The North Face Black Borealis Backpack
Built for those who carry their busy life with them. The large main compartment and dedicated laptop sleeve handle all your day's needs, and the comfortable suspension system has a central channel to vent excess heat on your commute. FlexVent suspension system provides a comfortable carry thanks to injection-moulded foam shoulder straps and a padded back panel with a mesh overlay. TNF Black colour is made with 400-denier nylon with a DWR finish. Zinc Grey colour is made with 300-denier polyester with a DWR finish. Webbing waistbelt can be deployed to assist with heavy loads or removed when not needed. Front stash pocket has interal organization and a padded tablet sleeve. Top pocket is fleece lined to protect your sunglasses or electronics. Front bungee stores a jacket or sweater. Side mesh pockets hold water bottles or an umbrella. Reflective bike light loop and reflective details on the sides and shoulder straps keep you visible at night.
Built for those who carry their busy life with them. The large main compartment and dedicated laptop sleeve handle all your day's needs, and the comfortable suspension system has a central channel to vent excess heat on your commute. FlexVent suspension system provides a comfortable carry thanks to injection-moulded foam shoulder straps and a padded back panel with a mesh overlay. TNF Black colour is made with 400-denier nylon with a DWR finish. Zinc Grey colour is made with 300-denier polyester with a DWR finish. Webbing waistbelt can be deployed to assist with heavy loads or removed when not needed. Front stash pocket has interal organization and a padded tablet sleeve. Top pocket is fleece lined to protect your sunglasses or electronics. Front bungee stores a jacket or sweater. Side mesh pockets hold water bottles or an umbrella. Reflective bike light loop and reflective details on the sides and shoulder straps keep you visible at night.
Built for those who carry their busy life with them. The large main compartment and dedicated laptop sleeve handle all your day's needs, and the comfortable suspension system has a central channel to vent excess heat on your commute. FlexVent suspension system provides a comfortable carry thanks to injection-moulded foam shoulder straps and a padded back panel with a mesh overlay. TNF Black colour is made with 400-denier nylon with a DWR finish. Zinc Grey colour is made with 300-denier polyester with a DWR finish. Webbing waistbelt can be deployed to assist with heavy loads or removed when not needed. Front stash pocket has interal organization and a padded tablet sleeve. Top pocket is fleece lined to protect your sunglasses or electronics. Front bungee stores a jacket or sweater. Side mesh pockets hold water bottles or an umbrella. Reflective bike light loop and reflective details on the sides and shoulder straps keep you visible at night.
Built for those who carry their busy life with them. The large main compartment and dedicated laptop sleeve handle all your day's needs, and the comfortable suspension system has a central channel to vent excess heat on your commute. FlexVent suspension system provides a comfortable carry thanks to injection-moulded foam shoulder straps and a padded back panel with a mesh overlay. TNF Black colour is made with 400-denier nylon with a DWR finish. Zinc Grey colour is made with 300-denier polyester with a DWR finish. Webbing waistbelt can be deployed to assist with heavy loads or removed when not needed. Front stash pocket has interal organization and a padded tablet sleeve. Top pocket is fleece lined to protect your sunglasses or electronics. Front bungee stores a jacket or sweater. Side mesh pockets hold water bottles or an umbrella. Reflective bike light loop and reflective details on the sides and shoulder straps keep you visible at night.
in 4 offers
The lowest price for The North Face Black Borealis Backpack right now is $194.00 at Ubuy Australia, compared across 4 retailers.
The all-time low was $159.96 on 30 Nov 2025 — today's price is 21% above the lowest ever. It has been notably cheaper before — worth setting a price alert.
Prices last updated 26 Sept 2026.
