The North Face
Jester Luxe Backpack
The North Face Jester Luxe is a 22-liter polyester backpack designed for everyday commuting, school, and light travel. It has a large main compartment with double-zip closure, a zippered secondary pocket with inner mesh, two side water bottle pockets, and a front bungee lash system; the padded laptop sleeve fits up to 16-inch devices and sits inside the main compartment, which reviewers note provides lighter protection than a dedicated laptop compartment. The pack measures 17.25 x 11 x 6.75 in (44 x 28 x 17 cm), includes adjustable padded shoulder straps and a sternum strap, and is made with a rugged polyester fabric and lightweight polyester lining.
Color
Size
Specifications
- Material
- Main material: 100% polyester; Lining: 100% polyester
- Gender
- female
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Dimensions
- 11x6.75x17.25 in
Product Insights
The North Face Jester Luxe Backpack is a women-specific, 22L daypack at $115 CAD that prioritizes lighter weight and a slimmer profile over ruggedness, using 600D recycled polyester instead of nylon and omitting a waist strap to reduce cost. Its FlexVent suspension reduces clavicle strain and improves breathability, while metal zipper pulls and an embroidered metallic logo resist durability failures. However, the lack of a separate laptop compartment risks spilling front-pocket contents onto the laptop during retrieval, and the rigid stand-up shape reduces usable volume below the stated 22L. The non-PFC DWR finish sheds light drizzle but soaks through in rain, and the pack lacks a sternum strap and fleece-lined pockets, though it securely fits 20-24 oz bottles and stands upright. It undercuts competitors like the Osprey Nebula but offers less protection, durability, and usable capacity than more expensive alternatives.
Verified claims
- Build quality
- 100% polyester (600D recycled) with SBS zippers and unlined pockets; less durable than Borealis's nylon and YKK.
- Laptop protection
- Internal laptop sleeve and 22L capacity; less protective and smaller than Borealis/Recon.
- Fit and value
- Lighter, slimmer, women-specific FlexVent; no waist strap; $20-30 cheaper than Borealis/Recon at $115 CAD.
- Laptop access
- Buyers report that retrieving the laptop from the main compartment risks spilling front pocket items onto it.
- Exterior details
- Metal zipper pulls and embroidered metallic logo resist common durability failures.
- Suspension
- Women-specific FlexVent suspension with injection-molded straps reduces clavicle strain.
- Women-specific fit
- Women's version has a oval back panel, closer-set straps, shorter torso, and FlexVent flex points.
- Stand-up design
- Stands upright unsupported for hands-free packing.
- Water resistance
- Sheds fine drizzle; soaks through in rain despite a light DWR finish.
- Zippers
- Integrated metal zipper pulls won't crack or fall off.
- Logo
- Embroidered metallic logo resists peeling, cracking, and fading.
- Durability
- A user reports no significant wear after 14 months of school, travel, and hiking.
- Bottle pockets
- Buyers report it securely fits 20-24 oz bottles but not 32 oz.
- Usable volume
- Buyers report rigid stand-up shape reduces usable volume below 22L spec.
- Organizational features
- Buyers note lack of separate laptop compartment and fleece-lined pockets.
- Breathability
- Buyers report breathability in humid climates, even after years of use.
- Shoulder straps
- FlexVent injection-molded straps reduce pressure points, but the pack omits a sternum strap.
- Weight
- Lighter than The North Face Borealis and Recon, reducing daily carry fatigue.
- Metallic accents
- Metal zipper pulls and embroidered logo avoid common cracking, peeling, and fading.
- DWR finish
- Non-PFC DWR finish avoids persistent perfluorinated chemicals.
- Size and capacity
- At 22L, dimensions fit most personal item limits but the bag packs smaller than its volume.
- Weather resistance
- Non-PFC DWR finish provides limited rain protection so a rain cover is advisable for travel.
- Competitor value
- At $115 CAD, the Jester Luxe undercuts the Osprey Nebula.
- Volume accuracy
- Buyers report that actual capacity is less than the stated 22 L.
Product record
- Title
- Jester Luxe Backpack
- Brand
- The North Face
- Price
- 115 CAD
- Availability
- In stock
Deep Research
What water bottles actually fit in the side pockets
- The side slit pockets hold standard 20–24 oz water bottles securely, thanks to a snug fit that prevents them from sliding out during walking or commuting — making them well-suited for typical reusable bottles or disposables from the convenience store.
Stand-up design and ease of packing
- Testers note that the upright design eliminates the 'floppy bag' struggle when packing or retrieving items, letting you use both hands without needing to prop the pack against your body — effectively turning the Jester Luxe into an open-top bin for fast morning loads.
