The North Face
Borealis Backpack
The North Face Borealis is a commuter backpack designed for everyday use, constructed from rugged ripstop fabric with a plaid texture and featuring a padded 15-inch laptop compartment and adjustable shoulder straps. It provides multiple zippered pockets, a front elastic bungee system, and a padded back panel, with dimensions of 19.25 x 14 x 6.5 inches. While users report long-term durability for commuting, school, and travel, some note that newer models have quality issues and that it is not ideal for hiking.
Color
Size
Specifications
- Material
- Main material: 100% nylon; Lining: 100% polyester
- Gender
- male
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Dimensions
- 14x6.5x19.25 in
Product Insights
The North Face Borealis Backpack is a chiropractor-endorsed pack designed to reduce spinal pressure via a recessed spine channel, injection-molded contoured straps, and a layout that centers heaviest loads. Its FlexVent suspension prioritizes cushioned support over breathability, making it ideal for everyday carry but not for hiking. However, recent quality concerns—zipper breakage, peeling, loose water bottle pockets—undermine its $135 CAD value compared to more durable alternatives like Osprey. The laptop sleeve offers ample padding for 13-inch devices but minimal protection for 15-inch ones, and its sewn-in design occupies interior space. The bungee cord system is a key differentiator, enabling quick loading and compression, though the dense foam shoulder straps reduce airflow. While the limited lifetime warranty covers defects, buyers note a decline in longevity versus older models.
Verified claims
- Chiropractic certification
- Endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association and co-designed with a chiropractic physician.
- Shoulder straps
- Injection-molded contoured straps reduce pressure points and promote two-shoulder carry.
- Spine relief
- Recessed spine channel on back panel plus layout that centers heaviest load.
- Suspension trade-off
- FlexVent suspension prioritizes cushioned support over breathability for everyday carry.
- Durability
- Newer Borealis models show zipper breakage and peeling, unlike older ones lasting >10 years.
- Water bottle pockets
- Water bottle pockets are loose, causing standard bottles to fall out.
- Value
- At $135 CAD, value suffers from quality decline; buyers recommend Osprey for durability.
- Comfort
- Reduces spinal pressure with a chiropractor-designed back panel and straps.
- Travel versatility
- Fits under airline seats, holds laptop, water, folders with adjustable bungee.
- Laptop fit
- 13-inch laptops fit with ample padding; 15-inch laptops have minimal protection and may contact the pack floor.
- Sleeve padding
- Felt lining protects from scratches but not impacts; a stiff liner provides some shock resistance.
- Sleeve design
- The laptop sleeve is permanently sewn in, ensuring consistent protection but occupying interior space.
- Water bottle pocket
- Buyers report that standard bottles fall out of side pockets during normal use.
- Bungee versatility
- Clip-on bungee enables quick loading and can be removed for reconfiguration
- Bungee compression
- Tightening the bungee reduces pack volume when underfilled
- Competitive advantage
- Exterior bungee cord system is absent on Osprey Daylite Plus and Patagonia Refugio
- Dimensions
- 14-inch internal length fits letter-size folders; 6.5-inch depth for tight spaces.
- Back panel
- Cushioned FlexVent panel for daily commutes, not designed for hiking.
- Warranty
- Limited lifetime warranty covers manufacturing defects.
- External features
- Front bungee cord with clips for easy stowage; sternum strap whistle for safety.
- Hiking suitability
- Missing hiking essentials: frame, hip belt, ventilation, and hydration sleeve.
- DWR maintenance
- Non-PFC DWR finish reactivates with 10–15 minutes of low heat tumble.
- Longevity
- Earlier Borealis models have lasted over 16 years; recent quality may vary.
- Bungee system
- Metal grommets at stress points and removable bungee reduce fabric wear.
- Shoulder strap breathability
- Dense foam shoulder straps reduce airflow, adding to clamminess.
- Sternum strap whistle
- Integrated whistle in sternum buckle for emergency signaling.
Product record
- Title
- Borealis Backpack
- Brand
- The North Face
- Price
- 135 CAD
- Availability
- In stock
Deep Research
What the chiropractic certification really means
- The North Face Borealis was one of the original nine backpacks endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association in 2010 after a panel of chiropractors assessed its ability to reduce spinal stress, making it a rare ergonomically certified carry option that has held that designation for over a decade.
- The ACA endorsement resulted from a deliberate partnership with Dr. Scott Bautch, a chiropractic physician who guided North Face’s redesign of straps and back panels, meaning the Borealis’ comfort features were informed by clinical knowledge of adolescent and adult back stress rather than just user-testing.
