2:10 This is a known affliction of North Face backpacks. I got rid of the Recon for the same reason. The bottom edge crumples your back and makes it impossible to stand the backpack upright.
i have an older version of this (from 2010, i think?! lol) that i modified by removing the “wall” between the main and laptop compartments and made it 1000 times more functional. i just ordered this newer version and already planning on doing the same, if i decide to keep it after seeing it in person. i love that they gave it a lighter color interior to see stuff, i hope that’s the case with the colorway i chose! great video, i appreciate the walkthrough and thoroughness ✌️
Reviews after real use are valuable. Most channels like this just get one thing to return it and hope to get some affiliate clicks with some PR speech about the product.
My biggest gripe with TNF is that weird lack of space in the main compartment, and that the zippers don’t open further down to allow you to reach the stuff at the bottom. They are very good looking though, but lack in functionality
I used this back religiously for about 8 months as a teacher bag and found myself to be frustrated with that main compartment… for being so big I felt like it really didn’t hold much! I’m glad to see I’m not the only one! I almost felt guilty for not liking it since it was so expensive.
Is the new Surge 2022 shoulder straps durable from your experience of using? It looks a bit flimsy at the part connecting to the main body, and there are a number of reviews saying the straps tore off at that point.
Thanks! Great REVIEW! I try to convince myself to consider buying the new Surge/Borealis. I notice how narrow the main & admin compartments are. I don't like the new grab zippers. Side water bottle container is shallow. I'llcontinue to use my older Surge & Borealis. 😩
I found your comment about the back at the bottom of the bag useful 02:10.. I notice this issue from every Surge since year dot. Even after cutting off the useless hip/waist straps. .. I use the Surge bags mostly for Everyday/Urban use rather than for hiking/outdoors pursuits . did you add heavy loads to the bag? . Are the shoulder straps robust if so?
Agreed! While there's some crossover ability, the Surge is better suited for Everyday/Urban use rather than for hiking/outdoors adventures. Thanks for watching! - Austin
And how can you tell the mens from the womens pack, after 15 years my borealis has a broken zipper tab and some wear in the laptop dept. Looking at a surge add with labels on but on second hand market, claimed unused.
In relation to the bottom of the bag cutting into a shorter person’s lower back, do you have any recommendations of a bag that does not do this but with similar qualities of this bag? I noticed this too on the Recon. I’m 5’3”.
Hi! I just got this bag and planning to go abroad for a long time so I need to carry many stuffs. I’m wondering if these shoulder straps are strong enough? Because I found that it’s not directly attached the bag itself but through another black strap. If it’s easy to be torn apart then I’ll need to get a new one lol 😂 Thanks!
The bottom poking my back is a big problem I've faced with a lot of bags. Nice that you pointed it out....On another note, It would be great if you show/mention the dimensions of bags.
Yo! You can view the dimensions over on our website, along with other data & content. A link is always in the first line of the RUclips description! - Tom
This 31L bag looks so narrow… I was considering it to replace my 30$ laptop backpack but it looks like I have more space than this. Definitely not for me, thank you for the awesome review.
I have the Surge and Borealis 2022's, have been travelling extensively with them and can tell you this, the Surge is absolute crap as the straps are too stiff and dig into you even with light loads, I would absolutely avoid it. The Borealis' straps are super, better than the old Borealis which is amazing, however the bag has this annoying top heavy (even when empty) front top pocket, that will always make it drop down. In my opinion go with the Borealis (don't know the Recon so cannot comment) but beware the high centre of gravity, I will try and post this on most Surge videos to warn people about how crap the straps are, a lot of the review videos say it is OK, it absolutely is not!
I see so many reviews of the straps breaking after a certain amount of months. Straps seem to be the biggest issue with all the northface bags. Sucks because I was finally about to settle on a backpack now I am back to searching again.
Zip it, then flip it, and then the zipper stays hidden like it's supposed to, case closed. I'm 5'4", too, and it's gonna take more than a month of use until it gets supremely broken in and ultimately very comfortable from then on out. Best backpack I've ever had. Used in a couple of downpours where I got extemely soaked, but the inside of the back was perfectly dry. This lady is unnecessarily super picky. It's a bag worth getting as long as you don't nit pick about pointless things to complain over.
