Customer Reviews The North Face Borealis

I had the older version of the Borealis and I thought it was a good time to upgrade. Purchased this new and updated version and I absolutely love it. Sleek, comfortable, universal use, stylish, and comes in different colors. It's safe to put my MacBook Pro in which was important to me. Given my class assignments, etc. will be placed in there for nursing school, I made sure it had all the pockets for my things. I'm also a commuter student. My only complaint would be: structure that doesn't allow it to stand up against something on its own. You have to REALLY stuff the backpack with things & if you have too much in the small front compartment versus the larger one... it falls forward because of the structure. Something I'm still having a hard time adjusting to since August 2019.

I use my backpack for school and for the office. It fits all my books and my computer. It has a place for all my things sunglasses, charger, pens etc.

I use the backpack as a working professional who brings her lunch to work. It's got a good numer of pockets (but I could always use more pockets). I don't carry a laptop or tablet with me, so the backpack is simple enough for my needs.

I wanted to love this backpack but as soon as I put it on I knew I would return it. The straps are extremely rigid and they are too narrow so it feels like the backpack is trying to kill my back when I wear it. I bought this for traveling but can't imagine standing around with heavy contents in this for more than 5 minutes. I love the look and all the compartments, especially the laptop section, but comfort is important in a backpack so this did not work for me.

Already had one backpack of this design and size and loved it so ordered one more.

Just the type of backpack I was looking for! I was in need of a new backpack, as I use one all the time for weekend getaways, travel, bringing a change of workout clothes to work, etc. I use one as a bag for many needs. This one fit what I wanted it for! It also looks very nice.

I love this backpack! I always have trouble finding a backpack roomy enough for my school books and after school practice. This backpack has more than enough room for you anything I need!

I use this bag for school and carry tons of textbooks. It feels as if there is nothing in my bag because of all the support the bag gives!

I use this backpack for college, it has lots of room at the bottom

Hopefully this knapsack will hold up. We shall see! This is the third knapsack this school year, and I bought it because it has a great reputation.

Great backpack for traveling and as a laptop bag for work, Very comfortable!

Useful as a student

The back pack is one of the most durable and well built ones on the market. I have had several differnt ones and North Face is unequaled in value.

I use this product daily in college.

I love this backpack, it has a ton of room and the straps and back support are great. I love the computer compartment and the front pockets, the only thing that made me give it 4 stars is how it's top heavy and does not have much of a base to sit upright on. It really isn't a problem for me and I don't really mind that it is top heavy.

I got this backpack to replace a North Face backpack that I loved. This one will not stand up straight because the front pocket only goes down halfway. There is barely any room in the front pocket which makes the backpack top-heavy. The second month I had the backpack, one of the buckle straps tore completely off from just trying to tighten it. Also, the stitching is coming loose and hangs.

I'm a college student and lived for 22 years without owning a backpack. Truth be told, I despise backpacks. I found them bulky, the straps always cut into my shoulders, I was 100% convinced I would forever be a purse gal. Until my textbooks simply got too heavy and I reluctantly had to order a backpack. Best decision ever. This backpack is so cute, I feel like it looks so proportional to me (I have a pretty light frame) and my back has never been happier. The other day, I had it on while sitting in the dining hall and legitimately took a 5-minute nap on my chair with it because I forgot I even had it on! It has so many little pockets and so much room, I can fit everything in there I need for a whole day in college (snacks, books, laptop, gym clothes). It feels so durable and has kept all my things dry and safe in the icy northeastern winter. Absolutely in love with this backpack.

Great backpack! I'm giving it a full 5 star review because of the awesome features provided, including the separate laptop compartment, the use of durable and reliable fabrics and hardware. However, I really do wish the admin (organizer) pocket was as deep as the rest of the backpack, because I loved to put lots of everyday stuff in my old Jester, like deodorant, tissues, moisturizer, etc., but this pocket just isn't as useful because of the depth reduction. I would also love to see additional organization pockets in that pocket. Finally, I would love to see the inclusion of more reflective patches on the top of the Recon! As a student and a relatively experienced traveler, I would love to see the implementation of reflective fabric on the handle itself to make it easier to find among dozens of other bags in dim lighting with a flashlight! Overall, The North Face makes a great backpack, this backpack does not disappoint, and I would (and probably will) most certainly buy it again in the future.

I use it daily in school and I love how it don't bend it sturdy which I wanted in a bag. I love it!!!!

Besides some minor issues, the over all product was worth the wait! I'm definitely shopping more with NorthFace.

It looks clean and minimalistic. It does not look big and bulky, but you can fit sooo much stuff

I use this backpack for school and it holds everything together perfectly. It is comfortable and it has pockets for all my school necessities.

I love the fit of this and the durability. I bought it for Spanish Language immersion program in Mexico in 2005. It was great as a class book bag and for day trips. I've used it on the trail and at the beach. I'm only unhappy because in the 2005 design there is a smaller outer pocket which I use a lot and the zipper broke after 10 years of use. I'm just getting around to seeing about the warranty but shipping is at customer's expense and luggage repair people locally don't want to do it, so not sure it's worth it.

I got this for college and it is perfect for my needs. There is a pocket for everything, and the quality is great. Love the color as well.

I am using Borealis pack from several years now. The new one I love the color options but I am concerned that there is no pleat protecting zippers which I found very useful on rainy days. My last backpack I didn't like that the bottle pocket was too tight and short so my bottles were always falling and I lost severals. Unfortunately this new design have the same bottle pockets. Size wise is a very great day backpack and perfect for 2 days travel. Is also good for business not to much straps that isn't good for commuting