Home LivingTravelTroubadour Apex Backpack 3.0 review: this everyday bag is pricey but almost perfectThis Troubadour Apex Backpack means business, but is it worth the money?When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: Future)T3 VerdictThe Troubadour Apex Backpack 3.0 probably won’t be your only backpack, but it’ll undoubtedly be your most sophisticated. This is a bag that means business, from the high-quality materials to the smart, formal design, cleverly designed pockets and extremely comfortable (albeit slightly unconventional) straps. Not cheap, but it’s a bag that is designed to last.Reasons to buy+Comfortable+Premium, sophisticated design+Waterproof fabric and zipsReasons to avoid-Feels quite bulky-Expensive-Subdued colours onlyWhy you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Home LivingTravelTroubadour Apex Backpack 3.0 review: this everyday bag is pricey but almost perfectThis Troubadour Apex Backpack means business, but is it worth the money?When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: Future)T3 VerdictThe Troubadour Apex Backpack 3.0 probably won’t be your only backpack, but it’ll undoubtedly be your most sophisticated. This is a bag that means business, from the high-quality materials to the smart, formal design, cleverly designed pockets and extremely comfortable (albeit slightly unconventional) straps. Not cheap, but it’s a bag that is designed to last.Reasons to buy+Comfortable+Premium, sophisticated design+Waterproof fabric and zipsReasons to avoid-Feels quite bulky-Expensive-Subdued colours onlyWhy you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
This Troubadour Apex Backpack means business, but is it worth the money?
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Future)T3 VerdictThe Troubadour Apex Backpack 3.0 probably won’t be your only backpack, but it’ll undoubtedly be your most sophisticated. This is a bag that means business, from the high-quality materials to the smart, formal design, cleverly designed pockets and extremely comfortable (albeit slightly unconventional) straps. Not cheap, but it’s a bag that is designed to last.Reasons to buy+Comfortable+Premium, sophisticated design+Waterproof fabric and zipsReasons to avoid-Feels quite bulky-Expensive-Subdued colours only
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
T3 VerdictThe Troubadour Apex Backpack 3.0 probably won’t be your only backpack, but it’ll undoubtedly be your most sophisticated. This is a bag that means business, from the high-quality materials to the smart, formal design, cleverly designed pockets and extremely comfortable (albeit slightly unconventional) straps. Not cheap, but it’s a bag that is designed to last.Reasons to buy+Comfortable+Premium, sophisticated design+Waterproof fabric and zipsReasons to avoid-Feels quite bulky-Expensive-Subdued colours only
T3 VerdictThe Troubadour Apex Backpack 3.0 probably won’t be your only backpack, but it’ll undoubtedly be your most sophisticated. This is a bag that means business, from the high-quality materials to the smart, formal design, cleverly designed pockets and extremely comfortable (albeit slightly unconventional) straps. Not cheap, but it’s a bag that is designed to last.
T3 Verdict
The Troubadour Apex Backpack 3.0 probably won’t be your only backpack, but it’ll undoubtedly be your most sophisticated. This is a bag that means business, from the high-quality materials to the smart, formal design, cleverly designed pockets and extremely comfortable (albeit slightly unconventional) straps. Not cheap, but it’s a bag that is designed to last.
Reasons to buy+Comfortable+Premium, sophisticated design+Waterproof fabric and zipsReasons to avoid-Feels quite bulky-Expensive-Subdued colours only
Reasons to buy+Comfortable+Premium, sophisticated design+Waterproof fabric and zips
Comfortable
Premium, sophisticated design
Waterproof fabric and zips
Reasons to avoid-Feels quite bulky-Expensive-Subdued colours only
Feels quite bulky
Expensive
Subdued colours only
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
The materials (waterproof recycled polyester and vegan leather) feel great, the straps are comfortable, and there are lots of clever details – like a handy pocket in the left-hand shoulder strap, and how the bag’s inherent stiffness helps it stand up when placed on the floor of a train, a platform or an airport departure lounge.
Clearly, the Apex Backpack 3.0 hasa lotgoing for it. But is it really worth £245? Read on to find out.
Troubadour Apex Backpack 3.0 review: Price and availability
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
Available now, the Troubadour Apex Backpack 3.0 is priced at £245 and is available to buy atTroubadour. It’s offered in three colour options of black, navy and a lighter shade of blue called Air Force. A smaller version called the Apex Compact is also available, along with Troubadour accessories like a chest strap and a rain cover. The bag comes with a five-year warranty.
Troubadour Apex Backpack 3.0 review: Design and features
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
The first thing you’ll notice is how stiff this bag is. It doesn’t flop about or fall over when laid down, as most backpacks do. This might not seem like a big deal, but commuters and frequent flyers will appreciate how the bag stands up when put down, either between your legs while standing on a train, or at your side in the departures lounge. This stiffness also helps the bag keep its shape while worn, no matter whether it’s full or empty.
There’s a small zipped pocket on the outside with a soft, microfibre lining that’s perfect for storing your phone, sunglasses, earphones and other everyday-carry items. There’s also a clip on a four-inch tether in there for attaching your keys, and a tiny pocket made specifically for anAppleAirTag (or other Bluetooth tracker). I like the idea of hiding a tracker discreetly in a bag, so I disagree with Troubadour’s decision to clearly label this as an AirTag pocket, but it’s a small criticism.
