Customer Reviews The North Face Borealis

Even though I didn't have a chance to actually use the bag before returning it, I know it is very durable and roomy as North Face backpacks generally are. The only problem is that because it is very durable and roomy, the bag was quite big on me (I'm around 5 ft) and not exactly lightweight. It definitely would have been the perfect school bag if it was just a bit smaller and lighter.

The back pack looks great but didn't work well when it was filled with books and binders. It easily fills to capacity.

I loved the look of the backpack! It is light and beautifully designed. Unfortunatly it hits the base of my neck and rubs. There is no way that I would be able to have it on for long periods of time. The fabric is rough in that area and probably very durable but next to my skin it would be a disaster. Sorry to say I have to return it!

Comparing the redesigned 2015 FlexVent Borealis to the previous model, it's simply less comfortable. The new straps are more padded, but they're relatively narrow and stiff, so the weight isn't distributed as well. It tugs more on your shoulders. They're also lined with a rougher, scratchier fabric; I never had a problem wearing the old straps with a sleeveless or wide-neck shirt, but these ones bother me. The back padding doesn't seem to do much except make the backpack heavier. I kept thinking there was something inside it when it was empty. The Borealis is still a well-designed pack with great pockets (I love the small external one for something small you use frequently, like phone or wallet), and I like that they fleece-lined the electronics pockets. But I can't get over the reduction in comfort. This is going back and I'll have to shop used for an older model.

The bag came quickly and is definitely something that is going to last a long time. However, I am disappointed in the size. Purchased as a replacement for a Samsonite for my high schooler, which was huge, and this one isn't even close in size. I was hoping this one would last into college, especially for the price, but when it arrived I could tell right away that's not going to happen. Live and learn!

The Borealis Backpack looks awesome but isn't so practical in use. I find the main compartment to be a little snug. I think one of the main issues is there's a bump out at the base of the iPad holder that takes up some room. Also wish the zippers were a little longer down the sides to get to the bottom of the bag easier. Last, my water bottle has fallen out of the side pouches twice already. Wish they could have been little higher. Overall a nice pack but not the workhorse like my last North Face backpack that lasted 14 years and went everywhere with me. This one will take some getting used to due to the issues outlined above.

The backpack is really nice but it is mis-marketed as being able to carry a 15" laptop. I have a 15" Macbook Pro with Retina Display, which is a standard 15" laptop that many people have (technically 15.4"). However, the laptop is extremely tight in this backpack and would be prone to damage. This backpack can ONLY fit a 13" laptop comfortably.

I eagerly bought this backpack in black and expected it to be able to contain all my things. It failed to do so. I can only squeeze two binders inside without fear of ripping the bag. I must admit the backpack is visually appealing and comfortable as well as stylish. If the capacity were to be increased then I would definitely rate it five stars.

I really like this backpack but there is a decent amount of pros and cons. PROS: -Lots of pockets: My last backpack didn't have nearly as many pockets so this feature is quite nice. It keeps all of my belongings organized. -Two mesh side pockets: This is a requirement for me. I like keeping items in here where I need quick access to. -Large smaller pocket: It's incredibly deep, which is nice because I carry around a lot of items and it doesn't bulge out either. Fits my brick-of-a-laptop charger in there along with my mouse, and it still doesn't bulge out. CONS: -Laptop sleeve is not deep enough: The main reason why I needed a new backpack was because there was a hole in the laptop pocket of my old backpack. I was iffy about getting this backpack because someone mentioned it can only fit a 13" laptop. Now I can see why, literally. My laptop sticks out at the top because the pad at the bottom of the sleeve is too high up. This is where most of the star reduction comes from. -Too stiff: My last backpack was very comfortable; it had soft padding and rested against my back nicely. The one I received from TNF is extremely stiff and slightly uncomfortable. I'm hoping it breaks in but it might take a while. -Awkward interior design: The bottom pad from the laptop sleeve bulges out, which annoys me quite a lot. I decided to just put my laptop outside of the sleeve and my folders inside of it; otherwise, my folders would be bent from the bulge sticking out. I decided to keep this backpack mainly because of the amount of pockets it has but I expected better design/quality for the price. Every person I pass by literally has a TNF backpack. I assumed there was a reason why, but from the one I received I might not buy another one anytime soon.

The back is attractive enough and well built but the compartments are unbalanced. I find carrying it to be awkward

I got this backpack primarily for college. I love the durability of North Face and figured it was worth the extra cost compared to other backpacks. I haven't had it for too long, but the durability seems great so far. The computer pocket fits my 15" MacBook Pro with a case perfectly and is very easy to use even with books in the bigger part. However, trying to get books in and out of the pocket is hard because of the size of the front pocket (the contents of the front pocket pushes into the space in the back one). My biggest complaint is the roughness of the straps. After wearing it for only one day with a tank top, my shoulders were rubbed completely raw. The mesh ventilated nicely, but is so rough that I will have to come up with a cover for the straps. Also the straps flare out around my chest too much, which makes them rub my arms as I walk. The size is nice overall, as it doesn't get huge and bulky with all my books in it like some other backpacks have. The water bottle holders are great and of very high quality. It can be hard to get on and off because the straps are very stiff. Overall it's a nice bag, but the straps could use some improvement.

This backpack has a lot of nice features, but it simply did not feel comfortable. As soon as I tried it on I felt that it fit weird on my shoulders, rubbing against my neck. I think it must be designed to fit someone with a larger frame. I'm 5'3 around 125, and the straps simply did not fit correctly. Girls might want to stick with woman sized packs, there really is a difference.

