North Face Vault Laptop Backpack Review: 7.0 Verdict
A Reddit user summed it up bluntly: “You’re really buying the brand name — you can find a bag for the same price with better material, or spend a little more for a higher‑quality North Face bag.” The THE NORTH FACE Vault Everyday Laptop Backpack earns a 7.0/10 overall, blending comfort and functionality at a budget-friendly price point, but not without compromises in material quality and water resistance.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy — great for students and commuters prioritizing comfort and organization, less ideal for heavy outdoor use or rainy climates.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comfortable FlexVent suspension system endorsed by ACA | Loose water bottle pockets prone to slipping |
| Functional dual-compartment design with admin panel | Low-grade liner material feels cheap |
| Spacious main compartment and padded 15" laptop sleeve | SBS zippers can drift open if slightly unzipped |
| Self-standing design with dual top handles | “Water-repellent” coating struggles in heavy rain |
| External daisy chains for gear attachment | Saggy fit when fully loaded |
Claims vs Reality
One of the loudest marketing points is the FlexVent suspension system, certified by the American Chiropractic Association. The North Face promotes it as a comfort-first setup with flexible, injection-molded straps, a padded back panel, and a breathable lumbar section. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “Shoulder strap padding is a little stiff and coarse… most of the weight sat directly on top of my trapezius muscles close to my neck,” contrasting with the comfort-focused marketing. However, many commuters, like a reviewer on Sharvibe, found it “like floating on air” compared to other backpacks.
The water-repellent finish is pitched as protecting contents from light moisture. A travel-focused user review added nuance: “Got caught in a downpour and my notebooks turned into papier-mâché projects,” highlighting a mismatch between the term “repellent” and expectations in heavy conditions.
North Face also emphasizes organization and laptop protection. Reports confirm the 15” padded laptop sleeve works well — “It swallowed my entire work setup plus gym clothes,” wrote Sharvibe’s reviewer — but Pack Hacker noted large laptops (like a 16-inch MacBook Pro) become hard to remove when the bag is stuffed, reducing the sleeve’s practical convenience.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Comfort is the standout strength. Students commuting by train praised the dual top handles and balanced carry — “doesn’t swing into your side when walking,” as The North Face Europe’s description promised and Reddit posts confirmed. This drew positive mention from tall and short users alike, with Pack Hacker’s testers reporting cushioned shoulder straps keep loads manageable even on long days.
Organization also wins favor, particularly in the admin panel. Reddit users and Pack Hacker reviewers valued the “varied and complete organization” with mesh pockets, pen slots, and zippered sections. For office workers, that separation helped prevent tech accessories and stationery from becoming a jumble.
The self-standing design gets consistent applause as a functional convenience, making loading at desks easier without the bag collapsing — a detail that commuters in packed urban environments appreciated.
Common Complaints
Water bottle pockets are a weak point. “Loose… can’t hold bottles in place, letting them slip out whenever tilted,” Pack Hacker warned, with Amazon reviewers echoing the experience even for mid-sized bottles. This limitation frustrates gym-goers and cyclists who rely on secure hydration carriage without needing extra strap gear.
Material quality draws criticism despite the recycled polyester construction. Multiple sources described the liner as “thin” and “slightly translucent,” giving an impression of lower build quality compared to other North Face lines like the Recon or Borealis.
Zippers from SBS are another repeat gripe. While smooth-gliding for quick access, several users noted they “drift apart slowly over time” if left even slightly open. For travelers, this raised security concerns.
Divisive Features
The saggy fit is a split opinion. Some appreciate the relaxed carry for casual wear, while others, particularly those laden with textbooks or heavy gear, disliked how “low-hanging” the bag felt even with tightened straps. Pack Hacker testers saw this as not a deal-breaker but worth caution for buyers needing a firm, high-riding fit.
The dual top handles also sparked varied feedback — considered overkill by some gear reviewers but praised by others for balanced carrying and easier overhead compartment handling.
Trust & Reliability
Long-term accounts show reasonable durability for the price. Reddit users running 3+ weeks of daily commuting reported “bag held up nicely” despite the evident material compromises. The absence of fraying or major hardware failure within early use builds some trust in the product's short-term reliability.
However, Amazon’s lone 3-star review flagged missing features (“did not come with a sternum strap”) and discomfort under heavier loads. This raises concerns about batch inconsistencies and QC oversight. No widespread scam or counterfeit complaints emerged from Trustpilot or resale channels, but brand dependency might influence purchase expectations beyond performance reality.
Alternatives
Within North Face’s own catalog, the Recon and Borealis repeatedly come up as stronger-made options with higher denier materials, more robust build quality, and additional support elements like compression straps. Pack Hacker contrasts the Vault as “less expensive… at the cost of material quality.”
The Jester shares many Vault traits — including the loose bottle pocket issue — but carries a slightly different compartment structure for buyers prioritizing internal layout over comfort upgrades.
Price & Value
At ~$65 retail and lower on resale markets ($41–$54 on eBay for new units, ~$18 used), the Vault hits a solid budget point. For brand-conscious buyers, it’s a low-entry ticket into North Face ergonomics without funding the more premium lines. Community buying tips emphasize catching seasonal sales or outlet deals to jump to higher-tier models for similar money.
Resale values suggest that depreciation is steep, so the bag appeals more to buyers looking for immediate utility than long-term investment.
FAQ
Q: Does the Vault really stand up on its own?
A: Yes. Multiple user reports confirm the self-standing claim, making it handy for loading at desks or in classrooms without leaning against a wall.
Q: Is the water-repellent finish enough for outdoor hiking?
A: Only in light rain. In heavy downpours, users found soaked notebooks and gear — a rain cover is advised for wet-weather hikes.
Q: Can it fit a gaming laptop?
A: Laptops over 15” don’t fit in the padded sleeve; larger devices must go in the main compartment, sometimes awkward to remove when packed.
Q: Are there strap keepers for excess strap length?
A: No strap keepers are included, a minor inconvenience for those preferring tidy strap management.
Q: How secure are the zippers for travel?
A: Smooth but prone to drifting open if left slightly ajar; for travel, keep both sliders together and avoid leaving gaps.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a student, commuter, or office worker seeking comfort, thoughtful organization, and a fair price tied to a recognizable brand. Avoid if you need robust outdoor durability, watertight performance, or secure bottle carriage. Pro tip from the community: Pair it with a rain cover and carabiner to fix pocket shortcomings, and you’ll stretch its everyday utility further.