Hi Francesco! The Surge doesn't feature a DWR treatment like some of the other bags that we have reviewed, which helps increase water resistance. That said, the ripstop nylon material and YKK zippers will help protect the bags' contents if you were to get caught in the rain unexpectedly. Thanks for the comment! - Austin
Не знаю будет ли вам интересен комментарий на русском, но я его оставлю (т.к. не хочу потрить его плохим переводчиком на англ). Купил недавно эту генерацию Surge, в замен старой (2019г кажется (с горизонтальной ручкой спереди)). На первый взгляд это рюкзак намного более хлипкий чем предыдущий (рип стоп и клейкая резина на дне, боковинах и даже спине!), на предыдущем была кордура. Карманы хоть и кажутся вместительными, но они бесполезны т.к. нет утяжек (боковых) и их материал очень гибкий (все болтается). Открытие карманов крайне не продумано (меньше чем даже на половину), на передних так вообще сделали крайне маленькие клапаны от влаги, я уже молчу об их закрывании (г-образные молнии). Резина в конструкции имеет все теже болячки что и на сумках: заломы затертости и липкость в теплое время года, удачи с ней на спине летом (себе тоже пожелал), привет FLEX VENT. Лямки без регуглировок на плечах, тонкие, на них так и не ввели возможность снять грудной ремень (он будет впиваться в тело и натирать как и всегда). Нижние ремни для "утяжки" зачем нужны? В них ты даже куртку толком не проденешь, снять их тоже нельзя, если только отпарывать. Зачем их сделали поверх резины снизу тоже огромный вопрос т.е. если ты положишь рюкзак на мокрую поверхность: дно будет сухим, а ремни намокнут. Рюкзак так и не научился стоять вертикально, что в купе с плохой укладкой даст вам кучу проблем, помогала в старой генерации передняя ручка, но они и ее убрали (чем помешала, не понимаю). Большой флисовый карман (стал бесполезным) сделан для сноубордистких очков и только для них т.к. основная площадь кармана сверху, ну так если производитель позиционирует рюкзак, как туристический зачем там отделение для ноутбука и наоборот? Про отделение для ноутбука: мягкую вставку все еще нельзя вынуть, никак (это очень плохо при сушке). По итогу хоть и описал все сумбурно, но надеюсь полезно, буду отдавать на подшивку старую генерацию и носить его (лямки и верхняя ручка стерлись). Разочарован, что такой бренд попал в руки к маркетологам, а не специалистам.
I swear you can find anything on RUclips. A freaking backpack enthuiast? I love it.
We’re all about it 😃
-Eric
Maybe cause backpacks have been around for more than a 1,000 years? 😂
@@Tralala691beware the medieval backpackers!
2:10 This is a known affliction of North Face backpacks. I got rid of the Recon for the same reason. The bottom edge crumples your back and makes it impossible to stand the backpack upright.
i have an older version of this (from 2010, i think?! lol) that i modified by removing the “wall” between the main and laptop compartments and made it 1000 times more functional. i just ordered this newer version and already planning on doing the same, if i decide to keep it after seeing it in person. i love that they gave it a lighter color interior to see stuff, i hope that’s the case with the colorway i chose! great video, i appreciate the walkthrough and thoroughness ✌️
Nice idea, i don't bring laptop
Reviews after real use are valuable. Most channels like this just get one thing to return it and hope to get some affiliate clicks with some PR speech about the product.
Glad you appreciate our process, Francisco! Thanks for the support!
- Austin
My biggest gripe with TNF is that weird lack of space in the main compartment, and that the zippers don’t open further down to allow you to reach the stuff at the bottom. They are very good looking though, but lack in functionality
I used this back religiously for about 8 months as a teacher bag and found myself to be frustrated with that main compartment… for being so big I felt like it really didn’t hold much! I’m glad to see I’m not the only one! I almost felt guilty for not liking it since it was so expensive.
Did you get another bag? If so, which, and are you satisfied?
@@thiagogregory1 the lululemon new crew backpack. Simple and quite a bit smaller, but perfect for what I needed it for.
