North Face has carved a niche for itself in the backpack market with its durable bags, specially crafted with fine attention to detail. Their bags are specifically designed to suit various needs and you’ll find that the best North Face backpacks have some unique features. From their gender-specific designs for various models to tiny additions like the 360-degree reflective bike loop for commuters and the FlexVent suspension system, this attention to detail has earned them a well-deserved spot high up the rankings.
Like the best Osprey backpacks for travel, North Face backpacks are also renowned for the sturdy, durable material used in their construction. You can be sure that if you invest in a North Face backpack you won’t regret it. These bags come in various sizes with specific features to suit every budget so you’ll definitely find something to suit your needs.
What makes North Face backpacks special
FlexVent Suspension System
One of the standout features of North Face backpacks is the FlexVent suspension system. The system is specially designed to ease the load for the user with padded, injection-molded shoulder straps and a padded mesh back panel. In addition to this, you’ll also find Lumbar panels that enhance ventilation and breathability.
Fleece-lined Pockets for Media
Another great feature of these backpacks is the fleece-lined pocket for gadgets. You can be sure that your laptops or tablets will be secure within these lined sleeves.
Sturdy and Durable Material
When you invest in a bag from North Face you can be sure that you’re in for the long haul. These bags are built to last as they are crafted from highly durable material. Most bags are water repellent and abrasion resistant but not all are waterproof.
Gender Specific Features
Another great feature of North Face backpacks is that many of the models are specially designed for women. What this means is that the bags will fit better since they have been designed with the female frame in mind. Popular models like the Jester, Borealis, Recon, and others have a male and female design.
Surge
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A tech-inspired design ensures that the Surge Classic 31L Backpack is one of the best North Face backpacks for professionals. It has a dedicated lie-flat, fleece-lined 15″ laptop compartment that makes security checks a breeze. Besides this, it comes with many specialized pockets that are specially designed to hold various gadgets securely in place.
Another standout feature of this bag is the FlexVent technology that has a flexible yoke. A padded back panel and an additional separate spine channel mean that your back is safe from carrying extra weight. Added to this, the backpack also has a top grab handle and a removable waist belt for carrying flexibility.
What We Love About It
- The FlexVent lower lumbar support panel is definitely a stand out feature. Any bag that puts less stress on the back deserves a thumbs up.
Pros
- Available in a variety of colors and designs
- Lie-down laptop pocket
- A good number of pockets for better organization
- Tech-savvy design
Cons
- If the bag is packed to capacity it may not be allowed as carry on luggage
Jester
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With over 30 colors and styles to choose from, the North Face Jester is one of the more popular North Face backpacks. This backpack is undoubtedly one of the best North Face backpacks, because of its versatile features. From a good ventilation system to great organizational space, the Jester is a standout backpack.
Multiple pockets ensure that you have plenty of organizational space. It even has a padded sleeve within the main compartment for a 15″ laptop. What stands out about this bag is the the durable polyester material which is easy to clean and maintain. This bag also comes with the North Face FlexVent technology, which makes it extremely comfortable. A 360 degree reflective bike-light loop and elastic bungee straps add to the features of the bag.
What We Love About It
- The polyester material that is durable and easy to clean
Pros
- Padded laptop sleeve
- Flex Vent technology with a back air-mesh panel
- Elastic bungee for external storage
- Over 30 colors and styles to choose from
Cons
- Once you begin filling up pockets you lose a considerable amount of space
Borealis Classic
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Another popular backpack from North Face is the Borealis Classic Backpack with its updated easy-to-access pockets. There’s a lot you can fit into this 28-liter capacity bag with no fear of endangering your back because of the FlexVent suspension system. You’re also spoilt for choice with this bag, which is available in over 30 different styles and colors.
Two separate fleece lined pockets are ideal for a laptop and a tablet. You’ll also find additional specialized pockets for your smaller gadgets or cables. A feature we love about this bag is the external easy access fleece-lined pocket.
