The North Face Women's Borealis Backpack has a marketplace rating of 4.6 out of 5 across 19,226 ratings.
- The backpack is extremely stiff, and the back panel and shoulder straps are hard, leading to discomfort.
- The North Face Borealis Backpack offers a large, padded, separate compartment for a laptop, which is ideal for quick packing.
Shoppers who prioritise plush comfort over potential durability and organisational features might find this backpack less suitable, though its protective laptop compartment is often praised. despite its 4.6 / 5 marketplace rating across 19,226 reviews. though its comfort is frequently questioned.
Who it suits
Works well if
- Carrying a laptop up to 16 inches in a dedicated, protective compartment.
- Organising books and binders in a large main compartment.
- Compressing the load using side bungee cords.
Think twice if
- Users sensitive to stiff materials or hard straps causing discomfort.
- Carrying heavy loads for extended periods if strap durability is a concern.
The numbers that matter
- Offers a dedicated, highly protective laptop compartment.
- Has a capacity of 28 liters.
- Has a marketplace rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 19,226 ratings.
What the evidence says
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Laptop compartment protection | highly protective |
| Main compartment size | Large |
| Compression feature | Side bungee cords allow for compression |
| Additional features | Sternum strap with a whistle buckle |
| Stand-up design | Stand-up design |
| Laptop fit | up to 16” laptop |
| Capacity | 28 liters |
The listing does not publish a detailed specifications table.
Where buyers hesitate
How is the comfort?
Comfort is frequently questioned due to stiff materials and hard straps. Users report that the backpack is extremely stiff, with hard back panels and shoulder straps, leading to discomfort. This stiffness is noted even when the backpack is not fully packed.
What's the waterproof rating on this?
The waterproof rating for this backpack is not published by the listing. Information regarding the specific waterproof rating of The North Face Women's Borealis Backpack is not available from the listing or community reports.
Are the straps durable?
There are reports of straps breaking and stitching coming undone. Some users have reported that the backpack's straps are breaking and the stitching is coming undone after a short period of use, even with light loads. Repairs were sent in for strap issues.
How much can this backpack hold?
The backpack has a capacity of 28 litres. The North Face Women's Borealis Backpack has a capacity of 28 litres, though it may feel tight and rigid when fully packed.
Why we judge it this way
The North Face Women's Borealis Backpack garners a strong marketplace rating of 4.6 out of 5 across over 19,000 reviews, indicating general satisfaction. However, community feedback highlights significant concerns regarding comfort and durability, which temper overall enthusiasm. One recurring complaint is the backpack's stiffness; users report that the back panel and shoulder straps are hard, leading to discomfort, particularly during prolonged use. This stiffness is noted even when the backpack is not fully packed, suggesting it's an inherent characteristic of the materials or design, which can be a significant drawback for daily wear.
Furthermore, durability is called into question by reports of straps breaking and stitching coming undone. One user sent in their backpack for strap repairs, only to find the overall stitching of the backpack beginning to fail and the material tearing. This raises concerns about the product's long-term reliability, especially for a backpack intended for regular use. While the listing itself details practical features like a dedicated, highly protective laptop compartment and a large main compartment for books and binders, these practicalities are undermined if the bag is uncomfortable or prone to structural failure.
The presence of a dedicated laptop compartment, capable of fitting up to a 16-inch device, is a definite plus, praised by users for its protective qualities and ease of packing. This, along with side bungee cords for compression and a stand-up design, offers good organisation and usability. The backpack also offers a capacity of 28 liters, providing ample room for daily essentials and extra space, as noted by some users who find it durable and high quality.
However, the stark contrast between the high aggregate rating and specific user complaints about comfort and longevity means potential buyers must weigh these trade-offs carefully. The concern about strap durability is particularly worrying for a product intended for daily use, as it directly impacts the backpack's functionality and lifespan. While general daypack discomfort can be attributed to thin or poorly adjusted straps in the category, the specific complaints about stiffness and strap failure for this model are directly tied to it. Buyers looking for a plush, supremely comfortable backpack might need to look elsewhere, but those who value organisation and a protective laptop sleeve, and are willing to overlook potential comfort issues or hope for better longevity, may still find this backpack a worthy option given its other practical features and overall positive marketplace reception.
The strongest objection we found
The backpack is extremely stiff, and the back panel and shoulder straps are hard, leading to discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What this page does not answer
- North Face Borealis vs Jester backpack
- How to Choose the Best Women's Daypack For You
- Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack wins on versatility
How this analysis was built
We have analysed the product listing's features and description, alongside user-reported issues from community forums.
Sources and verification
Everything on this page traces back to the listing published for this product on Amazon.co.uk. At the analysis date that listing showed 4.6 stars across 19,226 reviews. Analysis generated on 2026-10-29.
Sources and verification
Everything on this page traces back to the listing published for this product on Amazon.co.uk. At the analysis date that listing showed 4.6 stars across 19,226 reviews. Analysis generated on 2026-10-29.
