You want a durable, comfy, and secure North Face pack for trips, and you’ll like these five: Women’s Jester for cushioned FlexVent support and a padded 16 inch laptop sleeve; Borealis Laptop Commuter for organized pockets, a tablet section, and removable waist belt; Recon Everyday 16 inch for recycled ripstop durability and roomy main compartment; Vault Everyday Laptop for a streamlined 15 inch sleeve and PFAS free water repellent; Women’s Borealis for a women specific fit and reflective accents. Keep going to see which fits your trip style.
| The North Face Women’s Jester Laptop Backpack |
| Stylish Commuter | Capacity (Volume): 22 liters | Laptop Sleeve (Max size / Dedicated): Padded 16″ laptop sleeve (12.75 x 11 in listed sleeve size) | Water Resistance: Water-repellent exterior | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| The North Face Borealis Laptop Commuter Backpack |
| Most Versatile | Capacity (Volume): 28 liters | Laptop Sleeve (Max size / Dedicated): Laptop sleeve 13.75 x 11.25 in | Water Resistance: Water-repellent fabric | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| The North Face Recon Everyday 16″ Laptop Backpack |
| Best for Tech Gear | Capacity (Volume): 30 liters | Laptop Sleeve (Max size / Dedicated): Dedicated 16″ laptop sleeve (18.9 x 11 in) | Water Resistance: Water-repellent recycled nylon ripstop with DWR finish | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| The North Face Vault Everyday Laptop Backpack |
| Streamlined Everyday | Capacity (Volume): 27 liters | Laptop Sleeve (Max size / Dedicated): Padded 15″ laptop sleeve (11.5 x 11 in) | Water Resistance: Water-repellent finish (PFAS free) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| The North Face Women’s Borealis Laptop Backpack |
| Women’s Comfort Pick | Capacity (Volume): 27 liters | Laptop Sleeve (Max size / Dedicated): 16″ laptop sleeve (12.5 x 11 in) | Water Resistance: Water-repellent features (implied by commuter design / external pockets) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
The North Face Women’s Jester Laptop Backpack
If you want a travel backpack that feels made for your body and your day, the North Face Women’s Jester Laptop Backpack fits that role nicely. You’ll appreciate how the FlexVent suspension hugs your shoulders and back, with molded straps and a breathable lumbar panel that ease long walks. The padded 16 inch laptop sleeve and water repellent exterior protect gear in transit. Inside, you get a roomy main compartment, a front pocket with tablet sleeve and key clip, two bottle pockets, top grab handles, and a front bungee for extras. It stands on its own and keeps you organized and comfortable.
- Capacity (Volume):22 liters
- Laptop Sleeve (Max size / Dedicated):Padded 16″ laptop sleeve (12.75 x 11 in listed sleeve size)
- Water Resistance:Water-repellent exterior
- FlexVent Suspension / Comfort System:Women-specific FlexVent suspension (flexible yoke, molded straps, padded back)
- External Water Bottle Pockets:Two external water bottle pockets
- Front Organization / Front Compartment:Streamlined front compartment with zip pockets, tablet sleeve, key clip; front bungee
- Additional Feature:Top grab handles
- Additional Feature:Front bungee system
- Additional Feature:Self-standing design
The North Face Borealis Laptop Commuter Backpack
You’ll love the Borealis Laptop Commuter if you need a reliable daily pack that mixes cushioned comfort with smart organization. You get 28 liters of space in a one size pack that fits a 13.75 by 11.25 inch laptop. The main compartment holds larger items while the front section keeps tablets and small gear tidy. A fleece-lined pocket protects earbuds or sunglasses, and two external pockets hold bottles or extras. FlexVent suspension and padded straps ease long wear, and a removable waist belt lets you tune the fit. Reflective trim, a whistle sternum strap, and water repellent fabric add safety.