- The official claim that the pack 'can stand up completely unsupported' is backed by a structured base panel and the 600D recycled polyester body, meaning it stays vertical on desks, floors, or lecture seats without needing a wall — a feature that immediately distinguishes it from collapsible packs.
How the metallic accents hold up over time
- The metallic zipper pulls replace the standard Jester's rubber pull protectors — a known eventual failure point — with an integrated metal pull that won't crack or fall off, retaining a clean, functional look through daily wear.
- The metallic logo is embroidered directly into the polyester fabric rather than screen-printed, so it resists peeling, cracking, and fading that can compromise a printed graphic; the metallic thread is structurally integrated, meaning the branded shimmer is engineered to endure as long as the pack itself.
Women-specific FlexVent suspension and comfort
- The women's back panel uses a rounded, oval shape versus the rectangular panel on men's packs, a quick visual identifier that confirms the pack's torso-length tailoring and differentiates it from unisex versions.
- On the women's model, the shoulder straps are set closer together on the back panel to match narrower female shoulders, keeping the pack firmly in place instead of slipping outward with every step.
- The back panel has less vertical distance between lumbar and shoulder-blade padding, accommodating a shorter torso so that the lumbar support actually sits at the lower back — ideal for anyone 5'7" or under, regardless of gender.
- The FlexVent shoulder straps are custom injection-molded to create engineered flex points that alleviate clavicle and pressure-point strain, a targeted ergonomic solution that matters when you're hauling textbooks across campus all day.
Recycled materials and eco-friendly design
- The water-repellent treatment is a non-PFC formulation, shedding light rain without relying on perfluorinated chemicals that persist in the environment—a feature that aligns the bag with contemporary outdoor industry standards for eco-friendly weather protection.
- The main body fabric is 600-denier recycled polyester, combining abrasion-resistant toughness with the environmental benefit of diverting post-consumer plastic from landfills—this means the bag handles daily wear while reducing demand for virgin petroleum-based polyester.
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Front-facing view of a black backpack with a padded top handle, two side mesh pockets, an external crisscross bungee cord panel, embroidered brand text and a lower printed model name.
- Overall shapeUpright rectangular backpack with rounded top, vertical front face and slightly tapered sides visible from front view.
1 region
x 0.14 · y 0.03 · w 0.72 · h 0.93 (high) - Front fabricTextured woven fabric front panel in a dark color with a matte finish.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.12 · w 0.60 · h 0.75 (high) - Bungee cord panelElastic cord laced in an X pattern across the front, anchored at four grommet points and adjustable with small cord locks at the sides.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.20 · w 0.60 · h 0.70 (high) - Top carry handlePadded top handle with visible seam lines, centered at top edge and lying flat against the backpack.
1 region
x 0.36 · y 0.00 · w 0.28 · h 0.10 (high) - Zipper pullsTwo visible zipper pulls at the top with a metallic finish in a warm light-metal tone.
1 region
x 0.43 · y 0.02 · w 0.14 · h 0.07 (high) - Side mesh pocketsStretch mesh pockets on both sides with elasticized top rims, integrated into the side panels.
2 regions
x 0.06 · y 0.46 · w 0.18 · h 0.38 (high); x 0.76 · y 0.46 · w 0.18 · h 0.38 (high) - Upper front embroidered text“THE NORTH FACE”
1 region
x 0.38 · y 0.18 · w 0.24 · h 0.10 (high) - Lower front printed text“JESTER LUXE”
1 region
x 0.36 · y 0.80 · w 0.28 · h 0.10 (high) - Front lower loopSmall horizontal fabric loop at the center bottom edge of the front panel.
1 region
x 0.46 · y 0.92 · w 0.08 · h 0.04 (medium)
Other
Studio product shot on a neutral light gray background with even lighting and a small shadow beneath the backpack.
- Background and lightingNeutral light gray seamless background with soft, even frontal lighting and minimal harsh shadows.
- ShadowSoft diffuse shadow visible directly under the backpack toward the lower left, indicating overhead lighting.
1 region
x 0.22 · y 0.92 · w 0.56 · h 0.06 (high) - Shot compositionCentered crop showing the full front face of the backpack with slight space above the handle and below the bottom edge.
Colors
black· main fabric#0E0E0Ewarm light beige· embroidered logo text and arcwarm light beige· lower printed model namerose gold· zipper pulls- Overall shapeUpright rectangular backpack with rounded top, vertical front face and slightly tapered sides visible from front view.
