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I stand firm in the belief that bags are for everyone -- yes, especially men. If you don't consider yourself to be a "bag guy," then you likely just haven't found the right one for you.

If you often commute to an office during the week, then a solid men's work bag is a must-have, and the popular Troubadour Apex Briefcase earned the highest marks in my extensive testing process.

While it's a bit of an investment, for an everyday staple, prioritizing quality over quantity is recommended, and this bag is the truest embodiment of that sentiment. It has enough compartments to keep you organized with concealed pockets to keep things you need in a pinch within reach.

Its slim-yet-roomy profile also allows you to fit more than you'd expect inside -- a feature which comes in handy for the maximalists out there like myself.

Troubadour Apex Briefcase

★★★★★

Product Specs

* MaterialWaterproof FortiWeave fabric

* Bag typeSoft briefcase

* Dimensions14.8 x 10.4 x 4.7 inches

* Trolley sleeve?Yes

What we love

What could be better

Our Verdict

The Troubadour Apex Briefcase remains one of the most well-rounded bags I've tested to date, and various factors played a part in determining this result.

Aesthetically, it has an approachable-yet-polished design that pairs well with just about any outfit. This adaptability makes it a bang-for-you-buck purchase with unlimited wearability.

It's versatile enough to pair with both casual or business-casual office attire and has substantially robust design elements that border on luxury without fully leaning into the premium pricing space.

Where this bag truly excels, though, is in its functionality and organization. It has a pocket for just about every item you may need to carry -- from your laptop, phone and wallet to your tablet, keys and even your water bottle.

There's a dedicated space for everything, and the thoughtful placement of each compartment allows for a design that's less busy, and more functional.

Its waterproof design also makes this my top-recommended year-round, all-season men's work bag since both rain- and snowfalls bounce right off of the unique FortiWeave fabric.

This bag isn't without its drawbacks, though. After pushing it to its limits with as many items as I could -- my work laptop, water bottle, a tablet, notebook, and even my lunch -- I found that it got a bit bulky and, subsequently, noticeably heavy.

How we test

We put all of our products through a rigorous testing process and work bags are no different. We test every bag for at least a week (usually longer), and use them in our day-to-day lives for practical, trial-based testing.

We focus on durability, practicality, compartment convenience, storage ability and more.

From testing if a work bag has enough space to fit a 16-inch laptop or if it has enough outer storage compartments to easily access items needed on the go, we've put it all to the test.

You can read more about how we test fashion and accessories on our dedicated page.

Why trust us

While implementing and enforcing a thorough testing process is essential for producing honest and well-researched content, we also believe that experience is invaluable. This is why all of our testers are experts in their field.

Moriba has been testing and reviewing men's fashion for over six years and formulates the testing methodologies and rubrics we use in this vertical as well as our tech and travel reviews and buying guides.

His reviews are honest, impartial, direct and don't shy away from highlighting the bad as much as the good to help you make the most informed buying decision.

Troubadour Apex Briefcase review

The main zippered compartment does not skimp when it comes to pocket variety

Compartment variety

This bag's pocket variety is unlike anything I've seen in a bag of its size and type.

Usually, tote bags and backpacks tend to come with the most compartment real estate, but the Troubadour Apex Briefcase shows that bags in this category, when designed with practicality in mind, can also deliver on the same assignment.

Inside, there is a padded, suspended pocket for up to a 16-inch laptop or tablet. There's even a neoprene hood that secures the device in place to ensure that it doesn't move or slip when you're commuting.

The internal key leash will be one of your most-used elements on this bag -- trust me

On the outside, you'll also find a spacious and deep zippered pocket with internal organization including a tracker slot (perfect for an AirTag) and four elasticated slots -- two for pens and two for larger items like a phone or wallet. There's also a leash that makes finding your keys after a busy day a second-long task.

On the opposite side of the bag, you'll find another large pocket with an expandable gusset and hidden magnetic closure. There, I've stowed my wallet, AirPods and work badge for easy access.

This men's work bag is truly an organization-lover's dream come true.

Design and practicality

Briefcases often get a bag rap for being a bit stuffy and jaded. This bag managed to maintain the briefcase aesthetic while modernizing the elements that made the original a bit of a relic.

The brand avoided stiff leathers for the outer body and, instead, used a waterproof, softer fabric that's easier to maintain for daily use. This detail doesn't go unnoticed or unappreciated when using this bag in public transit during rush-hour when you're inches away from other passengers.

The machined-metal zippers are also extremely luxe, thick and substantial. Not once was I nervous that a pull too harsh would accidentally snag the bag's fabric or snap the zipper casing altogether.

Where this bag's design falters a bit, though, is in its outer fabric choice. Though waterproof, the fabric (as noted in the photo above), easily attracts lint and dust. And while this is easily removable with a lint brush or microfiber cloth, constantly having to "clean" the bag's surface after easy use can be a bit of a hassle, especially if this is used as a daily driver.

Value for money

The best work bags for men in 2025, according to rigorous testing

So, is the Troubadour Apex Briefcase worth the investment? Based on my weeks or testing, I can confidently say that it is.

If you're looking for a men's work bag that pairs well with everything in your closet, will force you to stay organized, has room for everything you need and will grow with you no matter what stage you are in your career, this bag will fit the bill.

Though the price is a bit hefty, the quality of materials used and the bag's overall craftsmanship makes this a worthwhile investment that's sure to stand up to my claim of it being the best one-and-done bag for working professionals.

FAQs

Are Troubadour bags all made of waterproof fabric?

All bags in Troubadour's Apex collection, specifically, are made of waterproof materials -- the same materials used to craft the Apex Briefcase. Outside of this collection, the Generation Leather Duffle (featured in our best weekender bags review guide), is even made of a unique waterproof European calfskin leather that's made to withstand tears and tugs.

What makes Troubadour bags unique?

Troubadour's bags are some of the few I've tested over the years that strike a healthy balance of practicality (compartment variety), simplicity, and durability. From its backpacks and duffles to its briefcases and even wallets, the product quality and luxe-yet-approachable design are the same across the board.

I've purchased products from this brand for family members and friends over the years, and they remain their favorite gifts they're received from me to date -- especially those men in my life who love a hero product they can use day in and day out without worrying if it would reduce in quality too quickly.

The most well-rounded men's work bag, tested and reviewed