Which North Face backpack should I get?

Best North Face backpacks 2021

The North Face has a solid reputation for outerwear that withstands the test of time — no matter what the conditions are. The outdoor brand’s backpacks share the same high quality, which is why they have a wealth of bestselling styles.

North Face backpacks are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. While many of their backpacks are geared toward outdoor use, The North Face offers several everyday, laptop and carry-on-friendly styles. Additionally, The North Face aims to make carrying a comfortable experience through padded details at the straps and rear panel.

What to consider before you buy a North Face backpack

Size

North Face backpacks come in a number of sizes and capacities. Most styles indicate their volume, which ranges from 10-65 liters. The backpack dimensions are also included, which comes in handy for shoppers interested in using a North Face backpack as a carry-on.

Type of use

To find the right North Face backpack, take note of your top priorities to make sure you choose a style that includes the features you require.

Commuting: Styles geared toward commuting or school use, like The North Face Pivoter Backpack, usually have laptop sleeves and spacious main compartments to accommodate portfolios, books, binders and other business or school essentials.

Traveling: Styles that are travel-friendly offer a high level of internal organization and have several internal and external compartments. The North Face Recon Backpack, for example, is suitable for day trips and can be used as a carry-on for most airlines.

Outdoor excursions: There are some styles designed for heavy outdoor use, including camping and hiking, like The North Face Terra Backpack. These backpacks have internal frames as well as large volumes and lightweight construction.

Features of North Face backpacks

Materials

The North Face uses durable materials in the construction of their backpacks. This includes ballistic or ripstop nylon as well as premium polyester. Many North Face backpacks are also water repellent, though they’re not waterproof.

Laptop sleeves

Bungee cords

There are a few North Face backpacks with external bungee cords, such as The North Face Borealis Mini Backpack. These flexible cords offer more options for organization and can be used to secure coats, shoes and other soft or lightweight items.

Water bottle pockets

Most North Face backpacks are equipped with external pockets for water bottles, which feature a mesh compartment with an elastic or drawstring opening. When they’re not used to hold water bottles, they’re an ideal size to hold travel umbrellas, maps or protein bars.

Comfort features

The North Face backpacks are often equipped with comfort features, including adjustable straps as well as padded straps and rear panels. Some styles are designed with The North Face’s FlexVent technology, which uses breathable molded materials that promote airflow around the backpack and body.

How much you can expect to spend on North Face backpacks

Entry-level North Face backpacks, suitable for everyday use, are priced $80 and below. Styles with premium features, like contoured straps or unique construction, cost $85-$130. Premium North Face backpacks, geared toward heavy travel or outdoor use, cost closer to $200.

Best North Face backpacks

Appreciated for its sleek, low-profile design, this North Face backpack is considered ideal for commuting or school. In addition to a laptop sleeve, it has an internal organization panel to store pens, devices and cables. It’s available in 20 colors.

The affordable Jester style comes with plenty of premium features, including breathable FlexVent shoulder straps, spacious main compartment and laptop sleeve. The simple yet functional design also includes front bungee cords that offer flexible onboard storage options.

A smart design that lends itself to travel, the North Face Recon Luxe has a high level of internal organization. It’s considered comfortable to carry with its padded lumbar and shoulder panels and dual strap system. The backpack also has a quick-draw smartphone pocket on the side.

Praised for its simple, pared-down design, this North Face backpack is suitable for commuters and bikers alike, given its reflective details and FlexVent design. The style features dual water bottle holders, a chest strap and a padded laptop sleeve.

The North Face Aurora Backpack: available at Backcountry

One of The North Face’s newer designs, the Aurora backpack has a sleek profile and modern aesthetic. It has an internal cinch system that separates dirty clothes or footwear by securing them in a dedicated compartment. The lightweight design has a 22-liter capacity.

A classic North Face style, this 28-liter backpack is made with durable ripstop nylon with a water-repellent finish. It has a separate laptop compartment at the back, as well as a front compartment to hold larger items like books or clothing.

The North Face Flyweight Packable Travel Backpack: available at Amazon

This convenient North Face backpack is a highly compressible style that folds down into a pocket-friendly size. It has a spacious main compartment and is even equipped with a few internal and external pockets to hold keys and other small essentials.

The North Face Youth Recon Squash School Backpack: available at Amazon

A smaller style with a 17-liter capacity, this North Face youth style holds standard folders, notebooks and most textbooks. It has a simple, organized design with limited compartments so kids can find their belongings quickly and easily.

Sian Babish is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.

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