The North Face Borealis Classic Backpack in Black

Not my first borealis so I knew what to expect.Some of the issues present earlier were ironed out with the new versions, such as the front pocket too deep to be actually useful or laptop pocket fastener (now absent), while others seem to persist - the choice of "waterproofing" material used for the inside of nearly all compartments which tends to peel off over time and renders the bag unusable after 4-5 years due to enormous amount of "black flakes" although otherwise I would be keen to keep it (i've been reluctant to replace it for almost 5 years and vacuumed it every week instead!). This bag became the standard in this category and it holds its place for many years. Thanks goes to NorthFace for not replacing it with some super-fancy d!ck-bolstering model, more or ... MoreNot my first borealis so I knew what to expect.Some of the issues present earlier were ironed out with the new versions, such as the front pocket too deep to be actually useful or laptop pocket fastener (now absent), while others seem to persist - the choice of "waterproofing" material used for the inside of nearly all compartments which tends to peel off over time and renders the bag unusable after 4-5 years due to enormous amount of "black flakes" although otherwise I would be keen to keep it (i've been reluctant to replace it for almost 5 years and vacuumed it every week instead!). This bag became the standard in this category and it holds its place for many years. Thanks goes to NorthFace for not replacing it with some super-fancy d!ck-bolstering model, more or less useless, just to make things change. Really, thank you for not scr3wing up what works. Appreciated.

Best Backpack!

I bought this backpack to use for a multiple of reasons, commuting to work daily, dog walking, days out or even just popping to the shops. The material is strong, sturdy and feels comfortable at all times, even when carrying a heavy weight. I love the colour scheme, I chose the red and blue - really stands out and are 2 of my favourite colours. The laptop compartment is useful, to protect my laptop from all of my other belongings. The 2 side water bottle pockets come in handy when you ned to carry extra drinks. Having the double clip makes this bag more comfortable and definitely feels secure. You will not worry about losing anything with this rucksack, there is a compartment for everything, even your keys! The price is more expensive than competitors, but in return ... MoreI bought this backpack to use for a multiple of reasons, commuting to work daily, dog walking, days out or even just popping to the shops. The material is strong, sturdy and feels comfortable at all times, even when carrying a heavy weight. I love the colour scheme, I chose the red and blue - really stands out and are 2 of my favourite colours. The laptop compartment is useful, to protect my laptop from all of my other belongings. The 2 side water bottle pockets come in handy when you ned to carry extra drinks. Having the double clip makes this bag more comfortable and definitely feels secure. You will not worry about losing anything with this rucksack, there is a compartment for everything, even your keys! The price is more expensive than competitors, but in return you get this high quality product, which will last a long time and meet the variety of needs for the customer. Another amazing product from the North Face!

Best backpack I've ever bought

Bought mine awhile back sometime around 2014-2015Still works great even to this day! Though the cushion on the laptop holder kinda sagged to the bottom a little bit, this is because I had a bottle leak inside the bag a couple of times and had to throw it into the washing machine. Other than that this bag is FANTASTIC for everyday use.Only downside is it's not waterproof, but I made myself a rain cover for it which solved the problem.

Best backpack I've ever had!

As someone who has suffered from back problems and underwent surgery, I was desperately looking for a good backpack that didn't take a toll on my back. This backpack met all my requirements and has surpassed my expectations. It's so versatile- you can use it when travelling abroad, when you commute to school/work or simply when you need to buy groceries. The padding on the back has been such a lifesaver, even if I'm carrying a fairly large amount of things, I can hardly feel the weight on my back! There are so many organisational pockets and the two outer pockets have been so helpful; I never have to worry about my water bottle leaking over the contents of my bag. Not to mention the water rolling right off it- very helpful when it rains almost everyday! I can't say ... MoreAs someone who has suffered from back problems and underwent surgery, I was desperately looking for a good backpack that didn't take a toll on my back. This backpack met all my requirements and has surpassed my expectations. It's so versatile- you can use it when travelling abroad, when you commute to school/work or simply when you need to buy groceries. The padding on the back has been such a lifesaver, even if I'm carrying a fairly large amount of things, I can hardly feel the weight on my back! There are so many organisational pockets and the two outer pockets have been so helpful; I never have to worry about my water bottle leaking over the contents of my bag. Not to mention the water rolling right off it- very helpful when it rains almost everyday! I can't say much about how long it lasts since I bought it at the start of this year, but I've used it so many times already and it still looks brand new! Would highly recommend.

Broke.

Bag stitches are not great. Broke whilst in Australia so had to get a new bag and can't get a refund as left bag on holiday after getting a cheap replacement so that I had a bag to use for the remainder of the trip and ASOS be requesting that it is sent back for a refund and I don't have it. Do not recommend. Would expect much better quality for a bag that is expensive with a well-known brand for outdoor activities.

Buy the new version

I have been using a Borealis for around 10yrs which is still going strong. I recently bought the new model which I really like but also needed another rucksack for work so decided to buy the classic thinking it would be similar to the others. Was I wrong. They have stripped this right back in terms of the quality. The zips used are inferior in quality and not YKK, there are no fleece lined pockets, the mesh bottle holder is really flimsy, the straps are really thin and very uncomfortable compared to the other bags as well as the top handle. All in all it's really disappointing and nothing like the others. however, there are good range of storage options in the bag. If you are after a Borealis, I would definitely opt for the new version as it's worlds apart. It's a ... MoreI have been using a Borealis for around 10yrs which is still going strong. I recently bought the new model which I really like but also needed another rucksack for work so decided to buy the classic thinking it would be similar to the others. Was I wrong. They have stripped this right back in terms of the quality. The zips used are inferior in quality and not YKK, there are no fleece lined pockets, the mesh bottle holder is really flimsy, the straps are really thin and very uncomfortable compared to the other bags as well as the top handle. All in all it's really disappointing and nothing like the others. however, there are good range of storage options in the bag. If you are after a Borealis, I would definitely opt for the new version as it's worlds apart. It's a bit cheeky of North Face to charge the same price for both bags eveni though the classic lacks in quality significantly.

Good but needs a few tweaks

General day sack for holidays and around town. Similar to an older version i had 10 years ago but... the front pocket is too short, previous version was a map pocket and much more useful. Less inside organiser pockets, previous one had another layer. Side mesh is slighty too low for a water bottle. Otherwise great bag.

Love it

I have had my Borealis Classic for 4 years, it gets a lot of use, but not on a daily basis, mostly for travel and going away skiing.It's well made, great colours and robust.I had the much earlier version which I thought was better, less laptop orientated, however, I did my own conversion which made the modern bag more roomy for travel (removed the laptop sleeve)Highly recommended

My husband love this

A great backpack for work or leisure, roomy to fit all of my husband’s daily gear: tablet, headphones, coffee mug, bike helmet, bike gear, wallet, water bottle. Stylish as well for a sporty backpack. My husband loves it.

This bag has served me well for 4 years of nearly daily use!

I bought this bag 4 years ago and use it nearly every day. I've used it for university, carrying all my books and laptop - It can even fit a ring binder folder! I've taken it on numerous holidays, to do my food shopping, taken it to festivals followed by a wash it in the washing machine. The various pockets are really useful for keeping your belongings in easy-to-find locations. It's only in the past few months I've noticed the wear on the inside, otherwise, it's barely showing signs of ageing. I've started looking for a replacement, or another bag to use alongside it and honestly, nothing is grabbing me so I may just have to re-purchase it in another colour. 10/10 would recommend.