Last updated at 26/09/2026 16:35:21
THE NORTH FACE Borealis Backpack Tnf Black One Size
Delivery $59.04
the north face borealis backpack
Free delivery
The North Face Borealis Laptop Pack, Asphalt Gy Lt Hth/TNF Blk-NPF, OSFA | Water Repellent, Laptop Sleeve, Large Main Compartment
Delivery between 3–7 Oct $29
The North Face Borealis Laptop Pack, Asphalt Gy Lt Hth/TNF Blk-NPF, OSFA | Water Repellent, Laptop Sleeve, Large Main Compartment
Free delivery
originally posted on thenorthface.com
After 6 years of owning one Borealis backpack I have much to say. First, as a sentimental man I've developed an attachment to this physical extension of thyself. The Borealis has had my back through the latter end of my developing youth and continues this journey of life besides me today as she did from day one.I purchased her in my last years of high school where she then accompanied me through the remaining days as a young adult, enduring college, and currently graduate school.After heavy workloads, holding 6-10 books, tactical gear, countless domestic and international trips, hiking, and everything in-between, not a single tear in stitching - I mean it.Durability: After lugging +50lbs day in and day out for 2,000 days and there is not a single sign of wear ... MoreAfter 6 years of owning one Borealis backpack I have much to say. First, as a sentimental man I've developed an attachment to this physical extension of thyself. The Borealis has had my back through the latter end of my developing youth and continues this journey of life besides me today as she did from day one.I purchased her in my last years of high school where she then accompanied me through the remaining days as a young adult, enduring college, and currently graduate school.After heavy workloads, holding 6-10 books, tactical gear, countless domestic and international trips, hiking, and everything in-between, not a single tear in stitching - I mean it.Durability: After lugging +50lbs day in and day out for 2,000 days and there is not a single sign of wear and tear; from the outside to inside pockets, no rips or stretched out sleeves, not a single feature out of place. This bag has been tasked with every scenario known to mankind and has outperformed them all.The only reason I've come to write this review is because I am in the market for a backpack that can hold a new 17'' laptop as I'm replacing the one I purchased when I bought the Borealis.If you're looking for a super solid, strong, comfortable, versatile backpack that can withstand the rigors of your everyday then seriously look no further and purchase this backpack. I didn't know I made a lifelong investment at the young age I bought this backpack and the amount of lessons she continues to teach me are invaluable. She might not be holding my laptop in the near future but she is nowhere near retirement. I anticipate she's here for the long haul through the longest days and latest nights when the going gets tough.Thank you North Face for truly providing something so reliable and dependable at an affordable price for the young boy I was.It really is a lifelong companion...treat the bag with best intentions and the return will outweigh the cost, tenfold.
originally posted on thenorthface.com
I commute to work at a Hospital and need a dependable bookbag to hold my EDC's (water, papers, laptop+charger, mouse, miscellaneous items such as gum, iphone charger, pens, etc.) I also travel often to other locations to get administrative work done.Storage:In my previous two backpacks (Nike SB RPM retailing at $100), carrying what I carry now would pretty much stuff my bookbag and the organization would be messy. Here, there are plenty of compartments for pens, your ID, change, books, laptops, and other small items. I've even been able to carry 2 LARGE pill bottles (multivitamins and ibuprofen). I have even carried another shirt and shorts in my bag along with my EDC's with no issue except for slight bloating.Organization:Like I said earlier, all compartments ... MoreI commute to work at a Hospital and need a dependable bookbag to hold my EDC's (water, papers, laptop+charger, mouse, miscellaneous items such as gum, iphone charger, pens, etc.) I also travel often to other locations to get administrative work done.Storage:In my previous two backpacks (Nike SB RPM retailing at $100), carrying what I carry now would pretty much stuff my bookbag and the organization would be messy. Here, there are plenty of compartments for pens, your ID, change, books, laptops, and other small items. I've even been able to carry 2 LARGE pill bottles (multivitamins and ibuprofen). I have even carried another shirt and shorts in my bag along with my EDC's with no issue except for slight bloating.Organization:Like I said earlier, all compartments are small and well organized, perfect for any commuter or student. Two large compartments are available (though the one closest to your back can fit a thin laptop and two notebooks at most or a single thick laptop. The second larger compartment can contain more books but if your front pockets are filled, this storage capacity will decrease). Front pocket is AMAZING. never have to dig deep into my bag for a simple thing like a charger (also fleece lined too, which is a plus). Bottle holders are great because they essentially fit any sized bottle (obviously not a jug but fits even a double steel walled vacuum insulated 32oz bottle).Comfort:My EDC's can make my bag heavy but over the past two weeks of continuous use, I noticed that the straps along with the back pads are awesome. It's super comfortable (for now, don't know how long the padding will last) and there are sections of grooves between the padding that allow for a breeze (not sure if it was intentional or not) but this is amazing because in the heat of urban Philadelphia, I can even feel the slightest of breezes so my entire back isn't drenched.Cons:Besides the front pocket issue, not much. Wish there was a strap to clip my badge to.
