This Sleek Backpack Is So Comfy, I’m Not Traveling with Anything Else (and It’s on Sale!)

My go-to bag for daily work or weekend trips is usually a backpack. However, my tendency to overpack often leaves me with an aching, sweaty back by the time I get home. I started searching for a solution and found the Solgaard Compass Backpack. Its sleek design prevents me from overstuffing, and its cushioning makes it feel like I’m carrying nothing at all.

Right now, it’s 22% off during Solgaard’s Black Friday sale, which features sitewide savings on carry-ons, larger luggage, backpacks, duffels, and more, plus free shipping on all U.S. orders through December 7. It’s everything I was looking for, and I can’t imagine traveling without it.

The Solgaard Compass Backpack is a stylish and functional way to carry your essentials. It’s designed for easy travel, featuring trolley sleeves, a power cord pass-through, and a discreet secret passport pocket. Beyond its convenience, the backpack is eco-conscious: its fabric, foam, trims, labels, and internal cushioning are all engineered from recycled materials, a process that saves 6 pounds of ocean-bound plastic. Plus, once the bag reaches the end of its use, it can be recycled alongside plastic bottles.

My recent two-day trip from New York to Chicago was the perfect opportunity to truly put the Compass Backpack to the test. I was working a lot of the time, so the soft, plush pocket was perfect for my laptop (it can accommodate a laptop up to 16 inches), and the expandable side pocket was large enough for my water bottle (it can fit up to a 1-liter bottle). The backpack’s numerous smaller pockets were ideal for keeping my essentials organized and easy to locate throughout the trip and in the airports. I also made good use of the tablet sleeve, which conveniently held my important notebooks.

My absolute favorite feature, however, is the secret lumbar pocket. For someone like me who frequently misplaces their passport or wallet, this pocket offers a secure and reliable spot to keep those important valuables. And when I got on the plane, the backpack easily glided under the seat in front of me. Since I’ve gotten home, the Compass Backpack has been my go-to for daily commuting or any occasion where I want to bring my laptop and a few extras. Seriously, the cushioning is so comfortable, and I love that I can also hold it from the top handles like a tote bag.

If you need a daily backpack that’s both comfortable and sustainable, the Solgaard Compass Backpack is a great option — especially while it’s on sale. It comes in five versatile colors, though two are already sold out, so be sure to snag yours before they’re gone!

Buy: Solgaard Compass Backpack, $129 (originally $165)