Is the new Surge 2022 shoulder straps durable from your experience of using? It looks a bit flimsy at the part connecting to the main body, and there are a number of reviews saying the straps tore off at that point.
I have two backpacks now from them with the same strap connection and I had no problem at all. Even with the 40L version fully loaded.
The hard bit on the bottom thats uncomfortable is probably there to protect your laptop when the bag is dropped on the floor
Yes been waiting for you guys to review this pack, great video as always packhacker!👍
Glad you liked it - thanks for the support!
- Austin
I wish they had more backpacks with the luggage pass-through. Take the new Yeti backpacks for example.
Thanks! Great REVIEW! I try to convince myself to consider buying the new Surge/Borealis. I notice how narrow the main & admin compartments are. I don't like the new grab zippers. Side water bottle container is shallow. I'llcontinue to use my older Surge & Borealis. 😩
Thanks for watching and for sharing your insights! 😃
-Eric
I found your comment about the back at the bottom of the bag useful 02:10.. I notice this issue from every Surge since year dot. Even after cutting off the useless hip/waist straps.
.. I use the Surge bags mostly for Everyday/Urban use rather than for hiking/outdoors pursuits . did you add heavy loads to the bag? . Are the shoulder straps robust if so?
Agreed! While there's some crossover ability, the Surge is better suited for Everyday/Urban use rather than for hiking/outdoors adventures. Thanks for watching!
- Austin
Hi. Can a 19inch portable monitor fit in the laptop compartment of that bag?
Great review! Very honest and love the interior shots and explanations. Extremely useful information for an indecisive shopper (like me) 😂
Thanks for watching! 😃
And how can you tell the mens from the womens pack, after 15 years my borealis has a broken zipper tab and some wear in the laptop dept. Looking at a surge add with labels on but on second hand market, claimed unused.
Does this bag fit as a personal item for frontier
Does it stand straight up with a laptop inside?
The flex vent looks interesting. I wish north face would put real hip belts on their smaller bags.
In relation to the bottom of the bag cutting into a shorter person’s lower back, do you have any recommendations of a bag that does not do this but with similar qualities of this bag? I noticed this too on the Recon. I’m 5’3”.
New subscriber, thanks for this review. This looks like it is more of a school pack than one to be used for day hikes.
Could you please make a video comparison btw the new Surge model and the now northface Borealis please?
Thanks for the suggestion, Pierre! I’ll pass it along 😃
-Eric
where is your toiletry kit from?
Hi! I just got this bag and planning to go abroad for a long time so I need to carry many stuffs. I’m wondering if these shoulder straps are strong enough? Because I found that it’s not directly attached the bag itself but through another black strap. If it’s easy to be torn apart then I’ll need to get a new one lol 😂 Thanks!
The bottom poking my back is a big problem I've faced with a lot of bags. Nice that you pointed it out....On another note, It would be great if you show/mention the dimensions of bags.
Yo! You can view the dimensions over on our website, along with other data & content. A link is always in the first line of the RUclips description!
- Tom
@@PackHacker2 groovy.
🤜💥🤛
Why arent there reviews for the north face cryptic?
I look forward to R.'s reviews bc we're the same height and we're both girls! Thanks for the reviews for short girls! 🙃😀
Thank you ❤❤
Thanks for watching! 😃
I have found that almost all bags have pockets that are competing for space.
This! Very true, which is really frustrating.
This 31L bag looks so narrow… I was considering it to replace my 30$ laptop backpack but it looks like I have more space than this. Definitely not for me, thank you for the awesome review.
It’s not, trust me. This bag holds a lot
@@jasonnowwhat5041exactly this bag is next level
Are y'all planning on doing the north face recon?
isn't the recon just the borealis without the strings? I've seen other videos with the comparison
Hey Coy!
It's not in our lineup to review currently but but hopefully we will down the line. Thanks for the comment!
- Austin
Thanks for u content! helps a lot :)
Thanks for the support!
- Austin
Would 15.6 inch laptop fit in?
yeah, it will
great review based on real use. thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks, it was helpful
You're welcome!
