Customer Reviews The North Face Borealis

The zippers could be a little easier to zip otherwise I like it quite much

Great backpack. Aesthetically pleasing but functionality suffers a little when it comes to space.

I like the size of the backpack. There is so much room to store things.

Plenty of storage and compartments. A little bulky though especially if you're short

This is a staple of the north face lineup, but it feels lighter and potentially less sturdy than earlier models. The lightness is good, but I appreciated the thicker straps on the earlier models. This bag has thinner straps and overall I just hope it will hold up over time.

The backpack is great, but my first impression is that it's a bit less sturdy than earlier models. This could be good because it is lighter, but I hope it holds up over time.

The backpack is quite nice, the problem is space, it has 2 pockets that practically nothing fits. I think the space could be optimized better since smaller backpacks fit more things than this one.

Got this for daughter starting high school. She loves it. Says it will be the right size. It really does look cool. Haven't actually used it yet though

Good backpack

It's a nice backpack

I wish it wasn't so stiff in the back. If I could take out whatever it is that's in there I would.

While the marketing for this backpack promises a stand-up design, the actual engineering fails to support that claim. The most significant issue is the internal back plate, which is slightly too long and extends past the bottom fabric at the base. This creates a "rocker" effect that tilts the pack forward, preventing the bottom from ever making full contact with the floor. The balance issues are further compounded by the "floating" side pockets. Because these pockets are not aligned to the bottom of the bag, any water bottles you carry act as hanging weight rather than stabilizing pillars. Furthermore, the lack of any rigid bottom structure means the backpack immediately collapses or falls over unless it is packed with specific, heavy items at the bottom to counter-balance the frame. This is made even worse by the placement of the small organizer compartment at the front top. When you place a phone or heavy accessories in that top-front pocket, it creates a top-heavy leverage point that further forces the back to tip over. Summarized: All these designs go against "stand-up" claim: 1. Extended back. 2. Soft bottom. 3. Floating side pockets. 4. Front-top storage.

I looked at this pack in the store. It does not appear to have a laptop sleeve as it states in the description. Otherwise looks nice. Still in contention...

I bought this backpack with the intention of using it for multiple things (taking it to the gym, hiking, work, trips, overnight trips, etc.). Unfortunately, the structure of the backpack does not allow for you to stuff clothes in it and despite the volume it claims to be, it is much smaller inside than what I expected. The hard back panel also restricts how much stuff you could put in there and I'm considering possibly removing it to add volume and function to my bag. If you just wish this to be a school or work backpack, it's fine for that and solidly built. It has a solid laptop slot and enough room for a few books or files. But if you plan to use it for other purposes, you will probably be disappointed. I do like the extra organization of the inner pockets and the cushioning inside. I like that there is a slot for a water bladder and it is structured for hiking (though not sure you could put much in it beyond what is needed for a couple hour hike). As I said, I was hoping to take it to the gym but would have to connect my shoes and things to the outside of the pack if I really wanted to do that.

After much research I bought this for my middle schooler and I'm shocked at how bad it is! This doesn't even fit a binder and a lunch bag. The stiff plastic laptop backing (which you can't even remove ) extends past the bottom of the pack so it cannot be put down upright can only be laid down which is absurd. It seemed so roomy but it really isn't. Lots of pockets though but maybe that's the problem :-(

We purchased this Borealis backpack about a month ago and have been using it for around three weeks. We noticed that the interior has started to show some tearing. We love the backpack and are hoping to see if there's a possibility for a replacement so we can continue enjoying it. Thank you so much for your help!

I posted a review earlier, here's a photo of the zipper and my not really good repair job.

Nice bag but to small

I own a Borealis for about 6 years now. Photo shoots, library visits, overnight stays, road trips...the bag's size and construction are not the problems. It's not meant to use on the PCT. What sucks is you have to lean the bag against something or it lays on the dusty or muddy ground. Maybe the bag has been redesigned, I do not know. But you should INSURE this bag does not have to be propped up against something to stand up. Huge miss by Northface.

Good quality

I have actually only used it once since I've gotten it! It's very nice & has many compartments to store things & keep everything in it's perfect condition, it's just way too heavy for me to handle!

I mostly use this backpack for work.. I work in Maintenance. I'd like to see more space inside this back. I put my iPad, cosmetic bag, and a few other personal items.

I had high hopes for this backpack. However it is lacking available space in the main compartment. It is very hard to fit much in their easily, it is very tight in the top but then gets bigger in the bottom, in which you have to shove things down there which is inconvenient. Also the water bottle side pockets do not fit stainless steel water bottles 32/40oz. Would only likely fit a small plastic water bottle which was dissapointing.

My daughter is using it for school to replace another TNF backpack she used last year. The construction is good and it seems sturdy, but I think this product could use a refresh and more innovative design thinking. The water bottle pockets are quite small- it was a struggle to get her Owalla water bottle to fit. I think the water bottle pockets need to be wider and deeper to accommodate the new, bigger bottles that kids are using.

Bought for the "water resistant" review it got for my son in college & walking in rain. 1st rainsoaked. Highly disappointing for the price we paid.