North Face backpacks are a very popular choice for both students and adults who regularly commute. This is likely due to the wide range of available styles that they offer and their superior construction. The purpose of our article is to review and rank 10 of the best North Face backpacks available. The criteria we are going to use in our ranking process include the following:
- Average User Rankings
- Pocket Count
- Style
- Overall Price Range
- Alternative Color Choices
If you are looking for alernative solid backpacks at friendly prices, check out the best Jansport backpacks as well.
10. The North Face Recon Backpack
One of the best North Face backpacks we found is the Recon series. Designed for use by both men and women, this backpack comes in a wide range of styles. It also offers an ample storage area on the front of it that’s secured by a mesh liner.
- The Recon by The North Face has the durability and space for all of your utilities and gear.
- Large main compartment with padded laptop sleeve and hydration clip/port.
- FlexVent injection-molded shoulder straps with additional PE foam.
Pros
- Ideal for men and women
- Roomy storage compartments
- Tapered bottom
Cons
- Lower than average compartment count
9. The North Face Vault Backpack
In terms of affordability, the Vault series is another excellent choice to consider. This model also incorporates a floating laptop sleeve that is ideal for compact laptop designs. With its water bottle carrier on the side, it’s also an excellent choice for active individuals.
- Floating padded 15" laptop sleeve in main compartment protects laptop from bumps and falls
- Two mesh water bottle pockets
- The Flex Vent suspension system boasts compression-molded shoulder straps and a padded air-mesh back panel with a spine...
Pros
- Water bottle carriers on each side
- Separate laptop sleeve
- Durable straps
Cons
- The exterior looks plain
8. The North Face Jester Laptop Backpack
The Borealis model climbs slightly in purchase price. However, it offers plenty of storage with a holding capacity of approximately 25 liters. We also like that it features a removable hip belt to help distribute the weight of the backpack more evenly.
- The updated FlexVent suspension system features a flexible yoke built from custom injection-molded shoulder straps, an...
- Padded laptop sleeve in the main compartment protects your goods from bumps and falls
- Front compartment with internal organization has an extra padded tablet sleeve, a penholder and additional secure-zip...
Pros
- Massive storage space
- Removable hip belt included
- Includes bungee cord storage area on the back
Cons
- Offers limited organizational capacity
7. The North Face Surge Laptop Backpack
Although it’s a bit on the pricey side, the Surge is another one of the best North Face backpacks available. It features multiple independent compartments and it comes in several beautiful style choices.
- The updated FlexVent suspension system features a flexible yoke built from custom injection-molded shoulder straps, an...
- Dedicated, highly protective laptop compartment
- Large main compartment for books and binders
Pros
- Suitable for shoppers with medium laptops
- Offers plenty of back support
- Multiple color options to choose from
Cons
- A bit on the expensive side
6. The North Face Hot Shot Laptop Backpack
Users who need to take their laptop with them wherever they go may want to consider the Hot Shot series. While it does sacrifice pocket count, the separate laptop sleeve is lined with fleece to ensure your laptop stays protected from accidental bumps.
- The FlexVent suspension system boasts custom injection-molded shoulder straps and a padded mesh back panel with a spine...
- Padded, fleece-lined laptop sleeve in the main compartment protects laptop from bumps and falls
- Padded, fleece-lined tablet sleeve located in the front D-door compartment for quick access
Pros
- Protects your laptop from accidental bumps
- Comes in nine different styles
- Ventilated back padding helps keep you cool
Cons
- Offers only one standard storage compartment
5. The North Face Router Daypack
While it will cost you a bit more, the Router line is another viable choice for many reasons. For starters, it features five separate storage compartments. It also offers a great deal of padding in both the shoulder and back areas.
- Two water bottle pockets made with Teksever fabric discreetly hold their contents
- External fleece-lined pocket for sunglasses or electronics
- The FlexVentTM suspension system features custom injection-molded shoulder straps, a padded mesh back panel with a spine...
Pros
- Shoulder straps feature extra padding
- Flat bottom design simplifies transport and storage
- Carrying handle located on the back
Cons
- More expensive than many other models
4. The North Face Mini Berkeley
Many shoppers will likely be looking for a backpack that is suitable for their child. This is where the Mini Berkeley line shines. With its small size, it’s the perfect option for young adults. It’s also one of the most affordable options on our list.
- A classic The North Face backpack re-imagined in a pint-sized package
- Designed for kids age six to nine
- The main compartment is large enough to hold binders, folders and, perhaps whats most important, lunch.
Pros
- Extremely affordable
- Lightweight enough for young adults
- The durable exterior is easy to clean
Cons
- Not an ideal choice for grown adults
3. Berkeley Backpack
The Iron Peak backpack surprised us with the large storage volume that it offers. It’s also the second option on our list that incorporates a separate storage area that is lined with fleece to protect your laptop. In addition, it also has a small inner compartment that is great for pens and pencils.
- The North Face keeps it classy with the Berkeley Backpack.
- Main compartment large enough for books and binders.
- Internal name label.
Pros
- Perfect for protecting your laptop while commuting
- Offers great weight distribution
- Inner compartment keeps small objects safe
Cons
- The oversized front panel looks boring
2.The North Face Women’s Jester Backpack
For some users, portability is key in their preferred backpack design. This is one area where the Microbyte series excels. Even with its small size, it still has enough space to hold up to a 13-inch laptop with ease.
- Make your commute an easy one with the organized Jester Backpack from The North Face.
- Large main compartment fits books and binders.
- Padded laptop pocket fits devices up to 15".
Pros
- Compact design is great for dorms
- Still offers enough space for small laptops
- Extra large strap design improves comfort
Cons
- Lacks additional style choices
1. The North Face Jester Backpack
Our number one choice for best North Face backpacks is the Jester series. It offers a good balance of affordability, portability, and a heavy duty design. With its extra large straps and ample back cushioning, it’s also extremely comfortable too.
- The FlexVent suspension system boasts compression-molded shoulder straps and a padded air-mesh back panel with a spine...
- Floating padded laptop sleeve in main compartment protects laptop from bumps and falls
- Secondary compartment has internal organization with a secure zippered pocket, Velcro pocket and pen pockets
Pros
- Available in a wide range of styles and colors
- Water bottle holders on each side
- Oversized carrying handle with double stitching
Cons
- The front fabric type tends to collect dirt easily
Conclusion
One of the nicest things about the North Face backpacks that we reviewed is that they come in a wide range of color and style choices. This helps guarantee that you should have no problem finding the perfect backpack to fit you or your child’s needs. If there is a North Face backpack that you want to recommend, tell us about it below.