The North Face has been around for a while at this point. While you might know them from the fad several years back of everyone owning a North Face brand fleece, they do in fact make other outdoor gear. Whether you’re brand loyal or simply looking to see what The North Face offers in terms of serious backpacks, you’re in the right place.
Today we’ll be checking out the best North Face backpacks by category – general-purpose, day hikes, and multi-day backpacking. If you know which style of backpack you’re looking for go ahead and jump down to the relevant section.
Comparison Table
|
Name |
Price |
Weight |
Rating |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
$$$ |
1lb 14oz |
22-liter technical pack NextVent suspended-mesh back panel for extra breathability Deep zipper access to the main body Vented-foam package External face pocket Two tool keepers Hipbelt pockets |
|
 |
$$$ |
5.9 oz |
Lightweight and super packable, each piece in the Flyweight Series makes a perfect travel companion. This backpack stuffs into its own pocket and makes traveling the world a breeze. |
|
|
|
$$$ |
3lbs 3oz |
Back panel with sleeves for a tablet and a 15 in. laptop unzips to lie flat for security screening |
|
|
|
$$$ |
1lb 5oz |
Agile and lightweight day pack for moving fast in the mountains |
|
 |
$$$ |
14.82 oz |
The FlexVent suspension system features a flexible yoke built from custom injection-molded shoulder straps, a padded mesh back panel and a breathable lumbar panel for comfortable, ventilated support. |
|
 |
$$$ |
0.88 lbs |
Perfect for speedy city commutes, the main compartment features a padded 15″ laptop sleeve and comfortably fits your books and binders. |
|
|
$$$ |
3.05 lbs |
For school, commuting or travel, this backpack has a top handle for easy grabbing and a removable waist belt for a custom fit. |
||
 |
$$$ |
3 lbs 12 oz |
The go-to hiking pack for experienced backpackers, the Terra features an easy-to-use OPTIFIT suspension system and durable materials that will make you the envy of all trail-goers. |
|
|
|
$$$ |
3 lbs 9 oz |
Revised to be lighter and more durable than its predecessor |
Fun Fact
The North Face brand name refers to a treacherous mountaineering phenomenon. In the Northern Hemisphere, sunlight comes from a southerly angle (more pronounced the further you move from the equator). Because of this, the south face of most mountains receives more sunlight, thus more warmth, and tends to be a little more forgiving to climb due to more favorable conditions. On certain mountains and, particularly, at certain times of the year a north face ascent can be benign, impressive, or a death wish.
Pros and Cons of The North Face Backpacks
Any time we, as consumers, start looking to a specific brand for a product we immediately limit ourselves. For instance, if I only buy my hiking footwear from Keen then I’ll probably miss out on a lot of great innovative and perhaps superior products that may hit the market from other brands. If however, I want the lightest running shoes that fit my feet and hold up to trail running then I may need to shop around until I’m satisfied.Not everyone or every shopping trip needs to be specialized, though. Sometimes we shop a specific brand for aesthetics, brand name, or simplicity’s sake.
CONS
- Lack of diversity
- Usually on the heavy side
- Lack of innovation
PROS
- Widely available
- Durable
- Stylish
- Proven
Now, don’t get me wrong. The North Face could launch a revolutionary backpack design tomorrow and all this will go out the window. However, in the last decade or more that I’ve been watching The North Face pump out new backpacks, none of them have been particularly cutting-edge.What I have seen is durable, quality backpacks that are readily available online and in stores. Backpacks that make great commuter bags, day packs, or even backpacking-trip-worthy bags. On the other hand, if you’re a trail runner pushing your limits or an ultralight backpacker looking to shave every ounce, don’t be surprised when The North Face doesn’t have what you need.
North Face Brand Direction
At one point The North Face was a small climbing outfitter in California. Although I wasn’t there, they were presumably a niche-focused outfitter equipping Californians with specialized gear for technical outdoor pursuits.While I won’t claim to be an expert on the corporate policies of The North Face, there are some clear trends that have emerged over the years. It seems the brand grew in popularity among technical users for years. Then, somewhere in the early 2000’s, the brand made a crossover into the fashion world. I can still remember when all of a sudden everyone had to have a fleece jacket from The North Face.When I started getting into backpacking around 2006 The North Face was popular both in the outdoor community and in the fashion world of everyday Joes and Jills. Over the following years as I entered my professional backpacking career the brand seemed to fade out of the outdoor world and into the “front country” world. Now, I can’t even remember the last time I actually considered The North Face as a legitimate technical outdoor gear brand.
