Let me tell you something straight up: if you’re on the hunt for a backpack that’s equal parts stylish, functional, and eco-conscious, the Solgaard Venture Backpack deserves your attention.
I’ve been lugging this thing around for months now, and it’s become my go-to for everything from weekend getaways to daily commutes. It’s not just a bag—it’s a travel companion that’s got your back (pun intended).
Whether you’re a frequent flyer or just need something reliable for your everyday grind, this backpack’s clever design and sustainable vibe make it a must-have. Trust me, you’ll want to snag one before your next adventure.
My Journey With The Solgaard Venture Backpack
Picture this: I’m standing in the middle of a bustling airport terminal, juggling my coffee, phone, and boarding pass, with a trip to Iceland and Spain looming on the horizon.
I had ten days ahead of me, two wildly different climates, and a strict carry-on-only rule thanks to some flight quirks.
I needed a backpack that could handle my chaos, and that’s when the Solgaard Venture Backpack entered my life.
I opted for the large size, figuring it’d give me the most bang for my buck, and oh boy, did it deliver.
My first test run was a weekend jaunt to Chicago.
I stuffed it with three days’ worth of clothes, my 16-inch laptop, a pair of sneakers, and a handful of odds and ends. The expandable closet system—Solgaard’s big selling point—felt like a revelation.
I could pack my shirts and pants neatly, zip it up, and still have room for my tech gear.
Sliding it under the seat on a Boeing 737 was a breeze, no awkward shoving required. I was sold right then and there. But it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows.
The hanger hook? Tiny. I mean, comically small. It wouldn’t fit over a standard hotel closet rod without some serious finagling. I ended up ordering a full-sized hook from Amazon just to make it work. Still, that little hiccup didn’t dim my excitement.
Fast forward to my Iceland-to-Spain adventure. I’m layering up for the chilly Nordic winds one day and stripping down to shorts in sunny Barcelona the next.
The Venture kept up with me, expanding when I inevitably bought a chunky Icelandic sweater and shrinking back down when I needed to look sleek. I even hooked it onto my rolling suitcase, letting it piggyback through airports like a pro.
My husband borrowed it for a work trip once, too—he loved how it held his suits and laptop without breaking a sweat. It’s been a wild ride, and this bag’s been my trusty sidekick through it all.
Pros of The Solgaard Venture Backpack
- Eco-Friendly Vibes That Actually Matter
One of the first things that hooked me was the sustainability angle. The Venture’s made with Shore-Tex™, a fabric spun from upcycled ocean-bound plastic. Every time you buy one, Solgaard pulls five pounds of plastic from the sea—think 229 bottles worth.
I’m no tree-hugger extraordinaire, but knowing my gear’s doing some good for the planet feels pretty darn satisfying. Plus, the material’s tough as nails. I’ve dragged this bag through rain, snow, and a questionable airport floor, and it still looks sharp.
- Organization That Keeps You Sane
If you’re anything like me, you hate digging through a black hole of a backpack to find your charger.
The Venture’s got you covered with its Workzone and Lifezone setup.
The Workzone has a padded laptop sleeve that cradles my 16-incher like a baby, plus a front panel that flops open for easy access to pens, cables, and notebooks.
The Lifezone’s where the magic happens—its removable closet system lets you pack clothes like you’re hanging them in your wardrobe.
I can see everything at a glance when I hang it up at my destination.
No more rummaging through crumpled piles. There are even secret pockets on the back for stashing valuables—perfect for stuffing dirty socks in a pinch.
- Comfort That Doesn’t Quit
Carrying a fully loaded backpack for hours can turn into a shoulder-aching nightmare, but the Venture’s ergonomic padding is a game-changer. The shoulder straps and back panel feel like they’re hugging you, not punishing you.
I hauled this thing across Reykjavik for a full day, stuffed with layers and snacks, and didn’t feel like I’d been hit by a truck afterward. The sternum strap helps distribute the weight, too, so you’re not lopsidedly hobbling around.
