The best North Face backpacks to tackle any task

Few North Face backpacks offer the versatility of the well-loved Borealis. A natural evolution of the OG bag, this pack sports all the standard features you would expect from a TNF pack plus plenty of much-appreciated extras. Add to that a massive color palette, and it’s hard not to love this pack

This 28-liter pack features a standup design, an updated version of the original Borealis’ iconic external bungee storage system across the front and sides, and TNF’s FlexVent suspension system with its padded, ventilated back panel, and free-moving, padded shoulder straps plus a seemingly self-adjusting sternum strap. The Borealis incorporates plenty of storage and organizational options, and notably, it also includes dual bottom compression/gear attachment straps, a suspended laptop sleeve, and multiple fleece-lined storage pockets.

While the Borealis receives a full-body water-resistant finish, both the bottom panel and the external water bottle pouches perform particularly well in this department, a handy feature if you frequently set your bag down in wet or damp locations. Also, located above the laptop sleeve is a hydration reservoir hook, although the Borealis lacks a hydration hose port, an oddity to say the least.

The Borealis does have a couple of noteworthy drawbacks. First, we would like to see the laptop compartment include the tablet and file sleeves found on some of The North Face’s larger packs. Second, while the removable hip belt does stabilize the bag, it does little to reduce the load on the wearer’s shoulders. Admittedly, both shortcomings are a bit nitpicky, but it does pay to know what you’ll get before you checkout.

If you need a budget-friendly North Face backpack, the Jester is the only way to go. It packs in every TNF standard feature plus a few extras, but does so without breaking the bank.

In many ways, the Jester is a cost-conscious version of the Borealis, complete with the padded, ventilated FlexVent system and external bungee cord storage system (but only on the front). The Jester sports dual external water bottle pockets, dual carry handles, and dual compartments. The admin compartment takes a “low drag” approach to organizational pockets and pouches, covering all the basics but little else. The “slick” main compartment contains nothing but a padded, suspended laptop sleeve — a major bonus.

Compared to other TNF backpacks, this affordable pack lacks stiffness which gives it a less robust feel, but also makes it very lightweight and comfortable to wear. Despite using lower-cost build materials, such as SBS zippers, the Jester never suffers from construction quality issues.

While this TNF backpack is inexpensive, its low-cost design lacks a little in the organization and ease of access departments compared to its more expensive siblings. For example, the top panel can get in the way when withdrawing a laptop from the sleeve. While the Jester does employ a standup design, it doesn’t always like to stand up on its own, although proper weight and object distribution in the main compartment should diminish this issue.

While the Borealis is the undisputed champion among North Face backpacks, the Recon is a dark horse that we love just a little bit more. The Recon features most of the other pack’s standout features, including its standup design, but its unique characteristics ensure that it stands out on its own merits.

This 30-liter pack includes all the standard features you might expect on a TNF backpack plus most of the Borealis’ features, although it boasts two extra liters of storage space than the best-seller. Both packs feature a standup design, the FlexVent suspension system, the same basic layout, and almost identical organizational features. The fleece-lined sleeves, bottom compression straps, water bottle pouches, highly water-resistant construction, and padded laptop sleeve also match the Borealis.

Visually, however, the Recon stands out thanks to its external mesh stretch pocket, dual daisy chains, and side compression straps, all handy features which we think make for a nicer aesthetic as well. This pack’s lower half is slightly narrower and more compressed than the Borealis, giving the Recon a sleeker feel despite the extra cargo space. Also, the women’s Recon has the same cargo capacity as the men’s pack, something the Borealis series cannot say.

In terms of drawbacks, the Recon suffers from many of the same issues as its famous brother, including the minimalist laptop compartment, non-load-bearing hip belt, and missing hydration hose port. Like with the Borealis, these may be little things in the grand scheme of things, but they are worth noting. Unfortunately, the Recon also has a non-suspended laptop sleeve which could be a bigger hiccup for some.

