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Buying a high-quality backpack is one of the smartest decisions you can make. From rugged trails to urban streets, a backpack is the best way to carry your gear. When talking about quality and reliability, The North Face backpacks are some of the best you’ll find.
The North Face is a company with more than 50 years of experience in creating outdoor apparel and equipment. Their backpacks are made of high-quality materials and focus on giving you top-level comfort while wearing. No matter where you want to go, The North Face has the right backpack for you.
With all the models to choose from, picking the perfect one might prove harder than you thought. To help you with this, we’ve created a buying guide that breaks down all the features that a good backpack should have. But, before we start, check out our list of the best North Face Backpacks if you need some great ideas.
The North Face Recon Grey Backpack
- What Makes This North Face Backpack Stand Out
- FlexVent suspension system improves breathability
- Fleece-lined sleeve fits a 15-inch laptop
- Two mesh water bottle pockets on the sides
- Separate fleece-lined pocket for sunglasses
- Quick-stash front pockets with stretch panels
Dimensions: 18.5in (H) x 13in (W) x 8in (D)
Weight: 2lbs 8oz
Volume: 30 liters
Material: Polyester
The North Face Women’s Backpack
- What Makes This Backpack By The North Face Stand Out
- Women-specific shoulder straps perfect for a female frame
- Sternum strap equipped with a whistle buckle
- Stitched foam back panel for additional comfort
- Wicking lumbar panel keeps your back dry
- 360-degree reflective patches for greater visibility
Dimensions: 19in (H) x 13in (W) x 7in (D)
Weight: 1lb 12.6oz
Volume: 27 liters
Material: 600D Polyester, 1200D Polyester
The North Face Vault Backpack
- What Makes This Backpack By The North Face Stand Out
- Padded top handle for easier carrying
- FlexVent system offers padded shoulder straps and back panel
- Padded laptop sleeve in the central compartment
- Secondary compartment with internal organization
- Sternum strap improves weight distribution
Dimensions: 19 .3in (H) x 12.25in (W) x 7.5in (D)
Weight: 1lb 15.4oz
Volume: 28 liters
Material: 600D Polyester, 1200D Polyester
The North Face Borealis Backpack
- What Makes This Backpack By The North Face Stand Out
- Extra-large main compartment for easier packing
- Hydration port included
- Front compartment with a tablet sleeve and zippered pockets
- Injection-molded shoulder straps with foam padding
- Huge selection of colors and designs
Dimensions: 19.75in (H) X 13.25in (W) X 9.75in (D)
Weight: 2lbs 11oz
Volume: 28 liters
Material: 600D Polyester, 500D Nylon
The North Face Jester Backpack
- What Makes This Backpack By The North Face Stand Out
- Floating padded laptop pocket
- Air-mesh back panel improves ventilation
- Front bungee for external storage
- Reflective patches for nighttime visibility
- Extended mesh pockets for water bottles
Dimensions: 19.75in (H) X 13.25in (W) X 7.5in (D)
Weight: 1lb 12.9oz
Volume: 28 liters
Material: 600D Polyester
The North Face Surge Backpack
- What Makes This Backpack By The North Face Stand Out
- Larger volume than other backpacks
- Travel and checkpoint-friendly design
- Front webbing grab handle for carrying
- Fleece-lined tablet sleeve in the front compartment
- Sternum strap and removable waist belt included
Dimensions: 20in (H) X 13.25in (W) X 10.5in (D)
Weight: 3lbs 2.8oz
Volume: 31 liters
Material: 500D Nylon
The North Face Recon Black Backpack
- What Makes This Backpack By The North Face Stand Out
- External quick-access pocket for sunglasses
- Stretchable mesh water bottle pockets
- Sternum and hip belt improve weight distribution
- PE-padded shoulder straps increase comfort
- Fleece-lined laptop and tablet sleeves
Dimensions: 18.5in (H) x 13in (W) x 8in (D)
Weight: 2lbs 8oz
Volume: 30 liters
Material: Polyester
The North Face Women’s Surge Backpack
- What Makes This Backpack By The North Face Stand Out
- Women-specific shape better suits a female wearer
- Quick-access pocket on top for electronics
- Webbing grab handle on the front
- Zippered laptop compartment fits up to 17in laptops
- Extra-strong ballistic nylon resists harsh use
Dimensions: 20in (H) X 13.25in (W) X 10.5in (D)
Weight: 3lbs 2.1oz
Volume: 31 liters
Material: 500D Nylon
The North Face Women’s Jester Backpack
- What Makes This Backpack By The North Face Stand Out
- Wide main compartment gives easy access
- Dual zippers for quicker opening
- Laptop sleeve and organizer pockets in the main compartment
- Polyester construction keeps it lightweight and durable
- Injection-molded shoulder straps for a better fit
Dimensions: 19.25in (H) X 12.5in (W) X 9in (D)
Weight: 1lb 12.9oz
Volume: 28 liters
Material: 600D Polyester
The North Face Recon Laptop Backpack
- What Makes This Backpack By The North Face Stand Out
- Zippered laptop sleeve in the main compartment
- Wide top-loaded front pocket for larger items
- Compression straps on the sides
- Waist and sternum strap distribute the load
- Highly-reflective patches make you easily visible
Dimensions: 19in (H) x 15in (W) x 4in (D)
Weight: 2lbs 8oz
Volume: 29 liters
Material: Polyester
How To Choose The Best North Face Backpack – Buying Guide
Type
You should choose the type of backpack based on the items you need to carry and where you plan to use it. Whether you need an everyday backpack or something to pack your hiking equipment, it would be silly to invest in a model that won’t get the job done (no matter how good it looks).