originally posted on thenorthface.com
This is a great pack! Probably the most comfortable I have ever owned and I have owned my fair share. The bungee is extremely useful, I use it for shoes, hoodie, or a towel. I would expect it to last a long time, especially with the lifetime guarantee....i use it for the gym and take it with me to work. Fitting a huge water bottle in the side mesh is no problem at all. Just be careful if it's a heavier one with bending over, it could slide out which it has to me before. One thing I can do it is use the compression strap as a secure for my 26oz yeti bottle so then it won't slide. I did have to adapt to the smaller pockets being at the top of the bag instead of the traditional backpack lower front. It does make the bag kind of top heavy if you put certain objects you ... MoreThis is a great pack! Probably the most comfortable I have ever owned and I have owned my fair share. The bungee is extremely useful, I use it for shoes, hoodie, or a towel. I would expect it to last a long time, especially with the lifetime guarantee....i use it for the gym and take it with me to work. Fitting a huge water bottle in the side mesh is no problem at all. Just be careful if it's a heavier one with bending over, it could slide out which it has to me before. One thing I can do it is use the compression strap as a secure for my 26oz yeti bottle so then it won't slide. I did have to adapt to the smaller pockets being at the top of the bag instead of the traditional backpack lower front. It does make the bag kind of top heavy if you put certain objects you may carry. For example I am a career firefighter so I bring my leatherman and phone charger/cables/headphones and some medical supplies in the smaller pockets, it can be awkward. If you hang the bag on a hook and open it it will just fall forward from the weight. But it also can be an advantage in ease of grabbing an item quickly. The daisy chain on the front is also a huge plus! I use that for a sunglasses case and another small hook that I use for a key fob. Last but not least, I also got this bag because it doesn't look all tactical! Some may argue the big bungee cord makes it look that way. I don't really think it does. So if you are looking for for a more grey man type that still has some style and extra features without looking military then this is a great option! It does have a noticeable logo but where I'm from that's normal so it doesn't really stand out here. I go the navy blue/urban grey and it's a slick looking color combo. Overall I like it.
THE NORTH FACE Borealis Backpack Tnf Black One Size
Delivery $59.04
the north face borealis backpack
Free delivery
The North Face Borealis Laptop Pack, Asphalt Gy Lt Hth/TNF Blk-NPF, OSFA | Water Repellent, Laptop Sleeve, Large Main Compartment
Delivery between 3–7 Oct $29
The North Face Borealis Laptop Pack, Asphalt Gy Lt Hth/TNF Blk-NPF, OSFA | Water Repellent, Laptop Sleeve, Large Main Compartment
Free delivery
After 6 years of owning one Borealis backpack I have much to say. First, as a sentimental man I've developed an attachment to this physical extension of thyself. The Borealis has had my back through the latter end of my developing youth and continues this journey of life besides me today as she did from day one.I purchased her in my last years of high school where she then accompanied me through the remaining days as a young adult, enduring college, and currently graduate school.After heavy workloads, holding 6-10 books, tactical gear, countless domestic and international trips, hiking, and everything in-between, not a single tear in stitching - I mean it.Durability: After lugging +50lbs day in and day out for 2,000 days and there is not a single sign of wear ... MoreAfter 6 years of owning one Borealis backpack I have much to say. First, as a sentimental man I've developed an attachment to this physical extension of thyself. The Borealis has had my back through the latter end of my developing youth and continues this journey of life besides me today as she did from day one.I purchased her in my last years of high school where she then accompanied me through the remaining days as a young adult, enduring college, and currently graduate school.After heavy workloads, holding 6-10 books, tactical gear, countless domestic and international trips, hiking, and everything in-between, not a single tear in stitching - I mean it.Durability: After lugging +50lbs day in and day out for 2,000 days and there is not a single sign of wear and tear; from the outside to inside pockets, no rips or stretched out sleeves, not a single feature out of place. This bag has been tasked with every scenario known to mankind and has outperformed them all.The only reason I've come to write this review is because I am in the market for a backpack that can hold a new 17'' laptop as I'm replacing the one I purchased when I bought the Borealis.If you're looking for a super solid, strong, comfortable, versatile backpack that can withstand the rigors of your everyday then seriously look no further and purchase this backpack. I didn't know I made a lifelong investment at the young age I bought this backpack and the amount of lessons she continues to teach me are invaluable. She might not be holding my laptop in the near future but she is nowhere near retirement. I anticipate she's here for the long haul through the longest days and latest nights when the going gets tough.Thank you North Face for truly providing something so reliable and dependable at an affordable price for the young boy I was.It really is a lifelong companion...treat the bag with best intentions and the return will outweigh the cost, tenfold.