- Capacity (Volume):28 liters
- Laptop Sleeve (Max size / Dedicated):Laptop sleeve 13.75 x 11.25 in
- Water Resistance:Water-repellent fabric
- FlexVent Suspension / Comfort System:FlexVent suspension (articulated straps, rounded back panel)
- External Water Bottle Pockets:Two external water bottle pockets (also multi-use)
- Front Organization / Front Compartment:Front compartment with padded tablet sleeve, zip pockets; external fleece-lined pocket; bungee cord system
- Additional Feature:Removable waist belt
- Additional Feature:Sternum whistle buckle
- Additional Feature:360-degree reflective details
The North Face Recon Everyday 16″ Laptop Backpack
The North Face Recon Everyday 16″ Laptop Backpack is a great choice when you need a tough, organized pack for daily travel and commutes, especially if you carry a laptop and a handful of gadgets. You’ll find a dedicated 16″ sleeve that fits most laptops, plus a large main compartment for chargers, a change of clothes, and snacks. A fleece-lined pocket keeps sunglasses and keys safe, while mesh pockets hold water bottles or a phone. You’ll like the FlexVent suspension for comfort on long walks. The recycled ripstop fabric sheds light rain, and the pack feels built to last.
- Capacity (Volume):30 liters
- Laptop Sleeve (Max size / Dedicated):Dedicated 16″ laptop sleeve (18.9 x 11 in)
- Water Resistance:Water-repellent recycled nylon ripstop with DWR finish
- FlexVent Suspension / Comfort System:FlexVent suspension (articulated straps, rounded back panel, soft-touch chemise)
- External Water Bottle Pockets:Two external mesh water bottle pockets
- Front Organization / Front Compartment:Large front/fleece-lined external pocket, daisy-chain points, mesh storage compartment
- Additional Feature:Daisy-chain attachment points
- Additional Feature:Recycled nylon ripstop
- Additional Feature:Fleece-lined electronics pocket
The North Face Vault Everyday Laptop Backpack
Think of the Vault as the everyday traveler’s ally when you need a laptop-safe, comfy pack that still looks clean on your commute. You’ll like the padded 15″ sleeve that shields your laptop from bumps and drops while the spacious main compartment holds chargers, a light jacket, and snacks. The streamlined front pocket keeps your tablet, keys, and smaller items neat, and two bottle pockets keep hydration handy. FlexVent shoulder straps and a breathable back panel make longer walks easier, and the sternum strap adds stability. It stands on its own, has a water-repellent finish, and is PFAS free.
- Capacity (Volume):27 liters
- Laptop Sleeve (Max size / Dedicated):Padded 15″ laptop sleeve (11.5 x 11 in)
- Water Resistance:Water-repellent finish (PFAS free)
- FlexVent Suspension / Comfort System:FlexVent suspension (flexible yoke, injection-molded straps, padded mesh back)
- External Water Bottle Pockets:Two external water bottle pockets
- Front Organization / Front Compartment:Streamlined front compartment with zip pockets, tablet sleeve, key hook
- Additional Feature:PFAS free
- Additional Feature:Self-standing structure
- Additional Feature:Injection-molded shoulder straps
The North Face Women’s Borealis Laptop Backpack
If you want a laptop backpack that actually fits a woman’s body and keeps everything organized, the North Face Women’s Borealis is a smart pick. You’ll notice the women specific suspension and FlexVent straps that hug your shoulders and follow your back. It feels cushioned and chiropractor approved for comfort. Inside, you get a padded 16 inch laptop sleeve, a tablet pocket, fleece sunglass stash, and zip pockets so nothing rattles. Two water pockets double as quick storage and one gives fast phone access. Reflective accents help at night. It weighs just over two pounds and holds 27 liters, ready for daily travel.
- Capacity (Volume):27 liters
- Laptop Sleeve (Max size / Dedicated):16″ laptop sleeve (12.5 x 11 in)
- Water Resistance:Water-repellent features (implied by commuter design / external pockets)
- FlexVent Suspension / Comfort System:Women-specific FlexVent suspension (articulated straps, rounded back panel)
- External Water Bottle Pockets:Two external water bottle pockets (double as multi-use storage)
- Front Organization / Front Compartment:Front compartment with padded tablet sleeve, zip pockets, fleece-lined pocket; front bungee system
- Additional Feature:Quick-draw phone access
- Additional Feature:Removable waist belt
- Additional Feature:Fleece-lined sunglasses pocket
Factors to Consider When Choosing North Face Backpack For Travel
When you pick a North Face backpack for travel, think about capacity and size so your gear fits without wasting space. Also check laptop protection, comfort and fit, and how the pockets and zippers organize your items because those details shape every trip. Finally, make sure the materials are tough enough for rough handling while still feeling good on your shoulders.