If we’re strictly discussing type, all The North Face backpacks we featured are day packs. This means that they are large enough to pack the gear you need for shorter trips, and have no additional reinforcements. If you need a larger reinforced backpack, be sure to check out our selection of backpacking backpacks.
On top of this, you can also find some differences between men’s, women’s, or unisex backpacks. Of course, everyone can use any backpack, but the top rated North Face backpacks have certain design features to make them a better fit for male and female torsos.
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If you are looking for something you’ll use only occasionally, this won’t be that important. However, if you plan on carrying a loaded backpack over longer distances, these small design tweaks can be very helpful. For example, a women-specific type can distribute the weight better and make carrying weight a lot easier.
Related Reviews: Women’s Hiking Backpack & Black Diamond Backpack
Materials
While all backpacks North Face makes use high-quality materials, you have a choice when it comes to weight, water resistance, and abrasion resistance among other things. Nylon and polyester are two materials you’ll most often find on the North Face backpacks.
Polyester is lighter than nylon, but is also less water-resistant and durable in comparison. On the other hand, nylon backpacks are often thicker, so you can count on better performance in harsh conditions (with some added weight of course).
With this said, a thinner polyester backpack may be a better fit for the city, while a thicker nylon backpack is better for the trail. Also, The North Face offers a few nylon backpacks that are water-resistant to a degree. The material used is thicker and has a plastic feel on the finish. Keep in mind, however, that none of these backpacks are fully waterproof, so avoid leaving it in the rain.
Size/Capacity
When choosing the size, it is important to think about how much equipment you need to carry. Backpack capacity is measured in liters, and every North Face bag has this info clearly specified. The North face offers backpacks in many different sizes, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding the perfect one.
Smaller 12-liter backpacks will easily fit a small computer or tablet (along with a few notebooks), while more standard 25 to 30-liter backpacks work great as daypacks on the trail. For longer adventures, they also offer models that are 65 liters or larger. Our reviews focus on the daypack category because 30-liter backpacks are most versatile for different purposes.
Backpack size also somewhat determines the fit of your backpack. You need to be able to comfortably carry your stuff without struggling, so you should ensure that the backpack isn’t too big for you to carry. If you help with this, check out our article on how to fit a backpack.
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Ergonomics
If you’re looking for increased comfort while wearing, your new backpack should be ergonomically designed. Ideally, an ergonomic backpack makes carrying heavy gear easier on your body. These backpacks often have chest straps and padded shoulder straps. Some even come with a hip belt to help evenly distribute the weight and keep it snug to your body, so you can move more easily.
Luckily, The North Face excels in this aspect. Through smart design and constant testing, these backpacks feel great to wear. Their patented FlexVent suspension system gives excellent support and weight distribution. On top of this, packing the backpack the right way can make it even more ergonomically efficient for you.
Use
The intended use is closely related to all the previous aspects we discussed (type, materials, and size). There isn’t a universal backpack that can be used for everything, so you’ll have to pick based on your activity. You wouldn’t get the same backpack for the daily commute to work as you would for multi-day trekking through the wilderness.
If you plan to use it for everyday activities, go for a lighter backpack with a smaller capacity, as it will be much more convenient to use. On the other hand, the one time that you don’t want a backpack to be too small is if you are backpacking. If you are carrying a lot of gear, you need a well-organized model with some extra volume.
As you had the chance to see, the North Face offers plenty of models in both categories, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding the right one.
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Weight
With all the things you’re going to put inside, the last thing you would want is for the backpack itself to be heavy. The gear weight can add up quickly, and a heavy backpack can make it an unnecessary struggle. This is why the North Face does their best to keep their models as light as possible.
To make this possible, the North Face uses premium materials to ensure that the backpack offers great durability while keeping it light. Keep in mind, however, that nylon backpacks are generally heavier than those made of polyester.
Design
When choosing a backpack, we all want our new accessory to look great. With The North Face backpacks, you really have plenty of options to pick from. While the original North Face backpack design remains a popular choice, more and more customers opt for vivid colors and unusual designs.
A thing that all of these backpacks have in common are sleek exteriors. In addition to this, you can also expect plenty of great features that improve both comfort and functionality. Hidden compartments, extra handles, or compression straps are just some of the things you can find.Â
Furthermore, while most models come with the traditional zipper opening along the top, you can also find backpacks with a roll-top closure and hidden openings.
Related Review: Roll Top Backpack
Pockets and Compartments
Most backpack models from The North Face have both interior and exterior pockets. Interior pockets are great for organizing and safekeeping, but cannot be accessed without opening the backpack. Exterior pockets can be located anywhere on the outer surface and are great for quick access.
