
The North Face
Borealis Trail Backpack 26 L
The North Face Borealis Trail Backpack 26 L is a rugged multi-purpose daypack constructed from ripstop fabric with a plaid texture. It features a FlexVent harness certified by the American Chiropractic Association, a dedicated compartment for a 16-inch laptop or hydration bladder, multiple zippered and mesh pockets, and reflective details; dimensions are 18.5 x 12 x 4 inches (47 x 30.5 x 10 cm). Commonly used for commuting, school, travel, and everyday carry, it offers generous organization and storage, though reviewers note the frameless design and limited back airflow make it less suitable for long hikes, and some report issues with material peeling over time.
- Material
- Rugged ripstop fabric with plaid texture
- Style
- sporty, technical
- Category
- Luggage & Bags > Backpacks
Specifications
26L backpack with FlexVent harness, padded straps, laptop compartment, and reflective details.
FlexVent harness certified by American Chiropractic Association, padded ventilated straps with pockets, 16-inch laptop compartment, multiple tool loops, reflective details.
- Material
- Rugged ripstop fabric with plaid texture
- Style
- sporty, technical
- Occasion
- everyday, travel, hiking
- Gender
- female
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Dimensions
- 12x4x18.5 in
- Category
- Luggage & Bags > Backpacks
Additional Attributes
- FlexVent harness certified by American Chiropractic Association
- rugged ripstop fabric with plaid texture
- two-way zip closure
- padded and ventilated straps with mesh pocket on right strap and zipped cell-phone pocket on left strap
- zipped pocket on top with inner snap hook
- front zipped pocket
- adjustable chest strap with plastic buckle and built-in safety whistle
- adjustable belt
- multiple tool loops
- reflective details
Product Insights
The North Face Borealis Trail Backpack 26 L is a day-hike retune of the 25-year Borealis line, cut from 28 L to 26 L and trimmed to 845 g — about 375 g lighter than the classic — while retaining the ACA-certified FlexVent harness, rated among the best in its price range. Its 210D nylon ripstop body with non-PFC DWR relies on the PU coating underneath for true water resistance and requires periodic reproofing every 10–20 wash cycles. The rounded rigid back panel favors stable load support over the classic's mesh air channel, a tradeoff for weight savings, and the criss-cross front bungee, tool loops, and 16-inch laptop sleeve carry over from the original. Priced at 180 CAD and in stock, this pack translates the student/commuter Borealis into a lighter, trail-oriented option for day hikes.
Verified claims
- Design lineage
- Trail is the 25-year Borealis line's day-hike retune, cut from 28 L to 26 L
- External lashing
- Criss-cross front bungee and tool loops carry over for lashing gear
- Weight
- Weighs 845 g, about 375 g lighter than the classic Borealis
- Material
- Main body is 210D nylon ripstop with non-PFC DWR, not the 600D anniversary shell
- Comfort
- Weight cut keeps the ACA-certified FlexVent harness, not a stripped ultralight frame.
- Packing capacity
- 26 L trims 2 L from the classic Borealis, keeping the 16-inch laptop sleeve and front-bungee stash.
- Harness
- Rounded rigid back panel favors stable load support instead of the classic's mesh air channel.
- Non-PFC DWR
- The non-PFC DWR sheds water off the face fabric, but the PU coating underneath does the real water-resistance work.
- DWR care
- Re-treat the non-PFC DWR every 10-20 wash cycles with a PFC-free reproofer.
- ACA certification
- ACA-certified FlexVent harness is rated one of the best in its price range
- Intended use
- The 26 L Trail is a student/commuter Borealis with a day-hike-oriented shell, but it is not a framed technical hiking pack.
- Torso fit
- The one-size FlexVent harness has no torso-length adjustment; only the shoulder straps, chest strap, and waist belt adjust.
- Tool loop load rating
- The tool-carry loops have no published load rating and are best treated as secure lash points, not load-rated anchors.
- Coating durability
- The plaid texture is not documented as woven or printed, but community feedback reports peeling on this Borealis Trail pack, making coating durability a known concern.
