The North Face
Borealis Trail Backpack 16 L
The Borealis Trail Backpack 16 L from The North Face is a compact technical daypack designed for hiking, travel, and everyday use. It features a rugged plaid-textured ripstop fabric with durable water-repellent treatment, a padded back, adjustable breathable knit straps with a mesh pocket, and multiple organization options including an internal tablet/hydration sleeve, mesh bottle pockets, tool loops, and a side zippered pocket with a snap hook. Measuring 17 x 10 x 4 inches (43 x 25.5 x 10 cm) with a 16-liter capacity, it includes reflective details for visibility; user reviews note it suits light personal gear but may lack capacity and stiffness for heavy climbing loads.
- Material
- Rugged plaid-textured ripstop fabric
- Style
- sporty
- Category
- Luggage & Bags > Backpacks
Color
Size
Specifications
Rugged 16L trail backpack with hydration compatibility, multiple pockets, and reflective details.
Hydration bladder compatible, adjustable breathable straps, multiple pockets, integrated safety whistle, reflective details.
- Material
- Rugged plaid-textured ripstop fabric
- Style
- sporty
- Occasion
- hiking, travel
- Gender
- female
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Dimensions
- 10x4x17 in
- Category
- Luggage & Bags > Backpacks
Additional Attributes
- DWR treatment
- hydration bladder compatible
- integrated safety whistle
- reflective details
- plaid-textured ripstop fabric
Product Insights
The North Face Borealis Trail Backpack 16 L delivers an ultralight 385g daypack with a padded back panel that prevents gear jabbing and stabilizes on rocky terrain, sacrificing a laptop sleeve and secondary organizer for weight savings. Its 100% nylon 210D ripstop with PU coating and non-PFC DWR offers water resistance with less abrasion resistance, and features like vented shoulder straps with a mesh pocket, a sternum strap with whistle, an adjustable waist belt, and a front bungee system enhance trail functionality. The main tradeoff is limited load capacity—too small and not stiff enough for a rope or technical climbing—and an internal sleeve that holds only a tablet or hydration bladder, not both.
Verified claims
- Weight
- At 385 g, one of the lightest daypacks with a padded back panel.
- Material
- 100% nylon in a lightweight 210D ripstop with PU coating and non-PFC DWR.
- Feature tradeoffs
- Sacrifices secondary organizer and laptop sleeve for weight savings, while adding shoulder pocket, front bungee, and waist belt.
- Load capacity
- Buyers say it's too small and not stiff enough for carrying a rope, limiting use to personal gear.
- Back panel
- Padded back prevents gear jabbing and stabilizes the pack on rocky terrain.
- Shoulder straps
- Vented shoulder straps with mesh pocket; sternum strap has a safety whistle.
- Waist belt
- Adjustable waist belt stops pack bounce and shifts weight to hips.
- Front bungee
- Dual-webbing front bungee system secures jackets and trekking poles without shifting.
- Sleeve tradeoff
- Internal sleeve holds a tablet or hydration bladder, not both at once; straw slit allows drinking without opening the pack.
- Climbing suitability
- Buyers report the pack is too small and not stiff enough for technical climbing.
- Climbing capacity
- Too small and not stiff enough for climbing rope and quickdraws.
- Water resistance
- DWR can be reapplied; PU coating maintains water resistance after DWR wears.
- Fabric durability
- 210D fabric offers less abrasion resistance than heavier nylon, but saves weight.
- DWR composition
- DWR finish is non-PFC, avoiding persistent chemicals.
- Pocket layout
- Hydration sleeve and vertical zip pocket replace laptop and organizer.
- Trail features
- Dual-loop front bungee, whistle buckle, and tool loops added.
Product record
- Title
- Borealis Trail Backpack 16 L
- Brand
- The North Face
- Price
- 130 CAD
- Availability
- In stock
Deep Research
External carry possibilities beyond the manual
- The front bungee system uses multiple webbing loops instead of a single continuous shockcord, allowing you to independently tension each loop around uneven loads like trekking poles or a bulky jacket—this prevents load shift on the move and makes the system far more versatile than the original Borealis’s symmetrical elastic grid.
- Threading pole tips through the lower tool-carry loops and securing the handles under the tensioned bungee creates a rattle-free pole carry that keeps sharp baskets away from your back and gear—a setup that effectively transforms the 16-liter pack into a hands-free hiking companion for longer approaches.