I got this bag for school and was super excited to use it. However, when I ordered it, I didn't realize how small the bag actually was. It's totally perfect height-wise, but I didn't realize how skinny it was and that there was a laptop sleeve on the back with something on the bottom of it that prevents you from being able to fit all the things I want in there comfortably. Everything fits, but it's a little tight sometimes. I also don't carry a laptop, so I wish I hadn't kept this bag and had switched it for a larger North Face brand one. But, even though it's not as big as I wish, it's still super durable and very comfortable on my shoulders.

Unfortunately, I have the an older Borealis, which I've had for about 15 years. It's a hiking daypack, with accommodations for a hydration bladder, a thick, useful waist belt that could stow away in the bag, and comfortable shoulder straps. It has been my everything bag -- carry on for flights, commuting on my bike, hiking excursions, carrying camera gear, overnight bag for travel. I still have itand use it on occasion, but it's getting long in the tooth, so I checked out the new Borealis line as a replacement. The new Borealis is now a bookbag. There is no compatibility with hydration systems. The waist band is thin and useless. The shoulder straps are thick, but the padded section is too short and too rigid. All of the outdoor utility is completely gone. I ended up getting the Angstrom 28, which I've been very happy with, as it has all the features of my old Borealis and a few extras.

this product worked well 50% of the time, but when i needed to put more binders in or when things got heavy, it did not hold. The backpack strap broke after only 8 months of use. It was not roomy and is defiantly not durable. Luckily I was in school when this happened but if i was mountain climbing, my supplies would have dropped down the mountain and i would die of starvation.

I think I bought this when I didn't know what I was looking for in a backpack, and it wasn't cheap! Now that I've used others, I can't wait to get rid of this one and buy something else. Main cons: WAY too heavy, has a sloped bottom so when you put it down on the floor or a chair, it ALWAYS falls forward (silly, I know, but it bothers me). Also the side pockets I use for my water bottle have worn through and ripped (I've had this bag for 3 years). The back pad is so thick and wide, and it gets really hot if you're walking anything more than a couple blocks with it. Definitely don't recommend for hiking/ trekking but could be useful for someone who doesn't have to carry much or travel long distances... but maybe just use your purse.

I ordered the zinc grey heather/ surf green women's borealis backpack and the backpack was much smaller than expected. The grey color also looked black and was not as attractive as what was pictured.

I bought this right before I took a trip and used it for 2 and it is already showing fraying, pilling and loose seams. The shoulder straps already have a frayed look and pilling on the mesh. There are also undone seams already which makes me question the integrity of the backpack. I understand what wear and tear is on a backpack but for it to show these signs only 2 weeks after use is absurd. I doubt I will be buying much else from TNF with their quality of products declining. You can barely fit anything in the main compartment if you have a laptop in the bag and items in the front section. Honestly, I am just disappointed in the backpack overall. Otherwise, I love the Night Green Color.

The first week I have used this My shoulder and back have been hurting for 3 days. The backpack is already faling apart. The stitching is coming out and I am returing it. It is beautiful, convertable, and nice...but its not worth the money I spent. Additionally it is pretty small for the stuff I do.

When I got this backpack as a gift, I loved it. It was cute and seemed spacious. When it was time to use it for school, not all my binders fit and the pouch sizes are awkward. Also, the bottom strap around the waist is way too long. Once I had all my books in it, my shoulders started to hurt and was leaving red marks.

hi i bought this backpack under a year and the backpack side pockets are already breaking. it has holes now from my daily use to keep my water bottle and thermos. my old north face backpack lasted me 10 years. this one barely last 1 year. i wish the material was the same as i had when i got it 10 years ago. now i don't feel that north face backpack are as good. now i have to go out and spend more $$$ to have a durable backpack hoping to last more than 1 year.

I've seen so many great reviews of this backpack and decided to try it out for myself for school. What I did not expect was the backpack to wear out so easily and the zippers staining when I've kept it in mint condition. On top of that there's no way to clean it so I'm stuck with a fairly new backpack that looks quite old. Would I purchase this again probably not but it was a good backpack while it lasted

Overall, this is a great backpack. But the problem with it comes from the back of the backpack. It literally kills my shirts. Because of the mesh behind the backpack, my clothes got worn at the spot where the backpack touches my lower back. I didn't realize that after awhile. Same spot on every shirt. I am not happy about that. And I certainly don't know how to fix it. So please fix it!

Loved the design but I returned it for the woman's one. The style of the bag didn't fit my smaller back. The large pocket is very deep and awkward for books. The laptop sleeve is extremely tight. the middle pocket is also oddly deep. It bulges at the top part of the pocket. I would recommend the cheaper version.

I got the TNF Black/Origin Blue model. The colors definitely did not match the stock picture. The blue is more of a grayish color in artificial lighting. However it does appear more blue under sunlight. I wore the backpack for two days for college and it felt very heavy. This might be because I've been using a Jansport Superbreak for the past 4 years, which is 0.75 lbs compared to the Borealis' 2 lb. The Borealis looks big but it actually doesn't fit much. I could barely fit a 2 inch binder inside with two other notebooks plus my wallet and some other little items. Carrying three notebooks and some small personal items felt as heavy as carrying a textbook and 3 notebooks in my Jansport. Overall, this is not a good backpack if you want to use it for school or traveling, because it will not fit much. However, if you are just using it to carry a laptop to work, it could be a good backpack for you.