Borealis backpack product image (primary)
Front view of a black backpack with a crisscross elastic bungee on the front, embroidered white upper logo and white printed model name near the bottom, visible top carry handle and top zipper pulls.

The North Face

Borealis Backpack

4.9/5 (13)
CA$135.00CAD
In Stock

The North Face Borealis is a commuter backpack designed for everyday use, constructed from rugged ripstop fabric with a plaid texture and featuring a padded 15-inch laptop compartment and adjustable shoulder straps. It provides multiple zippered pockets, a front elastic bungee system, and a padded back panel, with dimensions of 19.25 x 14 x 6.5 inches. While users report long-term durability for commuting, school, and travel, some note that newer models have quality issues and that it is not ideal for hiking.

Color

Black

Size

ONE SIZE

Specifications

Material
Main material: 100% nylon; Lining: 100% polyester
Gender
male
Age Group
adult
Condition
new
Dimensions
14x6.5x19.25 in

Product Insights

The North Face Borealis Backpack is a chiropractor-endorsed pack designed to reduce spinal pressure via a recessed spine channel, injection-molded contoured straps, and a layout that centers heaviest loads. Its FlexVent suspension prioritizes cushioned support over breathability, making it ideal for everyday carry but not for hiking. However, recent quality concerns—zipper breakage, peeling, loose water bottle pockets—undermine its $135 CAD value compared to more durable alternatives like Osprey. The laptop sleeve offers ample padding for 13-inch devices but minimal protection for 15-inch ones, and its sewn-in design occupies interior space. The bungee cord system is a key differentiator, enabling quick loading and compression, though the dense foam shoulder straps reduce airflow. While the limited lifetime warranty covers defects, buyers note a decline in longevity versus older models.

Verified claims

Chiropractic certification
Endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association and co-designed with a chiropractic physician.
Shoulder straps
Injection-molded contoured straps reduce pressure points and promote two-shoulder carry.
Spine relief
Recessed spine channel on back panel plus layout that centers heaviest load.
Suspension trade-off
FlexVent suspension prioritizes cushioned support over breathability for everyday carry.
Durability
Newer Borealis models show zipper breakage and peeling, unlike older ones lasting >10 years.
Water bottle pockets
Water bottle pockets are loose, causing standard bottles to fall out.
Value
At $135 CAD, value suffers from quality decline; buyers recommend Osprey for durability.
Comfort
Reduces spinal pressure with a chiropractor-designed back panel and straps.
Travel versatility
Fits under airline seats, holds laptop, water, folders with adjustable bungee.
Laptop fit
13-inch laptops fit with ample padding; 15-inch laptops have minimal protection and may contact the pack floor.
Sleeve padding
Felt lining protects from scratches but not impacts; a stiff liner provides some shock resistance.
Sleeve design
The laptop sleeve is permanently sewn in, ensuring consistent protection but occupying interior space.
Water bottle pocket
Buyers report that standard bottles fall out of side pockets during normal use.
Bungee versatility
Clip-on bungee enables quick loading and can be removed for reconfiguration
Bungee compression
Tightening the bungee reduces pack volume when underfilled
Competitive advantage
Exterior bungee cord system is absent on Osprey Daylite Plus and Patagonia Refugio
Dimensions
14-inch internal length fits letter-size folders; 6.5-inch depth for tight spaces.
Back panel
Cushioned FlexVent panel for daily commutes, not designed for hiking.
Warranty
Limited lifetime warranty covers manufacturing defects.
External features
Front bungee cord with clips for easy stowage; sternum strap whistle for safety.
Hiking suitability
Missing hiking essentials: frame, hip belt, ventilation, and hydration sleeve.
DWR maintenance
Non-PFC DWR finish reactivates with 10–15 minutes of low heat tumble.
Longevity
Earlier Borealis models have lasted over 16 years; recent quality may vary.
Bungee system
Metal grommets at stress points and removable bungee reduce fabric wear.
Shoulder strap breathability
Dense foam shoulder straps reduce airflow, adding to clamminess.
Sternum strap whistle
Integrated whistle in sternum buckle for emergency signaling.