What We Love About It
- We were quite impressed with the overall style and look of this bag
Pros
- The sternum strap has a whistle for emergencies
- FlexVent suspension system with a hip-strap
- Thick padded shoulder straps
- External bungee chord for additional storage
- Over 30 colors and styles to choose from
Cons
- The bag cannot be used in extreme weather conditions as it’s not waterproof
Recon
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What makes the Recon one of the best North Face Backpacks is the attention to detail. It’s the small things like the 360-degree reflective loops and the extended front stash pocket that boost the popularity of this pack. The reflective bike light loops are great for nighttime bikers.
Like most North Face backpacks, this one also has the FlexVent suspension system that enhances comfort. Custom injection-molded shoulder straps ease the strain on the shoulders and the padded mesh back panel provides good ventilation. Another great feature of the backpack is the multiple pockets for organizing the smaller stuff. You’ll also find additional daisy chains on the stash pocket.
What We Love About It
- The attention to detail caught our attention
Pros
- Dual mesh water bottle pockets
- Padded laptop sleeve
- FlexVent injection molded shoulder straps with additional PE foam
- Large front mesh pocket for additional storage
Cons
- Not waterproof
- The bag is not designed for professional use
Women’s Vault Backpack
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One of the best Northface Backpacks for women is the Women’s Vault backpack, which is specifically designed to fit the female frame. Incorporating the FlexVent suspension system, and women-specific shoulder straps, the backpack is sturdy and comfortable. This lightweight backpack with its top grab handle and sternum strap is great for travel and commuting.
A padded 15″ laptop sleeve is included in the main pocket while the front compartment has internal organization pockets. You’ll also find two extended mesh pockets for your water bottles or umbrella.
What We Love About It
- We love the wide range of light muted colors
Pros
- Available in over 15 colors
- FlexVent technology
- Specifically designed for the female frame
- Internal organization pockets
Cons
- A rounded bottom prevents it from standing on its own
- Cannot be used in the rain
Diad Pro 22
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The Diad Pro 22 has all the features that you would look out for in a good hiking backpack. Durable and lightweight, this pack is also roomy and great for carrying the essentials that you will need on the trail.
The bag doesn’t come with many options for organizing stuff so if you’re looking for multiple pockets you’ll be a tad disappointed. However, you’ll find additional storage space in the large mesh exterior pockets and the lid. It also has a hydration sleeve as well as a daisy chain to hook on extra items. A padded back panel and sternum strap enhance the comfort of this bag.
What We Love About It
- Minimalist design yet big on convenience for a day hike
Pros
- Lightweight and durable
- Extra storage in the lid
- Large exterior mesh pockets
- Hydration sleeve
- Padded back panel
Cons
- No multiple pockets so few options for organizing items
Wise Guy
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Eye-popping designs paired with practicality make the Wise Guy one of the best North Face backpacks for daily use. Featuring multiple pockets both internally and externally, this classy bag is great for organizing the small stuff.
The main zippered compartment comes with an internal sleeve and mesh pockets. You’ll also find a secondary external zippered pocket and an external zippered stash pocket. The stitched foam back panel along with padded shoulder straps enhance the comfort of carrying this bag around.
What We Love About It
- Quite obviously the eye-popping design
Pros
- Great organization space with multiple internal and external pockets
- Durable material
- Stitched foam back panel
- Padded shoulder straps
Cons
- Slightly overpriced
Router 40L
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If you’re looking for a great travel backpack the Router 40L is a great option. This 40 liter backpack has been given a makeover to incorporate new design elements and materials such as an updated FlexVent suspension system. This system with a breathable mesh on the back provides good ventilation and also makes the bag more comfortable to carry.
It’s a good choice for carry on luggage since it opens wide and lays flat. The bag has a dedicated mobile-offce compartment for a laptop or tablet and a main big compartment for other essentials. It also features a reflective bike-light loop, and shoulder strap webbing for 360 degrees of reflectivity. Added to this are two external mesh water bottle pockets and external fleece lined pocket for sunglasses or smaller valuables.
What We Love About It
- It’s lay flat design makes it an ideal choice for carry on luggage
Pros
- Large 40L capacity
- Big main compartment and dedicated mobile office compartment for laptop
- Removable waist belt
- Updated FlexVent suspension system
Cons
- Couldn’t find much to fault on this one
Pivoter
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A versatile and stylish backpack for your daily commute is the North Face Pivoter. This bag is big on storage capacity with multiple pockets and an internal organization panel. A convenient zip pocket on the front provides easy access to small items. It also has daisy chains at the sides for attaching extra gear.
