review

Troubadour Apex Backpack 3.0 Review

Wednesday, February 28, 2024


Say hello to the improved Apex backpack 3.0 by Troubadour! It's made to improve your daily grind, whether you're on your way to work, hitting the gym, or heading out for quick trips. What makes it special? The lightweight waterproof fabric, lining, and zippers, making sure your stuff stays secure and dry, regardless of the weather because, let's face it, our backpacks should be as resilient as our sense of humor, rain or shine!

The Apex backpack 3.0 keeps that urban bag vibe from the original Troubadour Apex backpack, but with a few design tweaks for a fresh look. One of the coolest features, it's the expandable zipped pocket on the left shoulder strap for quick and easy access to your daily must-haves. 

Most backpacks don't have pockets on their shoulder straps, and if they do, they're usually tiny, like the size of a credit card. But not the Apex backpack 3.0 – its shoulder strap expandable pocket is designed to enlarge wide enough to fit a smartphone or passport. It's like having your own convenient and spacious mini vault right on your shoulder!
 

When you're not using it, the expandable pocket on the shoulder strap does a neat trick – it self-contracts flat, thanks to some built-in magnets, and the zipper? It's got concealed teeth for that sleek look but it isn't waterproof so, keep it in mind when the weather gets a bit moody!

The top grab handle has also been revamped  on the Troubadour Apex backpack 3.0 with a low-profile design that's not just stylish but also feels sturdier. 

The front-facing waterproof zipper stays true to its roots, providing access to a medium-sized pocket and integrating a small sleeve pocket to store an Apple AirTag. It's perfect for stashing items you need on the go, like keys and a smartphone, keeping them safe from the elements. Though, being front-facing, the zipped compartment might not be the Fort Knox of anti-theft, but it sure is handy for quick grabs!
 

Speaking of anti-theft features, the Apex backpack 3.0 main compartment swings open and shut using a double zipper head featuring a lock hole so, you can lock it up tight with a wire rope padlock. And these zippers mean business – big, robust, and smooth operators. We're talking high-quality YKK metal zippers, jazzed up for Troubadour with some custom lettering engraving.
 

The outer shell of the Apex backpack 3.0 keeps its shape even when empty, letting you peek into the main compartment flat bottom and make packing a breeze. Now, the main compartment is a bit picky with its U-shaped zip opening – it's on the narrow side. 

But, here's the silver lining – your stuff stays put, no accidental spills when you're unzipping. Sure, the narrow zip opening might not be the most spacious for packing, but the Apex backpack 3.0 is flexible. You can fold the front outward, giving you that extra wiggle room when loading and unloading your stuff. Talk about a backpack that knows how to adapt!
 

The main compartment has oversized metal zip sliders with long pull tabs made of vegan leather - same type found on the Orbis 2 Pocket backpack. Inside the main compartment, there is a large zipped pouch and multiple internal pockets for organization, as well as padded section for a 17-inch laptop.
 

The Troubadour Apex backpack 3.0 has got your back, quite literally. Its backside is generously padded, offering solid support for your upper shoulders and lumbar region. 

The padding is cleverly divided into three separate areas, creating a raised structure that does two cool things – maximizes airflow and minimizes the chances of a sweaty backside. So, it's not just supportive; it's also got your comfort and coolness covered! 

On the backside, there is also a passthrough luggage sleeve to slide the Apex backpack 3.0 backpack over a suitcase handle for convenient travel. Now, let's dive into the dimensions. The Apex backpack 3.0 has a 25 litre volume capacity with a width of 12.5 inches, height of 19 inches, and depth of 6 inches, and weighs only 1.0 kg (2.2 lbs). 

The laptop pocket measures 15.7" x 11.4" (40 x 29cm) which is big enough for a 17-inch laptop. In terms of materials, the backpack is crafted from recycled polyester fabric, recycled polyester lining, and features vegan leather trim. Maintaining the Apex backpack 3.0 is simple – you can wipe it with a slightly damp cloth dipped in mild soapy water to keep it clean and fresh.

In summary, Troubadour has hit it out of the park with the upgraded Apex backpack 3.0! Not only it meets and exceeds the demands of modern life, it combines style, functionality and durability to make it a top choice for anyone seeking a reliable and versatile professional backpack.

Selling points
  • Expandable side pockets
  • Waterproof zippers
  • Comfortable to carry
  • Recycled polyester fabric
  • machined metal branding
  • Triple-layer bonded grab-handle
  • Breathable back panel
  • Vegan leather trim
  • Multiple internal pockets
  • Dedicated Apple AirTag pocket
  • Well padded backside
  • Flexible outershell
  • Fully waterproof outer shell
  • Easy to clean
  • quality zippers
  • Stylish design
  • Laptop compartment
  • 5-year guarantee
  • Expandable shoulder strap zipped pocket
  • Trolley luggage sleeve
  • Available in only three colors (black, navy, and obsidian green)

Potential deal breakers
  • Limited anti-theft features
  • Non-waterproof zipper shoulder strap pocket
  • Narrow U-shaped zip opening
  • Relatively low weight
  • No rear secret pocket

You can buy the Apex backpack 3.0 from Troubadour Goods.
 

Similar Gadget Explained Reviews

0 comments

Connect With Gadget Explained