I think this will need to be in 2 parts.
Caveat: I just got it – it’s not “trip tested” yet, but I’m fully confident, given the build quality.
YouTube reviews: PackHacker did a pretty good review of the bag on YouTube in 2025; Aaron at Nomad Nation (who I generally find useful) just did a review (1/1/26) of the “Apex” version (waterproof fabric, aquaguard zippers) that I thought was bizarrely negatively biased – I don’t think it gives a good sense of the bag.
Overall size: my measurements: 21.5” x 13.5” x 9” (fully packed, but not stuffed)
Price: I’m an REI member, where the bag is $299. The color I liked was out of stock, so I turned to Amazon, where I got the Sea Pine color for $199 (score!). Today they are $299 on Amazon. The bag is $329 at Topo Designs (the Apex version is $359).
Weight: the backpack straps are removable, so without straps I weigh it at 6.2 lbs; with straps 6.5 lbs. I don’t plan to travel with the straps, so I think it’s a good weight considering it has a hard shell back. But weight is weight, so of course you have to evaluate that trade-off for yourself.
Backpack straps: I’ll leave them at home, but if that’s a feature you’d use, I’d note that the pro is they are removable, and the con is they connect with G-clips, which I find quite challenging (maybe they get easier over time?). Also note that the Topo website has a picture of the backpack straps with a sternum strap attached – that’s not included ($12 accessory add-on).
Aesthetic: Topo has a certain look – it works for you or it doesn’t. I have an orange (sorry – “tangerine”) Subaru, so I was OK with the quirky aesthetic. The inside is a bright yellow, which I like (note that the black colored bag and the Apex version have black interiors).
Type: hardshell back half (lots of protection), soft front (flexible packing).
Zippers: YKK (a pro), although I would have preferred “reverse coil”. The cord pulls on the zippers aren’t my favorite – a bit “busy”. The bag has theft-delay zipper loops for the 2 main areas (not the flattish very front pocket). The zippers are not the “lockable” style, but you can lock together the zippers of the 2 main areas if you use the type of lock with a cable (probably not the type with a hard “U”-shaped lock).
Repairability: one of the big “pros” for me. The hardware attaching the wheels, telescoping handle and front stabilizer bar (that helps keep it upright) are all accessible (interior lining is zippered). Looks like repairs would be very easy.
Wheels: these are bigger and have a lot of “clearance" (probably twice the clearance of my TravelPro MaxLite 5 2-wheeler and my RS Rolling Backpack), which I expect to perform really well over uneven surfaces. I’m also partial to the red color :)
Exterior handles: the telescoping handle has very little wobble, a top release button, and a comfy grip. It has 2 extension heights (which I think is fine on a 2-wheeler – maybe on a spinner more is helpful). There are three soft handles (top, either side) that are lightly padded. I think they’re a bit wide while being rather flat. Con: not sure how comfy they are for a longer carry. The bottom stabilizer bar is a very solid grab bar.
Other exterior features: The bag has “PackFast Attachment Clips for attaching smaller bags”. This is a strap at the top of the bag with a G-clip and a G-clip at the bottom of the front pocket that Topo says you can use to attach their other bags. That doesn’t interest me, as presented, however, you could use the top strap, tightened over the main compartment zipper track as an additional theft-delay element (if you position the zippers left-of-center) and use it as a connection point for other items or a carabiner. There are 2 off-center vertical rows of daisy chains that you can make use of with a carabiner.
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