This backpack is also created with the FlexVent suspension system which makes it easy to carry around. Compression-molded shoulder straps and a padded back panel with the air-mesh lining add to the comfort of carrying this backpack.
What We Love About It
- The storage capacity with multiple pockets and daisy chains for extra attachments stands out on this one
Pros
- FlexVent suspension system
- Side daisy chains to attach extra gear
- Convenient zip pocket on the front
- Padded laptop and tablet sleeves
Cons
- Doesn’t stand up on its own because of the round bottom design
Berkeley
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Classy and stylish is how we would describe the North Face Berkeley Backpack. This bag does not feature many pockets so if you’re looking for something with more organizational space, you may be a little disappointed. The two main compartments of the 25-liter bag provide ample space to carry all your essentials comfortably.
One of the standout features of the bag is the sturdy material that it is constructed from. Made from durable polyester fabric, the bag is abrasion-resistant yet soft to the touch. It also has a padded back panel and padded shoulder straps.
What We Love About It
- The overall look of the bag, simple yet classy
Pros
- Constructed from sturdy polyester
- Padded shoulder straps and back panel
- Reflective bike-light loops
- Available in four colors
Cons
- With only two pockets it’s not very big on organizational space
Fovero 85 Hiking Backpack
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The 85-liter Fovero Hiking Backpack is great for extended stays in the outdoors. With a dedicated sleeping bag compartment and 10+ pockets plus a breathable beaver-tail pocket, the bag is ideal for long overnight hikes. Designed with the OPTIFIT suspension system, you can be sure of a comfortable and secure fit.
A great feature of this bag is the top-loading removable lid which can be used as a daypack. The bag also features five-direction compression which is great for load management. A waterproof rain cover is also included.
What We Love About It
- The versatile features of this backpack scored big with us
Pros
- 10+ Pockets
- Dedicated sleeping bag compartment with separate opening
- Breathable beaver tail pocket to store damp clothes
- Five direction compression
- Waterproof rain cover
- Removable lid which can be used as a daypack
Cons
- Could be a little bulky but if you’re investing in 85 liters of space you can expect some bulk
Check out the 11 Best Hiking Backpacks for Men and 11 Best Hiking Backpacks for Women for more hiking backpack options.
North Face Men’s Solid State Laptop Backpack
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If you’re in search of a ‘no frills’ durable backpack for longer excursions, the North Face Solid State backpack is a good choice. With the inbuilt FlexVent suspension system you can be sure that your back will be spared from the strain of carrying a heavyweight around. The bag also has a padded top haul handle for added convenience and a sternum strap with a whistle.
It’s also easy to organize your belongings in this bag that has multiple pockets including a fleece-lined media pocket, secure zippered pocket and elastic webbing for cord management. You can also fit your 15″ laptop comfortably into this bag. The durable water-repellent material ensures that your belongings will be protected from the elements.
What We Love About It
- Simple design but great for storage and easy to carry
Pros
- FlexVent suspension system
- Multiple pockets
- Fleece lined media pocket
- Compatible with most laptops upt 15″
- Durable, water-repellent material
Cons
- Not many exterior pockets
- Simplistic design
Terra 65
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An avid hiker will undoubtedly fall in love with the Terra 65 with its updated easy-to-use OPTIFIT suspension system. Padded shoulder harnesses combined with the OPTIFIT system add to the comfort of carrying this backpack. The durable, sturdy material also makes this one of the best North Face backpacks for hiking. It comes with an added rain cover for extra protection.
While the bag accommodates 65 liters, a big stash pocket on the front provides more storage options. Added to this, the floating lid is ideal for storing a sleeping bag or a tent. You have quick access to the contents inside the backpack with the full-J zip. It’s also extremely comfortable to carry around due to the cushy foam back panel with a breathable mesh.
What We Love About It
- The comfort of the OPTIFIT system combined with padded shoulder harnesses
Pros
- Durable material prevents rips and abrasions
- J zip for easy access to main pocket
- Multiple pockets plus a big stash pocket on the front
- Floating lid for storing sleeping bag
Cons
- Does not fit into all carry on compartments
