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 11, 2024Color: BlueSize: Apex 3.0Verified Purchase
Bertie
Not waterproof
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 16, 2024Color: NavySize: Apex 3.0 CompactVerified Purchase