I commute to work at a Hospital and need a dependable bookbag to hold my EDC's (water, papers, laptop+charger, mouse, miscellaneous items such as gum, iphone charger, pens, etc.) I also travel often to other locations to get administrative work done.Storage:In my previous two backpacks (Nike SB RPM retailing at $100), carrying what I carry now would pretty much stuff my bookbag and the organization would be messy. Here, there are plenty of compartments for pens, your ID, change, books, laptops, and other small items. I've even been able to carry 2 LARGE pill bottles (multivitamins and ibuprofen). I have even carried another shirt and shorts in my bag along with my EDC's with no issue except for slight bloating.Organization:Like I said earlier, all compartments ... MoreI commute to work at a Hospital and need a dependable bookbag to hold my EDC's (water, papers, laptop+charger, mouse, miscellaneous items such as gum, iphone charger, pens, etc.) I also travel often to other locations to get administrative work done.Storage:In my previous two backpacks (Nike SB RPM retailing at $100), carrying what I carry now would pretty much stuff my bookbag and the organization would be messy. Here, there are plenty of compartments for pens, your ID, change, books, laptops, and other small items. I've even been able to carry 2 LARGE pill bottles (multivitamins and ibuprofen). I have even carried another shirt and shorts in my bag along with my EDC's with no issue except for slight bloating.Organization:Like I said earlier, all compartments are small and well organized, perfect for any commuter or student. Two large compartments are available (though the one closest to your back can fit a thin laptop and two notebooks at most or a single thick laptop. The second larger compartment can contain more books but if your front pockets are filled, this storage capacity will decrease). Front pocket is AMAZING. never have to dig deep into my bag for a simple thing like a charger (also fleece lined too, which is a plus). Bottle holders are great because they essentially fit any sized bottle (obviously not a jug but fits even a double steel walled vacuum insulated 32oz bottle).Comfort:My EDC's can make my bag heavy but over the past two weeks of continuous use, I noticed that the straps along with the back pads are awesome. It's super comfortable (for now, don't know how long the padding will last) and there are sections of grooves between the padding that allow for a breeze (not sure if it was intentional or not) but this is amazing because in the heat of urban Philadelphia, I can even feel the slightest of breezes so my entire back isn't drenched.Cons:Besides the front pocket issue, not much. Wish there was a strap to clip my badge to.
This is a great pack! Probably the most comfortable I have ever owned and I have owned my fair share. The bungee is extremely useful, I use it for shoes, hoodie, or a towel. I would expect it to last a long time, especially with the lifetime guarantee....i use it for the gym and take it with me to work. Fitting a huge water bottle in the side mesh is no problem at all. Just be careful if it's a heavier one with bending over, it could slide out which it has to me before. One thing I can do it is use the compression strap as a secure for my 26oz yeti bottle so then it won't slide. I did have to adapt to the smaller pockets being at the top of the bag instead of the traditional backpack lower front. It does make the bag kind of top heavy if you put certain objects you ... MoreThis is a great pack! Probably the most comfortable I have ever owned and I have owned my fair share. The bungee is extremely useful, I use it for shoes, hoodie, or a towel. I would expect it to last a long time, especially with the lifetime guarantee....i use it for the gym and take it with me to work. Fitting a huge water bottle in the side mesh is no problem at all. Just be careful if it's a heavier one with bending over, it could slide out which it has to me before. One thing I can do it is use the compression strap as a secure for my 26oz yeti bottle so then it won't slide. I did have to adapt to the smaller pockets being at the top of the bag instead of the traditional backpack lower front. It does make the bag kind of top heavy if you put certain objects you may carry. For example I am a career firefighter so I bring my leatherman and phone charger/cables/headphones and some medical supplies in the smaller pockets, it can be awkward. If you hang the bag on a hook and open it it will just fall forward from the weight. But it also can be an advantage in ease of grabbing an item quickly. The daisy chain on the front is also a huge plus! I use that for a sunglasses case and another small hook that I use for a key fob. Last but not least, I also got this bag because it doesn't look all tactical! Some may argue the big bungee cord makes it look that way. I don't really think it does. So if you are looking for for a more grey man type that still has some style and extra features without looking military then this is a great option! It does have a noticeable logo but where I'm from that's normal so it doesn't really stand out here. I go the navy blue/urban grey and it's a slick looking color combo. Overall I like it.