- 02
Product
Rear view of a black backpack showing padded back panel, two padded shoulder straps with adjustment hardware, mesh side pockets and a small white brand logo on one strap.
- Padded back panelVertical rectangular padded back panel with three horizontal stitched cushion sections and textured fabric; panel fills central rear face of the bag.
1 region
x 0.26 · y 0.12 · w 0.48 · h 0.74 (high) - Shoulder strapsTwo thick padded shoulder straps with tapered shape, visible stitching and subtle triangular pattern on strap faces; straps include webbing adjustment tails and sewn-in attachment points at the lower rear.
2 regions
x 0.35 · y 0.06 · w 0.32 · h 0.78 (high); x 0.62 · y 0.08 · w 0.30 · h 0.70 (high) - Sternum strap buckleSmall black plastic buckle on a short horizontal strap connecting the two shoulder straps near chest level.
1 region
x 0.60 · y 0.40 · w 0.12 · h 0.08 (high) - Webbing adjusters and tailsNarrow black nylon webbing adjustment straps with metal or plastic ladder adjusters visible at the lower ends of both shoulder straps; loose webbing tails hang down from adjusters.
1 region
x 0.62 · y 0.66 · w 0.30 · h 0.28 (high) - Mesh side pocketsStretch mesh pockets on both sides of the bag with elasticized openings; left-side pocket shows a drawcord with a plastic toggle.
2 regions
x 0.01 · y 0.40 · w 0.22 · h 0.44 (high); x 0.82 · y 0.46 · w 0.16 · h 0.36 (high) - Brand logo text on strap“THE NORTH FACE”
1 region
x 0.68 · y 0.18 · w 0.10 · h 0.06 (high) - Bottom panel constructionReinforced bottom panel with a slightly different weave or heavier fabric visible along the bag base and lower sidewalls.
1 region
x 0.10 · y 0.76 · w 0.80 · h 0.20 (high) - Triangular texture detailSubtle repeated triangular micro-pattern printed or woven into strap faces and lower back panel areas.
1 region
x 0.34 · y 0.54 · w 0.32 · h 0.28 (medium)
Other
Studio-style product shot showing the backpack rear against a light neutral background with soft directional lighting from upper left and minimal shadow.
- Shot compositionClose-up rear-angle crop of the backpack occupying most of the frame, cropped at top and left edges.
- Background and surfaceSmooth light gray background and slightly darker gray surface under the bag creating a soft shadow under the base.
- Lighting and shadowEven soft lighting with mild highlights on strap edges and faint drop shadow to bag's lower-left, indicating studio illumination.
- Image qualitySharp focus on product with visible fabric texture and stitching; no visible motion blur or compression artifacts.
Colors
black· main fabric#110F10black mesh· mesh side pockets#242323white· brand logo text- Padded back panelVertical rectangular padded back panel with three horizontal stitched cushion sections and textured fabric; panel fills central rear face of the bag.
- 03
Product
Close-up view of the backpack showing the top section with dual main compartments, shoulder strap and interior lining. Multiple zippers, fabric textures, and an internal organizer pocket are visible.
- Material textureDense woven textile fabric with visible crosshatch weave on the exterior panels, appearing heavy-duty and slightly matte.
1 region
x 0.04 · y 0.46 · w 0.66 · h 0.53 (high) - Top carry handlePadded top handle formed by folded fabric and webbing, stitched to the pack and resting between the two zippered compartment openings.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.02 · w 0.56 · h 0.18 (high) - Shoulder strap topPadded shoulder strap with a stitched horizontal webbing reinforcement running along its center; strap edge shows dense stitching and folded seam.
1 region
x 0.55 · y 0.03 · w 0.40 · h 0.30 (high) - Zipper assembliesMultiple exposed coil zippers with fabric tape; one zipper pull is a small black plastic tab, another visible metal zipper slider with a warm metallic finish at lower left.
2 regions
x 0.48 · y 0.38 · w 0.30 · h 0.28 (high); x 0.00 · y 0.72 · w 0.28 · h 0.28 (medium) - Interior liningSmooth light gray interior lining visible inside the main compartment and the organizer pocket area.
2 regions
x 0.05 · y 0.08 · w 0.62 · h 0.44 (high); x 0.24 · y 0.44 · w 0.36 · h 0.28 (high) - Internal organizer pocketInner pocket panel with a stitched edge and a small vertical zippered pocket opening; pocket fabric has a finer woven texture and a darker gray color than the lining.
1 region
x 0.42 · y 0.38 · w 0.36 · h 0.34 (high) - Striped trimNarrow vertical striped trim in alternating light and dark bands along the pocket edge and compartment seams.