How the light weight translates to all-day comfort
- Despite its minimal weight, the back panel is padded, which prevents internal items from jabbing your spine and gives the pack enough structure to stand upright when placed on the ground — a small but meaningful upgrade over frameless, unpadded daypacks.
- At just 13.6 ounces, the Borealis Trail 16L is one of the lightest packs in its class that still includes a padded back, vented straps, and a waist belt — the shaved weight directly reduces shoulder fatigue over a five-hour day hike without eliminating the stability that a sternum strap and waist belt provide.
- The presence of a waist belt on a sub-15-liter pack is a mark of serious trail design — it stops the pack from bouncing during dynamic movement and shifts a small but meaningful portion of the weight from shoulders to hips, which becomes noticeable on long hauls.
- The sternum strap integrates a safety whistle, a dual-purpose feature that not only stabilizes the shoulder straps on uneven terrain but also ensures an emergency whistle is always on-hand — a thoughtful touch for solo hikers that adds zero weight penalty.
- The shoulder straps are built with ventilated, breathable knit fabric and include a mesh drop-in pocket on one strap — the airflow channels reduce sweat accumulation on hot days, and the pocket keeps a phone or energy gel accessible without twisting the pack off, a detail that matters on long trail climbs when stopping to dig into a pack is tedious.
How the trail version differs from the classic Borealis
- Multiple tool-carry loops come standard on the Trail 16, providing attachment points for carabiners or extra gear — a feature absent from the urban-optimized classic Borealis that signals this pack's real trail capability.
- At 15 liters (915 in³) — roughly half the classic Borealis's 29-liter capacity — the Trail 16 is deliberately sized to prevent overpacking, enforcing a minimalist loadout that suits ridgeline scrambles and fast-and-light travel where bulk is a liability, not an asset.
- The adjustable sternum strap on the Trail 16 includes a safety whistle built into the buckle, unlike the classic Borealis's standard removable sternum strap — adding a low-profile emergency signaling feature that speaks directly to solo day hikers.
- The Trail 16's front bungee system uses multiple webbing-loop options designed to secure irregular trail items like jackets or trekking poles, in contrast to the classic Borealis's compression-oriented bungee that primarily manages load volume — shifting the pack's quick-access identity from urban compression to outdoor cargo management.
- Where the classic Borealis revolves around a padded 15″ laptop sleeve with organizational pockets, the Trail 16 opts for a sleeve that accepts either a tablet or a hydration bladder with a straw slit — prioritizing on-the-move hydration capability over device protection and reducing bulk for the trail.
- Switching to a body fabric of 210D nylon ripstop with a 420D recycled nylon boot, compared to the classic's 420D nylon body and 1680D ballistic nylon boot, allows the Trail 16 to weigh just 385 g (13.6 oz) — a 67% drop from the classic's 1166 g, translating to a pack that vanishes on the shoulders during fast-paced day hikes.
- The Trail 16 replaces the classic Borealis's organizer-laden secondary compartment with a single vertical secure-zip pocket on the front, shedding the weight and complexity of internal dividers so the pack stays lean for trail use while still providing quick access to small essentials.
Hydration bladder fit and hose routing in practice
- The main compartment’s tablet/hydration sleeve is equipped with a straw slit that allows the drink tube to pass through without opening the main zip, preserving weather resistance and keeping the pack fully closed while you hydrate on the move.
- The internal sleeve is designed to hold either a hydration bladder or a tablet, but not both simultaneously; for trail days this is a non-issue, but urban users who need to carry an iPad while staying hydrated will have to store the tablet loose in the main compartment or skip the bladder altogether.
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Front view of a black technical backpack with a vertical central zipper, external crisscross bungee cord system, top carry handle, visible brand logo on the front right, and webbing loops at the bottom.
- Central zipper and webbing placketA vertical central zipper runs down the front, overlaid by a stitched vertical webbing placket with sewn ladder-style loops along its length.
1 region
x 0.33 · y 0.08 · w 0.34 · h 0.82 (high) - Crisscross bungee cordElastic bungee cord runs in a crisscross pattern across the front panel, anchored at side toggles and meeting at an adjustable cord lock near the top.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.12 · w 0.76 · h 0.68 (high) - Top carry handle and cord lockA short fabric carry handle sits at the top center; immediately below it a triangular cord lock and tied bungee cord are visible.
