Customer Reviews The North Face Women's Surge
Write A ReviewRating Summmary:
535
535 total reviews
Review Breakdown:
80%5Rated 5 stars out of 5
12%4Rated 4 stars out of 5
3%3Rated 3 stars out of 5
3%2Rated 2 stars out of 5
2%1Rated 1 star out of 5
Customer Fit Survey:
67%"Felt true to size"
100%"Excellent arch support"
Additional Reviews
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Overall2Rated 2 stars out of 5
Reviewed at The North Face US
When I first got this backpack I loved it, but after the first couple days of using it for school, I realized how uncomfortable it was. I can barely squeeze in a textbook and a couple notebooks, and couldn't fit another textbook in after that. Besides being too narrow, my thermos and water bottle kept falling out of the holders at the side when I set it down. The comfort also wasn't there--the shoulder pads dig into my shoulders and don't mold to my back at all.
I love the design and pocket structure of this backpack but overall I was very disappointed with how it fit my school necessities as well as how it fit on me.
Maddy,
0 found this review helpful.
Overall3Rated 3 stars out of 5
Reviewed at The North Face US
So here's the deal. I've had this backpack for less than a year, and I want to love it because it sounds so great on paper. Lots of organizational pockets, stylish design, TSA layout laptop sleeve (a serious perk), and a large capacity. HOWEVER. The straps and back on this backpack are so incredibly uncomfortable. I assume the straps are attached high up on the back panel in order to provide the most support possible, but that means it digs in constantly to your shoulders, and sticks out further than other backpacks I've owned. Not to mention the back wall is hard as a rock, making it painful to take on and off. On top of that, because the internal compartments are much taller than they are wide, it's actually fairly difficult to fit a good amount of books/change of clothes in here, because you are so limited width wise. Especially if you want to utilize the front organizational pockets, which are wonderful, but once you put things in them it reduces what large items you can actually add to the backpack. My guess is that for those who really use this pack for long hiking purposes it works well, but if you're looking for a school friendly backpack this is not the one.
Rose M,
0 found this review helpful.
Overall2Rated 2 stars out of 5
Reviewed at The North Face US
This bag is both too big and, considering its size, too small at the same time. I was so excited to purchase, and I LOVED the design and color (I got the black/gray with rose gold accents) but when I put my law school stuff in it, it both didn't fit and looked way too bulky on my back. It stuck out like a turtle shell and looked ridiculous. I only had my laptop (13 inch 2015 MacBook Pro), one textbook, a notebook, pencil case, laptop charger, and some random small things like a travel size deodorant, chapstick, etc. in the whole bag. I often need to bring another book with me, and when added one to test it out it looked even worse. It was bulging even without the extra book. I was very disappointed and had to return it.
Kate,
0 found this review helpful.
Overall2Rated 2 stars out of 5
Reviewed at The North Face US
I used this product for school for only about three days, though I received the backpack approximately a month ago. At first, I was amazed by the design and the look. However, after wearing it, I realized how uncomfortable it is. (Even without the weight of textbooks!) The shoulder straps are incredibly stiff and bulky, digging into my collar bone and shoulders. I used to use the Women's Recon, which had flexible and not-as-thick shoulder straps. Adding weight to the backpack made it worst. Additionally, I use a plastic waterbottle from the Thermos company and it continuously, without fail, falls out of the water bottle holder. I never had this problem with the Recon or any backpack for the matter. The back of the backpack, the part that rests against your back, is uncomfortable and stiff as well. It doesn't not mold to my back like the recon.
In general, this backpack is very stiff and unyielding. Think of sleeping on a hardwood floor without any cushion vs using a memory foam mattress. I wish I could return this but I cut the labels off already and I deeply regret this purchase. The only thing I like about this backpack though, is the whistle.
Catherine,
0 found this review helpful.
Overall4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Reviewed at The North Face US
I got this backpack for my Junior year of high school because I needed a durable comfortable back pack to hold all my books. Its incredible roomy and I could fit all my school supplies in it plus once I put it on and strap myself in it almost feels like nothing. My only complaints are when nothing is in the bag it already weighs 3 pounds which kinda sucks , and what I have to say the worst thing about it is that it does not stand on its own. When in class and I need to constantly get things out of my bag, having to lift it off the ground is extremly annoying. I either have to lean it on my friends bag or lay it on the floor on its back.
Over all the bag is great and i'll use it throughout high school and maybe even college. Its roomy and great for business and everyday travel, but is a pain to get things out of. I would recommend it to other people definitely!
Julia A,
0 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Verified PurchaseReview for Zappos VIP Points(What's this?)
I'm 5 feet tall and although the bag is a little big on me, that's the case for most bags that can fit everything I need for school. It might annoy some people but I find that when I'm wearing the bag with the straps tightened to keep the weight centered and high, the top of the bag rubs against the back of my head if I lean back a bit. Doesn't both me but I thought it was weird at first.
I thought there were an unnecessary amount of felt lined pockets, but I like that there were a lot of pockets in general.