Pockets can be found in the straps, on the top, on the front face, on the sides, and you can even have hidden pockets. Some people prefer having many pockets to organize their gear, while others just want exterior pockets for convenience.
Similarly to pockets, a backpack can have multiple compartments. Every model will have at least one main compartment, but some have two. They can be equally sized each with its own zipper closure, but you’ll stumble upon other solutions too.
Again, it’s up to your personal preference how many compartments you need for your backpack. Many popular North Face backpacks often have just a single compartment and then pockets for organization, but there are plenty of options with multiple compartments too.
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Straps
Regardless of the model you get, the straps on the North Face backpacks are built tough and durable. You’ll find different strap shapes, but all are padded to ensure you are comfortable. The straps should be adjustable so you can change the height at which your backpack rests against you.
Besides the standard shoulder straps, some models may have additional straps too. A chest strap or a hip strap/belt not only keep the backpack snug to your body, but also distribute weight and make it easier to carry. It goes without saying that these should also be easily adjustable.
It’s always a plus of these additional straps are removable. This gives you the option to use them or leave them at home. This way they won’t hang and annoy you for everyday use, but you can easily reattach them when carrying a heavier load.
Padding
Most backpacks will have some padding to keep you comfortable, which can be added to the straps and the back. This way, when it rests against you, you won’t get poked by any of your gear. The padding also gives your gear protection as you lug your backpack around.
Padding does add weight some weight, but it’s worth it for the added comfort and protection. Even light padding can significantly increase the level of comfort and keep your gear safe.
Extra Features
From mesh water bottle pockets to internal organizers, and even headphone ports, there are many extra features that you can benefit from. One of the most common added features is an interior laptop compartment. This sleeve is usually padded and sewn into the backpack, ensuring that other gear won’t push your laptop around as you move.
Some of the models come with tablet sleeves or internal organizers that can be used for hydration bladders. And, if you need to protect your valuables, hidden pockets allow you to stash your gear safely. Ultimately, all these features will help you determine how useful a backpack is.
FAQs
Q: Are North Face Backpacks Waterproof?
Unfortunately, none are completely waterproof. However, all the models we featured are made of high-quality fabrics that will keep your gear dry in light rain. We advise against leaving it in the rain for a longer time, especially if you have electronics inside. If you need better water protection, check out waterproof backpacks.
Q: How To Wash A North Face Backpack?
The manufacturer recommends that you spot clean The North Face backpacks with a damp cloth and mild detergent if necessary. After cleaning, you should leave it to air dry. Machine washing is not recommended as it could damage the materials. If you need some help with this, read more about how to clean a backpack.
Related Post: How To Wash A BackpackQ: What Is The Biggest North Face Backpack?
The North Face Surge backpack is the biggest backpack on our list, at 31 liters of volume. Whether you’re packing backpacking gear, books, or electronic equipment, you’ll have more than enough space. While the volume usually ranges from 27 to 30 liters, The North Face also makes backpacking backpacks with over 60 liters of volume.
Q: Do North Face Backpacks Have Lifetime Warranty?
Yes, all North Face backpacks come with a lifetime warranty. This generous warranty covers any defect in materials and workmanship. If you have a problem with your backpack, they will repair or replace it free of charge. In addition, they also have a 60-day return policy if you don’t like it.
Q: Why Choose A North Face Backpack?
You should choose a North Face backpack because each model is made of high-quality materials and consistently delivers premium performance. While other backpack brands may be more attractive, the reason why The North Face is so popular is because they ensure that every model is ergonomic and durable.
Investing in a backpack North Face makes ensures top-level customer service too. By striving to make every customer happy, the North Face constantly improves their models and makes sure they become even better in the future.
Q: Are North Face Backpacks Good For Hiking And Backpacking?
Yes. The North Face has a series of backpacks that are excellent for carrying your gear in the great outdoors. The company offers a variety of tough and spacious backpacks that can be used for anything, from short day hikes or weeks on the trail. Many of these have FlexVent suspension system and added ventilation, further improving comfort on the trail.
If you are curious how ventilated backpacks work and if you need one, consider how hot you get while hiking. Air circulation can keep you cool and most North Face backpacks have ventilation grooves and lots of mesh. This ensures you feel good with it on your back, even if it’s a very hot day.
Related Reviews: Ventilated Backpack & Hiking Backpacks Under 100Q: What Makes The North Face Backpacks Unique?
North Face backpacks are unique because they are designed specifically with their users in mind. They test their products and value the reviews and feedback so that they can continuously improve. With every backpack North Face delivers an attractive and functional product, making you feel confident when carrying your gear. Each piece offers premium quality, along with unique styles and colors.
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With a well-known brand like the North Face, you really can’t go wrong. Regardless of the model you choose, these backpacks will make carrying your gear much easier and more comfortable. With so many options to choose from, finding the best North Face laptop backpack shouldn’t be so hard. If you follow the simple tips from our guide, you will have a companion for years to come on any adventure.
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