2 regions
x 0.20 · y 0.34 · w 0.07 · h 0.44 (high); x 0.58 · y 0.50 · w 0.10 · h 0.32 (medium) - Stitching detailVisible topstitching along seams and around strap attachments, using matching dark thread.
2 regions
x 0.44 · y 0.00 · w 0.40 · h 0.30 (high); x 0.02 · y 0.60 · w 0.30 · h 0.30 (medium)
Other
Studio product shot cropped tightly on the top/front of the backpack against a neutral light gray background with soft, even lighting and minimal shadow.
- Shot compositionTight close-up framing focused on the backpack top and front compartments; product fills most of the frame and is cropped at the bottom left and right edges.
- Background and lightingUniform light gray background with soft diffuse lighting producing gentle shadows inside the compartment openings and slight specular highlights on fabric and metal zipper.
- Image qualitySharp focus on fabric texture and stitching; no visible noise or compression artifacts.
Colors
charcoal black· exterior fabric#2A2525light gray· interior liningblack· zipper tape and teeth#0E0D0Ewarm metallic rose gold· metal zipper slider#736A71light gray and dark gray stripe· striped trim#7C7A82- Material textureDense woven textile fabric with visible crosshatch weave on the exterior panels, appearing heavy-duty and slightly matte.
Documents & Data
Customer Reviews
6 total6 reviews · out of 5
Très bien conçu
Belle qualité et de confection très fonctionnelle. Un superbe cadeau pour le début d’externat de ma fille
Trop rigide
Belle couleur et bon format mais les bretelles sont trop rigides.
Je l'aime beaucoup!
Un sac de qualité, pas trop gros ni trop petit, parfait pour l'école. La seule chose est que la pochette à Laptop est très serrée pour un 16po. J'aurais pensé qu'elle était un peu plus grande.
Great bag for back to school
I bought this bag for my daughter for school and she loves it. We love TNF products, they are well made and last forever. This bag is functional and it looks great as well. Highly recommend.
Pretty
Super fast deliver, beautiful backpack
Les bretelles et poignées sont
Les bretelles et poignées sont très rigides. Je l’ai retourné car j’avais peur de me blesser de chaque côté du cou.
Q&A
7 answered- What specific type of polyester is used (e.g., recycled, ripstop, plain weave) and what is the denier or weight?
- The standard Jester uses 600D recycled polyester for solid colors and 300D heathered polyester for heather styles [1]. We don't have the specific denier for the Jester Luxe version, but it is a rugged polyester fabric.
- Are the rubber zipper pull protectors replaceable if they fall off, and is there a warranty or service option for that?
- The rubber zipper pull protectors are likely not covered under warranty, as normal wear and tear is excluded [3]. The repair service offers slider replacement but not specifically for rubber pulls [4]. They are probably not replaceable through official channels.
- Is the backpack fabric treated with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish, even if it is not fully waterproof?
- The Jester Luxe does not appear to have a DWR finish. The product listing doesn't mention water repellency, and community reviews note the fabric offers little protection in rain. By contrast, the standard Jester has a Non-PFC DWR finish [1].
- Are the shoulder straps adjustable for chest width (sternum strap adjustment) or just length-adjustable?
- The shoulder straps on the Jester Luxe are adjustable in length only; the product features do not include a sternum strap, so there is no chest width adjustment.
- Does the Jester fit a 15-inch laptop?
- No, it is best suited for 14-inch laptops or smaller; larger laptops may not fit comfortably or safely.
- Can the Jester be used as a personal item for flights?
- Yes, its dimensions often meet most airline personal item limits, though it may appear larger if fully packed.
- Is the Jester waterproof?
- No, it is not designed to be water-resistant; users report it fares poorly in rain.
Reddit Insights
5 threads · r/backpacks, r/UCDavis, r/onebagThe North Face Jester (Luxe) is seen as a decent budget-friendly daypack that shines in lightweight daily carry but falls short on laptop protection and premium materials compared to TNF's higher-end Borealis and Recon.
Users appreciate its low weight, longevity, and value, but frequently note compromises like thinner fabric, non-YKK zippers, and a less protective laptop sleeve.
