Customer Reviews The North Face Borealis

I have been searching for a book bag that I could use for work for quite some time. I initially bought the Herschel Supply Co. Little America and Mid-Volume bag AND the Retreat but found that they were not that functional. I had a TNF Slingshot book bag that I used in college and travel but it is pretty beat up (still usable -- it's going on 8 years!). I should've known and just went with a TNF book bag in the first place instead of looking at other bags. The Borealis is AMAZING! There are so many compartments for you to store everything you might need to carry with you. I have 14in HP laptop that I keep in the middle compartment because I already have a laptop sleeve. The section for just the laptop is great though -- I can keep folders and papers that I need for work. The other smaller compartments are great for accessories! Overall great book bag!

Northface backpacks truly are worth the price. The last Northface backpack I purchased took me through four years of college, studying abroad, backpacking through Europe, commuting to and from my job in downtown Chicago - it seriously lasted me EIGHT years. Plenty of room, sturdy, reliable and easy to throw in the washer and clean. This backpack will be no different and I'm so happy with it so far. I like it more than my old one (they don't make that model anymore) but it has plenty of pockets, I LOVE the sturdy area it has to put a laptop..I can fit my workout clothes, my lunch, tennis shoes, wallet..everything! Plus, it's crisp and clean and classic black is always my go-to.

Love this backpack. My backpack before this was a Borealis that I got in 2009; I wanted the same layout and features. It is basically the same but things are different sizes now. One great improvement is the outside stretchy pouches are taller - oh joy of joys! Now my 20 oz. water bottle won't fall out! I used to have to secure it with the strap above the pouch, but now it stays in the pouch on its own. I really like the smaller front fleece-lined compartment. It's shorter than the one on my old Borealis, but since there are 4 actual zippered sections in this bag vs. 3 in the older one, there's plenty of room to split up the things I used to keep in the front section. Plus I can find things that are kept in there more quickly, since it's shorter. The second zippered section is similar to the old Borealis' second section - it has smaller pouches and pockets inside to store individual items. This compartment doesn't go to the bottom of the bag like the old second section, which would've been nice. It's about half the depth of the bag. Still holds a good number of items. The third zippered section is the most roomy from front to back. Bulkier items can go here. The back compartment is narrow, designed for a laptop. The back has firm foam that keeps the bag sitting straight up and comfy on your back using one or both shoulder straps. Another thing to mention is the color - I got the Asphalt Grey/Sulphur Spring Green - it's a very dark grey, just a shade or two lighter than the black trim. I was hoping it wouldn't be a lighter grey, since some photos might not be totally accurate when there's a 'grey area'. It's definitely dark grey. Just remember where your stuff is compared to your older bag! This new Borealis is great.

Solid, functional backpack. Can't go wrong with this for a student.

I use it when I have to travel for a couple fo days (work, camping, etc). Enough space for everything I need. It's the first time I buy this kind of backpack and I love it.

I was looking for an all-purpose backpack with quality construction, simple styling, and practical features. My old Jester backpack served me so well thru over a decade of school, travelling, hiking, and everything in between. When it finally wore out, it was a no-brainer to get another North Face. I also now ride motorcycles, so I needed something good for short trips + commuting. The Borealis seems to be everything my old backpack was and more! Look no further.

I bought this backpack in April 2019. It is now May 2022 (just over 3 years later) and this pack is still just as amazing as it was when I got it. Well, maybe a little more amazing because I have a special bond with it at this point. I’ve used it for hiking, travel, school, and even as a diaper bag for my kiddo (who is younger than my backpack).

This bag is everything that I needed it to be and more. It holds all of my stuff and then some.

My 7th grader loves this backpack. Great quality which makes me feel better about it holding up despite how much he crams into it. It really is amazing how much this thing holds.

Long lasting bag

I bought this to replace my Timbuk2 messenger bag (that I still love). My new work laptop was went from a 13" Surface to a 15" Dell and the size of bag I had could not accommodate the larger laptop. Thus the hunt was on. I did a bunch of research on both messenger bags and back packs. I haven't had a backpack in decades and was a bit reluctant to go that route. However, after all my research, the Borealis kept being high on my list. It had the best loadout in that it had a dedicated and padded laptop section that could not only accommodate a laptop, but also a pad of paper for notes. It had a well designed organizer section for all my little items (earbuds, travel drives, cords, pens, etc.). It had plenty of room in the main section for when I bring my lunch (the messenger bag would struggle with larger containers). One of my other big concerns was a good pouch for my 16oz stainless coffee mug. The pockets for water bottles or mugs are great. Good stretch and are plenty deep enough. I think they are fantastic. Additionally the bungee section on the outside was great for when it is cold in the morning and warm going home and provides a place to easily stash your jacket so you don't have to carry it. Finally, this bag is wonderful to carry. It has great structure to where it rides so nicely when you have it on with no pressure points. It makes it where everything feels so much lighter than it would feel in my messenger bag. The color of this bag is also fantastic. I love the bright tanish gold color. I have received several complements on it already. I wear a lot of blacks and blues and this complements both great. As you can tell, I am very pleased with this bag. Zero regrets on choosing this bag.

Great all around back pack. I have used it for hikes, to carry fishing gear and to just keep in my vehicle filled with a lot of basics. Very comfortable and I have gotten so many compliments on the color!

I have really liked this bag so far. Great dedicated area for my laptop. Good storage for my nick nacks. Plenty of storage for everything else. Love how well my 16 oz cup fits in the side cupholders. The bungee on the back is great for keeping jackets. I did a lot of research on bags prior to choosing this one. I am not disappointed. This fits all my storage needs perfectly for work. Also this carries real well. Haven't had a backpack in decades and it is impressive how much better they are now. It carries really light. O think the furnish back really helps. Also love this color way.

School backpack for my daughter

Perfect for travel and trail.

i LOVE this backpack! it fits all of my needs & the color is prefect! 10/10 recommend!

Perfect backpack for school or really anything! a great size and has lots of compartments to fit all of the things that you need!

Love this backpack!! It has so many compartments and is perfect for school or just every day use. It is super practical and I love the color!!

This is by far one of the most comfortable and reliable backpacks I've owned. Great back support and all the compartments make everything easy to organize.

I bought this for my son's first year of middle school. It's so roomy and has a padded pocket for his laptop. Excellent quality.

This backpack so amazing and perfect , I like it alot

Gave to nephew graduated high school off to college. He Always wanted one.

I love using my borealis backpack for both work and my weekend hikes. The section for my laptop is great and it's also comforting knowing that it's protected with the padding inside. The straps are great and comfortable when I take it out for a hike and carries just about all you'll need for a good long hike trip. Would definitely recommend it for its range of features.

I love this backpack, it's very spacious, and really comfortable even when having a lot of things inside the backpack.