Looking for the perfect backpack to accompany you on your next adventure? You’re in the right place. In this North Face Borealis review, we’ll dive deep into the features, pros, and cons of this popular backpack that has won the hearts of many young travellers around the world. Whether you’re planning to join a group tour or embark on a solo journey, the North Face Borealis backpack might just be the perfect companion for you.
Key details of the North Face Borealis Backpack:
- Capacity: The backpack has a total capacity of 28 litres, providing ample space for a day trip or a weekend getaway.
- Weight: The backpack weighs approximately 1.2 kg, making it lightweight and easy to carry around.
- Dimensions: The dimensions of the backpack are 50 x 34 x 22 cm, which makes it a perfect fit for airline carry-on luggage.
- Materials: The backpack is made of durable, water-resistant nylon material, ensuring that it can withstand different weather conditions. Additionally, it features a reinforced base that provides added protection for the backpack’s contents.
- Country of manufacture: The North Face Borealis Backpack is manufactured in Vietnam.
- Laptop compartment size: The backpack comes with a dedicated laptop compartment that can fit laptops up to 15 inches in size, keeping your device safe and secure while on the go.
- Notable features: The backpack has several notable features, including:
- FlexVent suspension system: The backpack’s suspension system is designed to provide maximum support and ventilation, keeping you cool and comfortable even during long hikes or walks.
- Padded shoulder straps and back panel: The backpack comes with padded shoulder straps and a back panel, providing extra comfort and support for your shoulders and back.
- Front elastic bungee system: The backpack features a front elastic bungee system that allows you to store extra gear and equipment on the outside of the backpack.
- Reflective details: The backpack has reflective details that enhance visibility in low-light conditions, making it safer for you to walk or hike at night.
Materials & style
The North Face Borealis backpack boasts a versatile and outdoorsy aesthetic that appeals to 76% of young travellers, according to an Instagram poll. The backpack is available in a variety of colours, ranging from brighter shades to more subdued tones, ensuring there’s something for everyone. The one we’ve been testing, the Asphalt Grey/Silver Reflective colour, has a casual, low-key vibe that fits in well in both urban and outdoor environments.
The North Face Borealis backpack is constructed from a mix of durable fabrics, including 600D polyester toile, 500D nylon Oxford Slub, 420D nylon, 210D CORDURA Ripstop nylon, and even polyester Jacquard Camo on the camouflage colour.
The backpack features 5 reverse coil YKK zippers, known for their reliability and smooth operation. Additionally, the bag is equipped with Duraflex and ITW hardware, both of which are brands we have had positive experiences with.
External components
The North Face Borealis backpack’s external components are one of its standout features. The well-built harness system includes flexible shoulder straps that contour nicely to the shoulders, providing a comfortable and breathable carry experience. The FlexVent technology enhances the strap’s flexibility and allows for ventilation, while the mesh lining on the underside adds even more breathability.
The sternum strap attaches securely to the shoulder straps via a rail system, allowing for easy adjustments with one hand. However, there are no strap keepers, which means that excess strap can dangle when tightened. The back panel is densely padded and lined with mesh for added comfort and breathability, while the air channel down the middle helps to mitigate the dreaded Swamp Back effect.
The hip belt, which functions more like a waist strap, is adjustable from two points, although it doesn’t provide much comfort due to its high position on the stomach and lack of padding. The bag also features a top handle, a bungee system for external storage, daisy chains, reflective fabric, and two stretchy water bottle pockets.
Internal features
Inside the North Face Borealis backpack, you’ll find a well-organised and spacious main compartment, perfect for storing clothing, travel essentials, and more. The backpack’s secondary compartment features a padded laptop sleeve that can accommodate laptops up to 15″, as well as a separate tablet sleeve and additional pockets for organisation.
Smaller pockets, pen slots, and a secure zippered pocket provide additional storage and organisation options, helping you keep your belongings neat and easily accessible.
The Borealis backpack also features an internal key clip, so you never have to rummage around for your keys again. Overall, the thoughtfully designed internal features of the North Face Borealis make it an ideal choice for young travellers who need a functional and organised backpack.
Waterproof capabilities
While the North Face Borealis backpack is made from water-resistant materials that can protect your belongings from light rain or damp conditions, it is not fully waterproof. This means that in heavy downpours or if the backpack is submerged in water, the contents inside may become wet.
For most young travellers, this level of water resistance should be sufficient for everyday use. However, if you plan on encountering heavy rain or will be participating in water-based activities, it’s advisable to invest in a separate rain cover for added protection. The lack of full waterproofing is a minor drawback, but one that can be easily addressed with the right accessories.