I have the Surge and Borealis 2022's, have been travelling extensively with them and can tell you this, the Surge is absolute crap as the straps are too stiff and dig into you even with light loads, I would absolutely avoid it. The Borealis' straps are super, better than the old Borealis which is amazing, however the bag has this annoying top heavy (even when empty) front top pocket, that will always make it drop down. In my opinion go with the Borealis (don't know the Recon so cannot comment) but beware the high centre of gravity, I will try and post this on most Surge videos to warn people about how crap the straps are, a lot of the review videos say it is OK, it absolutely is not!
Thanks for sharing your detailed insights!
-Eric
I see so many reviews of the straps breaking after a certain amount of months. Straps seem to be the biggest issue with all the northface bags. Sucks because I was finally about to settle on a backpack now I am back to searching again.
@@Crazyoverpowerd please tell me if you found anything yet!! im also in the same boat.
@@RajVSingh97 I ended up just getting another backpack which ended up being the bellory transit which im still happy with
Zip it, then flip it, and then the zipper stays hidden like it's supposed to, case closed. I'm 5'4", too, and it's gonna take more than a month of use until it gets supremely broken in and ultimately very comfortable from then on out. Best backpack I've ever had. Used in a couple of downpours where I got extemely soaked, but the inside of the back was perfectly dry. This lady is unnecessarily super picky. It's a bag worth getting as long as you don't nit pick about pointless things to complain over.
is it water resistant?
Hi Francesco! The Surge doesn't feature a DWR treatment like some of the other bags that we have reviewed, which helps increase water resistance. That said, the ripstop nylon material and YKK zippers will help protect the bags' contents if you were to get caught in the rain unexpectedly. Thanks for the comment!
- Austin
Не знаю будет ли вам интересен комментарий на русском, но я его оставлю (т.к. не хочу потрить его плохим переводчиком на англ). Купил недавно эту генерацию Surge, в замен старой (2019г кажется (с горизонтальной ручкой спереди)). На первый взгляд это рюкзак намного более хлипкий чем предыдущий (рип стоп и клейкая резина на дне, боковинах и даже спине!), на предыдущем была кордура. Карманы хоть и кажутся вместительными, но они бесполезны т.к. нет утяжек (боковых) и их материал очень гибкий (все болтается). Открытие карманов крайне не продумано (меньше чем даже на половину), на передних так вообще сделали крайне маленькие клапаны от влаги, я уже молчу об их закрывании (г-образные молнии). Резина в конструкции имеет все теже болячки что и на сумках: заломы затертости и липкость в теплое время года, удачи с ней на спине летом (себе тоже пожелал), привет FLEX VENT. Лямки без регуглировок на плечах, тонкие, на них так и не ввели возможность снять грудной ремень (он будет впиваться в тело и натирать как и всегда). Нижние ремни для "утяжки" зачем нужны? В них ты даже куртку толком не проденешь, снять их тоже нельзя, если только отпарывать. Зачем их сделали поверх резины снизу тоже огромный вопрос т.е. если ты положишь рюкзак на мокрую поверхность: дно будет сухим, а ремни намокнут. Рюкзак так и не научился стоять вертикально, что в купе с плохой укладкой даст вам кучу проблем, помогала в старой генерации передняя ручка, но они и ее убрали (чем помешала, не понимаю). Большой флисовый карман (стал бесполезным) сделан для сноубордистких очков и только для них т.к. основная площадь кармана сверху, ну так если производитель позиционирует рюкзак, как туристический зачем там отделение для ноутбука и наоборот? Про отделение для ноутбука: мягкую вставку все еще нельзя вынуть, никак (это очень плохо при сушке). По итогу хоть и описал все сумбурно, но надеюсь полезно, буду отдавать на подшивку старую генерацию и носить его (лямки и верхняя ручка стерлись). Разочарован, что такой бренд попал в руки к маркетологам, а не специалистам.
Thanks for sharing your detailed insights! 🤙 What pack are you going to go for instead?
Спасибо мужик!
You didn't even say which version men's or women's you are showing us.
Seems more like a school bag than a travel bag....
RUclips ads are so annoying that a won’t do business with any of the companies that advertise on here.
You said rigid, stiff and hard way too much for me at 5am