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- Numerous pockets
- Padded hip belt
- Durable fabric
- Laptop pocket
- Some quality issues
Reviews recommend The North Face Borealis backpack for its outstanding durability and comfort. This pack is sized for ages 15 and older and provides a medium capacity of 1,650 cubic inches, which makes it appropriate for both school use and as a backpack for day hikes. A sternum strap, padded hip belt and well-ventilated back pad provide comfort. Tests find the Borealis to be exceptionally water-resistant, and reflectors add safety. Bungee cords on the front of the pack can hold a jacket or other gear. Side pockets hold water bottles, while side compression straps keep everything compact. Reviewers also like the padded laptop sleeve, which can hold a 15-inch laptop. The North Face Borealis comes in seven colors. For those on a budget, reviews recommend the more basic JanSport Big Student (*Est. $40).
eBags.com is the best review source for The North Face Borealis, with dozens of individual reviews and scores for value, durability and other criteria. A Good Housekeeping test of 29 backpacks for water resistance, comfort and organization is useful, but that article is no longer available online.
JANSPORT Big Student Backpack
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| The North Face Borealis Daypack - Men's, TNF Black, One Size | |
(2 reviews) In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping |
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Our Sources
1. EBags.com
Nearly 50 owners rate and review The North Face Borealis, with 96 percent saying they'd buy it again. Some say they use the Borealis as a carry-on bag for air travel. A few owners are disappointed that their 17-inch laptops don't fit, but most say the pack is an adequate size for hauling multiple textbooks or hiking gear.
Review: The North Face Borealis, Contributors to eBags.com
2. Epinions.com
Fewer than a dozen owners review The North Face Borealis over several years (which means they may not be discussing the latest version). The Borealis earns praise for water resistance, but some users say the zipper flaps make the bag tricky to unzip quickly.
Review: Borealis Daypacks by The North Face, Contributors to Epinions.com
3. Good HousekeepingDetails/Subscribe
The North Face Borealis is one of the top five (out of 29) backpacks recommended here, and the only one of the five for which no drawbacks are noted.
Review: GH Tested: 5 Best Backpacks for Kids, Amy Roberts, Aug. 2008
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