1 region
x 0.40 · y 0.01 · w 0.20 · h 0.10 (high) - Front right logoWhite printed brand logo reading 'THE NORTH FACE' appears on the upper right front panel.
1 region
x 0.62 · y 0.24 · w 0.18 · h 0.12 (high) - Bottom webbing loopsTwo short horizontal webbing loops extend from the lower left and lower right corners of the backpack base.
2 regions
x 0.06 · y 0.86 · w 0.18 · h 0.12 (high); x 0.76 · y 0.86 · w 0.18 · h 0.12 (high) - Right-side d-ringA small D-ring or attachment loop is visible on the right side edge at mid-height.
1 region
x 0.88 · y 0.44 · w 0.06 · h 0.12 (high) - Front panel fabric patternThe central front panel fabric has a fine grid of very thin lighter pinstripes creating a subtle checked appearance against a dark ground.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.14 · w 0.60 · h 0.72 (high) - Small vertical side text“TRAIL 16”Partial
1 region
x 0.03 · y 0.62 · w 0.16 · h 0.24 (medium) - Brand text transcription“THE NORTH FACE”
1 region
x 0.62 · y 0.24 · w 0.18 · h 0.12 (high)
Other
Studio-style product shot centered on a neutral light gray background with even lighting and a soft shadow beneath the backpack.
- Shot compositionBackpack centered in frame, photographed from the front with full product visible and small soft shadow directly beneath.
- BackgroundSolid light gray background with no visible props or packaging.
- Lighting and shadowEven diffuse lighting with a subtle shadow under the bag indicating a consistent light source from above.
Colors
charcoal with light gray grid· central front panel#2C2B2Bmatte black· side panels and base#0E0E0Ewhite· printed logo- Central zipper and webbing placketA vertical central zipper runs down the front, overlaid by a stitched vertical webbing placket with sewn ladder-style loops along its length.
- 02
Product
Rear view of a compact technical backpack showing padded back panel, two contoured shoulder straps with sternum strap, top carry loop, and an external side zip pocket with corded zipper pull. The right shoulder strap bears a printed brand logo.
- Shoulder strapsTwo contoured shoulder straps with visible padding, stitched channeling, and reinforced webbing at the lower attachment; left strap has a foam-padded mesh inner face, right strap has a perforated outer face.
2 regions
x 0.15 · y 0.05 · w 0.35 · h 0.90 (high); x 0.45 · y 0.05 · w 0.42 · h 0.90 (high) - Sternum strap and buckleAdjustable sternum strap connecting the two shoulder straps with a small side-release buckle and stitched webbing adjustment.
1 region
x 0.45 · y 0.50 · w 0.20 · h 0.15 (high) - Top carry loopSingle fabric carry loop at the top center made from tubular webbing.
1 region
x 0.42 · y 0.02 · w 0.16 · h 0.08 (high) - Padded back panelVertical padded back panel with breathable mesh covering and stitched horizontal padding channels.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.18 · w 0.44 · h 0.60 (high) - Side zip pocketExternal side zipper pocket on the left side with a corded zipper pull and a D-shaped metal or plastic clip attached to the pull.
1 region
x 0.02 · y 0.50 · w 0.18 · h 0.32 (high) - Right strap reflective trimDiagonal reflective trim strip on the outer face of the right shoulder strap.
1 region
x 0.66 · y 0.28 · w 0.18 · h 0.12 (high) - Brand text on strap“THE NORTH FACE”
1 region
x 0.66 · y 0.36 · w 0.16 · h 0.12 (high) - Lower attachment straps and bucklesLower ends of shoulder straps include adjustable webbing tails and plastic tri-glide style adjustment buckles.
2 regions
x 0.05 · y 0.80 · w 0.25 · h 0.18 (high); x 0.72 · y 0.78 · w 0.22 · h 0.20 (high)
Other
Studio product shot on a light neutral background with soft even lighting and subtle shadow under the backpack; image shows full rear view centered in frame.
- Shot compositionBack of the backpack centered and upright against a light neutral backdrop with visible soft shadow beneath the base.
- Lighting and shadowsEven diffuse lighting with soft shadow under the bag and mild specular highlights on textured fabrics.
- Image qualitySharp focus on backpack details and textures; no visible motion blur.