- A less obvious ACA-endorsed design element is the interior organization that encourages packing heaviest items first and closest to the back — this distributes weight optimally across the FlexVent system and keeps the pack’s center of gravity from pulling backward, which reduces shoulder fatigue and forward lean.
- The FlexVent suspension’s injection-molded shoulder straps create flex points that reduce clavicle and pressure point strain — a design detail that directly contributed to the ACA endorsement by preventing the one-shoulder sling that overloads the spine.
- The back panel’s recessed channel is engineered to take pressure off the spine, a feature that the ACA chiropractic panel flagged for its role in maintaining upright posture under load — more than just a comfort foam, it actively redirects weight away from the vertebral column.
- ACA reviewers noted that the Borealis’ shoulder straps are anatomically shaped for male or female contours, a fit distinction that improves weight transfer across the shoulders and avoids the generic straight-strap pinch that can compress nerves during a commute.
How it stacks up against competitor daypacks
- The exterior bungee cord system — absent on both the Osprey Daylite Plus and the Patagonia Refugio — enables quick external stowage of a rain jacket, bike helmet, or yoga mat, effectively extending the pack’s hauling capacity for urban multi-mission use.
- The Borealis's 6.5-inch depth is notably narrower front-to-back than the Osprey Daylite Plus (9.8 inches) and Patagonia Refugio 26L (8.5 inches), keeping the center of gravity close to the body and making it easier to move through crowded transit or store under a desk without excessive protrusion.
- The whistle integrated into the sternum buckle is a direct carryover from The North Face's alpine heritage — a safety feature rarely found on city-specialized packs like the Fjallraven Kanken and Patagonia Refugio, adding a layer of utility for outdoor-adjacent commutes or campus life where signaling could come into play.
- Where the Osprey Daylite Plus employs a tensioned open-mesh AirScape panel for maximum cross-ventilation on the trail, the Borealis uses The North Face's FlexVent molded-foam suspension with air channels — trading raw breathability for cushioned, supportive comfort that suits climate-controlled classrooms and offices better than sweaty summer hikes.
- The Borealis’s permanently attached padded laptop sleeve with a false bottom provides drop-protection without the risk of misplacing the sleeve — contrasting with the Patagonia Refugio’s removable, stowable sleeve that doubles as a tablet case, a design choice that favors dedicated laptop carriers over those who want a dual-purpose accessory.
- The Borealis's 14-inch internal width exceeds the Osprey Daylite Plus's 10.6-inch width by over 3 inches, allowing letter-sized folders, binders, or a folded shirt to lie flat against the back panel without bending — a daily usability gain for students and office commuters.
- The North Face's limited lifetime warranty covers manufacturing defects, while Osprey's All Mighty Guarantee offers unconditional free repair for any reason regardless of age — for buyers prioritizing lifetime service certainty, this gives the Osprey Daylite Plus a distinct advantage over the Borealis despite the latter's larger capacity and richer feature set.
Creative uses for the bungee compression system
- The front bungee uses side-release clips at the ends rather than a continuous lace path, so you can quickly unclip the entire cord to place or retrieve a jacket, helmet, or bundle without fishing items through elastic — a speed advantage that few other bungee daypacks offer.
- The elastic cord runs through metal grommets where it contacts the pack body, which prevents the nylon fabric from tearing under tension when you're lashing heavier or bulkier loads to the front — a small detail that extends the life of the bungee system through daily use.
- You can completely detach the bungee from its anchor points and rethread it to hold oddly shaped gear — a bike helmet, a yoga mat, a damp towel — or remove it entirely for a clean, urban-office look, effectively making the bungee an optional tool rather than a permanent cosmetic.
- When the pack is underfilled, tightening the front bungee and the side compression straps pulls the bag flat against your back, eliminating the sag of empty fabric and keeping the load stable — a secondary compression function that mimics what dedicated side straps do on larger packs.
Fabric durability and how to maintain it
- Ripstop nylon's signature crosshatch grid incorporates thicker threads at regular intervals, designed to halt tear propagation — so when the pack snags on a door handle or sharp corner, the damage remains a small puncture rather than spreading into a long rip that could compromise the main compartment.
- The factory-applied non-PFC durable water repellent finish can often be reactivated after washing by a short cycle in a tumble dryer on low heat (10–15 minutes), which re-orients the DWR polymers on the fabric surface; when water no longer beads up, a spray-on reproofer like Granger's Performance Repel Plus restores full light-rain protection without affecting the nylon's feel or breathability.
