5 Best North Face Backpacks: Top Picks Reviewed

Imagine this: you’re ready for your next big adventure, whether it’s a weekend hike or a cross-country road trip. You’ve got your gear, your snacks, and your sense of excitement. But then you look at your old backpack. Is it holding up? Is it comfortable? Does it have enough space? Choosing the right backpack can feel like a quest of its own, and when it comes to a brand as popular and varied as The North Face, the choices can seem endless.

You want a backpack that can handle anything you throw at it, something that won’t weigh you down or leave you wishing you had more pockets. But with so many models, sizes, and features, how do you pick the one that’s perfect for *you*? It’s easy to get lost in the details and feel overwhelmed.

Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! In this post, we’re going to break down what makes a great North Face backpack. We’ll explore different types, talk about what to look for, and help you find the ideal companion for all your journeys. Get ready to discover the secrets to choosing a backpack that will be with you for every mile ahead.

Top Northface Backpack Recommendations

No. 1
The North Face Borealis Commuter Laptop Backpack, Blk/Blk-NPF, OSFA
  • CLASSIC EVERYDAY BACKPACK: Our classic Borealis features a bungee cord system for storage and compression and has compartments and pockets to help keep your travel essentials organized.
  • ERGONOMIC SUPPORT: Certified by the American Chiropractic Association, our FlexVent suspension system features articulated shoulder straps, a rounded back panel, stitch lines, and soft chemise fabric for comfortable, all-day shoulder and back support.
  • SMART ORGANIZATION: Two external water bottle pockets double as multi-use pockets. The front compartment has an extra padded tablet sleeve and zip pockets. An external fleece-lined pocket stores small items or electronics.
  • COMFORTABLE CARRY: This backpack has a top handle for easy grabbing and a removable waist belt for a custom fit. A sternum strap with a whistle buckle and 360-degree reflective details add extra support and safety.
No. 2
The North Face Vault Everyday Laptop Backpack, TNF Black-NPF, One Size
  • EVERYDAY USE: The much-loved Vault pack features a sleek modern design, a protective water-repellent finish, and a self-standing structure for easy access.
  • ERGONOMIC SUPPORT: Endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association, FlexVent suspension is designed for comfort, featuring a flexible yoke with injection-molded shoulder straps, a padded mesh back panel and a breathable lumbar panel for ventilation.
  • SMART ORGANIZATION: A streamlined front compartment keeps things tidy with zip pockets, a tablet sleeve and a key hook for your everyday essentials. On the outside, two water bottle pockets fit most 1L bottles for quick access to hydration on the go.
  • SPACIOUS & PROTECTIVE: The spacious main compartment easily fits all your essentials and includes a padded laptop sleeve to help shield your computer from bumps and drops. Top grab handles offer quick access, while a sternum strap adds extra support.
No. 3
The North Face Recon Everyday Laptop Backpack, Blk/Blk-NPF, One Size
  • GO-TO CLASSIC: The iconic Recon excels as a day pack with its large mesh storage compartment, daisy-chain attachment points, and an easy-to-reach fleece-lined external pocket that can hold your sunglasses, keys, wallet, or other travel essentials.
  • CHIROPRACTOR APPROVED: The updated FlexVent suspension system has articulated shoulder straps, a rounded back panel, stitch lines for comfort and soft-touch chemise fabric, all certified by the American Chiropractic Association.
  • WATER REPELLENT: Made from tough, recycled nylon ripstop fabric, keep your valuables protected with a non-PFC Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish. Whether you're commuting, traveling or hitting the trail, this daypack has you set.
  • MAXIMUM STORAGE: The large main compartment secures all your essentials for long days, while the dedicated 16" laptop sleeve protects your computer from bumps & falls. 2 external mesh water bottle pockets can carry your phone in a pinch.
No. 4
The North Face Women's Jester Everyday Backpack, Steel Bl, OSFA