Colors
dark charcoal· main fabric and back panel#211D1Emedium graphite gray· shoulder strap outer faces#4C4B4Blight gray· logo and small trim- Shoulder strapsTwo contoured shoulder straps with visible padding, stitched channeling, and reinforced webbing at the lower attachment; left strap has a foam-padded mesh inner face, right strap has a perforated outer face.
- 03
Product
Close-up top/side view of a black backpack showing the top grab loop, adjustable shock cord with toggle, open main compartment zipper, internal lining, sewn webbing loops, and a printed brand logo on the exterior face. Fabric has a fine rectangular dotted grid pattern.
- Top grab handleRounded woven grab handle made from tubular webbing stitched into the pack at the top center; visible loop rises above the pack body.
1 region
x 0.08 · y 0.80 · w 0.40 · h 0.18 (high) - Adjustable cord and toggleThin rounded shock cord routed across the top and right side with a small cylindrical plastic cord lock toggle holding the cord in place.
1 region
x 0.02 · y 0.72 · w 0.34 · h 0.28 (high) - Main compartment openingPartially open zipper revealing the interior lining and a vertical divider or sleeve pocket inside; zipper teeth and slider are visible along the opening edge.
1 region
x 0.14 · y 0.22 · w 0.52 · h 0.48 (high) - Interior liningSmooth black interior lining visible through the open compartment, with a stitched vertical divider or sleeve near the rear interior wall.
1 region
x 0.29 · y 0.20 · w 0.34 · h 0.46 (high) - Sewn webbing loopsMultiple horizontal nylon webbing loops sewn into the exterior near the zipper and shoulder area, forming attachment points.
1 region
x 0.52 · y 0.30 · w 0.30 · h 0.34 (high) - Exterior fabric patternBlack fabric printed or woven with a fine rectilinear dotted grid pattern of thin light dots forming small rectangles across the visible exterior panels.
1 region
x 0.10 · y 0.02 · w 0.90 · h 0.98 (high) - Brand logo text“Stacked white printed text reading 'THE NORTH FACE' on the exterior near the zipper opening.”
1 region
x 0.09 · y 0.16 · w 0.25 · h 0.20 (high)
Other
Studio-style top-down close crop of the backpack on a light background with even diffuse lighting and soft shadowing; image focuses on the upper third of the pack.
- Shot compositionTight top-down detail crop showing the pack rotated so the top is near the upper edge and the main opening is visible centrally; background is a pale neutral surface.
- Lighting and shadowsEven diffuse lighting with soft shadows under the handle and along the lower right edge, minimal specular highlights.
- Image qualityHigh resolution close-up with clear detail and visible fabric texture and stitching; no motion blur.
Colors
charcoal black with light grid· main fabric#221F21white· logo textblack· cord and toggle#110D0Dblack· zipper tape#0E0E0E- Top grab handleRounded woven grab handle made from tubular webbing stitched into the pack at the top center; visible loop rises above the pack body.
Documents & Data
Q&A
3 answered- How durable is the DWR treatment? Can it be re-applied or washed?
- The DWR treatment can wear over time and typically can be reapplied with a spray-on or wash-in DWR product. We recommend following the care label instructions for this specific backpack.
- Is the front elastic cord system intended for carrying a jacket or helmet?
- Yes, the front elastic cord system is commonly used for securing a jacket or helmet, adding external carrying capacity without using interior space.
- Can the Borealis Trail be used for climbing?
- Only for light personal gear; it's too small and not stiff enough for carrying a rope.
Reddit Insights
1 threads · r/hikingReddit users find the Borealis Trail 16L limited for climbing gear and heavier than some alternative daypacks.
One user considers it too small and not stiff enough for climbing with a rope, while another switched to a lighter Patagonia backpack, indicating some dissatisfaction with weight and comfort.
Themes
Use Cases
- Climbing daypack (light gear only)
- Everyday and hiking
Watch Out For
Compared To
vs Osprey Soelden 42
The Borealis Trail is much smaller and less stiff, unsuitable for carrying a climbing rope.
vs Patagonia Refugio
The Patagonia Refugio is lighter and more comfortable than North Face backpacks.
Source Threads
Borealis Trail too small and not stiff enough for climbing with a rope
I think if you're only carrying personal gear, like a bum, it'll be fine. If you're also carrying quick draws and/or the rope, and you're not an ultralight masochist, it'll be way too small and also not stiff enough.
u/Fun_Apartment631r/hikingView thread →