Why you should buy the North Face Borealis Backpack
In conclusion, the North Face Borealis backpack is a top contender among the best backpacks for backpacking and travel. Its durable materials, stylish design, and well-organized compartments make it an excellent choice for young travellers seeking a reliable and functional backpack. The FlexVent™ suspension system ensures comfort during long journeys, while the array of external and internal features cater to the needs of the modern traveller.
seeking a durable, comfortable, and versatile travel companion.
Although not fully waterproof, the Borealis offers sufficient water resistance for most travel scenarios, with the option to add a rain cover for added protection. Despite a few minor cons, the North Face Borealis remains a standout choice in the realm of backpack reviews.
As an alternative option, consider the Osprey Farpoint 40 or the Deuter ACT Trail Pro, both of which also cater to the needs of young travellers and offer similar features. However, for the perfect balance of style, function, and durability, the North Face Borealis backpack is a strong choice for your next adventure.
FAQs
The North Face Borealis Backpack is not entirely waterproof, but it is water-resistant. This means that the backpack can withstand light rain or snow for a short period, but it is not recommended for use in heavy rain or other extreme weather conditions.
The backpack is made of durable materials such as polyester and nylon, which are treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) coating. This coating helps to shed water and prevent it from seeping into the backpack’s interior. Additionally, the backpack features a waterproof rain cover that can be easily deployed to protect the backpack from heavy rain.
While the Borealis Backpack is not fully waterproof, it is still an excellent choice for everyday use, outdoor activities, and light travel. It offers plenty of storage space, with a capacity of 28 litres, and features multiple pockets and compartments to help keep your belongings organised.
If you are planning to use the Borealis Backpack in wet conditions, it is recommended to use the included rain cover or to purchase a separate waterproof cover to provide additional protection. This will help to keep your belongings dry and protected from water damage.
The North Face Borealis Backpack is designed with comfort in mind and is known for its comfortable fit. The backpack features a FlexVent suspension system, which includes a padded back panel with breathable mesh and a spine channel to help distribute weight and promote ventilation.
The backpack also features padded shoulder straps that are adjustable to ensure a comfortable fit for a wide range of body types. The straps are also contoured and have a foam construction to help reduce pressure points and prevent fatigue.
In addition to the padded straps and back panel, the Borealis Backpack also has a sternum strap that can be adjusted to help distribute weight evenly and reduce strain on the shoulders and back. The backpack also has a hip belt that can be removed if desired, which can help to further distribute weight and provide additional support.
The North Face Borealis Backpack is a versatile backpack that can be used for a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking. While it may not be specifically designed as a hiking backpack, it offers many features that make it a good choice for day hikes and other outdoor excursions.
One of the main advantages of the Borealis Backpack for hiking is its comfortable design. The FlexVent suspension system, padded shoulder straps, and breathable back panel all work together to provide a comfortable fit that can help reduce fatigue and strain during long hikes.
The backpack also offers plenty of storage space, with a capacity of 28 litres. It has multiple pockets and compartments that can be used to organise and store hiking essentials such as water bottles, snacks, maps, and first aid kits. The backpack also has external attachment points for trekking poles, which can be helpful for more challenging hikes.
While the Borealis Backpack is not designed specifically for hiking, it is still a reliable and durable backpack that can be used for a variety of outdoor activities. Its water-resistant construction and included rain cover can help to protect your belongings from the elements, making it a good choice for hikes in changing weather conditions.
The North Face Borealis backpack is an excellent option for those who are looking for personal carry-on luggage. Its design boasts a spacious main compartment that can hold up to 28 litres of items, making it perfect for carrying personal belongings such as laptops, clothes, books, and other essentials during flights. The backpack also has several pockets and compartments, including a fleece-lined pocket specifically for sunglasses or phones, which can help travellers organise and access their belongings quickly and easily.
This backpack has proven to be a reliable and practical choice for travel. Its functionality was confirmed by an individual who travelled to Asia and had a layover in Dubai. During the layover, they took a cab to the Burj Khalifa and was stopped by a security guard who stated that the backpack could not be brought inside. After explaining that it was their personal carry-on luggage, the security guard allowed it to be taken inside after noticing the North Face logo on the backpack.
In terms of its dimensions, the North Face Borealis backpack has a height of 50 cm, width of 34.5 cm, and depth of 22 cm. It also has a weight of approximately 1.2 kilograms, making it a lightweight option for individuals who are looking to carry their belongings on outdoor adventures or during travel.
It’s worth noting that the North Face Borealis backpack has a capacity of 28 litres, which is ample space for carrying items such as laptops, books, clothes, and other essentials. The backpack’s design also features multiple pockets and compartments, including a fleece-lined pocket for sunglasses or phones, which make it easy to organise and access your belongings quickly and efficiently.