10 Best North Face Backpacks In 2020

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.

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 Review: Women’s Hiking 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.

Related Post: Ultralight Backpacking

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.

Related Review: Lightweight Backpack

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. 

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.

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

Globo Surf Overview

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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