I purchased a Borealis pack two years ago as a backpack that I would use to get through middle school. I have used it for hikes in the woods, biking, and travel. With 28 liters of space, it is plenty of room for a hike, perhaps too much. This pack loses some of its comfort when it isn't loaded up fully. It's a combination of the back panel flexing and the weight being carried further down your back. The model I purchased has one big pouch opposed to the new 2 smaller ones. I like this simplistic design. The two pockets appear to make it harder to fit the same large items I have gotten away with in mine. I tried cycling with this pack, but it also didn't go so well. It was too large for the things I needed to take for a few hours out and it also flexed around too ... MoreI purchased a Borealis pack two years ago as a backpack that I would use to get through middle school. I have used it for hikes in the woods, biking, and travel. With 28 liters of space, it is plenty of room for a hike, perhaps too much. This pack loses some of its comfort when it isn't loaded up fully. It's a combination of the back panel flexing and the weight being carried further down your back. The model I purchased has one big pouch opposed to the new 2 smaller ones. I like this simplistic design. The two pockets appear to make it harder to fit the same large items I have gotten away with in mine. I tried cycling with this pack, but it also didn't go so well. It was too large for the things I needed to take for a few hours out and it also flexed around too much. The many straps to get it into place worked decent, but would often block my cockpit area. It would be more stable if heavier duty hip belts were added. This pack does a good job with ventilation though. In the sub zero hikes I like to go on, it acted as almost another windbreaker and layer of insulation for my back. When hiking through the desert of the southwest I had no problem with my back overheating with this. The Borealis pack is the perfect size for me when traveling. I can easily fit enough clothes and necessities in the large pouch for two to three days. This pack is also quite durable. With all that I have put this bag through in the past two years, all I have done is broken the rope around the main zipper and broken part of the hip belt clip. Both have been easily repaired with some ingenuity and are still running strong. I really like on the previous model the two pocket system and especially all the nifty pockets that come with the smaller one. Great pack, only reason I didn't give it five is the lack of comfort when the pack isn't completely full. Perhaps add a stiffer back panel or make the side straps pull the load in a bit better.
I bought this pack on the first day of university 2 years ago because mine broke from the number of books I was carrying. Has treated me well ever since still looks brand new. Super comfy straps but is meant for longer torsos. I have the b7w graffiti design and I absolutely love it with some pins it looks so stylish and the quality if great. I love the felt pocket at the front of the pack fits EVERYTHING I need and is super easy to rummage through. The main compartment is my favorite, perfect size, but the middle compartment can be a black hole sometimes and can be hard to access swiftly from a desk level reaching to the ground. I always fit all my lunch containers in the middle compartment + sometimes even a hammock but then it would get really heavy. The back is ... MoreI bought this pack on the first day of university 2 years ago because mine broke from the number of books I was carrying. Has treated me well ever since still looks brand new. Super comfy straps but is meant for longer torsos. I have the b7w graffiti design and I absolutely love it with some pins it looks so stylish and the quality if great. I love the felt pocket at the front of the pack fits EVERYTHING I need and is super easy to rummage through. The main compartment is my favorite, perfect size, but the middle compartment can be a black hole sometimes and can be hard to access swiftly from a desk level reaching to the ground. I always fit all my lunch containers in the middle compartment + sometimes even a hammock but then it would get really heavy. The back is stiff and helps keep my laptop and papers safe. Has endured Florida flash floods and it fits an emergency umbrella and water bottle in each side pocket which is a MUST for me. Overall love the pack, but wish it was lightweight, or the back spine was removeable.