- Pocket reliability
- Owners report loose water bottle holders and a bulging top pocket when overpacked as recurring weak points.
Product record
- Title
- Borealis Trail Backpack 26 L
- Brand
- The North Face
- Price
- 180 CAD
- Availability
- In stock
Image Analysis
3 images- 01

Product
Front-facing backpack with a tall rounded top, a central vertical zipper and criss-cross bungee cord on the front panel; light cool-gray main fabric with darker gray base and side panels, visible brand logo on the upper right front.
- Overall silhouetteBackpack shown upright, front-facing, with a tall rounded top, tapered sides, and a flat darker base panel.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.03 · w 0.76 · h 0.93 (high) - Main fabricSmooth, light cool-gray ripstop-like fabric on the front and top panels with faint square weave texture visible.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.04 · w 0.64 · h 0.66 (high) - Base and side panelsContrasting darker gray fabric on the bottom base panel and side panels, matte finish.
3 regions
x 0.12 · y 0.71 · w 0.76 · h 0.23 (high); x 0.06 · y 0.28 · w 0.14 · h 0.45 (high); x 0.80 · y 0.28 · w 0.14 · h 0.45 (high) - Central vertical zipperProminent vertical zipper runs down the center front with a stitched webbing strip on each side and a small metal triangular ring attached near the top.
1 region
x 0.39 · y 0.06 · w 0.22 · h 0.66 (high) - Front bungee cord systemElastic cord in dark gray threaded in an X criss-cross pattern across the front, anchored at multiple webbing loops and meeting at a small plastic triangular lower anchor.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.20 · w 0.44 · h 0.64 (high) - Top carry loopSmall fabric grab loop at the very top center in darker gray.
1 region
x 0.47 · y 0.00 · w 0.06 · h 0.08 (high) - Zipper pulls and hardwareMultiple zipper pulls visible with dark tabbed ends; small metal zipper slider visible at left top pocket.
2 regions
x 0.03 · y 0.18 · w 0.16 · h 0.20 (high); x 0.78 · y 0.18 · w 0.12 · h 0.20 (high) - Brand logo text“THE NORTH FACE”
1 region
x 0.58 · y 0.17 · w 0.24 · h 0.15 (high) - Vertical model text“BOREALIS TRAIL”
1 region
x 0.09 · y 0.48 · w 0.10 · h 0.36 (high)
Other
Studio product shot on a uniform light gray background with soft diffuse lighting and a faint shadow beneath the backpack; image centered and cropped to show full front face of the bag.
- Background and lightingNeutral light gray seamless background with soft, even studio lighting and subtle shadow under the bag toward the front.
- Shot compositionBackpack centered in frame, full front view, small margin around product, no props or labels visible besides the bag.
Colors
pale cool gray· front and top panels#C3C4C4medium slate gray· base and side panels#5C5C5Adark gray· bungee cords and trim#6B6D6Cdark charcoal· logo text#444444- Overall silhouetteBackpack shown upright, front-facing, with a tall rounded top, tapered sides, and a flat darker base panel.
- 02

Product
Rear view of a two-tone backpack showing padded shoulder straps, padded mesh back panel, sternum and hip straps, side stretch pocket, and top carry loop.
- Overall silhouetteRear-facing backpack with a rounded top, tapered sides, and a slightly rounded base; main visible face is the back panel and shoulder straps.
1 region
x 0.07 · y 0.03 · w 0.86 · h 0.94 (high) - Back panelCentral padded back panel in a dark mesh fabric running vertically between the shoulder straps.
1 region
x 0.36 · y 0.10 · w 0.28 · h 0.78 (high) - Shoulder strapsPair of padded shoulder straps in a lighter grey with a perforated dotted texture on the upper portions and smooth fabric on the lower portions; straps have sewn channeling and a slight curve.
