7 Best North Face Backpacks 2024, According to Students & Teen Vogue Testers

Another top-rated style, this Recon backpack is well known for having many pockets and a spacious main compartment. “I’ve used North Face backpacks since high school,” says Mark C. “I keep buying them because when one of them runs out of life (wear and tear), I can send it in, and they fix it or give me a new one.” One of his go-tos is this Recon backpack, which comes with a lifetime guarantee and free returns. It also features several external pockets for smaller items like headphones and sunglasses, a dedicated laptop compartment, and a FlexVent suspension system for comfortable carry.

• 2 lbs 9 oz
• 11.6'' x 7.5'' x 19.3'
• 3 compartments
• Heathered recycled polyester with non-PFC DWR finish, recycled nylon ripstop with non-PFC durable water-repellent finish
• 9 colors
• Pros: Dedicated laptop compartment, top grab handle, water resistant, water bottle pockets, removable waist belt, women-specific version available, daisy chain attachments
• Cons: Some reviewers say the front pocket is very shallow and the laptop sleeve is very tight. Some say the extra compartments take away from the space and functionality of the bag overall
• Teen Vogue tester: “This bag managed to fit all of the items inside it, but the binder misshaped the bag, and the water bottle barely fits with stuff inside the backpack. I was not a fan of how rigid the back felt, but I did like the immense amount of pocket space and the separate compartment for a laptop,” says Marilyn La Jeunesse.

Endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association, this Jester backpack is another TikTok-loved bag that offers a sleek and convenient way to carry all your school or work necessities. It also features the FlexVent system for added comfort, but unlike the Borealis, the laptop sleeve is inside the main compartment. “I have used the Jester backpack from 8th grade to senior year of high school. It held up great,” says Em W. She especially loves that it comes in a women-specific version that is more comfortable for petite frames.

• 1 lb 10 oz
• 11'' x 8.25'' x 18.13''
• 2 compartments
• Heathered recycled polyester with non-PFC DWR finish, recycled polyester ripstop with non-PFC finish
• 9 colors
• Pros: Padded laptop sleeve, front compartment, sternum strap, water bottle pockets, comes in unisex, women’s or luxe versions
• Cons: Reviewers say that the bag may easily lose its shape or feature wear-and-tear after a few uses; some say there is not enough space to use for school specifically
• Teen Vogue tester: “The laptop section isn’t separate and is extremely tight. It wouldn’t fit my laptop with a case inside. The three-inch binder barely fits, and the water bottle will not fit if the bag is overstuffed,” says Marylin.

Em W., who also owns the Borealis and Jester backpacks, says the Surge is her most recent purchase from the brand. “I love the North Face backpacks because they hold up so much better than competing brands. I still use my older backpacks from years ago because they are so well-made. I find that the pockets in this backpack also have spacious compartments for storage that other backpacks don’t have. It makes it easy to stay organized,” she adds.

Unlike Borealis and Jester, the Surge was designed with a unique specific suspension system in the shoulder straps for extra comfort while carrying it on the shoulders. It has a massive 31-liter capacity and a sleek, water-repellent design. The various compartments make it great for athletes who need to pack their books and uniforms in the same bag. It’s also a great option for hikers or anyone who loves mountaineering.

• 2 lbs 10 oz
• 12'' x 6.5'' x 19.5'
• 4 compartments
• Heathered recycled polyester with non-PFC DWR finish, recycled polyester ripstop with non-PFC finish
• 4 colors
• Pros: Dedicated laptop sleeve, removable waist belt, sternum strap, FlexVent system, water bottle pockets, external J-zip pockets, daisy-chain webbing
• Cons: Some reviewers have noted failure of the outside zippers after a few months of use and limited storage space; petite reviewers say the bag isn’t ideal for people under 5’5” with the way it hits on their back
• Teen Vogue Tester: “Of all the backpacks North Face sent over, this one was the most visually appealing. I loved the number of pockets, and everything fits pretty well. Adding a bigger water bottle might throw off the balance of the pack when it’s on your back, but it does manage to fit a 32oz bottle, even if it’s a bit tight,” says Marylin.

This is a bag that teachers, TikTokers, and travelers alike rave about. Many reviewers love the versatility of the backpack, which can be worn over the shoulders or carried like a tote thanks to the top handles. “This is the one backpack I could definitely see myself using on all my trips. I love the spacious bottom compartment and the massive space inside the main compartment. It easily fit the binder, headphones, and water bottle without feeling like I was running out of space or overstuffing it,” says Marylin.

While the spacious interior is a great selling point, travelers love the pass-through back strap that lets you easily attach this bag to your carry-on. The bottom compartment is perfect for storing your shoes during a weekend trip.

• 2 lbs
• 12.2'' x 19.3'' x 5.9''
• 2 compartments
• Recycled Nylon with non-PFC durable water-repellent finish
• 4 colors
• Pros: Abrasion-resistant fabric, can attach to rolling luggage, laptop compartment, shoe pocket, snap tabs that can change the shape of the pack, top handles that connect, water bottle pockets, women-specific padded shoulder straps and back panel
• Cons: Some reviewers say the bag is too hot to wear during the summer, others wish the straps were thicker and the tote handles were a bit longer.

One of the pricier options on the list, this Base Camp backpack is a great splurge item for anyone looking for a durable, multi-functional bag to add to their closet. Not only does this pack feature a luggage strap that can easily be connected to your carry-on, but it can also stand up on its own and be opened up all the way around (like a suitcase) for easy packing and unpacking. It also features pockets to store smaller items like keys, wallets, headphones, and even sunglasses.

• 3 lbs 7 oz
• 12'' x 6.3'' x 19.3''
• 4 compartments
• Recycled polyester tarpaulin with TPU laminate
• 5 colors
• Pros: Adjustable divider that can act as an extra pocket, water- and abrasion-resistant fabric, open-cell-foam shoulder straps and back panel, laptop compartment, luggage pass, daisy-chain webbing
• Cons: Customers note that this backpack is super heavy, the shoulder straps are not ergonomic, and the bottom of the backpack is not waterproof, most people say this is not a bag that’s meant for everyday use