Troubadour has fitted an external bottle pocket on either side. These are elasticated and expandable, so fit pretty much anywater bottlesize and hold onto them tightly. Being elasticated, they close fully and sit tightly against the bag when empty, maintaining its streamlined look.
There’s one more external pocket, cleverly fitted to the left-hand shoulder strap. This zipped compartment is remarkably discreet when empty and doesn’t affect how the bag feels on your shoulder, but when you slot a phone in there you’ll see how the pocket expands to double the width of the strap. It’s a neat trick and means even a large phone like aniPhonePro Max fits just fine.
That said, the feeling of a phone pressed against your chest is a bit strange, so I can see some buyers disregarding this pocket. I personally think it’s a great addition and is perfect for storing your phone, wallet, keys or passport in easy reach. It’s ideal for when you’re travelling through an airport and want convenient access to all your essentials.
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
The shoulder straps are super comfortable, nicely padded, and I like how their adjustable straps are tethered to stop them dangling down when tightened. It’s a thoughtful design choice that keeps the bag looking neat.
The look, shape and feel of the straps makes you feel like you’re strapping into a life jacket or a parachute instead of merely slipping on a backpack. But once you get used to the serious aesthetic, they are perfectly comfortable.
Lastly, there’s a slot on the back for attaching the bag to the handle of a suitcase, and the main compartment closes with two waterproof zips that can be locked together (with your own padlock, since one isn’t included). I wish these zips would open all the way to the bottom of the bag, but I appreciate how the design of the bottle pockets makes that impossible.
The rear of the bag has a zipped laptop compartment with a pocket for machines up to 17 inches, then a smaller pocket for a tablet or eBook reader, and extra space for items like magazines and newspapers.
The main compartment has a half-height zipped pocket at the rear, with two open pockets on the front for books and notepads, or a Kindle perhaps, and an extra pocket that is the perfect size for a phone or passport. Next to that there’s a slot for a pen or stylus.
Finally, on the opposite side of the interior there’s a zipped pocket that’s transparent and stretchable, so could be handy for storing cables.
Troubadour Apex Backpack 3.0 review: Performance
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
It’s very comfortable, even when loaded up with a fair bit of weight, and feels incredibly well-made. Even the rubberised handle on top feels over-engineered, but in a good way; as if it could carry an enormous amount of weight every day without breaking a sweat, or even becoming uncomfortable.
Speaking of sweat, the three large, padded sections on the rear keep the bag comfortable against your back, while their height creates channels for ventilation to prevent you getting too hot.
All decent backpacks can swallow a laptop, tablet and Kindle, plus a phone, passport, headphones, cables, keys and all the usual stuff we carry in bags. But what impressed me is how much space there is in the main compartment, away from all the dedicated pockets. It really is cavernous in there, the 25-litre capacity making loads of space for clothes, shoes and your wash bag. While we’re talking spec, the bag is 48 cm tall, 32 cm wide and 15 cm deep, and weighs 1kg. The laptop pocket has a footprint of 40 x 29 cm.
If that all makes the bag seem too large for your needs, Troubadour also sells the Apex Compact, which looks the same and has an identical pocket layout, but measures 41 x 29 x 14 cm, has a capacity of 16.5 litres and is designed for laptops up to 16 inches.
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
Troubadour Apex Backpack 3.0 review: Verdict
This is a fantastic backpack. It might not feel at home being dragged around a music festival, but it’ll certainly add a dose of style to your office commute. It’s a serious, business-like bag that is smartly designed and feels incredibly well made. From the materials and zips, to the straps and the locations of each and every pocket, there’s a sense that thought and effort has been poured into this backpack.
I especially like the shoulder straps. At first they look and feel awkward, but after just a few minutes of wearing you realise they are the perfect shape and make carrying the bag effortless. The clever pocket on the left-hand strap won’t be for everyone, but I like how it provides easy access to travel essentials. I’m also a fan of how well the bag keeps its shape, regardless of whether it’s empty, full, on your back or sat on the ground.
Returning to my original question – can a backpack ever truly be worth almost £250? – the answer in this case is yes, but only if you demand the very best and are sure you’ll get the most out of it. It’s a serious bag, but it’s seriously impressive, too.
Today’s best Backpacks deals$22.99View$35$24.73View$29.99ViewShow More DealsWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Backpacks deals$22.99View$35$24.73View$29.99ViewShow More DealsWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Backpacks deals
$22.99View$35$24.73View$29.99View
$22.99View
$22.99View
$22.99View
$22.99
$22.99
$35$24.73View
$35$24.73View
$35$24.73View
$35$24.73
$24.73
$29.99View
$29.99View
$29.99View
$29.99
$29.99
Show More Deals
Show More Deals
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Build bigger arms in just 30 minutes with this 5-move dumbbell-only workoutIt’ll leave the biceps and triceps popping!
It’ll leave the biceps and triceps popping!
OMEGA puts the moon on your wrist with its new Speedmaster Moonphase MeteoriteOMEGA adds two new Moonphase Meteorite watches to its Speedmaster line-up
OMEGA adds two new Moonphase Meteorite watches to its Speedmaster line-up
There’s an amazing money-off deal on Samsung Galaxy S25 alreadyGet £50 / $50 off a new Samsung Galaxy S25 when you register your interest
Get £50 / $50 off a new Samsung Galaxy S25 when you register your interest