2 regions
x 0.28 · y 0.07 · w 0.22 · h 0.78 (high); x 0.50 · y 0.07 · w 0.22 · h 0.78 (high) - Sternum strap and buckleAdjustable sternum strap connecting the two shoulder straps with a small plastic buckle and webbing; strap positioned across the upper chest area of the straps.
1 region
x 0.57 · y 0.48 · w 0.28 · h 0.20 (high) - Hip/waist strap and buckleSoft padded hip belt at the base of the back panel with a central adjustable webbing strap and a plastic quick-release buckle.
1 region
x 0.33 · y 0.79 · w 0.46 · h 0.16 (high) - Side pocketStretch fabric side pocket in dark grey on the visible lateral panel, positioned near the lower side of the pack.
1 region
x 0.03 · y 0.44 · w 0.24 · h 0.42 (high) - Top carry loopSmall woven carry loop at the top center between the shoulder straps.
1 region
x 0.46 · y 0.03 · w 0.12 · h 0.08 (medium) - Logo print“Small block of printed text on the right shoulder strap that reads 'THE NORTH FACE'.”
1 region
x 0.62 · y 0.44 · w 0.11 · h 0.12 (high) - Lower attachment loopsNarrow webbing ends and small adjustment buckles extend from the lower ends of both shoulder straps.
2 regions
x 0.18 · y 0.86 · w 0.20 · h 0.11 (high); x 0.64 · y 0.85 · w 0.20 · h 0.12 (high) - Zipper pull visibleShort corded zipper pull visible along the left side near the top edge of the pack.
1 region
x 0.02 · y 0.19 · w 0.12 · h 0.18 (medium)
Other
Studio-style product shot on a light neutral background with soft even lighting and minimal shadows; three quarter rear angle crop showing right side and back.
- Background and stagingLight neutral grey background with the backpack standing on a flat surface and a soft shadow beneath the base.
- Shot angleImage taken from a low three quarter rear angle, showing the back panel and the right lateral side of the pack.
- Lighting and shadowEven, diffuse lighting with soft shadows under the pack and subtle highlights on curved strap edges.
Colors
light grey· upper body panels and shoulder strap outer#BEC9CAdark grey· lower panels and side pocket#615E5Bcharcoal black· back panel mesh#2C2C2Cpale dove grey with dots· shoulder strap dotted section#C9C5C4- Overall silhouetteRear-facing backpack with a rounded top, tapered sides, and a slightly rounded base; main visible face is the back panel and shoulder straps.
- 03

Product
Close-up of the backpack's upper side showing a partially open main compartment with a padded sleeve, ripstop outer fabric, zipper pulls with corded triangular plastic tabs, bungee cords with cord lock, and a mesh side pocket.
- Padded sleeve interiorPadded rectangular sleeve visible inside the main compartment with a smooth light-gray lining and an elasticated gray top edge.
1 region
x 0.48 · y 0.04 · w 0.36 · h 0.24 (high) - Main compartment openingPartially unzipped curved zipper opening showing the main compartment throat and inner lining; zipper teeth and tape visible along the opening.
1 region
x 0.36 · y 0.02 · w 0.40 · h 0.38 (high) - Zipper pullsTwo zipper pulls with braided cords ending in small triangular dark-gray plastic tabs; cords are light-gray with darker flecks.
2 regions
x 0.12 · y 0.22 · w 0.20 · h 0.28 (high); x 0.44 · y 0.48 · w 0.18 · h 0.20 (high) - Ripstop outer fabricOuter shell fabric is light gray with a subtle square ripstop weave visible on smooth matte surface.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.06 · w 0.60 · h 0.70 (high) - Bungee cord and cord lockElastic bungee cord routed across the front with a small cylindrical black cord lock and stitched webbing anchors.
1 region
x 0.22 · y 0.48 · w 0.28 · h 0.28 (high) - Mesh side pocketDark gray stretch mesh side pocket visible at lower right with a sewn top edge and adjacent fabric trim.
1 region
x 0.70 · y 0.52 · w 0.25 · h 0.36 (high) - Top grab/webbing loopShort woven webbing loop in dark gray attached near the padded sleeve opening, folded and stitched.
