The North Face Borealis Computer Backpack Review

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(More customer reviews)The title of this review states the three things I was looking for in a new backpack--and three things the Borealis receives high, if not perfect marks in. If you have the same things in mind, this backpack deserves a spot on your shoulders.
North Face is known for its durable products, either because (A they run a swift and deceptive marketing campaign, or (B their products really do hold up. I would guess the latter. I've only had the Borealis for five or six hours, but it's not hard to see the attention to detail the company gave this model. Everything from the tightly-woven nylon (the weave density is extremely high) to the double-stitched zippers would imply that this backpack can last a while.
But no backpack is worth buying unless it has sufficient room in the user's eye. I wanted something simple enough for a trip into D.C, yet roomy enough to fit my binders and schoolbooks--and accommodate everything I would pack for a 3-day vacation. As a test, I stuffed 4 pairs of boxers, 2 pairs of socks, 3 pairs of shorts and 4 long and short shirts into the backpack's main compartment. Everything fit, but I wouldn't go so far as to call it "roomy." Next, I removed the clothing and stuffed Webster's Third New International Dictionary (12.5 pounds and 4 inches thick) into the main compartment, then added two textbooks in front of it. There was enough space over for a laptop and assorted office supplies, a welcome surprise.
Nevertheless, this backpack's storage capacity will seem wanting outside of a traditional school or afternoon trip environment. An additional piece of luggage will probably be necessary for a longer vacation.
On top of what I mentioned earlier, the Borealis also does a fine job in the organization category. The laptop compartment, often just a sleeve or thin-walled slot in other "computer" backpacks, is padded on three sides (the top excepted) and locked in with a plastic buckle. This feature was enough for me to select the North Face item over the REI Urban Traveler, an excellent backpack in its own right. Those who don't carry around their computer will still find much to appreciate in the middle-zipper organizer pocket, though it offers no zippered slots for valuables. Again, though, I can't give the backpack an "excellent" score when it comes to storage choices. Having a dedicated laptop compartment (accessible from the outside with a zipper) or offering more zipped pockets might have done the job, but as it is, gadget hounds and everyday pack rats might purchase the item a little disappointed.No, this is not a gushing five star review. The North Face backpack has its flaws to go along with its successes. But I would doubt that many "five star" backpacks can match the durability and flexibility of this model, even if the size leaves something to be desired.

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