  • CHIROPRACTOR APPROVED: The Women's Jester pack delivers comfort and support with a padded laptop sleeve, simplified organization, and a self-standing design that's as practical as it is reliable.
  • ERGONOMIC SUPPORT: Endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association, the women-specific FlexVent suspension system gives all-day support with a flexible yoke, molded shoulder straps, a padded back panel and a breathable lumbar panel for extra airflow.
  • SMART ORGANIZATION: A streamlined front compartment includes zip pockets, a tablet sleeve and a key clip. Two external water bottle pockets and a front bungee system offer quick access and extra storage on the go.
  • ROOMY & PROTECTIVE: The spacious main compartment easily fits all your essentials and includes a padded 16" laptop sleeve to help shield your computer from bumps and drops. Top grab handles offer quick access, while a sternum strap adds extra support.
SaleNo. 5
The North Face Women's Borealis Backpack, Blk/Wht-NPF, OSFA
  • DESIGNED FOR WOMEN: The Women's Borealis is built with a women-specific suspension system for enhanced comfort and fit. A front bungee cord system offers flexible storage while multiple compartments and pockets keep your essentials neatly organized.
  • CHIROPRACTOR APPROVED: The FlexVent suspension system features articulated shoulder straps, a rounded back panel, and soft-touch chemise fabric—designed for comfort and certified by the American Chiropractic Association.
  • SMART ORGANIZATION: Two external water bottle pockets fit most 1L bottles, with quick-draw phone access on one side. A front compartment includes a padded tablet sleeve and zip pockets, plus a fleece-lined pocket for sunglasses or keys.
  • COMMUTE-READY COMFORT: Built for everyday use, this pack features a padded top handle, removable waist belt and a sternum strap with a whistle buckle for added support. Reflective details boost visibility for safer travel.
No. 6
The North Face Borealis Commuter Laptop Backpack, Navy/Blk-NPF, OSFA
  • CLASSIC EVERYDAY BACKPACK: Our classic Borealis features a bungee cord system for storage and compression and has compartments and pockets to help keep your travel essentials organized.
  • ERGONOMIC SUPPORT: Certified by the American Chiropractic Association, our FlexVent suspension system features articulated shoulder straps, a rounded back panel, stitch lines, and soft chemise fabric for comfortable, all-day shoulder and back support.
  • SMART ORGANIZATION: Two external water bottle pockets double as multi-use pockets. The front compartment has an extra padded tablet sleeve and zip pockets. An external fleece-lined pocket stores small items or electronics.
  • COMFORTABLE CARRY: This backpack has a top handle for easy grabbing and a removable waist belt for a custom fit. A sternum strap with a whistle buckle and 360-degree reflective details add extra support and safety.
SaleNo. 7
The North Face Surge Commuter Laptop Backpack, Blk/Blk-NPF, One Size
  • GO-TO CLASSIC: With a 31-liter volume, the Surge has more than enough room to accommodate your office essentials. It also has three large, easy-to-access zippered pockets on the front and a coveted endorsement from the American Chiropractic Association.
  • CHIROPRACTOR APPROVED: The FlexVent suspension system, certified by the American Chiropractic Association, features a flexible yoke built from custom injection-molded and shoulder straps, a padded mesh back and a lumbar panel for ventilated support.
  • SMART ORGANIZATION: This pack features a large main compartment for books and binders, a protective padded laptop sleeve, and a stand-up design to keep items securely inside. Also includes an external secure-zip pocket and two stretch mesh side pockets.
  • COMFORTABLE CARRY: For everyday use, commuting or travel, this pack has a padded top handle and a removable waist belt for a custom fit. A sternum strap adds extra support, while a whistle buckle and reflective details improve safety and visibility.

Your Guide to Finding the Perfect North Face Backpack

North Face makes awesome backpacks for all kinds of adventures. Whether you’re hiking a mountain, heading to school, or just running errands, there’s a North Face pack for you. This guide will help you pick the best one.