- The dense weave of the nylon ripstop resists the sort of scuffing and pilling that comes from daily subway rides or sliding under airline seats, holding a clean appearance longer than many packcloth polyester bags — an everyday carry advantage if the pack is frequently set down on rough urban surfaces.
- Hand washing with a mild detergent or a dedicated technical cleaner (such as Gear Aid Revivex Pro Cleaner) removes embedded dirt and body oils that degrade DWR performance over time, while avoiding fabric softeners and bleach preserves both the waterproof coating and the nylon's tensile strength — a critical step before reapplying any water repellency treatment.
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Front view of a black backpack with a crisscross elastic bungee on the front, embroidered white upper logo and white printed model name near the bottom, visible top carry handle and top zipper pulls.
- Overall shapeVertical oval-shaped backpack shown from the front with a slightly rounded top and tapered bottom.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.02 · w 0.88 · h 0.96 (high) - Front bungee systemElastic cord laced in a diamond/crisscross pattern across the front face with small plastic cord sliders at intersecting points and a cord end toggle at the bottom center.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.18 · w 0.76 · h 0.70 (high) - Top logo embroidery“White embroidered three-line text logo reading THE NORTH FACE with the half-dome arc to the right, centered on the upper front panel.”
1 region
x 0.32 · y 0.06 · w 0.36 · h 0.12 (high) - Lower model name text“White printed text reading BOREALIS located near the bottom center seam of the front panel.”
1 region
x 0.36 · y 0.90 · w 0.28 · h 0.06 (high) - Top carry handle and zipper pullsPadded loop carry handle at the top with two visible zipper pulls and a short webbing lash sitting behind the handle.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.00 · w 0.44 · h 0.12 (high) - Side pocket outlinesSoft fabric side pockets integrated into each side seam, visible as slight openings and stitched seams.
2 regions
x 0.02 · y 0.34 · w 0.12 · h 0.46 (medium); x 0.86 · y 0.34 · w 0.12 · h 0.46 (medium) - Fabric textureMain fabric appears to have a subtle ripstop grid texture on the upper front panel and smoother woven fabric on the lower front.
2 regions
x 0.22 · y 0.04 · w 0.56 · h 0.26 (high); x 0.18 · y 0.30 · w 0.64 · h 0.60 (high) - Bottom webbing loopsTwo horizontal webbing strap loops located at the lower front edge, one on each side of the center bottom cord toggle.
2 regions
x 0.18 · y 0.88 · w 0.14 · h 0.08 (high); x 0.68 · y 0.88 · w 0.14 · h 0.08 (high)
Other
Studio product shot centered on a light neutral background with soft shadows beneath; even frontal lighting and no props.
- Shot compositionBackpack centered in frame, full frontal view, image crops a small amount of the topmost handle area but shows most of the product.
- Background and lightingUniform light gray background with soft shadow under the backpack indicating a studio light source from above and slightly front.
Colors
matte black· main body#0E0E0Ebright white· logo and upper textbright white· lower model name text#C4C4C4- Overall shapeVertical oval-shaped backpack shown from the front with a slightly rounded top and tapered bottom.
- 02
Product
Rear view of a black backpack showing padded back panel, two padded shoulder straps with sternum and waist straps, side compression straps, and a top haul handle.
- Back panel paddingRectangular horizontal-stitched padded back panel with several evenly spaced padded segments covered in textured mesh fabric.
1 region
x 0.29 · y 0.12 · w 0.42 · h 0.70 (high) - Shoulder strapsTwo wide, heavily padded shoulder straps with reinforced stitched edges; each strap has a horizontal reflective or lighter-gray webbing loop near upper middle.
2 regions
x 0.18 · y 0.06 · w 0.28 · h 0.88 (high); x 0.50 · y 0.06 · w 0.34 · h 0.88 (high) - Sternum strap and buckleAdjustable sternum strap crossing between the shoulder straps with a quick-release plastic buckle positioned slightly right of center.
1 region
x 0.48 · y 0.56 · w 0.20 · h 0.12 (high) - Waist strap and bucklesLower waist strap webbing with a plastic buckle and adjustable tail straps emerging from the padded hip belt area at the bottom front of the pack.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.78 · w 0.64 · h 0.18 (high) - Side compression and pocket detailsVertical side compression straps with small webbing tabs and a small zippered or mesh pocket opening visible on the left side of the pack (viewer left).
1 region
x 0.03 · y 0.36 · w 0.28 · h 0.54 (high) - Top haul handlePadded top haul handle with a stitched seam, centered at the pack top between the shoulder straps.
