This Backpack Is Better Than a Briefcase but Just As Sophisticated
There’s no doubt about it, the Apex 3.0 is pricey. In fact, it’s so expensive and beautiful that for a long time, I was hesitant to use it. It’s also not my only backpack.
I still love my cute, durable, deceptively spacious, and low-maintenance Fjällräven Kånken, which I frequently use for day trips. Unlike with my Apex 3.0, I have no qualms about squashing the Kånken in my suitcase, setting it on the dirt, and generally tossing it around. Even though the Kånken has a smaller footprint, I find it fits more than the Apex 3.0. Still, the Kånken isn’t sized for a laptop and has few organizational features, making it more ideal for day trips than work.
Notably, the Apex 3.0 is being phased out to make way for the recently released Apex 4.0, which has a slew of updates we’re excited to test for our backpack guide. Still, Troubadour has told us the Apex 3.0 will continue to be sold at least through the end of the year — and here’s hoping you can get a deal during the phase-out.
If it’s not on sale, and you can’t bear the thought of spending over $200 on a luxury backpack just to push it under a seat in front of you, consider the July Carry All Backpack 20L, a streamlined, travel-friendly backpack that has several nice features, such as a hidden slip pocket for easy access to your phone (I wish the Troubadour had this) and a zippered water bottle pocket. The bag is not as ergonomic, breathable, or sleek as the Apex 3.0, but it’s roomier, at 20 L, and not as narrow, so it’s ideal for longer trips where you need a bit more breathing room.
That all said, the Apex 3.0’s specialness is undeniable. It’s obvious from the moment you set eyes on it and then obvious all over again when you put it on your back and realize how weightless it feels. It’s the kind of smart, durable, and — dare I say — elegant bag that makes a worthy investment.
This article was edited by Hannah Rimm and Maxine Builder.
