North Face Borealis Backpack

Designed for both men and women, the North Face Borealis backpack satisfies those requiring a strong pack for tons of textbooks and one that can swallow a 17" laptop. The pack takes on double duty for day hikers or cyclists needing a rugged and durable carry-all that weathers the elements.

Whether you use it as a school bag, gym bag or an airplane carry-on, many customers used the pack everyday for years without any wear or tear.

A comfortable fit due to good padding, the main compartment doubles as a laptop and water bladder sleeve with a secondary zippered section for organizing documents and folders.

Some users complained that a full pack gets cramped and that its difficult to take items out and put back in easily. And those pesky Mac power cords may not fit well in the middle compartment.

A bungee cord criss-crosses the pack face to add and secure a jacket or other soft items, and it cinches to tighten the entire load. Women also noted that the chest strap on the pack might not function well if large breasted.

Plus the material on the SE models was considered less durable and prone to staining. A few minor annoyances related to tight-fitting Nalgene bottles and flaking off of reflective material.

A tough and functional piece of gear with a wide range of uses, the North Face Borealis backpack is a keeper for many years of good service.

North Face Borealis Backpack

Key Features (1830ci/30L)

• Large main compartment with padded laptop sleeve
• Large secondary compartment with organizer and PU zipper

• Dual stretch-mesh side water bottle pockets
• Large sleeve doubles for hydration bladder with port
• Comfortable padded Airmesh back panel
• Front bungee system with reflective hits for night use
• Hipbelt tucks away for when not in use
• Safe-T whistle on sternum strap
• Compatible with most 17" laptops
• Side compression straps
• Sturdy top carry handle
• 19"x 14"x 7" (47.5 cm x 35 cm x 18 cm)

Color Choices - Borealis

Colors may change from year to year, so be aware that some are phased out (look for closeout bargains on these!) and usually outfitters do not carry all available colors.

• Tuolumne Brown
• Camo Brown
• Cardinal Red/Molten Red
• Truckee Green
• Truckee Pink
• Deep Water Blue/Basin Blue
• El Rio Blue
• Kingfisher Blue
• Saratoga Green
• Chute Green
• Zinc Grey
• Dalberg Yellow
• Black

Color Choices - Borealis SE (1850ci/30L; 19"x 13"x 8")

For a more fashionable selection, the Borealis SE is slightly larger than the regular version and comes in different color combos.

• Wood Grain Brown
• Linen Khaki
• Pinstripe Grey

Backpack Review Highlights

	Recommended as the "Best of the Best" by customer ratings on eBags.com as determined by 90% of reviewers willing to buy the product again. (May have been influenced by closeout price.)
	Many first time purchasers bought the pack for family members and were impressed enough to buy another one for themselves.
	Preference as a school/college bag among reviewers related to its comfortable fit, laptop flat fit and easy to load attributes without feeling heavy.
	One user even ditched a specially designed computer bag after buying the Borealis that provided a snug and secure fit with better padding.
	Some users felt the compartment space was too cramped when fully loaded, especially with bulky textbooks and power cords.
	The Borealis SE model is slighty larger (1830ci vs. 1850ci), but those seeking more capacity should review the Recon and Surge models, both over 2000 cubic inches.