1 region
x 0.36 · y 0.02 · w 0.28 · h 0.10 (high) - Material finishMain fabric appears to be a smooth, matte woven textile while strap faces use a slightly textured or ripstop weave and back panel uses a breathable mesh.
- Brand text on strap“THE NORTH FACE”
1 region
x 0.78 · y 0.72 · w 0.12 · h 0.12 (medium)
Other
Studio-style product shot on a light neutral background with soft even lighting and minimal shadows, image focused on the rear of the backpack and cropped at the base with some strap tails extending onto the surface.
- Shot compositionRear-facing three-quarter view centered in frame, showing the full height of the pack and most of the rear-facing components; lower strap tails lie on the flat surface.
- Background and lightingPlain light gray background with soft diffuse lighting producing gentle shadows beneath the pack and minimal specular highlights on fabric.
Colors
matte black· main body fabric#0E0E0Ddark charcoal· back panel mesh padding#221F21white· brand logo textmatte black (webbing)· strap webbing and buckles#0E0E0E- Back panel paddingRectangular horizontal-stitched padded back panel with several evenly spaced padded segments covered in textured mesh fabric.
- 03
Product
Close-up of the backpack's upper front compartments showing multiple zippered pockets, internal organizer panel, padded light-gray laptop/tablet sleeve, top carry loop, and zipper pulls.
- Compartment layoutTwo main front compartments visible with separate curved top zippers; a smaller front organizer pocket is open showing internal pockets and a padded sleeve behind it.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.08 · w 0.88 · h 0.84 (high) - Organizer panelInternal organizer panel made from medium gray fabric includes a horizontal zippered pocket and stitched flat pockets/slots below it.
1 region
x 0.08 · y 0.28 · w 0.54 · h 0.28 (high) - Padded sleeve liningLight-gray padded sleeve or pocket lip with soft fabric edging visible at the lower edge of the open organizer pocket.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.56 · w 0.52 · h 0.16 (high) - Top carry loopShort, stitched top carry loop formed from black webbing located between the two upper compartment zippers.
1 region
x 0.36 · y 0.02 · w 0.28 · h 0.12 (high) - Zippers and teethExposed coil zipper teeth in black on curved zipper tracks for each compartment; zipper tape matches exterior fabric color.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.02 · w 0.64 · h 0.52 (high) - Zipper pullsMultiple zipper pulls: molded triangular black plastic pulls attached to cord loops on exterior compartment zippers, and a small silver metal pull on the internal zip pocket.
2 regions
x 0.66 · y 0.40 · w 0.26 · h 0.30 (high); x 0.16 · y 0.36 · w 0.08 · h 0.10 (high) - Metal pull text“YKK”
1 region
x 0.16 · y 0.36 · w 0.08 · h 0.10 (medium) - Exterior fabric textureExterior made from a densely woven, slightly textured black fabric with faint ripstop grid visible on some panels.
1 region
x 0.50 · y 0.18 · w 0.46 · h 0.72 (high) - Cord and bungee detailThin elastic cord threaded through lower right-side webbing eyelets with a plastic cord lock visible at the edge.
1 region
x 0.74 · y 0.66 · w 0.22 · h 0.28 (high)
Other
Studio close-up on a neutral light gray background showing the backpack from an angled top-front perspective; even soft lighting with minimal shadows.
- Shot compositionTight studio close-up framing focused on the backpack's upper front and organizer area, cropped at lower front pocket and right side.
- BackgroundUniform light gray background with no visible texture or props.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 1.00 (high) - Lighting and shadowSoft, even lighting from above-left producing gentle shadows along zipper seams and inside open pockets.
Colors
black· exterior fabric#0E0D0Dmedium gray· internal organizer panel#7B7A7Dlight gray· padded sleeve liningsilver· metal zipper pull#A2A3AC- Compartment layoutTwo main front compartments visible with separate curved top zippers; a smaller front organizer pocket is open showing internal pockets and a padded sleeve behind it.
Documents & Data
Customer Reviews
13 total13 reviews · out of 5
Pratique
Tellement beau et super pratique
Grand sac très pratique
Spacieux, léger et Imperméable. Très pratique pour emporter mon portable et accessoires puisque je fais du télétravail hybride. Également très pratique pour les fins de semaines au chalet.
Sac à dos The North Face
Magnifique sac à dos avec plein de rangements. J'adore ce produit
Great Bag
North Face bags usually last a long time so I'm hoping this one will as well. Seems to be a quality constructed bag and the price was good.
Good value backpack
Light, spacious (28 litres), lots of pockets, comfortable to wear. Good value particularly on sale.
Livraison ultra rapide
Super sac et livré le lendemain de la commande
Sac à dos
Super ! Plein de rangements
Great backpack
Exactly as advertised, very roomie and comfortable.
