A backpack that you can use for both going to school or work and hiking, the North Face Borealis Backpack comes with a design that is both portable and durable. You get a good amount of space and many pockets, more than most other backpacks like the Nike Hayward 2.0, and being of a completely different type, the North Face Borealis Backpack stands out as one of the best backpacks with a number of functional features, which include adjustable compression straps and a bungee cord, to give you the most efficient storage space whilst also being comfortable with a good amount of padding throughout its body.
Why We Like It – The North Face Borealis Backpack
Offering a good amount of durability, a great amount of padding for comfortability and a number of straps throughout the backpack, the North Face Borealis Backpack won’t disappoint you. It comes with a great amount of space to store all the clothes you can need for a hiking trip, and on the other hand you can also compress it down with straps. Plus with an added laptop compartment you can use it for classes and work as well. Another great bag you could check out for classes in high school or college is the Soldierknife Waterproof Backpack Charging Students.
- Large storage space
- Comfortable and easy to wear
- Good functionality thanks to its straps
- Not exactly waterproof
- Not very compact
Performance
With 28 Litre of space throughout the bag, the North Face Borealis Backpack can store all your essentials including your laptop in the first compartment from the back, thanks to the added laptop sleeve. And with a fleece lined design you can now easily fit in a 15Inch laptop as well a bunch of other clothes or books without worrying about a tear. The laptop compartment is also the main pocket which is the largest of them all, giving you all the space you need, while also being capable of being compressed with the two straps on the side that can be tightened when you don’t need the extra space. Although it doesn’t have padding at the back panel, the panel itself is strong enough to protect your laptop and other belongings from any accidental damage.
Moreover, the front compartment of the North Face Borealis Backpack comes with pretty good organizational features, including inner zipped and mesh pockets making it much easier for you to store small accessories or even an added tablet for extra functionality. And being half the length of the main compartment it helps make sure that you find the things you need all the much faster. Speaking of the zippers on the backpack, they are all easy to pull and are all covered by flap covers on the outside, which make them pretty resistant against water during light rain. This isn’t a full-proof protection, and rather like the body of the backpack, it is simply resistant against water to a certain extent, just not waterproof. But if you want to get a bag pack adaptable to all environments, from work to mountain climbing, you could read about the North Face Ruthsac Backpack.
Moving further on, we have a small pocket upfront which can be used to store small objects that you may need quick access to and you also get a bungee cord which can be great for holding smaller objects that don’t really fit into the backpack. Though this may not seem to have a lot of use for work or class, for a hiking trip this might just be just the thing you need. The other two pockets are on either side, and being made of mesh they are flexible enough to store your water bottle or even an umbrella.
Apart from that, when it comes to comfortability and the overall durability of the backpack, the North Face Borealis stands up to par with the more stylish looking Matein Travel Laptop Backpack, and even surpasses the AmazonBasics Laptop Backpack. You get an almost full padding at the back of the backpack which makes it more comfortable to wear, but might cause some uncomfort or rather a slight scratchy feeling against bare skin. Apart from that you also get built in suspension inside the North Face Borealis which makes sure your belongings are protected from any potential damage even during pretty rough use. The paddings also run directly against your spine offering greater airflow which paired with the synthetic material of it makes it easier and more comfortable to wear. As for the shoulder straps, they come with a built-in venting and suspension system which with the flexible foam makes it easy on your shoulders with a better weight distribution across the entire backpack.
Furthermore, coming to the straps and belts that are spread throughout the backpack, we have an integrated hip belt apart from the compression straps on the side. The belt is adjustable thanks to the sternum strap which can be moved up and down a track on the shoulder straps. This makes it much more compatible for anyone and everyone, allowing you to adjust it to your own needs for both a better fit and better weight distribution. Plus, you even get a whistle on the sternum strap which you can use for anything you need it for, mostly during camping or hiking trips.
Design
Weighing just 2 pounds and 12.45 ounces, the North Face Borealis Backpack is not the most lightweight, but still light enough backpack. It has dimensions of 19.75 x 13.5 x 8.5 Inches and can easily be carried to both class or a trip. Do keep in mind though, that if you need a more compact travel backpack, the Matein Travel Backpack is a pretty great option, that too with a good amount of functionality. Moreover being made from 210 Denier Cordura Ripstop Nylon, the North Face Borealis Backpack doesn’t tear as easily and also features a gap behind the back of the main compartment for a water bladder tube which you can use if you need one. As for hanging the backpack, you get a bike light loop which you can rotate 360 degrees for better flexibility.
Value
Costing you about $89, the North Face Borealis Backpack falls in the slightly expensive category of backpacks. But considering the amount of space and functionality it offers it may be worth the price for you. You even get the added benefit of great durability paired with a certain amount of water resistance. Overall, it’s a great backpack with a great price, that is if you need the space. If you’re simply looking for work and classes, the Matein or even the more stylish Nike Hayward 2.0 backpacks might be a cheaper, better option for you.
The North Face Borealis Backpack Wrap Up
While it isn’t the most compact backpack out there, or the most affordable, the North Face Borealis Backpack does come with its own share of benefits. It is mostly compatible for someone who needs the greater space in their backpacks, something that can be used for both work and hiking or camping trips and it is definitely worth the price with it’s good number of pockets and straps, all of which are extremely durable. But for anyone looking for something compact and easy to take to class whilst also having everything you need, the North Face Borealis just may not be the option for you.