Minimalists, rejoice! The Route Rocket 16 is here to serve. While originally designed as a rock climbing daypack, this little bag excels in the backcountry and around town without weighing you down with unnecessary extras.

The Route Rocket 16 features a streamlined design with a tapered build and minimal external pockets and straps. It includes most standard TNF backpack features, but it does lack a slick main compartment, water bottle pouches, and a bright interior lining. That said, it does include a padded back panel, breathable shoulder straps, a removable hip belt, and a few handy external gear attachment points, including dual daisy chains.

At 16 liters and 1.2 pounds, the Route Rocket 16 is both compact and lightweight. Since it technically is an outdoor pack, it sports both a water-resistant and a carbon-based abrasion-resistant finish to effectively counter environmental threats. The backpack’s design and build make it both tough and comfortable.

As an EDC pack, this small North Face backpack does suffer in a couple of areas. Mostly, it lacks organizational features almost entirely, even in the small admin pouch, and due to its intended use case, it lacks dedicated electronics storage entirely. Its other main drawback is that it does not come in a female-specific version. None of these downsides are dealbreakers for minimalists, but they are worth noting.

Students looking for a North Face backpack should look no further than the Surge. Whether you’re rocking the halls at your local high school, college, or tech school, this pack can handle it all. In addition to all the standard features you can expect from The North Face, this bag has quite a few extra features worthy of your hard-earned cash.

The 31-liter Surge features a standup design and more nooks and crannies than you can shake a finger at, yet each compartment, pouch, and pocket is ideally positioned for quick, easy access while seated. The spacious main compartment, comfy yet sturdy grab handle, and FlexVent suspension system are perfect for handling heavy loads of books, and both the sternum strap and removable hip belt help stabilize those loads. Dual external water bottle pouches encourage hydration, but the laptop compartment really steals the show.

The Surge boasted a padded, fleece-lined laptop compartment that can take all comers. The gusseted compartment features a suspended laptop sleeve as well as two extra sleeves for a tablet, file folders, or both. The North Face didn’t forget the ladies either, as the women’s version has the same features and cargo capacity as the men’s pack.

All these extras have the adverse effect of boosting the Surge’s weight to a porky 2.75 pounds. Unfortunately, the bag’s shoulder straps seem to lack a little of the extra padding necessary to maximize its weight and potential payload. Finally, the U-shaped zipper pulls only appear on the main and laptop compartments, making access to smaller items slightly more annoying.

The North Face makes plenty of travel-ready backpacks, but the Kaban 2.0 tops them all. It sports all the TNF backpack essentials, but with features like a luggage handle passthrough and a slightly more weather-resistant construction, this bag is ready for just about anything in the air or on the ground.

As highlighted, this 27-liter pack sports a luggage handle passthrough for easy airport navigation as well as low-profile top and side carry handles for grab-and-go functionality. Externally, the Kaban 2.0 sports two hidden slit pockets and two hidden carabiner loops for quick stowage of and access to travel essentials. The pack also includes a deep admin pouch with lots of organization options, a top access main compartment, and padded laptop compartment. The laptop compartment is divided and gusseted so it can handle a laptop, tablet, and/or file folders or magazines, and the entire bag features multiple electronic-friendly fleece-lined storage pockets.

In addition to its sleek standup design, the Kaban 2.0’s toughness and weather resistance are noteworthy. The North Face makes durable backpacks, but this bag’s TPU laminate front and ballistic nylon bottom panel enhance its ability to resist wear, tear, and weather. Unlike its brothers, this urban pack also features drain holes in the water bottle pouches (a nice if superfluous feature), and the laptop compartment boasts a highly weather-resistant zipper.

Of course, the new Kaban isn’t perfect. The main compartment lid does not unzip very far, making access to sunken gear a bit challenging at times. The laptop sleeve isn’t suspended, and the bag itself is a little hefty, weighing in at 2.8 pounds. These drawbacks are not dealbreakers, but it pays dividends to understand them before spending your next paycheck.