Customer Reviews The North Face Surge II

This is a perfect school backpack for many reasons. It has a separate laptop compartment in the back with an elastic sleeve that fits an iPad perfectly. This compartment's zipper starts from the top left and continues all the way down to the bottom right of the bag, making it incredibly convenient to grab your laptop or put your laptop away after class. Since you have a separate zipper compartment for your laptop, that leaves a ton of space in the main compartment for your books. Then there is a zipper compartment solely for organization, but unlike most North Face bags it has an additional storage space across from the organizational wall that is perfect for your stash of pens and highlighters (it's mesh so it allows you to find what you need faster). The two, separate vertical pockets on the front are great for chargers and other random items. Another great feature is that only one of the side pouches is for a water bottle (when do you ever have two waters?). The other side has a zipper pocket that's about the same size, but stores items within the bag instead of protruding out like the water bottle pouch. I wanted to add that this bag can be for a guy or girl. The colors for the women's surge II were not appealing to me, but I am small (5'5" 100 lbs), so I was worried it would look stupid on me, but this bag is compact even after filling it. Comparisons: The Router - essentially the exact same bag as the Surge II, but larger (great for a large guy). The Mainframe - essentially the same bag as the Surge II, but the main compartment and organizational wall and laptop sleeve is combined in one space, and it only has one vertical zipper pocket in front. The Hot Shot - essentially the same bag as the Surge II, but it has a laptop sleeve in the main compartment, and it has no small front compartments. The Big Shot II/Billet - essentially the same bag as Surge II, but combines the laptop, organization, and main compartment all together in one space. The Yavapai and Recon - perfect for school; both are compact if you don't want a bulky pack. They have spaces in front for a charger and a main compartment with a laptop sleeve, and a separate organizational zipper compartment. The Borealis - Bestseller, and great for school because it has the laptop sleeve in main compartment and a separate organizational zippered compartment...but personally I think the bungee in the front is wasted space. The Surge - many differences from the Surge II: it has a small zipper pocket at the front bottom of bag; instead of two vertical zipper pockets in front, you have a snap closure + two zippers (harder to get to) that houses extra organization space; the laptop area is harder to get to because the zipper closure stretches only about a 12 inch span across the top; it's longer because of that extra bottom pocket and its bulkier.

Summary: Best backpack I ever owned. Don't let the cost turn you away. I needed a new backpack. I chose a few brands I trusted: Dakine, Patagonia, and The North Face. I closely examined a number of backpacks from each manufacturer and the Surge II was by far the winner in every category. It's comfortable, stylish, very functional and insanely high quality. Do not be fooled by other brands--the quality here is unmatched. As a side note, if you're concerned about any of the materials used here, don't be. The front of the backpack isn't as soft as some fabrics, but the high quality nylon and ballistics grade material make up for that in protection and durability. Buy one!

I tried 5 different packs in a week and this one won. It's a nice, sturdy pack with plenty of space and good organization for all my cables and widgets. I use it to commute as well as for short trips, and it comfortably holds everything I need. When it's less filled, the compression straps keep it a nice, flat shape. Three minor gripes: The sternum strap slides up and down a little on its rails. Once it's set, it doesn't move while I'm walking, but I have to reset it most times I put the pack on. I tried another pack that slipped constantly, and this one is just fine, but I miss the strap-through-buckle configuration on my old pack (Ogio) that wouldn't even move if I tried. There's no great place to put the waist strap when it's not in use. Depending how the pack is sitting, it sometimes presses on a vertebra. Really I just need to position it elsewhere or even cut it off. The electronics sleeves could be softer. They won't scratch anything, but Ogio's are downright velvety. Everything else is just great. If you're already interested in it, I'd recommend you get it. For completeness and comparison, these are the other packs I tried: Ogio Bandit II (straps slipped). Ogio Renegade RSS (too bulky). Ogio Newt II (2nd place, strange configuration). Osprey Comet (too squishy/formless).

My son loves the backpack. It's perfect for carrying his full size laptop and books and binders to class every day. The separate pocket for the laptop is great and well padded. We have the Heckler and his is much better for carrying a computer every day. It's not too big either. Great purchase.

This is a great all around pack. I do wish It was a little bigger and had another water bottle pocket on the other side but, all in all it is well constructed, comfortable and has ample pockets for odds and ends. I really like the side pocket for utilities.

Main dislike is that main back section only zipped halfway. Have no idea why they didn't make it so it zips all the way around like most backpacks. Very difficult to put things in it! Very strange. Too many strap links to link back straps, to link a belt strap. Overdone. Also thought it would hold more because of cubic inches, but not that large.

This is an awesome backpack. I have had it for about two years, use it every single day and just love the heck out of it. If you like lots of compartments this is perfect. Occassionaly I get a little lost with all the zippers, but it's not bad. The straps are very very comfortable even with a full load of laptop + other stuff. I guess my only compaint is the water bottle holder is a little lose on store bought bottled water and I have lost a few bottles on the train.