The side pockets seem a bit shallow and flimsy. I find that if I bend over to tie my shoe while I have the bag on then the stuff on the side will usually slip out. My 32oz hydroflask fits ok and doesn't usually fall when I tie my shoe but something like a bottle of pledge tends to slip out. A retractable umbrella seems to stay in the side pockets well too.
Anonymous, Zappos Customer,
0 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Reviewed at The North Face US
So I'm a constant traveler mainly for work and occasionally for vacation. Being a traveler you become very dependent on having a practical useful bag that will make everything easier. I've done lots of research for the perfect bag that is really great for commuting, organized, spacious, comfortable and most importantly a bag that has a laptop slot that can zip all the way down for airport security without having the trouble of removing my laptop. The Surge was pretty much a clear choice for this, having bought 4 different bags from North Face in the past there was no reason to doubt the company. I mean it the bag was perfect for my situation both personal and work use. A durable bag that can take loads of abuse, still hold up like a champ and still looks good doing it. Last note I don't carry a mac laptop as most people do instead I use an alienware which a little thicker and very dense (pretty heavy) and I gotta say the slot holds it well very protective and still comfortable. Highly Recommended!!!
Jori,
0 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Reviewed at The North Face US
When Friends and I would go out exploring haunted places or the beautiful outdoors I always have my North face surge on my back with all the stuff I need to survive the scary nights such as a jacket and my camera or the beautiful outdoors like an extra change of clothes and water bottles even a snack, my backpack has been a great companion when I go exploring!
Boostedmia,
0 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Review for Zappos VIP Points(What's this?)
Runs SmallRuns Large
Bought this backpack because I loved the Men's version of "Surge" that I got for my husband almost 7 years ago... he wore that to business school and now wears that for family outings with our 2 toddler kids under the age of 4. It has lasted this long so I wanted one for myself since carrying a shoulder strap type of diapee bag was very tiresome for me while trying to manage 2 wild toddlers by myself from time to time. The women's version is slightly different but still as functional and more stylish than the men's.
Differences are as follows:
(1). women's version has NO BOTTOM zipped compartment. The men's version has a zipped compartment on the very bottom of the backpack. I use the men's version to store my husband's rain / windbreaker... it fits really nicely. Women's version doesnt have it for some reason.
(2). Side bottle pockets are a nylon stretchy fabric instead of the netting type of elastic fabric. So the nylon stretchy fabric has stretched out a bit from the water bottles...it use to be flat against the side of the backpack and now its just stretched out.
Overall, I do recommend this backpack esp if ur looking to replace your diaper bag. I own a picklemebottom diaper bag/backpack and a lesportsac diaper bag. My favorite go-to is this backpack bc its durable, super roomy, and i can be hands free.
(Items I fit into this backpack: diaper changing pad with 6 diapers, travel baby wipes, potty liners for my other toddler, 2 sets of changing clothes for my 2 toddlers), sunglasses case, 2 tubes of sunscreen, my wallet, iphone 7+ (its enormous!), hand sanitizer spray, a lil bag of toy cars (for distractions when eating out), buggy balm (mosquito repellent), travel kleenexes and a set of keys and 2 water bottles and sometimes a thermos of mac and cheese. Its an awesome diaper backpack!!)
Anonymous, Zappos Customer,
2 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Reviewed at The North Face US
I loved it, it was the perfected size for school and then after school hikes. Will definely get a new one after a few years.
Fallyn T,
0 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Reviewed at The North Face US
This is a great medium-sized backpack for a weekend trip, or when you need to carry a ton of stuff in addition to your main luggage. Plenty of space and organization for what you need. Doesn't seem too heavy to me based on what other reviews have said (I prefer it to be heavy over light if it means the backpack lasts longer). The 2 things that I love most about traveling with this pack which sets it apart from the others that North Face offers: The small front top compartment -- perfect for when I need to stash my wallet/phone/watch/sunglasses when going through security or storing at night. And the handle on the back of the pack -- I initially didn't like the look of this, but have grown to love it. Great for picking up the pack when it's been lying down, or stacking it on top of something. It prevents you from having to swing the bottom up when fitting it into a tighter space. Didn't think I would use it at all but actually use it almost everytime that I take the bag somewhere.
Jeff F,
0 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Reviewed at The North Face US
Very good backpack. The only con I could come up with is the weight (around 3 pounds), but it seems pretty normal for a 33-liter bag and overall not an important problem. Perfect engineering, very impressive style, feels solid, quality production -- overall close to perfect. You will not regret if you buy this bag.
Ozengnr,
0 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Review for Zappos VIP Points(What's this?)
This pack was purchased for daily commuting but I think it will also be useful for traveling. I'm sure this will be a great option to carry on the plane with both my laptop & work things along with my tablet, snacks, etc. I think you could also make it work as an overnight bag if you're packing just a change of clothes. The laptop sleeve is nicely padded and doesn't go all the way to the bottom of the bag so your laptop is well protected if you drop your pack. There are lots of pockets and ways to organize your belongings. The straps are also well padded and the pack sits comfortably on my back or slung over my shoulder. I purchased the pack in Folkstone Gray, which looks a little lavender to me.
