The Best North Face Backpack In 2024 | Surge, Recon, Borealis, and Jester

In this video, we’re taking a look at four backpacks from The North Face.
0:00 - Intro
0:40 - Similarities
1:50 - Differences
4:20 - The Specifics
7:32 - Best For City Travel: Surge
8:08 - Best For Versatility: Recon
8:46 - Best For Adventures: Borealis
9:12 - Best For Budget: Jester
Whether you’re a one-bag traveler, an outdoor adventurer, or looking for a new everyday backpack, there’s a pack from The North Face for you. In this video, we’re taking a look at similarities and differences between the Surge, Recon, Borealis, and Jester backpacks to help you make the right choice. Whether you want a pack for city travel, outdoor adventures, or you’re on a budget, find out which of these bags works for you.
Visit our website for full reviews on these and other backpacks 👉 packhacker.com/travel-gear/th...
#NorthFaceBackpack #EverydayBackpack #DailyBackpack
PRODUCTS MENTIONED
The North Face Surge Men’s: packhacker.com/travel-gear/th...
The North Face Surge Women’s: packhacker.com/travel-gear/th...
The North Face Recon Men’s: packhacker.com/travel-gear/th...
The North Face Recon Women’s: packhacker.com/travel-gear/th...
The North Face Borealis Men’s: packhacker.com/travel-gear/th...
The North Face Borealis Women’s: packhacker.com/travel-gear/th...
The North Face Jester Men’s: packhacker.com/travel-gear/th...
The North Face Jester Women’s: packhacker.com/travel-gear/th...
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The North Face Jester Vs The North Face Borealis Comparison: • The North Face Jester ...
The North Face Recon Review: • The North Face Recon R...
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[@laurenmaternowski]

Use code BCPACK for 15% off your first purchase at Backcountry (exclusions may apply): packha.kr/hf67

[@KID_CHAMELEON]

I bought the Borealis last week and after a couple of days of use I decided I wanted to try out the Recon to see if the extra 2L was worth it and figured I could always add bungee straps so I'd have both the pocket and a bungee system. Now I know TNF claims the Recon is bigger by 2 liters but comparing them side by side, the Borealis actually seems to be the bigger of the two. It is definitely wider and more of a rectangular shape where the Recon has more rounded corners giving more of an oval shape. I packed both bags with the exact same gear to test. (4 pairs of socks, 4 pairs of boxer shorts, 4 polo shirts, a pair of jeans, and a hooded sweatshirt. The Borealis definitely felt roomier and felt like it had more room to pack another couple shirts or a small jacket. Even viewing the two side by side when full, the Recon appeared to be completely packed, whereas the Borealis appeared to be able to fit more. I'm honestly really questioning if someone at TNF made a mistake with the specs listed and the Borealis is actually the bigger of the two. I highly doubt they would make a mistake like this but after seeing them side by side in person, I think I'm going to stick with the Borealis. It really does feel bigger overall. 🤷‍♂️

[@nathanjamesbaker]

I have read similar comments along these lines. I think the extra space in the Recon is actually in all the smaller pockets, not in the main compartments.

[@Utubeisazzho]

Check out the litus 22 or 32. Ditch the commuter style

[@chuck1804]

What has been your experience with the straps? Those bungee straps look flimsy....

[@adam323]

I love my old style Borealis. Nice to see a comparison video between North Face’s current styles.

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for watching, Adam! 😃 -Eric

[@yuzen6812]

The best Backpacks i got when i was in Vietnam. This Country literally sells a bag for 35€ at every Tourists corner in Hanoi. Quality and Looks are comparable to like 300€ Bags from AER etc. its insane. Since most of the bags are made from Vietnam its such a good country to pick up Bags there!

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing! 😃 -Eric

[@Pterygotus]

I've got a 2008 North Face Recon made in Vietnam that got me through high school, college, and I still carry it to work every day.

[@yuzen6812]

@@Pterygotus glad to hear that man! I absolutely love me some good vietnam bags

[@songerph]

true because they have been making bags like the north face for decades. they actually make their own or copy of these bags with great quality at a really cheap price.

[@yuzen6812]

@@songerph Interesting fact!