Product record

Title
Borealis Backpack
Brand
The North Face
Price
135 CAD
Availability
In stock

Image Analysis

3 images
Borealis backpack product image (primary)
01

Product

Front view of a black backpack with a crisscross elastic bungee on the front, embroidered white upper logo and white printed model name near the bottom, visible top carry handle and top zipper pulls.

  • Overall shapeVertical oval-shaped backpack shown from the front with a slightly rounded top and tapered bottom.
    1 regionx 0.06 · y 0.02 · w 0.88 · h 0.96 (high)
  • Front bungee systemElastic cord laced in a diamond/crisscross pattern across the front face with small plastic cord sliders at intersecting points and a cord end toggle at the bottom center.
    1 regionx 0.12 · y 0.18 · w 0.76 · h 0.70 (high)
  • Top logo embroideryWhite embroidered three-line text logo reading THE NORTH FACE with the half-dome arc to the right, centered on the upper front panel.
    1 regionx 0.32 · y 0.06 · w 0.36 · h 0.12 (high)
  • Lower model name textWhite printed text reading BOREALIS located near the bottom center seam of the front panel.
    1 regionx 0.36 · y 0.90 · w 0.28 · h 0.06 (high)
  • Top carry handle and zipper pullsPadded loop carry handle at the top with two visible zipper pulls and a short webbing lash sitting behind the handle.
    1 regionx 0.28 · y 0.00 · w 0.44 · h 0.12 (high)
  • Side pocket outlinesSoft fabric side pockets integrated into each side seam, visible as slight openings and stitched seams.
    2 regionsx 0.02 · y 0.34 · w 0.12 · h 0.46 (medium); x 0.86 · y 0.34 · w 0.12 · h 0.46 (medium)
  • Fabric textureMain fabric appears to have a subtle ripstop grid texture on the upper front panel and smoother woven fabric on the lower front.
    2 regionsx 0.22 · y 0.04 · w 0.56 · h 0.26 (high); x 0.18 · y 0.30 · w 0.64 · h 0.60 (high)
  • Bottom webbing loopsTwo horizontal webbing strap loops located at the lower front edge, one on each side of the center bottom cord toggle.
    2 regionsx 0.18 · y 0.88 · w 0.14 · h 0.08 (high); x 0.68 · y 0.88 · w 0.14 · h 0.08 (high)

Other

Studio product shot centered on a light neutral background with soft shadows beneath; even frontal lighting and no props.

  • Shot compositionBackpack centered in frame, full frontal view, image crops a small amount of the topmost handle area but shows most of the product.
  • Background and lightingUniform light gray background with soft shadow under the backpack indicating a studio light source from above and slightly front.

Colors

matte black· main body#0E0E0Ebright white· logo and upper textbright white· lower model name text#C4C4C4
Borealis backpack product image 2
02

Product

Rear view of a black backpack showing padded back panel, two padded shoulder straps with sternum and waist straps, side compression straps, and a top haul handle.

  • Back panel paddingRectangular horizontal-stitched padded back panel with several evenly spaced padded segments covered in textured mesh fabric.
    1 regionx 0.29 · y 0.12 · w 0.42 · h 0.70 (high)
  • Shoulder strapsTwo wide, heavily padded shoulder straps with reinforced stitched edges; each strap has a horizontal reflective or lighter-gray webbing loop near upper middle.
    2 regionsx 0.18 · y 0.06 · w 0.28 · h 0.88 (high); x 0.50 · y 0.06 · w 0.34 · h 0.88 (high)
  • Sternum strap and buckleAdjustable sternum strap crossing between the shoulder straps with a quick-release plastic buckle positioned slightly right of center.
    1 regionx 0.48 · y 0.56 · w 0.20 · h 0.12 (high)
  • Waist strap and bucklesLower waist strap webbing with a plastic buckle and adjustable tail straps emerging from the padded hip belt area at the bottom front of the pack.
    1 regionx 0.20 · y 0.78 · w 0.64 · h 0.18 (high)
  • Side compression and pocket detailsVertical side compression straps with small webbing tabs and a small zippered or mesh pocket opening visible on the left side of the pack (viewer left).
    1 regionx 0.03 · y 0.36 · w 0.28 · h 0.54 (high)
  • Top haul handlePadded top haul handle with a stitched seam, centered at the pack top between the shoulder straps.
    1 regionx 0.36 · y 0.02 · w 0.28 · h 0.10 (high)
  • Material finishMain fabric appears to be a smooth, matte woven textile while strap faces use a slightly textured or ripstop weave and back panel uses a breathable mesh.
  • Brand text on strapTHE NORTH FACE
    1 regionx 0.78 · y 0.72 · w 0.12 · h 0.12 (medium)

