North Face Borealis vs Patagonia Refugio (which wins?)

[@shnam928]

Perfect video! Some days ago I went to a store to try Borealis. I liked everything about it except that it was heavy. If it was lighter I would probably get it.

[@Backpackies]

Thanks! All that extra padding, bungee, and fleece on the Borealis really don't do it any favors with weight. It's definitely a trade off.

[@RuiWang-o8y]

Love your video, deadly! Can you make a video to compare Patagonia Refugio 30 and Osprey Nebula 32?

[@CATOHUNTER007]

Yess that needs to happen

[@JiraTicket-zz6bh]

I am still thinking of Refugio being better. But I am wondering about weather resistance.

[@Backpackies]

They both have about the same weather resistance: DWR coated water-repellent exterior fabric with exposed fabric zippers that aren't protected by any rain guards. The only advantage the Borealis has is that the front exterior pocket zipper faces downwards and is hidden, which gives that pocket a lot more protection in the rain. Both are good for light rain but would get nervous in a heavy storm. Hope this helps!

[@deadnorwegianblue614]

@@BackpackiesI once put a wet umbrella (I shook the water of it before) in the side pocket of Borealis. I kept it there for like 20 mins while I was doing shopping. The water leaked into the main compartment, making everything wet. Never happened to me before in any backpack. Making the side pockets not mesh and without any hole plus putting the bungee cords over them is what caused it I guess, trapping the water. I consider the bungee cord over the side pockets as the stupid design idea. Overall, I’d say Borealis is terrible. Refugio wins it for me.

[@Slovil_MCMXXXIV]

@@deadnorwegianblue614I usually strap it under the borealis and never had any problem with that method

[@MunroMcLaren]

I have the older Refugio from 2017.

[@narimangurbanov6747]

Which one you prefer personally and why? :)

[@Backpackies]

Good question! The Borealis if used for a daily laptop/school/work backpack because of its organization. The Refugio if used for hiking, travel or in situations where weight matters.