.
.
Lili
Très beau et pratique. Je recommande.
Amazing size!
Large backpack for a great sale price.
Great Backpack
Perfect size backpack for a day trip. Also I got a great deal before they pull it off from the website. I guess you should always go check out the website.
Super produit
Super produit
Q&A
8 answered- Do the water bottle pockets securely hold standard-sized bottles, or do they tend to slip out?
- The water bottle pockets are designed to hold standard-sized bottles, but some users report they can be loose, and items may fall out during active use. Reviewers note the pockets accommodate various sizes but wish they were deeper [1]. Community feedback also mentions the pockets being loose [2].
- Does the back panel have a ventilated suspension system or is it flat padding?
- Yes, the back panel features the FlexVent™ suspension system, which includes a padded mesh back with ventilated channels for airflow. It uses a rounded design with vertical and horizontal indentations to promote breathability and comfort [1].
- Is the main fabric water-resistant or treated with a DWR coating?
- Yes, the main fabric is treated with a non-PFC durable water-repellent (DWR) finish, making it water-resistant for light rain and snow. The materials vary by colorway (e.g., 210D recycled nylon ripstop or 600D recycled polyester), all with a DWR coating [1].
- Does the Borealis have a sternum strap or any load-lifter straps for better weight distribution?
- Yes, the Borealis includes a sternum strap with a whistle buckle. It also has a removable waist belt for additional weight distribution, but it does not have load-lifter straps [1].
- How does the 15-inch laptop compartment protection work? Is it a padded sleeve or just a false bottom?
- The 15-inch laptop compartment is a dedicated, padded sleeve with a false bottom that suspends the laptop slightly above the floor of the backpack for added protection. It is lined and supported by stiff material to prevent shocks [1].
- Is the Borealis good for hiking?
- No, it lacks necessary features like a frame, hip straps, and ventilation; it's better suited for commuting and everyday use.
- How is the long-term durability of the Borealis?
- Older models have proven very durable, lasting over a decade, but newer versions reportedly suffer from peeling and zipper issues.
- What size laptop can the Borealis hold?
- Most versions fit a 13-inch laptop comfortably; some newer models may hold a 15-inch, but with minimal protection.
Reddit Insights
6 threads · r/backpacks, r/BuyItForLife, r/hikinggear, r/onebagReddit users have mixed opinions on the North Face Borealis, praising its durability for everyday carry and travel, but criticizing declining quality in newer models and its unsuitability for serious hiking.
While many users report excellent long-term durability with older Borealis models, numerous complaints highlight quality degradation in recent versions, such as zipper failures and peeling. The bag is widely regarded as a good commuter and travel backpack but is not recommended for hiking.
Themes
Use Cases
- Daily commute and work
- Travel (one-bag/personal item)
- School and college
- Day hikes (with limitations)
Watch Out For
Compared To
vs Osprey Daylite/Daylite Plus
Osprey packs are generally preferred for hiking due to better support and features, while the Borealis offers more space for everyday use.
vs Fjallraven
Some users recommend Fjallraven as a more durable alternative for daily backpacks.
vs Patagonia
Mentioned as a higher-quality brand, though some note their backpacks may also cause clothing peeling.
Source Threads
Quality decline complaint
Quality of so many things has gone down, while prices increase.
u/entatlrgr/backpacksView thread →
16-year durability
Fast forward 16 years, and I still haven’t needed a new backpack. Carried it daily for 4 years of high school and 4 years of college, plus countless trips after that, and it’s still going strong.
u/MaraBrightwoodr/BuyItForLifeView thread →
Not for hiking, commuter bag
You’d wind up replacing this very quickly. This is more of a commuter bag.
u/CTMatthewr/hikinggearView thread →
Hiking suitability critique
However, the back pocket in it is felt and designed for a laptop, not for a bladder, it does not have all of the strap and back adjustability that you might like for a hiking pack, and it is also frameless, sitting flush to your back meaning a lack of airflow.
u/philosophicalquokkar/hikinggearView thread →
6-year EDC durability
I've had the old version of this backpack for 6 years and used it as EDC for college, work, as well as my personal item when traveling. The bag has held up well
u/Alias901r/onebagView thread →
Water bottle and pocket issues
I just got TNF borealis, and it's pretty good except for 2 things (1) the water bottle holders aren't very snug. Multiple times things fall out (2) The top outer accessible pocket is very top heavy - I'm not sure how to describe it ... it just bulges out if you over pack it
u/ultronprime616r/backpacksView thread →