Backpacks are about as versatile as they come. Not only can you use them to carry your books to school, they are a functional accessory on the hiking trail, your commute to work, and even to the gym. If your ideal backpack is a multi-use tool, then you need the right tool for the job.
Disclosure: Troubadour Goods sent Bestcovery.com an Explorer Apex backpack to evaluate. We used it for everyday activities to test whether it lives up to Troubadour's claims.
The Troubadour Goods brand was started from the love of travel and versatility. Samuel and Abel wanted a do-it-all bag that can be rugged enough for the mountains but will look right at home in the boardroom. We have to agree, the Explorer Apex backpack certainly appears to be the jack-of-all-trades.
The Apex is available in black or navy. We were sent the navy color for review by Troubadour. It’s a deep blue, almost black, when not in direct sunlight. It’s made of a combination of recycled nylon and vegan leather, so it's very environmentally friendly while being functional at the same time. The fabric is inherently waterproof and the zippers seal against water intrusion as well, so there's no need to sweat over a downpour on your commute or when hiking!
The backpack offers ample storage space without being obnoxiously large. Externally, it measures 19” high, 12.5” wide, and 6” deep. The whole thing weighs just 2.2 lbs, meaning you'll hardly notice the weight of the backpack itself. It contains two main sections with an additional shallow front pocket. The front main section has multiple cubbies and zippered pockets to keep all your valuables separated neatly without worrying about them flying around if the backpack tips over. The rear section is discreet - almost too well-hidden. I actually missed it upon first inspection! It is padded and can easily hold a 16” laptop, keeping it safe from jostling around while you're on the move.
I used the backpack on an all-day jaunt to the Getty Museum in Los Angeles. It held snacks, phones, two jackets, and a vacuum-sealed water bottle. It all fit nicely without looking like I was wearing a puffer fish on my back. Possibly the most noticeable characteristic of the Apex is the thick cushioning in the areas that make contact with the shoulder blades and lower back. Not only did it keep me comfortable for the entirety of the six hours I had it on, it also breathes well and kept me sweat-free the entire time.
A regular run-of-the-mill backpack can hold your books or supplies when commuting or on a hike, but a stylish, upscale backpack will do all that while looking as professional as you need it to be. Quality is apparent in every part of the Apex, and I have no doubt it’ll last several years or more. Troubadour even backs up their bags with a 5 year warranty. If you’re looking for a versatile office backpack that can double as outdoor gear to hit your favorite hiking trails with on the weekends, you’ll be hard-pressed to find one as good as the Troubadour Explorer Apex backpack.