Anonymous, Zappos Customer,
0 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Reviewed at The North Face US
This is by far the best back pack I've ever owned!
Adrin C,
0 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Review for Zappos VIP Points(What's this?)
Runs SmallRuns Large
Wow: this backpack is compact yet fits everything easily...lunch (in an insulated bag), laptop, file folder, sweater, pens, sunglasses, water bottle, coffee mug. Also really comfortable and ergonomic, so much so that the load feels much lighter than I expected. My 15.6" laptop fits in the sleeve, but barely. I don't think a 17" laptop would fit in the sleeve, but it would probably fit in the back compartment. Also the blue color is really beautiful and rich in-person.
Anonymous, Zappos Customer,
0 found this review helpful.
Overall2Rated 2 stars out of 5
Reviewed at The North Face CA
Previously I had the North Face Modem, which was awesome. I bought the Surge at an outdoor store in Jasper, so I expected it to be designed for the outdoors. Nothing on its label said it was only for use in ideal outdoor conditions. I record archaeology sites, so I bring electronics including my computer and two cameras into the bush with me. I don't expect bags to stay dry during a day in the rain (I put everything in ziplocks) but I do expect them to dry out at home. I was hiking in the rain two days ago and the interior and padded pockets of this bag still aren't dry, even though I have all the zippers open. The Modem dried overnight.
Also, the Surge has plenty of pockets (which is why I chose it) like the Modem, however it is built like a sausage. When it is loaded with my gear--the exact same gear that the Modem easily accommodated--I am having to jam equipment into it to the point where expensive electronics are literally grating against each other, rendering many of the pockets practically useless. Reaching into the bottom of the bag to find things is almost like reaching into the bowels of the earth because it is so deep and narrow. With the zippers going all the way down to the bottom, it opens flat, but I don't want to open it flat and have things fall out, particularly not on steep talus slopes or in the pouring rain.
I would have given this bag one star, except that it is comfortable to wear. The awful sausage-like interior design is one thing, but its slow drying time is unforgivable. I recommend this bag for transporting flat narrow things, like pens and magazines, on sunny days in the city.
Ang,
0 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Reviewed at The North Face US
I use this as my everyday pack: work, quick projects, or short trips. The Flexvent back area provides excellent support and helps distribute the weight evenly.
I didn't know how the front handle was going to work out, but its' perfect for moving the pack around once you put down into the trunk of your car or SUV.
The front pockets can be a little tight when you load it up, so the organizing is limited for quick access.
Noah,
0 found this review helpful.
Overall4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Comfort4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Review for Zappos VIP Points(What's this?)
This is a great size for a woman's backpack. Although it can hold a ton if needed, it also can be held more compact, using the side straps. I actually use it for a flute bag. My flute and piccolo fit in the middle compartment, and an orchestra-sized folder fit in the back compartment. It is well organized for all my accessories, plus phone, wallet, keys, etc. It seems like it will be very durable. I do wish there was just a little more padding in the bottom of the middle compartment.
Anonymous, Zappos Customer,
0 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Reviewed at The North Face CA
I bought this for travel. I can put a small 20L day pack in the laptop area and forget about it as i'm changing destinations. The bag is snug to your back and isn't bulky. Sunglasses pocket is very handy. Fleece is nice and thick. Loads of extra pockets. Zips feel good. Chest and waist straps are top quality. Everything on the bag feels well made. Good job north face.
Ray,
0 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Reviewed at The North Face US
We purchased this backpack for one of our technologists (IT Company) who works remotely and travels. It has been a great product so far!
LeadingIT,
0 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Reviewed at The North Face US
I have always boughten Jansport backpacks, nothing too expensive so this was a bit of a jump for me. So after this being my first NorthFace pack I can say it is worth the money! It's perfect for college students who have a lot of textbooks or those who stay on campus all day long.
The design of the pack is great. There's a lot of pockets which makes being organized easy. I've also used it on some weekend trips and there's room for everything. I was able to pack enough for a 4 day trip with room to spare! I've read people complain about the zippers getting stuck but mine glide with ease so maybe it's model to model.
It's also very comfortable. I'm use to backpacks with shoulder straps that dig into your shoulders when it's too heavy or after a long day but after months of use, that isn't an issue with this one.
All in all, the investment is worth it because you get a light, long-lasting made pack with tons of room.
Jessie,
0 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Reviewed at The North Face US
I have used it on my short business trips. It's great you don't have to remove your laptop from the bag. It has many pockets for everything.
Luisito,
0 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Reviewed at The North Face US
Great size backpack for walking around campus and making sure you have everything that you need for the day.
Chance,
0 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Reviewed at The North Face US
Helps with back problems. Makes it very comfortable to carry heavy loads
Chelsea,
0 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Reviewed at The North Face US
This bag is amazing, very comfortable and easy to pack anything from big to small, while still maintaining organization. Great school and travel bag would recommend to anyone as #1 school/travel bag!
Matt,
0 found this review helpful.