It’s heavier than some bags I’ve owned, sure, but the comfort makes up for it.
- Flexibility for Any Adventure
What I love most is how this bag adapts. The expandable zipper takes it from 27 liters to 35 liters in the large version (17 to 29 in the medium), so you can pack light or go all out. I’ve used it for quick overnights and week-long hauls, and it never feels overstretched.
The suitcase seatbelt strap is a genius touch—I’ve slid it onto my rolling bag’s handle and cruised through terminals hands-free. It’s like Solgaard thought of every scenario I’d throw at it.
Cons of The Solgaard Venture Backpack
- That Pesky Hanger Hook
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the hanger hook. It’s tiny, and I mean tiny. I get that they’re going for compactness, but when I tried hanging the closet in a hotel room, it wouldn’t fit over the rod.
It’s a glaring oversight in an otherwise thoughtful design. I swapped it out with a standard-sized hook, which works fine, but Solgaard should’ve nailed this from the start. It’s a small fix that’d make a big difference.
- Side Pockets That Tease You
The water bottle pockets on the sides?
They’re a bit of a letdown.
My 40-ounce Hydro Flask fits, but it’s a wrestling match to get it in and out.
Compared to my old Solgaard Endeavor, where the pockets were snug but doable, these feel like they’re taunting me.
If you’re rocking a slimmer bottle, you might be fine, but for us big-hydration folks, it’s a squeeze.
- Zipper Worries and Fraying Fears
Durability’s mostly a win, but I’ve noticed some fraying along the edges after heavy use. It’s not a dealbreaker yet, but it’s got me side-eyeing the longevity, especially at this price.
And the zippers?
They’re solid for now, but I’ve heard whispers from other users about them giving out post-warranty. Mine are holding strong, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed they don’t pull an Apple-style planned obsolescence on me.
- Weight That Sneaks Up
This bag’s not a featherweight. Empty, it’s heavier than some competitors, and when packed full, you’ll feel it. The rigid structure helps it stand upright—a perk my floppy old bags never had—but it adds ounces.
For short trips, it’s no biggie, but if you’re trekking long distances, you might curse those extra pounds.
Maintenance Tips For Your Solgaard Venture Backpack
- Keeping the Fabric Fresh: The Shore-Tex™ fabric is a champ at shrugging off dirt, but it’s not invincible. When mine gets grimy, I grab a damp cloth with a dab of mild soap and gently scrub the trouble spots. Avoid harsh chemicals—they’ll mess with the recycled material’s mojo. After a quick wipe, I let it air dry away from direct sunlight. That Icelandic rain left some muddy splashes once, and this trick had it looking brand new in no time.
- Zipper TLC: Those zippers are your lifeline, so treat them right. If they start sticking, don’t yank—grab a bit of candle wax or a bar of soap and rub it along the teeth. It’s like magic; they’ll glide again. I check mine every few trips to make sure nothing’s catching, especially after stuffing the bag to the brim. A little preventative love goes a long way.
- Closet System Care: The removable closet is the star of the show, so don’t let it get sloppy. I shake it out after every trip to ditch crumbs or lint, then spot-clean with a damp cloth if my socks left a mark. Store it in the dust cover it comes with—trust me, it doubles as a laundry bag and keeps the closet pristine when you’re not jetting off.
- Storing It Right: When I’m not using the Venture, I don’t just toss it in a corner. I empty it out, give it a once-over for any wear, and stash it in a cool, dry spot. That dust cover’s clutch here, too—it keeps dust bunnies at bay. If you’re tight on space, hang it by the top handle to keep its shape. Mine’s been sitting pretty between trips, ready to roll whenever I am.
Comparison of Solgaard Venture Backpack With Other Brands
I’ve hauled the Solgaard Venture Backpack through airports, cities, and even a muddy trail or two, but how does it stack up against some other big names out there?
