The Best North Face Backpack

If you’re considering a North Face backpack, you may find yourself overwhelmed by the number of options out there. North Face backpacks come in a huge variety of styles, meaning there’s something out there for everybody.

But before you get distracted by all the design and colour combinations of the best North Face backpack, check out the key features of each model to find the one that’s right for you.

Don’t worry! We’ve done all the heavy lifting. Just keep scrolling to discover the best North Face backpack that’s right for you.

How We Researched the Best North Face Backpack

67 Expert Reviews Considered
591 Consumer Reviews Considered
12 Hours Researching
33 Products Evaluated

Best North Face Backpack 3 Features to Look For

1. Flex Vent

The Flex Vent suspension system is designed to support the backpack user, especially when carrying a heavy load. This could include books, laptop and more – the kind of gear students typically carry daily.

The Flex Vent system means the backpack shoulder straps are injection moulded and padded. This makes a much more comfortable load which is less likely to cause shoulder strain. Moreover, there’s a padded and vented back panel that helps with air flow and breathability.

2. Fleece-Lined Pockets

North Face backpacks are built with today’s technology-driven world in mind. Whether it’s a laptop, cell phone or other delicate items – like sunglasses – these backpacks keep everything snug and secure.

How? Fleece-lined pockets gently cushion and protect all your valuables from bumps, nicks and cracks. So you can focus on your busy day, not on babysitting your backpack.

3. Design Options for Every Taste

Whether you want a classic black backpack or something a lot more daring, North Face backpacks have your back (get it?!)

Puns aside, the best North Face backpacks come in colour and design options as unique as you are. You’ll be able to quickly spot your backpack in a crowd. Or, just express your own unique style!

Best North Face Backpack Our top 5 choices

North Face Borealis Backpack

Product place
Our Top Pick
Product rating

Our top pick is the 28 liter North Face Borealis backpack. The Borealis is a classic that’s had a modern refresh, with an overhauled suspension system. The front elastic bungee system gives you options for additional external storage.

  • 40+ different styles
  • 15 inch padded laptop compartment
  • Fleece-lined mini-pocket for phone or sunglasses
  • Women-specific version available
  • Removable waist belt
  • Fleece-lined pockets can be difficult to clean

North Face Recon

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Runner Up
Product rating

The ultra durable, 30 liter capacity North Face Recon backpack will get you safely from point A to B. 360 degrees of reflectivity will keep you safe during your commute, making this a great pick for cyclists and commuters.

  • Durable polyester
  • 15 inch padded laptop compartment
  • 30 L capacity
  • 360 degrees of reflectivity
  • Women-specific version available
  • Compartments can feel cramped

North Face Jester

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3rd Place
Product rating

The North Face Jester backpack is considered by many to be the ultimate campus backpack. The front compartment offers internal organization for laptop / tablet. The Jester backpack offers organizational features such as pen holders, a front accessory pocket and an integrated key clip.

  • 20+ style options
  • 15 inch padded laptop compartment
  • Reflective bike-light loop, water bottle tabs and shoulder-strap webbing create 360 degrees of reflectivity
  • Front bungees might not be used much

North Face Surge

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4th Place
Product rating

The Herschel Supply Co. Heritage Backpack is a sleek and classic backpack that is a solid and popular choice for many school students. This pack is sleek and streamlined, meaning it won’t cramp your style. At the same time, it comes in 41 colours and patterns, so you’ll still be able to stand apart in a crowd. it’s a hardworking pack that will safely house your laptop and other school books and supplies.

As one reviewer put it:

My daughter picked this blue floral one for school this year and LOVES it. Nice and big, very good quality. In a school where everyone has the same 10 backpacks, she’s never had anyone with one of hers, which is only one of the reasons we love Herschel. All of our Herschel backpacks still look brand new, not A thread out of place! (Herschel)

  • Huge assortment of 41 styles, patterns and color combinations
  • Internal media pocket with headphone port
  • Signature striped fabric liner
  • 15″ laptop sleeve
  • Fewer compartments than some alternatives
  • Not waterproof

North Face Berkeley

Product place
5th Place
Product rating

The Nike Heritage Backpack is a truly well-equipped backpack. Its heavy-duty polyester finish makes it ideal for students who love sports. Plus there’s a 15-inch laptop sleeve and a front zippered pocket, ideal for storing pens, pencils and electronics. The bag’s shoulder straps and back panel are padded, so it will be a comfortable carry throughout your school day.

  • Sleek and stylish look
  • Zippered main compartment offers room for your gear
  • Densely woven polyester provides heavyweight support
  • Internal sleeve can store up to a 15″ laptop
  • Padded shoulder straps and back panel for comfort
  • Prominent branding may put off non-Nike fans
  • Not waterproof

Best North Face Backpack More About North Face Backpacks

The North Face began in 1966 as a climbing equipment retail store in San Francisco. The company is today headquartered in Alameda, California.

The North Face brand is known for its wide range of outdoor recreation product company, including clothing, footwear, outdoor equipment and backpacks. The North Face is also known for their ethos, discussed in this article on the The Guardian.

The North Face backpacks have crossed over from outdoor recreation to urban usage. Due to their durability and high quality, they’re particularly popular with school and college students.

The North Face backpacks handle everyday usage exceptionally well and the company has incorporated many features into their designs to better serve college and school.

Best North Face Backpack Conclusion

There are so many backpack options to consider if you’re making a purchase. The North Face is definitely a brand you should consider.

Our Top Pick is definitely the North Face Borealis backpack. It really checks all those boxes for what we value in a daily backpack.

That said, all five North Face backpacks we’ve included here have strong merits to help that stand apart from the pack. At the end of the day, you know your needs — and your budget. There’s truly no bad choice in our Top 5 Best North Face Backpack list!