Other

Studio-style product shot on a light neutral background with soft even lighting and minimal shadows, image focused on the rear of the backpack and cropped at the base with some strap tails extending onto the surface.

  • Shot compositionRear-facing three-quarter view centered in frame, showing the full height of the pack and most of the rear-facing components; lower strap tails lie on the flat surface.
  • Background and lightingPlain light gray background with soft diffuse lighting producing gentle shadows beneath the pack and minimal specular highlights on fabric.

Colors

matte black· main body fabric#0E0E0Ddark charcoal· back panel mesh padding#221F21white· brand logo textmatte black (webbing)· strap webbing and buckles#0E0E0E
Borealis backpack product image 3
03

Product

Close-up of the backpack's upper front compartments showing multiple zippered pockets, internal organizer panel, padded light-gray laptop/tablet sleeve, top carry loop, and zipper pulls.

  • Compartment layoutTwo main front compartments visible with separate curved top zippers; a smaller front organizer pocket is open showing internal pockets and a padded sleeve behind it.
    1 regionx 0.06 · y 0.08 · w 0.88 · h 0.84 (high)
  • Organizer panelInternal organizer panel made from medium gray fabric includes a horizontal zippered pocket and stitched flat pockets/slots below it.
    1 regionx 0.08 · y 0.28 · w 0.54 · h 0.28 (high)
  • Padded sleeve liningLight-gray padded sleeve or pocket lip with soft fabric edging visible at the lower edge of the open organizer pocket.
    1 regionx 0.06 · y 0.56 · w 0.52 · h 0.16 (high)
  • Top carry loopShort, stitched top carry loop formed from black webbing located between the two upper compartment zippers.
    1 regionx 0.36 · y 0.02 · w 0.28 · h 0.12 (high)
  • Zippers and teethExposed coil zipper teeth in black on curved zipper tracks for each compartment; zipper tape matches exterior fabric color.
    1 regionx 0.28 · y 0.02 · w 0.64 · h 0.52 (high)
  • Zipper pullsMultiple zipper pulls: molded triangular black plastic pulls attached to cord loops on exterior compartment zippers, and a small silver metal pull on the internal zip pocket.
    2 regionsx 0.66 · y 0.40 · w 0.26 · h 0.30 (high); x 0.16 · y 0.36 · w 0.08 · h 0.10 (high)
  • Metal pull textYKK
    1 regionx 0.16 · y 0.36 · w 0.08 · h 0.10 (medium)
  • Exterior fabric textureExterior made from a densely woven, slightly textured black fabric with faint ripstop grid visible on some panels.
    1 regionx 0.50 · y 0.18 · w 0.46 · h 0.72 (high)
  • Cord and bungee detailThin elastic cord threaded through lower right-side webbing eyelets with a plastic cord lock visible at the edge.
    1 regionx 0.74 · y 0.66 · w 0.22 · h 0.28 (high)

Other

Studio close-up on a neutral light gray background showing the backpack from an angled top-front perspective; even soft lighting with minimal shadows.

  • Shot compositionTight studio close-up framing focused on the backpack's upper front and organizer area, cropped at lower front pocket and right side.
  • BackgroundUniform light gray background with no visible texture or props.
    1 regionx 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 1.00 (high)
  • Lighting and shadowSoft, even lighting from above-left producing gentle shadows along zipper seams and inside open pockets.

Colors

black· exterior fabric#0E0D0Dmedium gray· internal organizer panel#7B7A7Dlight gray· padded sleeve liningsilver· metal zipper pull#A2A3AC

Customer Reviews

13 total
4.9

13 reviews · out of 5

Pratique

Manon C.

