Troubadour Matrix Backpack review: Super-smart looks and tech organization

At a glance

Expert’s Rating

Pros

• Smart inside and out
• Plenty of organizer pockets
• Recycled materials

Cons

• High price

Our Verdict

The slimline and undeniably chic Troubadour Matrix Backpack acts like a super-organized mobile office, built for the everyday tech-heavy commuter and professional traveller.

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We’ve road-tested a lot of great backpacks, duffle bags, shoulder bags and totes in our bid to find the best MacBook bags, but we fell in love with the Troubadour Matrix Backpack on first sight.

It’s gorgeous, slim and lightweight, and is specifically designed for the tech-carrying commuter or traveller—but you’ll pay a premium price for this luxury organizer.

Exterior designer looks

On the inside, the Matrix Backpack is all about organization. But the exterior (which is only available in black) is business smart, in a FortiWeave waterproof fabric that’s built with recycled polyester, and featuring elegant elements of vegan leather trim. The back features a comfortable padded mesh panel for breathability to stop a sweat building up as you wear it.

Staying with the outside of the backpack, at the front there are two zipped pockets. The top pocket is for easy access to the things you need to reach in a hurry, such as your AirPods and sunglasses, passport and papers, and includes a key clip and AirTag slot.

Below that is a larger fold-down compartment that can handle a lot of bulkier items in its five pockets—one with magnetic closure—and zipped section. Here you might store your drives, charger, power banks, notebook, mouse, cables and other items.

On one side is a flexible water bottle holder, and on the other a zipped pocket that would hold a compact umbrella, phone or another smaller device.

The jersey-lined shoulder straps feature a hidden Quiver origami pocket for keeping your phone or travel card within easy but secure reach.

At the top is a strong but comfortable non-slip vegan leather carry handle.

The backpack weighs 2.6lbs (1.2kg) and measures 19.3 x 14 x 6.5 inches (49 x 36 x 16.5cm).

Inside tech organizer

The most valuable piece of tech that you’ll want protected is your MacBook, and the laptop sleeve is padded and lined with a soft microfibre. Here you’ll also find compartments for paper or notebooks, or maybe your iPad too. There’s a storm cover built in to further protect your valuables.

Overall storage is 20L, but the Matrix Backpack is probably not the carrying bag you need for a shop at the supermarket. If you need to travel with more packed in, try the 35L or 45L Pakt Travel Backpack 2.0 or 42L Stubble & Co The Adventure Bag.

Instead, inside there are organizational pockets and pen slots and one deeper zipped pocket. We like the light-colored lining, which makes finding your stuff so much easier than in a dark interior.

Price

This is a premium laptop backpack with quite the premium price of $279/£279/€279. In this case we can see every penny you spend has been lavished on an exceptional backpack, outside and in—designed for the well-heeled professional tech traveller.

If the price is too steep, check out our other recommended MacBook backpacks for more affordable options.

Verdict

The Troubadour Matrix Backpack acts like a mobile office, built for the everyday commuter traveller who carries a lot of tech around with them, as well as other everyday essentials. It’s not bulky like some backpacks, and looks like a smart and stylish business-ready briefcase that’s more comfortable to carry.