What to Look For: Key Features

When you’re shopping for a North Face backpack, keep these important features in mind:

  • Size and Capacity: Think about what you’ll carry. Small daypacks are great for essentials, while larger ones hold more gear for longer trips. Backpacks are measured in liters (L). A 20-30L pack is good for daily use, while 50L or more is for serious hiking.
  • Comfort and Support: Look for padded shoulder straps and a comfortable back panel. Some packs have a hip belt to help carry the weight, which is super helpful on long hikes.
  • Organization and Pockets: Do you need lots of pockets for small things? Or just one big space? Many North Face packs have special pockets for laptops, water bottles, and other items.
  • Durability and Weather Resistance: A good backpack should last a long time. Check if it can handle rain and rough use.
  • Style: North Face offers many colors and designs. Pick one that you like and that fits your personality!

Materials Matter: What They’re Made Of

North Face uses strong materials to make their backpacks tough. You’ll often see:

  • Nylon and Polyester: These are common fabrics. They are strong and resist tearing.
  • Water-Repellent Coatings: Many packs have a special coating that keeps water out. This protects your stuff from rain.
  • Durable Zippers and Buckles: Good zippers and buckles make a backpack last longer.

Quality Check: What Makes a Pack Great (or Not So Great)

Several things can make a North Face backpack better or worse:

  • Stitching: Look for neat, strong stitching. Loose threads can mean the pack might fall apart.
  • Padding: Extra padding on straps and the back makes carrying the pack much more comfortable.
  • Weight: A lighter pack is usually easier to carry, but it shouldn’t be so light that it feels flimsy.
  • Brand Reputation: North Face is known for making good quality gear.

Your Experience: Using Your North Face Pack

North Face backpacks are designed for many different activities:

  • School and College: Many students use North Face packs to carry books, laptops, and supplies. They have good organization for all your school items.
  • Hiking and Outdoors: For nature lovers, these packs offer comfort and space for water, snacks, and extra layers.
  • Travel: Some larger North Face backpacks can even work as carry-on luggage for short trips.
  • Everyday Use: Even for daily commutes or running errands, a stylish North Face backpack keeps your essentials handy and protected.

Choosing the right North Face backpack means thinking about how you’ll use it, what you need to carry, and what features will make your life easier. Happy packing!


North Face Backpack FAQs

Q: What is the most popular type of North Face backpack?

A: The most popular type is usually the “Jester” or “Borealis” models. They are great for everyday use and school.

Q: Are North Face backpacks good for hiking?

A: Yes, North Face makes many backpacks specifically designed for hiking. These often have more padding and support features.

Q: How do I clean my North Face backpack?

A: You can usually clean them with mild soap and water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or putting them in a washing machine.

Q: Are North Face backpacks waterproof?

A: Most North Face backpacks are water-repellent, meaning they can handle light rain. They are not fully waterproof, so heavy rain might still get through.

Q: What does the “L” mean on a backpack size?

A: The “L” stands for liters. It tells you how much stuff the backpack can hold inside.

Q: Do North Face backpacks come with a warranty?

A: Yes, North Face usually offers a limited lifetime warranty on their products, covering manufacturing defects.

Q: How much should I expect to pay for a North Face backpack?

A: Prices can vary widely. A basic daypack might cost around $50, while larger or specialized hiking packs can be $100 or more.

Q: Can I fit a laptop in most North Face backpacks?

A: Many North Face backpacks have a padded sleeve specifically for laptops, usually fitting up to 15-inch screens.

Q: Are North Face backpacks comfortable to wear for long periods?

A: Comfort depends on the specific model and how it’s packed. Models with good padding and adjustable straps are generally more comfortable for longer wear.

Q: Where can I buy a North Face backpack?

A: You can buy them directly from The North Face website, outdoor gear stores, sporting goods stores, and many online retailers.