The Best North Face Backpacks Of 2022 For Work & Travel

The North Face Borealis Backpack comes in 40 different designs and colors, so as long as you like the shape, you can change everything else about it to fit with your personal style. The supportive hip belt and sternum strap make carrying this versatile backpack even easier while offering an additional loop for keys. As for the 15” laptop compartment, it is lined with fleece and stretches to fit your specific laptop shape/style. I have a small Chromebook and Ipad and both fit in that pocket with ease. The main compartment boasts a large amount of storage space which I usually used for lunch, snacks and storing extra layers since I’ve been using this product in the winter. The front zippered pockets are perfect for sunglasses, keys and other small items but I usually stow my keys on the straps.

The FlexVent suspension system worked properly even at our rough 75% load filling up the bag, which works to keep your shoulders and back from sweating to the best of this bag’s ability I rarely felt sweaty or that this pack was cumbersome. However, the Borealis backpack started off rather stiff and did have a break-in period for the padded back panel and the shoulder straps.

As a person who usually has a minimum of two beverages on hand, the dual mesh water bottle pockets, complete with straps to hold them in place was perfect. I could easily reach my bottles and between two pockets and my hands, I could carry three drinks at all times. Why do I need three drinks you ask? Because I’m a well-hydrated lady, that’s why. Plenty of space (28 liters), comfortable, and certified to include a lifetime warranty, this backpack is a winner in our books and one of the best north face backpack models available. Read the in-depth review here.

This minimalist Advant 20 day pack is one of our favorites for commuting and urban carry, but also on the trail. Part of The North Face’s “Hike” series, it’s got a pared-down design: one main compartment that holds all the gear needed for a successful day in the great outdoors, two concealed side pockets that act as water bottle carriers, and a corded front stash panel for any extra essentials or even smaller accessories you may need.

The front padded panel is functional and durable and perfect for carrying extra gear like a jacket or helmet, and we also like the weatherproof and water-resistant design throughout – came in handy when we got caught in the drizzle on our hike. The Advant backpack features a light and stretchy material, waterproof zippers, and adjustable shoulder and sternum strap for comfortable wear and weight distribution. The built-in laptop sleeve doubles as a hydration sleeve allowing access to a hydration bladder making the transition from trail to train easier than ever.  

The Jester is the North Face’s best-selling backpack for many reasons. You get a lot in this pack for an excellent price, including the FlexVent suspension system that TNF is famous for. This feature ensures that your padded shoulder straps and a padded air-mesh panel along the very back of your bag give ventilation, so you can remain dry and comfy when hiking.

If you’re cycling on a Saturday afternoon, you can’t be left without essentials, including your gear, EDC items, and a water bottle, all of which can fit comfortably in this pack. You can even bring your laptop along for the ride in the 15” padded compartment, found in the main interior. Speaking of, if you’re actually stuffing items in your backpack, whether it’s work-related, or you’re a college student with way too many textbooks to count, you’ll want to use the main compartment for storage.

The North Face Vault backpack is a seriously epic North Face bag. If you’re going on long trips, plan on using it for extended daily use, or anything in between, you’ll be able to benefit from the excellent shape and spine support feature. The FlexVent Suspension system is a great way to reduce, and in many cases, eliminate back and shoulder strap sweat. Most North Face backpacks carry this feature, but it doesn’t make it any less valuable.

The two water bottle pockets are also handy, especially when you’re exploring the great outdoors or city jungles. The ultra-sturdy zipper closure is partly why they named this one The Vault—you won’t be able to get into it unless you really want to, so commuters will get an extra peace of mind on the train or when traveling by bike at night. The reflective bike loop is ultra-durable too, able to handle any twists and turns that you throw its way.

The Surge backpack comes with a dedicated laptop compartment that’s built for checkpoint-friendly travel. With it, you can lay down your laptop safely without the fear that your load may crush your screen. The padded and fleece-lined quick-grab pocket does its job, making it super simple to reach back without looking, and take out your quick access items like a wallet or smartphone – perfect when you’re in line for that pre-flight coffee.

The front compartment has specific slots for organization, while the Flex Vent lower lumbar feature ensures that you’re not putting all the weight (and damage) on your back. A sternum strap adds extra support and safety, but is unfortunately not removable.

If you’re packing light and you want to look great while doing it, The Recon is possible the best North Face backpack for you. Available in over 20 different color and style options, this backpack is crafted of ultra-durable 2100 Cordura nylon mini-ripstop material. In our experience, it’s the best material for any backpack to be made of when durability is the priority. You get 24 liters of dedicated storage space with the deep lagoon model but there are 30L volume models available too.

You get an 18-inch laptop sleeve in the internal pocket, and this one properly fits your full-sized laptop with room to spare. The small external pockets are large enough for a few water bottles, your smartphone, or other quick-access items such as sunglasses.

The Recon’s bigger brother comes with a few bigger features. With a dedicated 15-inch laptop storage compartment, a ballistic Cordura nylon ripstop construction, and a fleece-lined padded tablet sleeve, you have space and durability for every adventure.

For an excellent price you get access to the Flex Vent suspension system, and in this pack specifically, you get extreme attention to your shoulder support and shoulder straps. The Recon CLG4 is designed for commuters, though we found that it also works extremely well as a hiking backpack as it’s roomy, lightweight and incredibly durable. Trek through your favorite trails on the weekends with this nature-tough bag, and get back to the good life in one piece, with all your belongings and repack it for school or work the next day.

The North Face Pivoter is a backpack designed to bring the quality of The North Face to the campus. With help from students, the company has updated this classic design and made it the ultimate backpack for school. It has a 15-inch laptop sleeve, an extra tablet sleeve, and a front pocket designed to hold electronics, keys, and anything you might need easy access to. Unlike the old Pivoter backpack, this one has a flat bottom so it can stand upright on its own so it can be comfortably accessed under a desk or table.

Of course, being made by The North Face, you can expect some super high-quality materials. Using a mixture of 600D polyester and 300D heathered polyester, the designers have made this bag water repellent and resistant to rips and tears so you don’t need to be gentle with it at all. Additionally, you’ll find two mesh water bottle pockets on the exterior alongside compression straps.