TroubadourApex Backpack 3.0 - Premium Waterproof Laptop Backpack Fits Up to 17" - Ergonomic Design for Work and Travel - Stylish Backpack with 5-Year Guarantee - Black

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)

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.

I’ve been using the Apex Backpack, and it’s fantastic. The design is understated and professional while also very functional, so it's been great for my work and travel. My MacBook Pro slides easily into the padded laptop compartment, and there’s still plenty of room for pretty much everything else I need on a short trip.The waterproof fabric feels durable, and I like that it's made from recycled materials. The shoulder straps and breathable back panel make it comfortable to wear even after a long day. I’m 5’ 3” and it fits me well. It’s both stylish (I have the Airforce blue color - nice to have a non-black bag!) and practical and I recommend it.

Similar to other reviews, I was drawn to this backpack because of its sleek, modern, and minimalist aesthetic. However, although I ordered the navy, what arrived was the Black (no biggie, as black is versatile as well). It fits a 16-17inch laptop and iPad + accessories; however, the empty bag itself is already heavy enough due to the materials, zippers, etc. The deep black interior and pockets make it difficult to locate items within quickly and efficiently, and does not have adequate room for a jacket, sweater, or other layered clothing you’d like to store if it gets to hot or cool with changing temperatures. The cell phone pocket is also not useful for standard smart phones of the era. For the steep price, other brands and companies offer more for the price and specifications.