Let’s put it side by side with the TUMI Search Backpack, the Stone Glacier Col 4800 Backpack, and the Herschel Supply Co. Backpack. Each one’s got its own flavor, and I’ve got thoughts on where the Venture shines—or stumbles—in the mix.
- Solgaard Venture Vs. TUMI Search Backpack
The TUMI Search Backpack oozes luxury, and I’ll admit, I was tempted by its polished look when I saw it in a store.
It’s got that premium leather trim and a sleek, urban vibe that screams “business class.”
The padded laptop compartment and multiple pockets keep your gear tidy, much like the Venture’s Workzone.
But here’s where I lean toward my Solgaard: that expandable closet system.
TUMI’s got no equivalent—you’re stuck with traditional packing, which feels flat compared to hanging my clothes up at a hotel.
The Venture’s eco-friendly Shore-Tex™ also gives it a soul that TUMI’s high-end materials don’t match.
Weight-wise, TUMI’s a tad lighter, but I’d trade that for the Venture’s versatility any day.
- Solgaard Venture Vs. Stone Glacier Col 4800 Backpack
Now, the Stone Glacier Col 4800 Backpack is a beast built for the outdoors, and I’ve seen it slung over the shoulders of hardcore hikers.
It’s got a massive 78-liter capacity (way more than the Venture’s 35 liters max) and a frame that hauls heavy loads like it’s nothing.
I took the Venture on a light trek once, and it held up fine, but the Stone Glacier’s rugged design laughs at my city-slicker bag.
Where the Venture wins, though, is in travel smarts.
The Col 4800 has no laptop sleeve, no closet system, and forget fitting it under an airplane seat—it’s overkill for anything but the wilderness.
I love the Venture’s adaptability for my mixed-up life; the Stone Glacier’s too niche for me.
- Solgaard Venture Vs. Herschel Supply Co. Backpack
Herschel Supply Co. Backpacks are everywhere, and I get why—they’re affordable, stylish, and come in a million colors.
I borrowed a friend’s Little America model once, and it’s got a cozy, retro charm with a decent 25-liter capacity.
The padded straps and laptop sleeve are solid, but it stops there.
The Venture pulls ahead with its organizational wizardry—those secret pockets and the Lifezone closet blow Herschel’s basic layout out of the water.
Herschel’s lighter and cheaper, sure, and I noticed less fraying on its edges compared to my Venture after a few months.
But for travel or work trips, the Venture’s structure and eco-cred make it feel like a grown-up upgrade. Herschel’s great for casual days; the Venture’s my all-in-one champ.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
You bet it does—at least on a Boeing 737. I’ve slid the large version under with no drama, even packed to the gills. Smaller planes? Can’t say for sure since I haven’t tested it, but it’s designed as a personal item, so you should be golden on most flights. Just don’t overstuff it past the expanded 35 liters, or you might be playing Tetris with the seat.
Yep, Solgaard’s gear, including the Venture, is manufactured in China and Taiwan. I dug into this because I was curious about the production side. They’ve got their headquarters in NYC, but the hands-on making happens overseas. It’s pretty standard for brands chasing quality at scale, and so far, my bag’s craftsmanship hasn’t given me any gripes.
Absolutely. Solgaard’s an American outfit, born and bred in New York City. I love that they’re a homegrown brand with a global mission—pulling plastic from oceans while keeping us travelers sorted. The design and ethos feel very States-side, even if the assembly’s outsourced.
Conclusion: Your Next Adventure Awaits With The Solgaard Venture
So, here’s the deal: the Solgaard Venture Backpack isn’t perfect, but it’s darn close. I’ve put it through the wringer, and it’s kept me organized, comfy, and feeling good about my eco-footprint.
The pros—sustainability, smart design, and adaptability—far outweigh the cons like that silly hanger hook or tight side pockets. If you’re ready to level up your travel game, this is the bag to grab. Don’t wait—your next trip deserves a companion this good.
Go get it, and let me know how it treats you!