Tellement beau et super pratique

Grand sac très pratique

Marie-claude C.

Spacieux, léger et Imperméable. Très pratique pour emporter mon portable et accessoires puisque je fais du télétravail hybride. Également très pratique pour les fins de semaines au chalet.

Sac à dos The North Face

Steeve T.

Magnifique sac à dos avec plein de rangements. J'adore ce produit

Great Bag

Nancy M.

North Face bags usually last a long time so I'm hoping this one will as well. Seems to be a quality constructed bag and the price was good.

Good value backpack

Can E.

Light, spacious (28 litres), lots of pockets, comfortable to wear. Good value particularly on sale.

Livraison ultra rapide

Valerie R.

Super sac et livré le lendemain de la commande

Sac à dos

Gilles R.

Super ! Plein de rangements

Great backpack

Marc P.

Exactly as advertised, very roomie and comfortable.

.

Presley L.

.

Lili

Helene M.

Très beau et pratique. Je recommande.

Amazing size!

Shalenah L.

Large backpack for a great sale price.

Great Backpack

michael c.

Perfect size backpack for a day trip. Also I got a great deal before they pull it off from the website. I guess you should always go check out the website.

Super produit

Nadine T.

Super produit

Reddit Insights

6 threads · r/backpacks, r/BuyItForLife, r/hikinggear, r/onebag

Reddit users have mixed opinions on the North Face Borealis, praising its durability for everyday carry and travel, but criticizing declining quality in newer models and its unsuitability for serious hiking.

mixed sentiment100% match

While many users report excellent long-term durability with older Borealis models, numerous complaints highlight quality degradation in recent versions, such as zipper failures and peeling. The bag is widely regarded as a good commuter and travel backpack but is not recommended for hiking.

Themes

Quality and Durabilitymixed
Hiking Suitabilitynegative
Everyday Carry and Travel Usepositive
Comparisons with Other Brandsmixed

Use Cases

  • Daily commute and work
  • Travel (one-bag/personal item)
  • School and college
  • Day hikes (with limitations)

Watch Out For

highNewer Borealis models may have inferior quality, with reports of peeling material and broken zippers.
mediumWater bottle pockets are loose and items frequently fall out.
mediumNot designed for hiking; lacks frame, hip belt, and back ventilation.
mediumLaptop compartment offers limited protection and may not fit larger laptops.

Compared To

vs Osprey Daylite/Daylite Plus

Osprey packs are generally preferred for hiking due to better support and features, while the Borealis offers more space for everyday use.

vs Fjallraven

Some users recommend Fjallraven as a more durable alternative for daily backpacks.

vs Patagonia

Mentioned as a higher-quality brand, though some note their backpacks may also cause clothing peeling.

Source Threads

  • Quality decline complaint

    Quality of so many things has gone down, while prices increase.

    u/entatlrgr/backpacksView thread →

  • 16-year durability

    Fast forward 16 years, and I still haven’t needed a new backpack. Carried it daily for 4 years of high school and 4 years of college, plus countless trips after that, and it’s still going strong.

    u/MaraBrightwoodr/BuyItForLifeView thread →

  • Not for hiking, commuter bag

    You’d wind up replacing this very quickly. This is more of a commuter bag.

    u/CTMatthewr/hikinggearView thread →

  • Hiking suitability critique

    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.

    u/philosophicalquokkar/hikinggearView thread →

  • 6-year EDC durability

    I've had the old version of this backpack for 6 years and used it as EDC for college, work, as well as my personal item when traveling. The bag has held up well

    u/Alias901r/onebagView thread →

  • Water bottle and pocket issues

    I just got TNF borealis, and it's pretty good except for 2 things (1) the water bottle holders aren't very snug. Multiple times things fall out (2) The top outer accessible pocket is very top heavy - I'm not sure how to describe it ... it just bulges out if you over pack it

    u/ultronprime616r/backpacksView thread →

Provenance

Merchant Link
https://www.simons.ca/en/men-accessories/bags/backpacks/borealis-backpack--4386-22303?colourId=0
Updated