The North Face Borealis

Bottom line

Owners and experts praise the North Face Borealis for its comfort, durability and versatility. It's also water-resistant, making it a safe choice to store electronics. Reviewers particularly like the headphone port and exterior water bottle holder. Although not the largest backpack available, reviewers say the Borealis is a durable, sturdy pack.

Performance

Surprisingly roomy. Several reviewers say the North Face Borealis looks small, but once they start packing they're pleasantly surprised by its 1,650-cubic-inch capacity. The Borealis is divided into one main storage compartment, a smaller secondary storage compartment and a very small stash pocket. Bungee cords on the front of the pack can stow a jacket or other gear, and side compression straps keep everything compact. It has a mesh water bottle pocket on either side. There is a compartment that can hold a 15-inch laptop or a hydration pack, and it includes a hydration port that can also accommodate a headphone cord.

Comfort

Won't break your back. The North Face Borealis is sized for ages 15 and older. In 2010 it was one of nine North Face backpacks to earn an endorsement from the American Chiropractor Association for its ergonomic features, including injection-molded, anatomically correct shoulder straps, and a back panel with a recessed channel for comfort.

The back is both padded and ventilated, something several reviewers appreciate. The strap and padding keep the contents inside the backpack stable, reviewers say, so it doesn't shift during wear, even on a bike. It can accommodate various body types and reviewers ranging from middle school to college say it adjusts to fit.

Durability

Built for all kinds of abuse. Professional testers with Good Housekeeping magazine report that The North Face Borealis excels in tests of water resistance and abrasion resistance. Users agree; whether they're using the pack for hiking or school, it stands up well to all sorts of abuse.

Older models of the Borealis drew some user complaints about quality issues, but this model gets glowing reviews from almost every owner who posts comments on various sites. The Borealis has a lifetime warranty and comes in a variety of stylish colors and patterns for men or women.