North Face Borealis Backpack Review: Durable Comfort Verdict
Digging into user feedback across Amazon, Reddit, Trustpilot, and Zappos, the THE NORTH FACE Women's Borealis Commuter Laptop Backpack (Gardenia White) emerges as a highly versatile, comfort-focused pack scoring 8.7/10 in cross-platform consensus. While its marketing leans heavily on outdoor and commuter functionality, user reports confirm that it delivers on durability and organization, with only minor design quirks holding it back from perfection.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy — Ideal for students, commuters, and light travelers who value durability and comfort over ultra-streamlined access.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Durable materials withstand years of use | Laptop compartment only partially unzips |
| Comfortable FlexVent suspension system | Slightly bulky when fully packed |
| Excellent water resistance for light rain | Zippers can be stiff to pull |
| Multiple compartments for organization | Top-heavy if upper pocket overloaded |
| Stylish design with multiple color options | Waist straps can dangle awkwardly in daily use |
| Versatile for school, commuting, and hiking | Not ideal for formal office environments |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing emphasizes the FlexVent™ suspension system as “certified by the American Chiropractic Association” for long-term carrying comfort. Users consistently back this up. A verified buyer on Zappos noted: "I have to walk a few miles every day with a heavy computer and books, and my back feels supported all day." Reddit user dfabdvbs85 added that even after years of heavy travel, the older Borealis model remained “very reliable” despite minor wear.
Another claim is water resistance via a non-PFC DWR finish. OutdoorGearLab’s test found that “after a minute under the showerhead…the front pocket was bone dry,” though some water pooled in the medium compartment. This aligns with Lauren Rodriguez’s Sharvibe review: "Got caught in a downpour last week, and my notebooks stayed completely dry while the exterior just beaded the water right off."
Finally, North Face touts total organization with dedicated laptop and tablet sleeves plus multiple pockets. Users confirm storage capacity is significant, but the laptop compartment’s partial unzip frustrates some. OutdoorGearLab noted: “Our only concern is that the laptop compartment has no security strap to keep a computer in place.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Comfort is the most consistent praise. The FlexVent suspension system, padded straps, and breathable back panel make it a favorite for heavy daily loads. A Trustpilot reviewer shared: "My last bag pulled on my shoulders a lot, and I am not having any problems with this bag." Reddit user chaotic_sushi found the fit surprisingly accommodating for non-laptop uses, sliding packing cubes into the compartment without issue.
Durability is another standout. Many owners report multi-year use without significant degradation. A Zappos customer said: "I had the older version and it lasted 5 years." Trustpilot feedback includes a 13-year lifespan for a previous North Face backpack, with the Borealis expected to match that resilience.
Water bottle holders earn special mention. OutdoorGearLab calls them “some of the most practical we’ve seen,” able to fit wider bottles even when the bag is loaded. This versatility benefits hikers and students alike, allowing one side for hydration and the other for snacks or gear.
Common Complaints
The laptop compartment design draws the most criticism. OutdoorGearLab noted it “only partially unzips” and lacks a security strap, making it less convenient for quick access. This frustrates commuters who frequently remove laptops in airport security lines.
Weight and bulk also surface as minor negatives. Reddit user dfabdvbs85 admitted it can feel “on the bulky and heavy side” when fully packed. Lauren Rodriguez pointed out that the top pocket can make the bag top-heavy if overloaded, though strategic packing mitigates this.
Zippers are another pain point. OutdoorGearLab described them as “tough to pull,” especially in wet conditions, though durability remains high.
Divisive Features
The waist belt is appreciated in hiking contexts but seen as unnecessary for daily commuting. Lauren Rodriguez advised: "Remove the waist straps unless you’re hiking — they just dangle awkwardly for daily use." Similarly, the bungee system is praised for outdoor gear storage but less relevant for urban users, with some finding it superfluous.
Style divides opinion. While many love the casual, outdoorsy aesthetic — Zappos buyers call it “fashionable” and “cute” — others note it may not suit formal workplaces. OutdoorGearLab concluded: “It is decidedly not the professional choice of a traditional, office-going type.”
Trust & Reliability
Long-term reliability appears strong. Reddit users recount years of travel, with one bag surviving nine countries and daily hikes. Trustpilot reviews highlight multi-year school and work use without structural failure. Even pre-owned units on eBay are described as “very good to almost-new condition,” suggesting slow wear rates.
Customer service from North Face and retailers like Zappos also garners praise. One Trustpilot reviewer noted: "It is exactly what we expected and actually more so with the great customer service that we received!" This builds confidence in post-purchase support, reducing perceived risk.
Alternatives
Only a few direct competitors surface in user discussions. OutdoorGearLab recommends the North Face Recon for more space and durability, while budget-conscious buyers might consider the Matein Travel backpack. For those committed to the office-outdoor hybrid, the Osprey Nebula 32 is cited as a similar but slightly larger option.
Compared to Recon, Borealis trades a bit of volume for a more compact, women-specific fit. Against Osprey Nebula, it offers better water resistance but fewer organizational extras.
Price & Value
Prices range from around $82 (discounted Amazon listings) to $183 for certain colorways or markets. Conditioned resale units on eBay hover near $90, with some new-tag listings at $99. This stability in resale value suggests strong market demand.
Community advice leans toward buying during seasonal sales or from trusted secondhand sellers for near-new quality at reduced cost. As Reddit user nocturnal_shaving put it: "I found a practically brand new brown one at a thrift store for $5…for $5 I wasn't going to pass it up!"
FAQ
Q: Is the Borealis comfortable for petite users?
A: Yes. Multiple reviewers, including a Zappos buyer, report that the straps fit smaller frames well without bulkiness, making it suitable for petite women.
Q: Can it fit a 15-inch laptop?
A: Officially rated for up to 13", but OutdoorGearLab successfully fit a 15" MacBook Pro due to the slim yet flexible compartment design.
Q: Is it good for hiking?
A: Absolutely. The breathable back panel, waist belt, and water bottle holders make it viable for day hikes, though its style leans more toward casual urban.
Q: How water-resistant is it?
A: Light rain and short downpours are fine; contents generally stay dry. Extended heavy rain can let water in through zippers, especially in the medium compartment.
Q: Does it stand up on its own?
A: Yes. Users praise its stand-up design, which is helpful when packing or setting it down in class or at cafes.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a student, commuter, or casual traveler seeking a durable, comfortable, and stylish backpack with solid water resistance. Avoid if you need lightning-fast laptop access or a bag suited to formal office environments. Pro tip from the community: remove the waist straps for daily use to streamline the profile.
