







Product description


The video showcases the product in use.The video guides you through product setup.The video compares multiple products.The video shows the product being unpacked. Apex 4.0 Backpack for work and travel Merchant Video
Redesigning comfort
Built to relieve pressure points and elevate support. Our contoured S-shaped straps glide along your shoulders with softer foam and subtle stretch for balanced weight and lasting comfort
Smarter storage everywhere
From a re-engineered interior layout with zipper stretch pockets to the expanded bottle holders and 3D front pocket, everything’s easy to pack, access and keep secure.
Upgraded luggage sleeve
The luggage sleeve is seamlessly integrated into the bag design, offering a clean look and a larger opening – making it more user-friendly during travel.
Commute companion
Our revolutionary fluorocarbon-free waterproofing ensures protection against the worst weather. This sustainable, Bluesign-approved technology helps keep your gear dry whatever happens.
Durability redefined
Our FortiWeave fabric is light yet tough, designed to accompany you to the ends of the earth and handle whatever the journey brings. FortiWeave is eco-friendly, woven from 100% recycled plastic bottles. It also cleans up effortlessly – just one wipe returns it to pristine condition.
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Customer Reviews
4.4 out of 5 stars 247
4.4 out of 5 stars 91
4.8 out of 5 stars 30
4.9 out of 5 stars 19
4.8 out of 5 stars 13
4.5 out of 5 stars 28
Price
$249.00$249.00
$229.00$229.00
$179.00$179.00
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$279.00$279.00
Capacity
22L
16L
22L
20L
33L, expandable to 42L
23L
Fits Laptop Size
Fits up to a 17″ laptop
Fits up to a 15″ laptop
Fits up to a 17″ laptop
Fits up to a 16″ laptop
Fits up to a 17″ laptop
Fits up to a 17″ laptop
Luggage Sleeve
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
Carry Handle
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
Water-resistant
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
SUPERIOR COMFORT, ELEVATED PERFORMANCE – Redesigned S-curve straps contour naturally for pressure-free wear; new strap adjusters eliminate slippage; ergonomic sculpted 3D breathable mesh back panel for all-day comfort.
SMART COMPARTMENTS – Magnetic quiver pocket in strap for quick-access essentials; expanded bottle pocket fits up to 1L; deeper front pocket design for even more space.
REFINED INTERIOR: Find interior items easily with new contrast lining. Secure zippered interior pockets with 4-way stretch sized for phones and accessories for better storage. Concealed internal zipper pocket for discrete items—passport, cash, or AirTags.
UPGRADED SECURITY & LAPTOP COMPARTMENT – Lockable zippers and shoulder-strap pocket; drop-down zippered side pocket for wallet/phone with sleek concealment; CrashPad Cocoon laptop sleeve suspends and cushions devices up to 16″.
SUSTAINABLE & DURABLE BY DESIGN – Exclusive FortiWeave eco-engineered fabric offers superior abrasion resistance and weatherproofing; Fluorocarbon-free, Bluesign-approved Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment.
13 reviews for Troubadour Apex 4.0 Compact – 16L Premium Laptop Backpack – Ergonomic & Water Resistant – Designed for Work and Travel – Black
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$229.00