Capacity And Size
Start by matching the bag size to how you’ll travel so you don’t end up lugging more than you need or leaving essentials behind. Pick 20 to 30 liters for day trips and city commuting. Choose 30 plus liters when you need extra clothes or multi day gear. Check external dimensions, height by width by depth, so the pack fits under airline seats or in overhead bins. Confirm internal compartment sizes and sleeve dimensions so devices and tablets fit without bending. Notice empty pack weight, often one to three pounds, since heavier materials cut into what you can carry comfortably. Look for organizational capacity like pockets, dividers, compression straps, and bungee systems that shape usable space and speed packing.
Laptop Protection Level
Because your laptop often carries work, memories, and stress, you want a backpack that truly protects it without getting in the way of travel, and that starts with the sleeve. Check the sleeve dimensions against your device so it fits snugly and won’t shift when you move. Pick sleeves with thick foam or suspension padding to absorb drops and bumps. Prefer sleeves placed against the back panel or suspended with an air gap to keep the laptop away from impacts and the ground. Make sure the compartment closes with a strap or zipper so your laptop won’t slide out on sudden motion. Also look for water resistance around the sleeve, like water repellent fabric or a dedicated water resistant pocket, to guard against light rain.
Comfort And Fit
After you’ve checked laptop protection, comfort and fit will make or break how much you enjoy carrying the pack all day. You’ll want molded or articulated shoulder straps and a padded breathable back panel so weight spreads evenly and pressure drops on shoulders and lower back. Make sure shoulder strap width and padding match your frame and that load lifter or adjustment points let you fine tune balance. Look for a sternum strap plus a removable or adjustable waist belt to stabilize heavier loads and stop shoulder strain on long walks. Check for contoured or adjustable back length and a breathable lumbar panel for ventilation. Finally, favor lighter empty weight and smart internal layout to reduce shifting and perceived strain.
Organization And Access
When you’re packing for a trip, organization and access decide how smoothly your day goes, so choose a North Face backpack that keeps things logical and reachable. Pick one with a padded laptop sleeve that fits your device so you can grab it fast at checkpoints. Look for a streamlined front compartment with zip pockets, a tablet sleeve, and a key clip or fleece pocket to keep small items from getting lost. Multiple external water bottle pockets give quick drink access and work as extra storage without opening the main area. A self-standing design and top grab handle help you reach the main compartment easily. Use external bungee, compression straps, and daisy-chain points to carry bulk outside while keeping the interior tidy.
Durability And Materials
If you want a North Face backpack that still looks and works great after dozens of trips, start by checking the materials and construction closely. You’ll want high-denier or ripstop nylon because they resist abrasion and tearing in busy airports and on rough trails. Also look for water-repellent coatings or treated fabrics to keep your gear safe from light rain and moisture. Inspect reinforced stitching at shoulder straps, daisy chains, and handles, and prefer bartack or box-stitch patterns for long-term strength. Consider internal frames, molded back panels, or reinforcements that keep shape and spread load so fabric doesn’t strain. Finally, test hardware: heavy-duty zippers, metal or reinforced plastic buckles, and durable zipper tape make daily use feel reliable.
Safety And Visibility
You’ve already looked at materials and stitching, and now you’ll want to think about how a pack keeps you safe and seen on the move. Choose a bag with reflective details or 360-degree reflective elements so drivers and cyclists spot you in low light. Also pick one with a whistle-equipped sternum strap or another audible device to call for help quickly. Look for water-repellent or DWR-treated fabrics to protect documents and electronics from rain, which can create real hazards. Secure closures, lockable zippers, and hidden pockets reduce theft risk and keep essentials handy when time is short. A padded, structured back plus adjustable sternum and waist straps keep the pack stable and prevent strain, helping you stay balanced and confident on every trip.