1 region
x 0.54 · y 0.02 · w 0.12 · h 0.10 (medium) - Reinforced stitch patchRectangular reinforced stitch patch on the outer face near the side pocket with visible topstitching.
1 region
x 0.56 · y 0.44 · w 0.30 · h 0.28 (high) - Foam back panel edgeRounded foam edge or padded panel visible at the rear-most interior, covered in light-gray fabric.Partial
1 region
x 0.60 · y 0.02 · w 0.28 · h 0.18 (medium)
Other
Tight studio product crop on a neutral light-gray background with even soft lighting and minimal shadows; image focuses on the backpack upper side and interior.
- Shot compositionClose-up crop framing the upper midsection of the backpack at a slight top-down angle, left side of product more visible than right.
- BackgroundUniform very light-gray background without texture or props.
- Lighting and shadowSoft, diffuse lighting with gentle shadows along seam lines and inside the compartment; no harsh reflections.
Colors
light gray· main outer fabric#C2C4C4pale gray· padded sleeve lining#C1C6CCdark charcoal· mesh side pocket#4C4C4Bdark gray· cords and cord locks#2A2B2C- Padded sleeve interiorPadded rectangular sleeve visible inside the main compartment with a smooth light-gray lining and an elasticated gray top edge.
Documents & Data
Reddit Insights
6 threads · r/backpacks, r/hikinggearReddit discussions about the North Face Borealis Trail Backpack 26 L reveal a mixed reputation: praised for capacity and organization but criticized for declining quality, poor hiking performance, and design flaws like peeling and loose water bottle pockets.
Positive comments highlight durability and versatile storage, but numerous users report quality issues, discomfort for extended use, and better alternatives from Osprey.
Themes
Use Cases
- Daily commute / office
- College / school
- Travel / weekend trips
- Hiking (not recommended)
- Everyday carry (EDC)
Watch Out For
Compared To
vs Osprey Nebula
Osprey Nebula is often preferred for better build quality and similar organization.
vs Osprey Daylite Plus
Daylite Plus is lighter and better for hiking, but may be too small; Borealis is larger but not as comfortable for hikes.
vs Millican Rolltop
Some users switch to Millican for better durability and less peeling issues.
vs Other brands (Patagonia, Fjallraven, Osprey)
Users often recommend switching to Osprey, Patagonia, or Fjallraven due to quality concerns with North Face.
Source Threads
Why the Borealis Classic was chosen over Women's Borealis, with peeling issue
I think I didn't like the pocket organization, and the compartment for the laptop just being for the laptop. I wanted a bag that had 2 main compartments, and the Women's Borealis had just 1 main compartment and 1 laptop compartment. I wanted to be able to put everything office related in 1 compartment, and everything else in the 2nd. But now I think the peeling is my main issue, so I would consider buying it!
u/another_whitechickr/backpacksView thread →
User compared Borealis and Nebula, kept Nebula
I had both of these backpacks. I ended up keeping the Nebula because it's better made.
u/[deleted]r/backpacksView thread →
Detailed review of Borealis for commuting and hiking
So I use the Borealis as my workplace commuter bag and as a weekend bag. It is spacious and practical for those purposes. 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. It also sits quite wide on your back. Not ideal for hiking at all.
u/philosophicalquokkar/hikinggearView thread →
Borealis Trail capacity and what it can hold
Im not a climber but I do mountain bike, I had one a few years ago until someone decided they wanted it more than I needed it. I normally at that time carried a 17in laptop (for work) it says 15in laptops but there is still room. I also carried a hoodie, cellphone portable battery, laptop cord, miscellaneous tech pouch, umbrella, toiletries including dude wipes, first aid kit, 2 tactical flashlight, 2 spare mags, tire patch kit. I took it to Disneyland as my edc bag it held all of my wifes merchandise she purchased several Tshirts, sweatshirts, stuffed animal and other stuff. Now I use a Yeti 26l backpack or a Original Penguin Backpack
u/Relevant-Canary-9816r/backpacksView thread →