Don’t get me wrong – they still make a few “technical” bags and gear. When I say technical, I mean things made for day hiking or backpacking that are purpose-focused and using industry-leading engineering, design, and materials. There are a couple of day packs and overnight backpacks they still make that could still make the cut, but very few.In fact, when doing research for this article, the official The North Face website listed only two models of technical backpacks for multi-day hiking. One of these was a mountaineering specific bag, the other was what I would consider a “backpacking” backpack. Meanwhile, there were a total of 35 backpacks listed under categories like “commuter”.Now, I’m not trying to say that The North Face is a bad company or that there’s anything wrong with making school, office, and commuter packs. I’m just pointing out to those who might be looking for technical outdoor gear that The North Face as a brand might be a waning presence in our world of outdoor gear.Despite my best efforts to round up day hiking backpacks and multi-day technical backpacks for this article, they just simply aren’t making enough models to fill out a robust article at this time.Stick around to the end of this article and I’ll recommend some alternative brands you can check out if you’re not satisfied with TNF’s offerings.
Best North Face Backpacks
Day Hike Backpacks
The North Face LITUS 22
I don’t know about you, but I like comfortability and load-carrying capability that won’t distract me on my day hikes. This 22L bad has a dedicated frame, hip belt, and more to keep up on those weekend adventures without holding you back.
| INFO |
DATA |
|---|---|
| Capacity |
22L |
| Features |
Suspended mesh back panel |
| Colors |
2+ available |
Note: I’m not certain how many colors are available because The North Face’s website wouldn’t show me all the options as the product was “out of stock” during research for this article.There’s a lot to like about this bag. On your back the mesh panel and the mesh shoulder straps let heat move for better comfort. The hip belts are minimal but just enough to provide a great ride on a 22L bag. Maybe my favorite little feature, though, is the hip belt pockets (good for snacks!). That’s followed closely by the nice forward-slashed water bottle pockets, a design I like for ease of access without having to take off the pack.Really they nailed the day pack design here with a single main compartment for all your gear. There’s also a hydration sleeve that will be hit or miss with some folks but if you like them, then it’s available!Note: This bag is available in two sizes. Be sure to read sizing instructions and measure yourself before ordering. Getting the right size is crucial to a good fit and comfortable ride with the hip belt.This is a great pick if you want to be on the move with a comfortable ride.
The North Face Flyweight
At just 17L it’s not a huge bag, but it’s lightweight, packable, and minimalist. Does that make it a top choice for everyone? Let’s find out.
| INFO |
DATA |
|---|---|
| Capacity |
17L |
| Features |
Stuffs into its own pocket |
| Colors |
4 available |
Made from Cordura ripstop nylon, this bag is feather-light and packs down to nothing. Probably the biggest part of the entire bag, when packed, is the zipper. That means you can store it in your main backpack, in your glove box, or keep it stashed in your luggage for surprise adventures.On the back of the bag is a large flexible overstuff panel for an extra layer. Each side of the bag has a flexible mesh water bottle pocket that extends nice and tall to keep your bottle secure.Packable day bags like this are great for their versatility but there’s usually one major drawback. These lightweight fabric bags just don’t have any structural support of their own. To keep your bag comfortable you’ll want to carefully pack it so that the contents of the pack provide a comfortable and effective support structure.For the lightest possible summit ascent or surprise day hike, this bag is a go-to!
The North Face Overhaul
Despite the relatively large 36L size, this pack still sits somewhere between a multi-day hiking bag and a commuter bag. It finds a place in the world of day hiking and weekend adventures.
| INFO |
DATA |
|---|---|
| Capacity |
36L |
| Features |
Laptop sleeve and compartment |
| Colors |
1 available |
With such a big capacity this bag could almost make a weekend backpacking rig for some ultralighters. However, given that they decided to include a dedicated laptop sleeve and zippered compartment it makes this bag pretty squarely a day hiking bag.Inside you’ll find enough room for snacks, gear, and a bottom zippered compartment for separating gear. It also has a lot of “travel” features. These include a side carrying handle that allows you to lug the bag around like a briefcase and a passthrough slot so you can slide the bag over your luggage handle.I think this bag has a unique blend of features that lend themselves toward the “all-arounder”. If you travel, hike, commute and need a bag that can adapt with you, this might be a top pick.