I was using a Surge for a year or two. I love it, but it's just too big for EDC. I had been using a 15 year old Borealis that had a couple of holes in it and was a bit too flashy for work in bright orange. My ideal backback would be a 28 liter Surge. The updated Borealis is pretty good, overall. It has more pockets and compartments than my old one A dedicated compartment works well for computers or documents. The cargo compartment is roomy, but access isn't that easy if you load up the pockets in the front compartment. Using the pockets in the front compartment makes the bag top heavy, so it doesn't stand up on it's own. I'm not sure that the flex vent back panel is worth the weight in a 28 L backpack. It doesn't feel like an improvement. There are three features ... MoreI was using a Surge for a year or two. I love it, but it's just too big for EDC. I had been using a 15 year old Borealis that had a couple of holes in it and was a bit too flashy for work in bright orange. My ideal backback would be a 28 liter Surge. The updated Borealis is pretty good, overall. It has more pockets and compartments than my old one A dedicated compartment works well for computers or documents. The cargo compartment is roomy, but access isn't that easy if you load up the pockets in the front compartment. Using the pockets in the front compartment makes the bag top heavy, so it doesn't stand up on it's own. I'm not sure that the flex vent back panel is worth the weight in a 28 L backpack. It doesn't feel like an improvement. There are three features from my old Borealis that I miss: There was a channel in the bottom of the pack where you can tuck in the waistband. I never use mine and had to remove it. The long vertical pocket on the front of the pack was useful for boarding passes, ID cards and sunglasses. The current pocket for glasses with the soft lining isn't as useful. I put a pair of sunglasses in one of these in my Surge and they broke. There isn't enough room for a pair of wayfarers or other oversized sunglasses in a case. Overall a good EDC backpackl.
I really wanted to ignore the reviews on this backpack and love it. But man I really regret buying this backpack. Overall it's really cute (I got the all teal color) but the middle pocket is so poorly designed. Usually backpacks have one main big pocket, one medium pocket, and a small one for maybe headphones or small items. Well the middle pocket stops midway down the backpack. I normally keep my keys, wallet, coin purse, medicine, laptop charger, and charger in this pocket in any other backpack. But I can barely fit half of those things because the depth is honestly unacceptably shallow. And because it only goes midway, when I open the main pocket of my backpack the front just flops to the ground and everything sitting right at the top of the main pocket falls out ... MoreI really wanted to ignore the reviews on this backpack and love it. But man I really regret buying this backpack. Overall it's really cute (I got the all teal color) but the middle pocket is so poorly designed. Usually backpacks have one main big pocket, one medium pocket, and a small one for maybe headphones or small items. Well the middle pocket stops midway down the backpack. I normally keep my keys, wallet, coin purse, medicine, laptop charger, and charger in this pocket in any other backpack. But I can barely fit half of those things because the depth is honestly unacceptably shallow. And because it only goes midway, when I open the main pocket of my backpack the front just flops to the ground and everything sitting right at the top of the main pocket falls out (such as pencil pouch). Honestly if the middle pocket was deeper or they had two muddle pockets (one on top and one on bottom which would also probably fix any weight distribution problems that I think they were very terribly attempting to fix when they decided a shallow middle pocket) I actually would like this backpack. It just does not fit everything I need it to fit. And on top of that, because the middle pocket only goes halfway, all my spirals in the main pocket get smushed under the ridge of the middle pocket. Everything gets stuck in that area that wouldn't even exist if they had just made the pocket deeper. AND it's not comfortable because most of the weight is now at the top/middle of my backpack because of the shallow middle pocket and it strains my back really badly. I seriously wanted to like this but I really wouldn't recommend this backpack unless they fix the flawed design they have.
I bought this to replace the Iron Peak backpack also from north face. This book bag is much better. it has more organizational space as well as a more flexible back. The iron peak had the issue of causing all my items in the main compartment to fall forward which didn't allow me to place anything like a sandwich tupper on top of my notebooks, textbooks, etc. because they'd just get jammed in between and crinkle all the pages. I'm supposing this was due to the very stiff back piece in that backpack. This Borealis book bag is another story. The back is stiff enough for support yet soft enough to prevent the issue I had with the iron peak bag. It also has another pocket in front of the main pocket which is great for calculators, writing utensils, keys, and wallets. The ... MoreI bought this to replace the Iron Peak backpack also from north face. This book bag is much better. it has more organizational space as well as a more flexible back. The iron peak had the issue of causing all my items in the main compartment to fall forward which didn't allow me to place anything like a sandwich tupper on top of my notebooks, textbooks, etc. because they'd just get jammed in between and crinkle all the pages. I'm supposing this was due to the very stiff back piece in that backpack. This Borealis book bag is another story. The back is stiff enough for support yet soft enough to prevent the issue I had with the iron peak bag. It also has another pocket in front of the main pocket which is great for calculators, writing utensils, keys, and wallets. The laptop compartment is separate and roomier than the one in the iron peak. Overall, padding is ample and bag has been comfortable so far although take this with a grain of salt since my daily load usually does not surpass 15 pounds. I am a college student and this works great. Little pocket in the front for your phone is cool but not a life saving feature. I do appreciate the extra buckles on top of the water bottle mesh in case you're carrying longer bottles. the bungee cords in the back are Very helpful in the summer. if you have to stuff an extra jacket or labcoat into the main compartment it makes the bag feel lumpy and uncomfortable and also serves as unwanted heat insulation but the bungee cords solve that.