Initially I ordered the Hotshot but unfortunately I had to return it because it was just too small, I was not able to comfortably fit my 3 inch trapper and my 13.3 MBP seemed to be very snugged when it is on the sleeve. I wanted to get the Big Shot but it also did not have the dedicated zippered compartment and plus the pen/mini organizer is actually facing backwards and it's in the main compartment. There is no middle/medium compartment aside from the two vertical zippers. The Surge 2 although pricier solved all these problem, it has dedicated zippered laptop compartment plus a tablet sleeve, has a medium compartment and the pen organizer is there and not in the main and in front has the large 2 vertical zippered pockets. The only thing that I wish it had is a larger more robust top grab strap. When the bag gets really heavy you really want a reliable and stronger strap but other than that, I highly recommend this bag for everyday use and it is large enough for a weekend bag.

I love this backpack. I have used The North Face backpacks for near 20 years now and I have finally found "the one." I liked the Recon for a long time yet wanted something larger. I originally picked up the women's Surge 2 and didn't realize how much smaller a woman's backpack is than a man's - about 2 inches. something to keep in mind if you are a larger female or broad shouldered. When the backpack was full, it was tight in the shoulders when I would move my arms forward. I loved the backpack enough to repurchase the men's version from Zappos. The pockets and cubic feet are generous, the straps are comfortable and the organization features are great. My only complaint is that the design tends to skew a bit "left-handed", particularly in the placement of only one water bottle pocket on the left (which is awkward to reach on the go) and the zipped in key fob access feels backwards. I wish there were two pockets for water, but still, this is not enough to deter my appreciation for this great backpack.

I own many products from TNF and this one does not disappoint. This high quality backpack is exactly what you'd expect from TNF and has the performance to match. Absolutely love the style and the color (I've got the blue/black one). Smooth yet sturdy zippers, ample padding on the shoulder straps and surrounding the laptop pocket without being bulky. Plenty of pockets to hold everything you need. I'm a professional who travels often ad carries a 15" laptop wherever I go. After researching and trying out dozens of bags I finally switched to this backpack from a shoulder messenger bag...I wish I would have done it sooner. Overall, this bag is perfect for my needs and I would highly recommend this bag to anyone considering a high quality, functional backpack.

This backpack is very well made but heavier than most. I bought it for my middle school son. Although it looks nice and durable we will return it for another North Face backpack, one without a pocket for a laptop, in hopes that it will be substantially lighter.

Great pack. Roomie, has a slot for a tablet or small laptop. Lots of pockets, including ones for the hip belts, in case you want to fold those away.

This bag is awesome! I was looking for something that was not too small, but also, not too large. This thing was perfect and a great upgrade to my old Jansport bag. It has so many pockets and features. The bag is very comfortable and I love being able to stay organized. The tablet pocket is great and the protection for your laptop is wonderful as well. I definitely recommend this bag. I am about 5"10 and it fits perfectly. Only con, fully loaded, the bag doesn't like to stand up, it falls over forward. I usually just lay it down or lean it up against something. Doesn't bother me much.

I have owned many packs for school and for a long time now I had been wondering why a many college students had been using North Face packs. After purchasing the Surge II I realized why. This is absolutely the best pack I have ever owned. It utilizes every space to its maximum potential yet has a very rugged build.

I purchased TNF Women's Surge for myself and the men's Surge for my boyfriend. We both really love this backpack and use it daily (for university for me and work for my boyfriend). I only purchase from Zappos, especially big ticketed items. I only trust Zappos.

All three of my kids have a version of this backpack. One is a university freshman, another a senior in high school, and the third is a high school sophomore. All three are able to fit their textbooks into this bag and wear it (relatively - they have a lot of books!) comfortably all day. The backpacks look great and seem to wear well.

Great bag! Expands to hold a ton of stuff. When not carrying a lot the straps cinch so that it's nice and compact. I use it while riding the motorcycle, and to carry things to and from work. Lots of pockets and compartments to keep things separate and safe. Love the bag!

The bag has all the compartments I need. It works like a charm for the tablet, laptop, shoes, sunglasses and all the other doodads I carry around with me.

I have had this bag for about a month and love it. It looks a little bigger than other bags I tried but seems to fit a lot more stuff. I like all the pockets and the separate laptop zipper.

Excellent day pack! Great design - a ton of space and compact at the sametime. Zappos did an amazing job sending very quickly - well done!

It's such a great book bag! It holds so much, and doesn't put much of a strain on your back. It's perfect for graduate students who have to carry a lot of books.

Pros: 1. The bag is very sturdy. Probably the most sturdy bag I have ever had. Especially the laptop sleeve has a thick backup board. It is good for protecting your laptop, iPad. 2. Zips are good quality. You can tell there is a difference in quality from small parts of this bag. 3. A lot of small divided spaces in the bag. It is convenient for small shaped stuffs like pens, keys. 4. Sturdy strips. 5. Holds up a ton of stuff. I have about 10-15 pounds stuff in there every day. And I have had it for about a month. No signs of wear. Cons: 1. The cup holder can be deeper. And there is only one cup holder compare a lot of bags have two. 2. The zip is sturdy. But I have a hard time zip them sometimes. It is not the smoothest zip I have had. 3. The laptop sleeve backup board is sturdy but it also adds up weight on the bag itself. So when the bag is completely empty, it has a 3 pounds weight compare to an average 2-pound bag. It may not matter but it is kind of annoying when you do not have to carry a laptop. Overall, good bag.

Great backpack. Has plenty of room for books and other items for short travel and the separate laptop compartment is very convenient. It's durable and well designed for comfort.

This pack has tons of space and has a very good feel of quality. I'm glad I've went with the Surge II instead of the other 5 packs that I was considering along with this one.