The North Face Chimera 24
Light, simple, and fast is the name of the game here. There’s nothing extra or fancy, just a high-speed pack for chewing up miles.
| INFO |
DATA |
|---|---|
| Capacity |
24L |
| Features |
Shoulder strap pockets |
| Colors |
2+ available |
This bag is as light and fast as it gets. On the back panel is a single piece of thick closed-cell foam to create the frame of the bag with apertures cut into it for airflow. Each shoulder strap is secured with the Dyno Cinch system connected at two points to adjust easily and accurately.You’ll be glad to know there are a sternum strap and a hip belt but they’re both very minimalist. Besides, without a real pack frame to transfer weight, the hip belt is just there to keep the pack from flopping around anyways so it can be small and light.On the back, you’ll find a simple stretchy mesh panel for layers on the fly. There is also an ice ax loop and trekking pole holders. I wouldn’t expect much out of them, though, as a foam-framed pack like this typically won’t do well handling those kinds of additional loads.Inside is a hydration sleeve if you’re a drink-on-the-fly person. My favorite feature, however, is the addition of stretchy mesh shoulder strap pockets. This is a carryover from the ultralight cottage industry which has apparently caught the attention of the big names now.Overall I think this is a killer choice for a lightweight, fast, day pack!
Commuter/Urban/General Backpacks
The North Face Borealis
One thing The North Face has always been good at is making its products look and feel great. For a do-it-all urban backpack, the Borealis is a solid-looking great performing bag.
| INFO |
DATA |
|---|---|
| Capacity |
28L |
| Features |
Padded laptop sleeve, hip strap |
| Colors |
28 available |
If you like your backpacking day bag and want outdoor features you can take with you to school, work, or the coffee shop then this is your bag. It features many backpacking standbys such as external water bottle pockets, shock cord lashing, and compression straps. Not to mention, it also has a webbing strap hip belt in case you need a little extra support when you’ve overfilled the backpack.While they make a big deal out of the Flex Vent back panel and shoulder straps, I’m not sure it’s particularly noteworthy. Though I will say that the generous padding will make it pretty comfortable for commuter and general use – especially if you load it up with a heavy laptop.On that note, the main compartment does have a dedicated padded laptop sleeve. This takes up a lot of space so if you don’t carry a laptop on the regs… maybe move on down the list and try to find one without a laptop sleeve.A solid choice for commuting with digital goodies.
The North Face Vault Backpack
If you want to keep things affordable but still need a rounded bag for commuting, school, or work then check this out.
| INFO |
DATA |
|---|---|
| Capacity |
26L |
| Features |
Laptop sleeve |
| Colors |
21 available |
This backpack is more of a dedicated school/work bag than anything. It doesn’t bring in a hip strap or shock cord lashing (though there is a daisy chain) that’s more popular on outdoor bags. Instead, it keeps things simple and focused at a good price.On the outside are two mesh water bottle pockets, handy but unremarkable. Flex Vent is used again on the straps and back panels. This time, though, the back panels are nearly solid and don’t look quite as good as some of the other models in terms of their breathability. If you get sweaty back syndrome, look elsewhere.Inside the main compartment, you’ll find a single 15″ laptop sleeve – no padding. Further out on the bag is a second zippered compartment with mesh storage for things like cables, pens, etc.Overall I think this bag is a good choice at a great price for those with simple needs commuting to school or the office.
The North Face Surge
Finally on this list is the beefy, dedicated commuter/tech bag. This backpack is designed around the isolated laptop compartment that allows you to be ready to work or study wherever you are.
| INFO |
DATA |
|---|---|
| Capacity |
31L |
| Features |
Dedicated electronics pocket |
| Colors |
5 available |
Unlike many of the other bags in this category, this one is available in just 5 basic flat colors. That’s okay though since you might not want to draw attention to the expensive electronics and gadgets inside.While the bag is supported by the standard Flex Vent back panel and straps, just behind your back is the important compartment. In the dedicated laptop zipper compartment is room for the computer, a table, and notepads or files. Further back in the bag is a large main compartment which they left empty and open – a great choice for the main storage compartment. Finally, there’s a third pocket on the outside with smaller organizers for keys, pens, etc.This one takes a good, sleek design and adds robust features like compression straps, a standalone mobile-office pocket, and an optional hip belt to bring it all together.If you find yourself always wanting more space and hauling capacity while on the go to work or school check this out.
Multi-Day Backpacking Trips
The North Face Terra
The North Face has been making multi-day bags for a long time and the Terra is a pretty tried-and-true design. This bag is reasonably priced and well-rounded with everything a beginner or intermediate backpacker might need.
| INFO |
DATA |
|---|---|
| Capacity |
40-65L |
| Features |
Outer full-zip opening |
| Colors |
5 available |
Maybe the most notable feature of this pack is the main outer zipper. It chases the outline of the bag in a big J-shape that allows you to lay the pack down and open it up like a suitcase to access the entire inside pocket. Some will love this feature while others, like myself, won’t use it – it’s just a personal preference thing. It should be noted that there is also conventional top access under the brain of the pack.According to The North Face their Dyno Lift System automatically adjusts to equalize the load on your body. Their back panel design and shoulder straps on this one do look really well-designed so I imagine there might be some truth to this.Be sure to take the extra time to size this backpack for you. It’s available in small to extra large but before you order be sure to measure yourself so you get the right size for your frame. The most important sizing is your torso length from hips to neck – any outfitter can help you with this measurement.