I use this backpack for college as well as light travel and it is absolutely amazing. It's extremely durable, has a great carrying capacity and best of all it looks great when you have it on. There are clips that connect your to backpack straps together, and it sits comfortably across your chest. This feature is really handy for keeping it sturdy when you have quite a few items inside. There are pockets for just about every item you can imagine, pencils, laptops, books, folded clothes, even a pocket that just happens to fit my Apple Airpods perfectly which is neat. The two water bottle pockets on each side ensure your water bottle isn't going anywhere with it's sturdy build quality (much like the rest of the backpack) and tight retention clips. The front of the ... MoreI use this backpack for college as well as light travel and it is absolutely amazing. It's extremely durable, has a great carrying capacity and best of all it looks great when you have it on. There are clips that connect your to backpack straps together, and it sits comfortably across your chest. This feature is really handy for keeping it sturdy when you have quite a few items inside. There are pockets for just about every item you can imagine, pencils, laptops, books, folded clothes, even a pocket that just happens to fit my Apple Airpods perfectly which is neat. The two water bottle pockets on each side ensure your water bottle isn't going anywhere with it's sturdy build quality (much like the rest of the backpack) and tight retention clips. The front of the backpack where your back is touching when you put it on, is very comfortable and fits snug . There is not a single thing I dislike about it! If my current Borealis backpack wears out I am definitely going to be buying another one (I doubt that it will due to the quality, I might just buy another one for fun).
I would say this bookbag is great, but I'm a bit unhappy with the new design. I enjoy the looks of the design a lot, but I have some things to point out. If you have a little bit of bulky items (Like a simple planner) and put it in the organizer pocket it will lessen the space in the main compartment. That was a huge bummer for me since I tend to add lots of stuff in that pocket and with the older design I never had that problem. I enjoy that the main compartment got larger but that only works if you really push your items in their with all compartments full or there's just nothing in the organizer pocket. The front fleece lined pocket got smaller because of the organizer pocket which I really didn't like, but I believe the pocket got wider (think of the pocket ... MoreI would say this bookbag is great, but I'm a bit unhappy with the new design. I enjoy the looks of the design a lot, but I have some things to point out. If you have a little bit of bulky items (Like a simple planner) and put it in the organizer pocket it will lessen the space in the main compartment. That was a huge bummer for me since I tend to add lots of stuff in that pocket and with the older design I never had that problem. I enjoy that the main compartment got larger but that only works if you really push your items in their with all compartments full or there's just nothing in the organizer pocket. The front fleece lined pocket got smaller because of the organizer pocket which I really didn't like, but I believe the pocket got wider (think of the pocket being more rectangular shaped now). I didn't like that too much since that was honestly my favorite pocket that's now ruined in my opinion. My favorite pocket of this bookbag is the new separate laptop compartment which is much easier to access now for my situation. I like having the much larger water bottle pockets which desperately needed an upgrade, longer compression straps, the little strap on top of the shoulder straps which I'm not quite sure if it works as they've marketed it. The longer and larger bungee cord to hold much more. Honestly this bookbag depends on you. What your gonna be carrying, how much your gonna be carrying. This bookbag Is great quality made with extremely durable materials so don't expect it to rip in two seconds. If you really want this bookbag and are willing to pay the high price for it then just get it. If your not sure then just think of it logically, like what your gonna be carrying and that sorta thing. I'm not telling you to buy this product or to not buy it. I'm just helping you lean in the direction that you feel better with. Personally I've grown to enjoy it and now that the pockets are a bit limited in some ways I've learn to carry less :)
