REASONS TO BUY
Great vibe
Sleek contours and classy accents
Waterproof zippers
Luggage-compatible
Solid protective features
Tons of packing space
Comfy
REASONS TO AVOID
Hefty price tag
May be too large for some
Sternum strap sold separately
Troubadour Apex Backpack 4.0 Review
High end accents and style make this bag a winner with professionals or fashion-conscious users who want to look good while on the go
Credit: Jason Wanlass
By Jason Wanlass ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ August 4, 2026
RELATED: Best Laptop Backpack
Our Verdict
The Troubadour Apex Backpack 4.0 is kind of in a class by itself. In fact, there's really nothing in our lineup that compares to its stylish appearance and higher-end leather accents. The Troubadour is also well-crafted and has a great organizational layout. It's spacious, comfortable to wear, and its main compartment is large enough to carry a pair of shoes and extra clothes for the gym. Last, but not least, we loved its separate laptop sleeve. It has tons of padding and is lined with synthetic suede.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Troubadour Apex Backpack 4.0 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Our Favorite Splurge for the Office Commute |  Best Overall Laptop Bag |  Best Value for Work to Weekend Crossover Use | Best Under $50 | |
| Price | $279 List Check Price at Amazon | $280 List Check Price at Amazon | $185 List Check Price at Amazon | $125 List Check REI (on sale!) | $40 List Check Amazon (on sale!) |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | High end accents and style make this bag a winner with professionals or fashion-conscious users who want to look good while on the go | A crowd-pleaser for those heading out for work or play who need a bag that doesn't mess around when it comes to quality and protection | This all-star backpack has pockets that make staying organized a cinch, as well as padded straps and back for all-day comfort | High capacity, smart organization, reliable structure, and a large laptop compartment make this bag a great tool for commuters and travelers | A screaming good deal that has good enough quality, comfort, and function to hold up to daily use |
| Rating Categories | Troubadour Apex 4.0 | Nomatic Navigator 15 | Timbuk2 Authority De... | The North Face Recon | Matein Travel |
| Comfort and Fit (30%) | |||||
| Laptop Protection (20%) | |||||
| Storage and Organization (20%) | |||||
| Ease of Use (15%) | |||||
| Versatility (15%) | |||||
| Specifications | Troubadour Apex 4.0 | Nomatic Navigator 15 | Timbuk2 Authority De... | The North Face Recon | Matein Travel |
| Compatible Laptop Size | 17" | 16" | 17" | 16" | 15.6" |
| Carry Style | Backpack | Backpack, briefcase | Backpack | Backpack | Backpack |
| Volume | 22 L | 15 L | 20 L | 30 L | 28 L |
| External Water Bottle Holder | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Location of Laptop Compatrment | Separate/Back | Separate/Back | Separate/Back | Separate/Back | Separate/Back |
| Unique Features | Faux leather accents and zipper pulls, waterproof zippers | Expandable, exterior cargo straps | Lower gear straps | Removable hip belt, women's version available | Exterior USB plug, lightweight |
| External Side Pockets | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 2.6 lb | 2.7 lb | 2.3 lb | 2.5 lb | 1.7 lb |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Troubadour has a style of its own. We liked its smooth edges. Everything on this bag is tucked neatly into place. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Likes
Where do we start? There was a lot we loved about this bag. Some of our favorite things were its fashionable accents. Things like leather zipper pulls (even on the interior zippers), leather accents, integrated luggage sleeve, and a protective laptop compartment. One of our favorite things was the overall design of the Troubadour. Every component of this bag is integrated or concealed, giving it a polished, seamless, fashionably understated appearance. Nothing about the Troubadour feels overdone or out of place in an office setting.
We loved the leather zipper pulls and top panel. Credit: Jason Wanlass
The bottom pad doubles as a pass-through strap for luggage. We liked this integrated features because it gives the pack a cleaner appearance. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Stretchy drop pockets with leather finger tabs -- a nice touch. Credit: Jason Wanlass
The grab handle is accented with leather, giving the Troubadour an elevated look. Credit: Jason Wanlass
We liked that the laptop sleeve is lined with suede-like material. This is softer on the device, but also holds it in place. Credit: Jason Wanlass
The laptop sleeve is compact, which keeps the device snuggly in place. We also loved that the sleeve sits in its own zippered compartment against the back of the bag. Credit: Jason Wanlass
The Troubadour has a sleek appearance, thanks to hidden zippers and stitching. Credit: Jason Wanlass
We liked how well the Apex Backpack 4.0 fit on all of our testers. This pack is a little larger than some, and its shoulder straps and back panel are soft, pliable, and accommodating to nearly every body type.
Even when the pack was fully loaded, most of our testers agreed that the Troubadour distributed weight well and was comfortable to wear for longer periods of time. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Dislikes
The Troubadour lacks a sternum strap. It can be purchased separately; however, for the price, we felt a detachable strap should be included with the purchase. This pack also didn't perform as well as we hoped in our at-home spray tests. The Troubadour has waterproof zippers and a dense weatherproof shell, but some water was able to seep its way into our bag.
Showing the Troubadour's waterproof zippers. Credit: Jason Wanlass
We sprayed our Troubadour for one minute, making sure to hit every inch. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Overall, it repelled water well, but we were surprised to see that some water made its way to the interior. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Additionally, its two exterior water-bottle pouches are fully enclosed at the bottom, so they tend to collect and hold onto water. This could be remedied with a small drip hole at the bottom of each pouch. We realize that being caught in a serious rainstorm is rare, but we still wanted to share our findings.
The side pockets don't have an outlet, so they tend to hold onto water. Credit: Jason Wanlass
What Other Laptop Backpacks Should You Consider?
We don't have many backpacks in our lineup that compare with the classy appearance of the Troubadour. It really does have a style of its own. The Everlane The ReNew Transit also has a flair for fashion, and comes at a much more wallet-friendly price, but its laptop protection and organizational features are not as robust. We absolutely love the clean lines and quality of the Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe. Likewise, the Nomatic Navigator 15 also has its own sleek look.
Home sweet home. Credit: Jason Wanlass
—Jason Wanlass
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