The North Face Borealis Convertible Backpack Review (2 Weeks of Use)

[@bani_niba]

My use case: During transit you would have a larger travel pack 35-40L on your back and this waist/fanny pack for your essentials and quick access items. After you have arrived at your destination, you would leave the larger pack at your hotel and convert this bag into a day backpack.

[@MrJed_s]

This is huge and hefty as a sling for just essentials though. Patagonia 1L sling + Matador freefly16 weigh 290g total vs this at 520g. I love cool convertible things like this but I think it falls apart when compared to lightweight dedicated items.

[@PackHacker2]

Good call! Not a bad use for it.

[@AlvinAndreanTheVintager]

I actually use the Lowepro Passport Duo, which is more compact and opens up easier than this (don't need to buckle straps, and zip to complete the bag). It fits as a Daypack for travel. It's as comfortable as a matador packable bag and I got it at clearance for $20.

[@StriderEsq]

I have been waiting for a review on this one for a while, Thank You!

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for watching! 😃

[@adamcarlson4922]

This is 100% a waist pack first with the ability to become a backpack for the occasional unplanned larger carry needs. If this was a backpack that could become a sling at a destination, the sling should separate completely from the backpack portion.

[@EmilsVorobjovs]

easy, i'm an craftsmen that ussually enjoys slings as i like to carry my ipad and keyboard with me to and from studio i work at. But at some ocassians i have to pack a days bag to go visit clients ^^

[@gonickogogo]

I was going to ask "who is this for?" but some of the previous comments have sort of answered that. Still, I think this convertible pack doesn't do either form factor well (especially the waistpack, which looks super unwieldy). For example, when traveling with a large pack, I'd much rather carry a smaller waistpack for essentials, and then have a lightweight packable backpack stowed away to use as a daypack when you leave the hotel.

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for sharing your insights! 🤙

[@amyt451]

Looks like BLACKPACK IGB pro to me. But IGB is better to use on a bicycle.

[@KalpeshPatel78]

There's no breathing space for the back. Its gonna get uncomfortable quickly if you sweat a lot.

[@Skellist]

This feels like a gimmick product that doesn't really do either of its promised configurations really well which is a shame. But thank you for the review!

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for sharing your insights! 🤙

[@MegaEddie123455]

I'll pass

[@kimcasey1692]

I'd buy, but you track your customers, crazy

[@thisguy7175]

Track customers? How so?