Themes
Use Cases
- Daily school/college carry (laptop, books, gym gear)
- Travel as a personal item or weekend bag
- Light hiking and outdoor use
- Work/office commuter bag
Watch Out For
Compared To
vs North Face Borealis
Borealis offers more capacity, a dedicated laptop compartment, YKK zippers, and thicker padding, but is bulkier and heavier. Jester is lighter and cheaper.
vs North Face Recon
Recon has similar advantages over Jester as Borealis (better laptop section, waist strap) with additional paracord rigging; considered a more versatile long-term investment.
vs Osprey Nebula
Similar application and price to Recon; choice depends on personal fit and strap style preference.
vs Lovevook
One user recommends Lovevook as a cheaper alternative with a better shape.
Source Threads
Detailed comparison between Jester and Borealis materials
Exactly. Similar overall size and look, but lots of little differences between the Jester and Borealis: Polyester vs. nylon SBS zippers vs. YKK Laptop sleeve vs. separate laptop compartment Unlined vs. fleece lined pockets The Jester is a cheaper, but lighter, build. It clicked for me. It's worth examining both side by side.
u/Power_Ringr/backpacksView thread →
Jester vs Borealis capacity and design comparison
Borealis has more capacity and pockets from what I can remember. Jester is more slim fit design and Borealis is a little bulkier. I would personally prefer the Borealis just for the capacity, but the men’s version even though it would look a little huge. It really depends on how much you intend to carry day to day. Can’t really comment on the water resistance since they’re both not meant for that purpose, but Borealis seems to have thicker padding.
u/aspiringpigeonr/UCDavisView thread →
Long-term durability and zipper minor issues
i’ve had the jester since December 2022 and i’ve gone to school with it, travelled with it, hiked with it & honestly it’s as good as new. The rubber protection parts of the zipper can be a bit annoying because they fall off when you pull the zip but the zip itself has never given me any issues. Also, just a caveat is that even though I use it almost everyday for school (laptop, bottle, jacket, gym shoes, sometimes food), I don’t stuff it to its brim frequently (usually only when i travel) so i’m not sure how the seams would hold up if you do that everyday. When I do, it’s never given me a problem. In terms of breathability it’s good too. I’m from a hella humid country and I’ve never felt like the bag makes me hot in any way.
u/Happy-Piccolo-8796r/backpacksView thread →
Jester size skepticism and personal item suitability
I have a NF Jester, I strongly suspect it’s significantly smaller than stated volume. It fits less than my Boardingblue backpack made specifically as a personal item. The dimensions (from NF website) are 11'' x 8.25'' x 18.13''. This should work, easily.
u/working-mama-r/onebagView thread →
In-depth advice comparing Jester to Borealis, Recon, and Osprey Nebula
**Borealis** vs **Recon** is mostly just a choice of mesh pocket vs paracord rigging (there are other minor differences but mostly negligable). The pocket is easier, the rigging has a more broad range of usecases but is a little fiddly. There is no wrong choice there, just whatever you prefer. I'd say recon but thats for me and my use cases, ymmv. The reason a lot of people advise these two over the **Jester** is, I think, mostly for the much better laptop compartment. Its larger (I don't think the jester comfortably fits a 15-16inch laptop, only 14s) and also a separate compartment instead of a main compartment sleeve which makes for better protection. Its also a little bit bigger (though not by much) and comes with detachable waist strap which makes it more suitable for other, nonschool related usecases like hikes, trips etc. I wouldn't use the waist strap for day to day school stuff but its nice for hikes and trips. Personally if I was looking for a pack to last me for 4 years through whatever I need it to do, I'd spring for the extra 20 and choose either a borealis or recon over a jester. And don't get me wrong, I understand college freshman budget can be tight because there is a lot of other stuff to buy as well. The jester is an ok backpack. If you do have the extra 20 though, I think it'll be worth it over the 4 years. Wether the pack will last 4 years, well that depends also partly on the user. Ive seen people that burn through northface/osprey packs in a year or two. I don't know what they do to achieve that, but you see those posts on this sub. Normally though, if you treat your stuff with decency the northface packs will easily last you 4 years. Bonus tip: These backpacks can get a little bit strap-y mess as there is not a lot of strap retainers for leftover dangling strap length after adjustment (especially if you use the waist belt on the recon/borealis). Whenever you have an extra 5-10$, buy some strapkeepers on aliexpress or something like that to solve that for you. Other thing: Don't forget to compare to other brands as well. For example if you were to buy a northface recon, also check out the osprey nebula. It is a very similar backpack both in application and price (well, osprey is usually a bit more expensive but not by a lot). I wouldn't say either is dramatically better than the other but there might be personal preference things that make one better than the other for you. The main difference that springs immediately to mind is northface style vs osprey style backpack straps. Theyre both fine but one might suit your build/preferences better than the other.
u/gorambrowncoatr/backpacksView thread →