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Most outdoorsy people know the North Face brand for its high-quality climbing and backpacking equipment. North Face has been making some of the best backpacks for hiking and traveling for over 50 years. Your backpack is an essential piece of gear for any trip, and that’s why we recommend North Face.
The best North Face backpacks have features such as the trademarked FlexVent suspension system and a padded electronics compartment. To familiarize yourself with these and other features, read this handy North Face backpack guide. By the time you’re done, you will know everything you need to know to choose the best North Face backpack for you.
Quick Picks: The Top-Rated North Face Backpacks
Last update on 2024-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The North Face Surge Backpack
The Surge is the overall best North Face backpack. It combines all the top features you want in a backpack for travel or everyday use including a dedicated laptop compartment, extra back and shoulder padding, and water-resistance. With a 31-liter capacity, this backpack is big enough to carry everything you need for a long day at work or school, yet it’s small enough to use as a carry-on when traveling.
The North Face Vault Backpack
The Vault is the best North Face backpack for anyone looking for the most value. It’s affordable while still providing the quality you expect from North Face. It uses FlexVent technology to provide comfort and ventilation. It’s also really functional with a padded laptop case and eight other pockets to keep all your stuff organized.
The North Face Terra Backpacking Backpack
The Terra is the best North Face pack for backpacking. Whether you are backpacking around Europe or across mountains, you will love the features this backpack offers. It comes in two sizes and three volumes. You can choose from 40L, 55L, and 65L capacities which makes this backpack ideal for trips of all lengths.
How to Shop for the Best North Face Backpack
If you are reading this, you’ve already decided to invest in a North Face backpack. I’ve had mine for over six years, so I know you won’t regret it. Now, it’s time to choose which of the over 40 models of North Face backpacks you want. Since these backpacks are an investment of your hard earned money, the choice of which to buy is an important one. The shopping guide below will help you choose the North Face backpack that’s right for you.
Size
One of the critical measurements to consider when choosing the best North Face backpack for your needs is the dimensions of the pack. The dimensions will be given in inches for the height, width, and depth. For airline and train travel, long, thin backpacks tend to fit best as carry-on items. On the other hand, if you are shorter or want to carry bulkier items, a wider backpack may be ideal for you.
Capacity
The volume of North Face backpacks is measured in liters. They range from 14.5 liters to 85 liters. The length of your trip will determine the capacity you need for your pack. If you will only use the backpack for work, school, and/or day hikes, you probably don’t need a pack over 30 liters. For multi-day trips, you will want something between 40 and 60 liters. For week-long trips or more, consider a backpack between 65 and 85 liters.
Compartments and Pockets
For me, a backpack can never have too many pockets. I like tons of pockets of different sizes so that all my stuff has its own spot. This helps everything stay in good condition, and it allows me to access anything I need quickly and easily. Some people may prefer only a few pockets so that there are fewer zippers. At the bare minimum, the best North Face backpacks for school, work, and travel will have a compartment for a laptop or tablet. Side pockets for water bottles are also convenient. When purchasing a backpack for long hikes, you may want a hydration bladder compartment instead of a laptop sleeve.
Comfort
Two main factors affect the comfortability of your backpack. The best, most comfortable North Face backpacks are padded and well-ventilated. Look for a backpack with a padded back panel and padded shoulder straps. A padded top handle is also convenient for picking up your pack especially when it’s full of all your heavy gear. In addition to a padded back panel, the best North Face backpacks use their trademarked FlexVent suspension system. The padding used on the back and shoulders is breathable and flexible for a snug fit.
Durability
All of the best North Face backpacks are made with high-quality polyester or nylon. They use 600D polyester to ensure that your backpack lasts through years of regular use. The quality of the seams and zippers are also important factors for durability. If you live in a place where it rains or snows a lot, you may want a water-resistant or waterproof backpack. Water damage can lessen the life of any backpack.
FAQs About North Face Backpacks
Why Should I Choose a North Face Backpack?
North Face makes some of the best backpacks on the market today. When you buy a North Face backpack, you know you are getting a high-quality product that will last for years. They are designed and tested to be comfortable, durable, and functional.
Does North Face Have a Warranty?
North Face offers a limited lifetime warranty for their backpacks. This means that the backpack will be repaired or replaced for free in the event of manufacturing defects throughout the lifetime of the backpack. Unfortunately, they don’t specify how long that is so it’s up to the company’s discretion if your backpack falls under the warranty. If your damaged backpack isn’t covered by the warranty, you can pay to have it repaired by North Face. Click here for the repair form and directions.
How Do I Clean My North Face Backpack?
North Face recommends that you do not submerge your backpack in water to clean it. Instead, you can spot clean it as needed with a damp cloth and mild soap. Hang it to dry out of direct sunlight. Ensure that it’s completely dry before storing it. It’s also important to regularly clean the backpack’s zippers with a soft brush. This promotes the longevity of the zippers.
The 7 Best North Face Backpacks
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The North Face Surge backpack is one of the best options for travel, work, and school. The dedicated laptop compartment makes it easy to grab or stow your laptop quickly. This is especially convenient for airline travel. The compartment can hold laptops up to 15 inches. The pack includes five other exterior zippered pockets and two large mesh side pockets. This design allows for maximum storage and organization.