IrelandTako –
Compact and Stylish
I love this bag even for the price. I know the price is steep but the quality is insanely good and it is comfortable. I would say the quality equates the price. This one is a smaller backpack, it can probably fit a 13in laptop but it will be a snug fit – so anything bigger definitely won’t fit.I usually travel with just an 11in iPad pro and that fits perfectly fine. It can holds a light jacket and a water bottle on the inside (and some snacks) but it would be difficult to fit a whole outfit.I do think the water bottle holders on the side don’t really hold a water bottle. They are pretty small and tight.Sliding it under an airplane seat leaves plenty of foot room because it is a compact bag. I used to travel with a standard size backpack and the under-seat storage always left it hanging out a little, taking up my foot space, but this one does not. It is a little stiff but I acquaint that to the newness.If you are looking for a compact, stylish, work/ travel backpack – then this is probably for you (if you are willing to pay the high price)
Samantha S. –
Professional Backpack
This is my new daily work bag. I wanted something that was comfortable for my back but looked more professional. I’ve been using it for a few months now. I’ve gotten a lot of compliments on it! Its the perfect size for what I need, and easy on my back. I’ve been caught in the rain a few times too and so far everything inside has stayed dry.The little zipper pocket on the outside is perfect for my work badge, and I usually slip my cell phone in one of the side pockets. I’m considering buying another for my luggage set!
Placeholder –
Fabulous Backpack
Fabulous backpack. It’s very stylish, comfortable and travels well. It’s also very attractive and people love to see me in it.
Nellie B –
Handsome and well organized
This is a very polished looking backpack. It is well organized, with a thin section for laptops, tablet, and journal and a larger section for my lunch and other bulky items. This small/large organization is the best I’ve used. I like the handle on top, the outside zip pocket (which is lined), and the straps. It’s very comfortable, even when full. I really like the inner organization pockets.Things that could be slightly better (and maybe are in the larger pack). The outside water bottle pocket is ever so slightly too short, so a tall water bottle fits into it but can easily pop out if you lean forward. I like the slide for a suitcase – great feature. However, I used it with my Away small suitcase. Although the suitcase handle did slide through it, it was QUITE tight and took some wiggling to get in and out. Often you want to slide the backpack on and off of a suitcase as you’re getting in or out of transit or onto planes. This definitely took some time. Perhaps it will loosen up with time. I don’t think the Away handle is particularly wide.
Mer –
Compact size loses functionality
I’m finding this backpack really non-functional. I suspect their other bags are likely just fine, including the full-size Apex — the materials and construction seem excellent — but it seems they designed the full-size bag, then just shrunk all components proportionally. That really does not work without some redesigning. The luggage sleeve does not over standard luggage handles without seriously wrestling with it (the sleeve is a bit too narrow); it cannot fit a 14” Mac laptop *and* a tablet in a case without forcing both in; and there’s nowhere to fit a passport wallet to be readily accessible (I can shove the passport itself in the front pocket, so long as it’s all but empty otherwise, but it’s tight even with just a card-case-type wallet). And there’s no way to carry a magazine or folder with papers without wrinkling/tearing them, given how tight the laptop compartment is. Once I had eyeglasses, chargers, and some other small items in the main part of the bag, I could not also fit the single book I wanted to carry without damaging it. This backpack may be fine for a daily commute, with just, say, a laptop and lunch, but not if you need to carry at least a bit more than that.
See You Space Cowboy –
Absolutely excellent and you probably don’t need a bigger backpack
(This may be a double post due to an issue with Amazon’s reviews)I was pleasantly surprised when I got this backpack that it is so much roomier than you’d think for the size. I used to use a Tylt backpack (I got it waaaaay back during their original Kickstarter) and haven’t found anything that measured up in terms of features, room and comfort. So color me surprised when I fell in love with this one!I’ve found I’m able to comfortably fit and carry:- My Apple AirPods Max- iPad Mini- iPad Pro 13″ (with the Magic Keyboard)- Laptop- Charger and cablesI got both this one for domestic travel and the larger one for international. The straps are super comfortable and I find myself just wearing the backpack instead of immediately putting it over my carry-on handles. I’m frankly shocked at how easy it has been to use and how I can immediately access what I need without losing anything in the cold, dark, unexplored depths of a backpack.This is absolutely worth the money and I’m glad I got it!
Ismail Bannan –
Great quality but…
Great quality, saying it fits a 16 MacBook is a little misleading though. It barely does and makes closing the zip harder. I’d recommend the larger size for that
Amazon Customer –
Premium Quality Bag!
The attention to detail on this bag gives it a sleek and premium look and feel. Its many carefully and thoughtfully placed pockets and compartments make it super functional and versatile. It’s easily one of my all-time favorites!
Morrie –
I’ve been using the Troubadour Apex 3.0 for a few months now, and it has exceeded my expectations. The clean, minimalist design looks professional for work but still works perfectly for travel. I’ve had no issues fitting my 16” MacBook Pro, chargers, and accessories in the main compartments—everything stays organized, and the pockets are well thought out.Unlike some reviews, I’ve found the shape holds up perfectly, even when not fully packed. The materials feel premium and durable, and the waterproofing works flawlessly—I’ve been caught in light rain, and my laptop stayed dry. For me, it strikes the right balance between style, function, and durability.Yes, it’s an investment, but the quality and versatility make it worth every penny. If you’re looking for a sleek, reliable backpack that stands out from the ordinary, the Apex 3.0 is a great choice.
patlondon –
I love this bag – it feels great on, has lots of compartments inside the main body, plus a separate section for my laptop which fits in perfectly. On top of that there’s slots for a water bottle, and a zip for my passport at the front. The pads on the back make it really comfortable to wear too – I find the compact size is perfect for my 5’2″ frame. As always there are no flashing logos – I’ve been buying Troubadour bags for years, and this one does not disappoint.
Patrizia H. –
Ein Rucksack für do viel Geld, nur weil er in der NY Times beschrieben wurde? Mein Mann nutzt ihn jetzt seit 3 Wochen und ist begeistert von der Funktionalität und Qualität.
Mr P M Clarke –
Despite its compact 16L size the storage is impressively well-organized, featuring a padded laptop compartment and discreet pockets for essentials. This backpack blends style and efficiency, making it a great option for work and for using while travelling to add essentials! This is our second purchase as my wife took my first bag!
Patrick Heß –
Net so gut alles drum herum