The North Face Borealis Classic Backpack: Best for Travel?

Searching for the perfect backpack for travel? Our North Face Borealis Classic Backpack review covers everything from comfort to capacity! N.B. This post will specifically review the women’s version we travel with.

When we initially decided on taking an adult gap year to head off travelling for a year, one of the essential items we needed to purchase was a backpack which we would use as a day pack, but also as a carry on for the items we like to have on the plane with us i.e. valuables, laptop, i-Pads, extra change of clothes.

Jonas carries most of the tech and camera gear so this backpack would primarily be used by me (Peta). As such, we were looking to buy a backpack recommended for women.

During our initial search, The North Face backpacks kept coming up with stellar reviews. We know The North Face brand has an amazing reputation for making quality products for outdoor use, but we had never had one of their backpacks. Over the years, we have purchased their clothes and have been very happy with the quality.

The result of our research and testing various recommended backpacks was the purchase of The North Face Borealis Backpack in the women’s version. The difference between men’s and women’s Borealis backpack are minimal. They are basically the same except for the shoulder strap design which has been modified to suit the differences in chest size and shape. The details about the men’s version of this backpack can be found on the official The North Face website and also on Amazon.

As with any products that you purchase, The North Face Borealis backpack can undergo changes over time both in terms of design and functionality. As such, you may notice that some of the features described here do not match those found in your backpack as you may simply have a different version, either newer or older.

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Why We Love (and Recommend) The North Face Borealis Classic Backpack

• What I was really surprised by was how comfortable this backpack is, even for all-day wear. The padded, supportive straps help disperse weight evenly, making it comfortable to carry. The customizable design makes it easy to find your ideal fit.
• This backpack is durable and rugged. With features like reinforced stitching, durable zippers and weather-resistant materials, it’s the ultimate travel pack. You can tell that the company put a lot of thought into selecting materials that will last.
• I’ve overloaded it with carry-on essentials and grocery shopping, and it still holds up like the day I got it. To this day all of the stitching is still intact, and the zippers work just as smoothly as they did on day one.
• I love how incredibly lightweight it is, making it so easy to handle.
• I love the minimalist look of this backpack – not too flashy to draw unwanted attention when exploring new cities.
• Its ample storage space includes multiple compartments, a 15-inch laptop sleeve, and designated pockets for water bottles and smaller items, ensuring organized packing.
• It comfortably fits all my carry-on essentials, plus a water bottle, spare clothes for Jonas and I (just in case) and a jacket!
• Compared to similar products, it stands out with competitive pricing, delivering excellent value for its quality.

The North Face Borealis Backpack Specifications

The North Face Borealis is designed for enhanced comfort and durability. Below are its key specifications, detailing its weight, capacity, and size.

Model / Product Code

NFOA3KV4 (Women’s)

Material

Shell – Nylon, Cordura and Ripstop fabric, Lining – 100% Polyester

Dimensions

50.2 x 33.7 x 24.8 cm (19.75” x 13025” x 9.753”)

Weight

1160 Grams (2 Lbs 9.9 Oz)

Capacity / Volume

27 Litres of carrying space

Laptop Sleeve

33.7 x 45 cm (13.25” x 17.75”)

Warranty

Lifetime Warranty

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Features of the The North Face Borealis

• Large zip front compartment with various internal organizer slots, including an extra padded tablet sleeve, an organiser ideal for pens, mobile phone etc., and additional zip pockets
• Large main compartment for books and binders with a dedicated, highly protective 15″ laptop compartment
• Small external zip pocket on the upper front great for items like sunglasses and phone
• Solid padded back made of Airmesh and cut outs for maximum support and ventilation
• FlexVent suspension system featuring ergonomic shoulder straps
• Adjustable sternum strap
• Adjustable and removable waist strap
• Lateral straps to compress the bag
• Padded top carrying handle
• Elastic bungee system on the front with mounting options for external storage
• Two elastic mesh water bottle holders on either side of the bag which can be used as multi-purpose pockets
• Reinforced bottom
• 360 degree reflective elements for safety
• The North Face logo embroidery on the front
• The North Face logo print on the right carrying strap

Suppliers of the The North Face Borealis Backpack

• Amazon

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Do We Recommend This Backpack for Travel?

Here we are now 8 years into our nomadic retired full-time travel lifestyle with this backpack, and it is still going strong! It is now showing a few stains (consider this if you choose a lighter colour as we did), but no signs of wear.

We both love our Northface Borealis, and even though I am the one who primarily uses it, the modified straps in the women’s version are comfortable on Jonas also. We have found it to be lightweight, durable and water resistant. In addition, it easily holds everything we need it to carry.

The backrest and shoulder, sternum and waist strap technology allow the weight to be optimally distributed, thus making daily use extremely comfortable. The only real downside we have found is the fact it does not stand upright on its own.

Overall, we have been extremely happy with this purchase. It has been used on almost a daily basis for 8+ years and it shows little to any signs of wear and tear. This backpack has many more years left in it yet.

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