[@AnaHelena]

Great comparison video! Thanks a lot!! ❤ I'd love to see another one comparing Thule backpacks

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for the suggestion! I’ll pass it along 😃 -Eric

[@corbinwhite86]

I have the 2017 north face recon, it was good. Got me through school. I want the Borealis for my future bag

[@jimmywilliams2160]

Best overall review on all four bag packs. I think a DAY IN LIFE VIDEO OF EACH BAG WOULD BE GREAT.

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for the suggestion! I’ll pass it along. -Eric

[@Soonerblake007]

I had a jester all throughout high school from 2005-2009. It’s design has changed drastically since then, but I’m sure the quality is still good. My jester was built like a tank, and last many, many years before I donated it. One of the best backpacks I ever owned

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing 😃 -Eric

[@artkids8338]

Yes I am sad I can’t find the old jester anymore. Did you replace with the Borrealis or Surge?

[@twgok13]

Me too! I'm still using it for shopping, the beast gets loaded up with >10kgs daily for over 10 years and doesn't brake a sweat. Main compartment is perfect size. I'm looking for an upgrade but don't really need all the extra compartments the new models bring...

[@johncass807]

Why does the recon blue look so good in this video compared to every other blue

[@N00BPUN1SH3R]

really really helpful thanks!

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for watching! 😃 -Eric

[@Dmytro_Komarnitskyi]

Thanks for a great review, that helped me a lot to chose the right one for me

[@HaileyBright]

Super helpful ❤

[@ebaadkhan4752]

Yayy!!! Thanks so much. Pack Hacker is my favourite gear channel and North Face is my favourite gear brand. Could you please also feature “Router” in a future video? It is larger than surge and I really want to know if it can be allowed as cabin luggage.

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for your kind words and the suggestion 😃 I’ll pass it along! -Eric

[@dianajflora]

This is so helpful! I've been thinking about getting the Borealis, but I'm curious about a side-by-side comparison with the male vs female versions of the bag. I know they have a 1L difference, but I don't know where it's coming from. I'd love to see those differences in future bag reviews if you're interested!

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for watching and for the suggestion! I’ll pass it along 😃 -Eric

[@dacallahan1]

I have the recon and the mesh front pocket is also a great place to stash my liquids and gels bag for airport security. No need to open the main compartment

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing! 😃 -Eric

[@mar4136]

The north face borealis mini pack is so underrated! I prefer them to a sling bag, and most mini backpacks are way less sturdy, and poorer quality than their larger counterparts. Mini backpacks are often treated like a novelty instead of a serious piece of gear. The mini borealis still has good back padding and quality, comparable to its larger sibling, and accompanied me on a trip to the arctic recently! It worked as my personal item on the smallest planes, and carried essential gear on hikes, with extra layers in the front cords. If you need a mini backpack that holds its own I would totally recommend, but I'd love to see some other minis that don't compromise on quality!

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing, Marley! -Eric

[@bravz96]

Great video, which backpack was the most comfortable to wear?

[@yakupkeyfli1631]

Very interesting to see how it works and see all the details

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for watching 😃 -Eric

[@ny6951]

Hi! Would you happen to know how many 1 inch binders and big textbooks the jester can hold? I need this bag for school and need to carry a lot of books and binder. Thanks for the great content!

[@TCinSoCal]

Just worth noting when TNF updated the Surge they downsized it considerably. I can fit a ThinkTank Retro 7 with cameras & lenses in the main compartment of the previous Surge but not the new one..unless I want to tear it a bit. This is a big deal for me as Surge (old one) saves me from having a ‘third’ carryon bag for travel. We do anything to not check luggage.

[@Sebastian3fly]

I received my new Borealis last Christmas 2022 and am happy with it. I'm curious how long it will last, until now good investment. Thank you for your video good comparison between them. 🙂 And what do you think about the Karrimor backpacks?