You will love the way this pack fits. There are both a chest strap and a removable waist strap that allow you to find the right fit for your body. The Surge is made with North Face’s FlexVent suspension system that’s both comfortable and breathable.
The small details of the Surge solidify its position as the best North Face backpack. It has a built-in whistle on the chest strap and reflective strips for safety. There is an additional handle on the front for easy handling when traveling. Inside the front-most top pocket, you will find an organizer with five more pockets. And there is a lash tab towards the bottom of the backpack for extra storage.
Notes:
- 31L capacity
- Laptop and tablet sleeves
- FlexVent suspension system
- Water-resistant
- 13 color options
- Only comes in one size
- Not lightweight
The North Face Vault Backpack –
Last update on 2024-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you’re looking for a lightweight, minimalist backpack for everyday use, the North Face Vault is the best option for you. It’s compact but still offers a 26-liter capacity. It’s built with city commuters in mind with 360-degree reflective material to keep you safe at night. There is a bike light loop on the front of the pack and expanding side pockets for easy access to all your gear while commuting or traveling.
The Vault offers many of the great features of other North Face backpacks at a great value. It has a padded back panel, sternum strap with whistle, padded laptop compartment, and a front organizer compartment. To top it off, this backpack comes in 23 colors options and a women’s version as well for a more precise fit.
Notes:
- 360-degree reflective material
- FlexVent suspension system
- Padded laptop sleeve
- 23 color options
- Only comes in one size
- Not water-resistant
The North Face Terra Backpacking Backpack –
Last update on 2024-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Terra is the best North Face backpack for backpacking trips. It’s designed for comfort when carrying heavy loads for multiple days. The waist straps are wide and padded, and the back panel is adjustable for the perfect fit.
One of my favorite things about this pack is the J-shaped front zipper that allows for side access to the inside of the backpack when on-go-the. When loading and unloading the pack, you can fully unzip it for easy access to the main compartment. There is also a removable lid on top with extra storage space.
Notes:
- 45L, 55L, and 65L options
- Comes in two sizes
- Side-loading zipper
- Removable top
- Hydration bladder sleeve
- Not lightweight
- Not water-resistant
The North Face Recon Backpack –
Last update on 2024-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Recon Backpack combines all the best North Face backpack features. It has 360-degree reflective material for safety with a large volume of 30L. It uses the FlexVent system and has a dedicated laptop compartment. What makes this backpack unique from other North Face backpacks is the fleece-lined sunglasses compartment and the large front stash pocket. I love having a dedicated place to keep my sunglasses safe, and I always put my jacket in the front pocket for easy access.
Notes:
- 30L capacity
- 360-degree reflective material
- Large front stash pocket
- Water-resistant
- 23 color options
- Not lightweight
The North Face Jester Backpack –
Last update on 2024-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Jester is another great North Face backpack. This backpack has a front bungee system for extra storage. It’s great if you want to carry bulky items such as a helmet or shoes. There are two padded handles on top for a secure hold. They also help to balance the pack so that it stands up even when open. The pack is 28 liters with a padded laptop sleeve and a front organizer pocket.
The Jester also comes in a women’s version. This version has more bright and floral color options as well as shoulder straps specifically designed to fit women’s bodies.
Notes:
- Affordable
- Water-resistant
- FlexVent suspension system
- 360-degree reflective material
- Bungee system for extra storage
The North Face Flyweight Packable Travel Backpack –
Last update on 2024-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Flyweight Packable Travel Backpack is one of the smallest and most lightweight North Face backpacks. It only weighs .35 pounds or 5.6 ounces. It has a 17-liter capacity and dimensions of 17 by 10.5 by 7.5 inches. It’s made of rip-resistant, water-resistant material. This backpack is unique because it can be stowed away in a built-in zipper pocket for easy carrying when traveling. It makes this a great pack for using as a day bag on longer trips since you can easily stow it and bring it in your bigger backpack. It has one main compartment plus front and side mesh pockets.
Notes:
- Stows away
- Water-resistant
- Great day pack or second pack
- Lightweight
- Only comes in one size
The North Face LITUS 22 Exploration Backpack –
Last update on 2024-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Litus 22 is one of the best North Face backpacks for hiking. It has a hydration sleeve and plenty of space for your essential gear such as a first aid kit, sunscreen, and snacks. The waist belt pockets and large mesh side pockets make it easy to access your stuff while on the go. This pack also has an interior security pocket to keep your money and other valuables safe.
Notes:
- Hydration bladder sleeve
- Waist belt with pockets
- Large front stash pocket
- Uses the older NextVent suspension system
- Not water-resistant
Last Words
We recommend North Face if you are looking for stylish, high-quality backpacks for everyday use, travel, and casual hiking. They are not necessarily always the cheapest or most lightweight backpacks, but they are comfortable and long-lasting. We evaluated the top-rated North Face backpacks based on their size, compartments, comfort, durability, and special features. No products found. stood out as the best North Face backpack for everyday use. You won’t be disappointed with this pack!
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