North Face Backpack

Are you a North Face backpack first timer? According to several online outfitters, this assortment of North Face products represent some of the best selling packs.

Whether you're looking for a specialized climbing pack, a functional ski-board pack or good choices for day hiking and urban travel, give these popular North Face backpack models a virtual try out.

North Face Backpack: Best Seller Selections

North Face Fulcrum
(Climbing, Cragging, Hiking - 2200ci/36L)

With a unique body configuration designed to haul climbig gear, the Fulcrum manages to carry it all without wearing you out. The shoulder straps, back panel and hipbelt uses foam to reduce weight, improve breathing and add comfort.

The main compartment holds gear, 60 meter rope and whatever else you can throw in, with a zippered external pocket able to accomodate a bit more.

Light airbag fabric side panels combine with a tough ballistics nylon exterior for durability. Two vertical front zips let you grab shoes, gear and rope with ease. A padded hipbelt with gear loops stows away when not in use. And the pack is hydration compatible.

There's lots of room to stuff, but some users wanted more places to separate gear on the inside for better organization.

Colors available:Black, Marsh Green

The preliminary indications are favorable for a comfortable pack with plenty of main pocket space good for getting to the rock face and up.

North Face Ligero
(Light Backpacking - 2150 to 3350ci/35,40,50,55L)

A lightweight North Face backpack with a range of load capacities, the Ligero is ideal for day hikes or a few days in the wilderness. Choose the Ligero 35 for shorter treks with lighter loads or the Ligero 50 for weekend and overnight hikes.

Both sizes utilize the X-2 aluminum suspension to stabilize the load and dual side compression straps to close dead space for a compact fit.

A ventilated back panel keeps you cooler, while a padded hipbelt provides comfort during long hours on the trail. There are ample adjustments to find the best body fit without a bulky feel.

Plus a rain cover provides protection when the weather turns bad. Complaints relate to tight side pockets that press against inside contents and make water bottles hard to pull out without stopping. And the front access to the main section could be better.

Colors available: Gunnison Green, Molten Red, Black

For a "go to bag" with good storage and two size options, the Ligero provides an excellent choice with a reasonable price range.

North Face Solaris
(Urban, Light Backpacking - 2450ci/40L)

From office travel to day hikes, the Solaris packs plenty of gear for urban users carrying a load of textbooks and documents and does double duty for those spending a few days on the trail.

Large enough for 17" laptops and other electronic gadgets, some users preferred the pack's stable and more comfortable suspension over dedicated computer backpacks (e.g. North Face Surge and Bandwidth).

Day hikers enjoyed the "monkey hugging fit" while trekking on the Appalachain Trail and other parks and the easy adjustable straps to position the load without any strain or poor weight distribution.

On the downside, pocket organization was lacking with some contents dumped into the dirt when unzipping the main compartment. Others felt that the pack needed a bigger second pocket and heavy duty main zippers that can handle capacity loads.

An open air mesh back panel keeps air between your body and the pack. And it is hydration compatible with room for a three liter bladder.

Colors available: Black, Atoll Blue, Cave Black, Yam Orange

With an optimal load up to 25 pounds, the Solaris carries school and work gear for everyday use and is tough enough for a few days on the trail.

North Face El Lobo
(Backpacking, Climbing - 3480 to 3950ci/57,65L)

A technical gem, the El Lobo satisfies hardcore rock and ice climbers and recreational trail users with its well designed set of features.

Though not intended as a climbing pack, it has all the elements. A half-moon top end accomodates helmets when looking up the rock face. Excellent padding on the hipbelt keeps the weight on your hips. And zip toggles allow easy open access while wearing gloves.

The X-Radial suspension frame and pivot system matches body movements to keep even heavy load weight distribution balanced. A contoured shoulder harness and breathable back panel add to the comfort level.

A professional climbing guide rated the El Lobo as "the best alpine climbing pack" with the best design of hipbelt and helmet head room ever. The pack is easy to load and includes a stretchy middle pocket for quick access to gear.

One user had trouble with zippers breaking and the frame wearing through the backside mesh after just a few outings.

Colors available: Tang Red, Atoll Blue

The overwhelming consensus is favorable for great features and design, whether you're ascending Alaskan ice sheets or the Appalachian Trail.

North Face Patrol
(Skiing, Snowboarding - 2136 to 2930ci/35,48L)

A winter backpack that stands out as a lightweight pack with innovative features to satisfy avid skiers and boarders. The X-Radial aluminum frame pivots with body movements for a smooth, secure ride.

Attach your gear on diagonally, via an A-frame or strap skis on each side of the pack with reinforced webbing. The Patrol 35 provides space for backcountry overnighters.

Tough nylon construction, with light, rugged airbag fabric side panels, handles winter conditions. An improved hipbelt distributes the load for more comfort.

A huge front pocket holds avy tools with easy access to side ski pole pockets and a bottom pocket for other gear.

One interesting design feature, for one user, applies to the Penguin Black color combo that "pops out" on the snow for easy visibility even in stormy weather.

Colors available: Molten Red, Penguin Black

A relatively new North Face backpack, the Patrol has great features that require more real world testing from real users.

Note: The North Face backpack products can only be shipped to U.S. addresses.


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