[@Kobalta]

It was a good video, the most important aspects were collected. What is usually still basic for me is whether it has a factory rain cover (other can be re-used), are there enough light reflective elements on it from all directions (additional ones can be attached), can the unused longer parts of the straps be arranged so that they do not get in the way, etc. What seems to me to be regularly overrated is the material of the eyeglass pocket, since I already use a lined hard case for the glasses to protect them. The admin parts are also less important to me, because for easier switching between bags, I follow the bag-in-a-bag principle with smaller thematic holders so I don't load pens and other things one at a time, and I prefer to keep the wallet, keys and documents with me, not in the backpack (I suspect that such external storage of keys, which you can see in the video, is not recommended by the local police in many places around the world.) Since I started using them with additional cases, I have been paying more attention to the design of the front part of the shoulder straps, how many and what additional attachment options are there (e.g. factory pocket (they are usually quite small, larger phones not fit), D ring, flexible strap or MOLLE/PALS part if a military-style bag). These are quite underrated/underused despite the fact that these parts of backpacks are the most easily accessible ones while wearing them, it is often hard to even find photos of them. In terms of style, everyone has different tastes, I don't like the "logowear" with large, loud logos (I don't pay for the product to be a free advertising person), which is common at TNF, but fortunately, with many models, you can find color combinations where e.g. on a dark background, the text of the logo is also dark, so it "yells" much less.

[@Kobalta]

And of course, never forget to ask in the store how the particular models hold up in such common everyday situations as when it is backstabbed or falls from an overpass with fragile contents ;-)

[@nathanjamesbaker]

I have had several Borealis packs, which I like the best for day hiking. I also have a Recon, which I think is best for day to day urban use. I am about to get a Router for use as a carry-on pack for airplanes for multi-day trips.

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing your insights! 🤙

[@chowtuntan3535]

Hi, thanks for the great reviews. I narrowed down 2 choices, can't decide whether to go for TNF Recon or Osprey Nebula. Any advice?

[@rintomarselino4172]

wow very thanks for this vidio

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for watching 😃 -Eric

[@truckercai3571]

I pick the recon it looks the best!

[@cameraconspiracies]

Had the Borealis for 2 months and the shoulder strap is almost completely ripped off. They are giving me a gift card to buy another one, but I'm not excited to even choose another one knowing it might fall apart. My first Northface product too.

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing your insights!

[@Case909]

Do the new Thule bags next. I'm interested in the Crossover 2 backpack and convertible.

[@ceeweedsl]

What are people's experiences with TNF's warranty service? It seems that the new strap style is prone to ripping and then you have to spend to ship back and get refused. Have you had experience with new TNF bags since 2020?

[@crispydono]

I don't need the hole for the hydration tube. Does it allow rain to get into the backpack more easily?

[@amoulet69]

I need a mid pack between my Miwok 24L and my Sportiva 45L, that’s why I need help choosing: Patagonia Refugio 30 North Face Litus 32 RC Any info or help is welcome. Thx

[@Uniqloy]

Any idea what will fit an 18” laptop (Alienware m18), even if it’s a tight fit.

[@mudassarshaikh913]

U have so many Backpacks 🎒😍

[@tinayork9940]

Which would do best for light rain as far as the zippers?

[@mia4473g]

hi would like to know which bag has the biggest space for the main compartment?

[@thanaphonkaewbunpot790]

Please recommend about Recon, This one is good for daily use?

[@victoriakurt441]

Can you do a review on The North Face Commuter Pack Small, please? 😀

[@Mattzerfyer]

I love my Northface Vault backpack. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a smaller 26L backpack but with the same comfortable flexvent padding. The two water bottle pockets are mostly mesh material but easily expands to fit a 1L nalgene

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing, Matthew! 😃 -Eric

[@Lectrosoul]

which one has the best laptop protection? Surge Recon or borealis??🕶

[@JeffP00001]

1st! I love your videos!

[@PackHacker]

💕💕💕

[@MorriganShay]

Would these work for a 1-2 week international trip (not camping)?

[@FliipSpot]

what's the difference with the borealis classic ?

[@Mvrderface]

just found out about north face range, really like the recon. just afraid a camera bag/cube won't fit in the bottom, or if it is flat..

[@smaao]

Do any of these bags have a trolley sleeve?

[@Kangaroo_AN]

Any chance to do a Patagonia Refugio Daypack 30L VS The North Face Jester review?

[@claudiano_jr]

The old Boreallis had side compression straps. I have 2. Both more than 10 years old.

[@tiburondtierra2959]

alguien me puede dar el link en amazon o donde sea exacto de la borealis de este video y el mismo color ?

[@tatsohanz]

A bit surprised that you guys never reviewed the Eastpak Tecum. It's good looking, robust and very good value!

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for the suggestion! I’ll pass it along. -Eric

[@kenpalmer4256]

Wish you would have included the Router, was trying to decide between that and the surge.