The North Face Cobra 52 Pack
If you want a pack that’s tailored and engineered to push the limits on the mountain, here it is. Among The North Face’s lineup, the Cobra packs are some of the most refined.
| INFO |
DATA |
|---|---|
| Capacity |
52L |
| Features |
Made for mountaineering |
| Colors |
1 available |
While not all backpackers find themselves in true mountaineering situations, this pack is for those that do. It’s loaded with features like a removable helmet holder, ski carrying system, and clips for dragging sleds. You’ll also find crampon pockets and loops on the hip belts for your climbing rack and carabiners among other things. You’ll find wand pockets, a dedicated rope carry system, and an external lashing ladder for any other gear.While they did lighten up the new design it still hits in the 3.5+ pound mark but that’s really not bad for a fully-loaded mountaineering bag.You could even get away with using this as a general-purpose backpacking setup even if you don’t actively mountaineer. There are a lot of technical features on this bag that you might not need on weekend adventures, but if you find it for the right price it would be a hard backpack to overlook…
The North Face Backpack Alternatives
Osprey Rook 65
If you’re not happy with the lineup from The North Face, I always recommend Osprey. Their lifetime guarantee is amazing!
| INFO |
DATA |
|---|---|
| Capacity |
65L |
| Features |
Air mesh back panel |
| Colors |
1 available |
I chose this pack for our article because it’s absurdly affordable. It has most of the great features people love from Osprey but brings them in at a price that won’t make you cry.Side stash pockets, a bottom zippered compartment, and good compression straps make this a solid pack for most users. You’ll find access to the main compartment at the top under the brain. Additionally, there’s an integrated rain cover that a lot of people prefer.Be sure to measure yourself to get the right size and fit before you order. For this price, you’ll be very hard-pressed to find a better value for multi-day backpacking trips than the Rook. It’s also available in a 50L model if you pack on the lighter side.
Deuter Speed Lite 20
I remember seeing Deuter packs for the first time in a store just outside Ashville, NC my first year guiding. At first, I was skeptical, but these days they make as good of packs as anyone!
| INFO |
DATA |
|---|---|
| Capacity |
20L |
| Features |
Air mesh back panel |
| Colors |
5+ available |
For day hiking a 20L pack is just about perfect for most people and most applications. If you’re doing a couple mile loop, seeing the sights, having lunch on the trail, and heading back to the car in the afternoon this style of backpack is great!This one has a removable hip belt that’s just there to keep the pack from swinging around (which I love on day packs). Inside, the pack is built around a Delrin frame which is lightweight to begin with but removable if you want to lighten up the pack even more.There are ice ax loops, gear attachment points, and a hydration sleeve. Everything you’d expect from a well-rounded day pack is here.I think they nailed it in terms of size, form, and function on this pack. It’s got everything to keep hikers happy from the technical fast-packers to the casual tourist day hiker types (like me some days!).
ALPS Mountaineering Peak
This bag lands somewhere between a day bag and a multi-day backpacking bag. For those who pack light, this could easily be a weekend bag. Or, if you carry a lot of gear, it might be a good day hiking choice to handle climbing or camera gear.
| INFO |
DATA |
|---|---|
| Capacity |
45L |
| Features |
3D mesh suspension |
| Colors |
1 available |
ALPS gets the job done here with a tried and true design at a price that’s right for entry-level gear. Open mesh shoulder straps and the 3D mesh suspension are simple but effective ways to get a pack this size dialed in and comfortable.On the sides and back are generously sized mesh pockets for water bottles and layers. I also have to point out that I love the pockets on the hip belts. They’re great places to store snacks, maps, and quick access gear.Possibly the only complaint I have about this bag is that the hip belts don’t look very robust. There’s only one stabilizer strap, rather than the commonly-used two, which might struggle to disperse the load from the pack to your hips. That said, it’s a 45L bag aimed at day hiking so we can’t expect it to handle huge loads anyways.I think this pack is a very affordable lightweight option for day hiking or short overnights that can fit the bill for a lot of users.
Conclusion
While The North Face might have changed a little as a company from the days when they were a niche climbing outfitter in California, they still have a lot to offer. If you want great functional, stylish, and modern packs for commuting or general use then there might not be a better brand to look at! For day hiking and technical backpacks, however, their offerings are scarce these days.Hopefully, you’ve found something on our list that will help you carry your gear wherever you’re going and however you get there. Further, if you didn’t find what you’re looking for from The North Face, hopefully, our alternative options have given you some other avenues to find the gear you really need.Get out there, have fun, and stay safe on the trails everyone!