[@therafnon]

What about The North Face Router 40L?

[@Rofix.]

Please do a review on the Fjallraven Skule 28 Pack!

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for the suggestion! I’ll pass it along. -Eric

[@maciejflisak5249]

it's horrible and ugly only 20 litres capacity even don t have nylon only cheap shitty poliester

[@jiejer6355]

How many brand borealis have?

[@HPM2006]

What happened to the router transit?

[@MunroMcLaren]

Was the Borealis design changed??

[@lmaoroflcopter]

They missed a trick on the recon, I thought that mesh front pocket might have been a decent place to secure a helmet, but the compression straps aren't set up for it, they compress the main and water bottle sections, rather than something like the osprey packs that can take a helmet and secure it in place.

[@pao_banaag]

Tom should turn that thumbnail into some kind of profile photo 😂

[@PackHacker]

I’ll send him your idea 😆 -Eric

[@MoodyHL]

i got the surge which i use for college and it's absolutely perfect

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing your insights with us! 😃 -Eric

[@Sain065]

I’ve been using my Borealis for almost 8 years now .. big , organized and rugged .. I’m trying to find a reason to get a new backpack but there’s none lol

[@PackHacker]

That’s a sign that you picked the right pack! 😃 -Eric

[@MunroMcLaren]

Why did North Face change the water bottle pockets? Now you have to tighten them yourself?

[@theplourde]

Which one can actually handle a 15.6” laptop?

[@Cayled174]

Very useful review. Thanks! I just saw a deal on a Borealis for 57€ here and wondered if the price/specs difference with other backpacks was worth it, but I think it's unbeatable at this price.

[@Carlos-nz3vi]

Finished my associate’s last semester and out of nowhere start appreciating my TNF Borealis Navy backpack. I realize that the design has changed since when I bought it back in 2017. And that just made me realize how durable and worth of a purchase it was to buy it then!

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing! 😃 -Eric

[@anniezhang347]

i'm sad the front pockets of these backpacks don't go down all the way anymore. they used to. now i feel like the weight is uneven. don't know why they changed it.

[@patriciarodriguez4279]

I agree with you! I have an Isabella from 1998 that’s similar to the new Womens Borealis. It’s more spacious than the new women’s Borealis because the front organizer goes down to the bottom of the bag! It was my favorite for years. I took it to Junior high, high school college and my job as a power plant security officer. I even traveled with it! I’ve had it for over twenty years and other than being filthy and having no zipper pulls it’s still intact. I’ve seen purchased others but that one still has my ❤️. It’s still in the back of the closet in case I have a job that requires an old dirty bag that I’m willing to put on the floor. I wish they made the newer ones like that one. Now with the shorter pocket you lose too much usable space.

[@stanedithisla]

recon with daisy chain is the way to go

[@PackHacker]

🤙🤙🤙

[@Mvrderface]

3/5.

[@neekonlinestudio]

North Face Surge, all the way! 👍🏼Great design, pretty rugged, and so roomy! (I do have the old design though - which I prefer).

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing, Nicky! -Eric

[@escaaaaaa893]

Will it work as a personal item?

[@ebaadkhan4752]

P.S. Using Surge and loving it.

[@confusion6739]

has it broken yet ?

[@frulex]

jester is bester

[@michaelklein23]

None of the above. Kaban 2 and fuse box are the best!

[@markbroadwaywms1927]

1:28. Kids, this is what phones looked like when I was a kid. phones? oops, I meant cameras.

[@robhartman01]

Hi Lauren or Tom. Please tell me whats a good phone for travelling? Im thinking about pixel 5

[@PackHacker]

We dig the iPhone because it’s easy to use and fits into the Apple ecosystem flawlessly. Other manufacturers make great phones-we are spoiled in 2022, but we think the iPhone is a phone that can do it all without getting in your way! At the end of the day, it comes down to personal preference. -Eric

[@robhartman01]

@@PackHacker pixel 5?

[@sumaznkid124]

A 17in laptop won’t fit in the surge. Check the dimensions.

[@mudassarshaikh913]

North face is not available in India 😏

[@mikewhite7462]

Gen Z-approved clothing giant The North Face is offering customers 20% off if they take a racial inclusion course

[@Pumpyaa]

Why you all forget to do a water test for these things?