I went on a 5 mile hike with mine in moderate rain. I had a small umbrella but it was pretty windy and its main job was keeping me dry. I was surprised when I got back that the bag was soaked throughout. Every compartment was significantly wet and the bag had to be hung up to dry. My guess would be that you should avoid prolonged exposure to rain but if you are caught in a drizzle walking to class you’ll be fine.
Hi, I fell into a waterfall in the UK with my current Borealis (pre this 2018 version) and I was amazed that the inside of the pack stayed completely dry. The new one sounds great...and since I managed to melt the side of mine on my motorbike exhaust, is looking like it will be replacement...once I decide on the colour.
Hey! That is amazing! I was shocked by the water test on mine, North Face have really stepped up their game recently! Yeah, I don't think it would fair too well against an exhaust pipe! I definitely recommend getting another, the colour choice is all yours though, thats the hardest part! My advice is to ask in the live chat (on www.thenorthface.com) what material the colour your considering is made of, as they vary and some are not as durable. Mine is 420d nylon, others are polyester, which will rip easier. Hope this helps!
Ok I’m sold on this bag, I am getting one today. 2020 version. I want this for hiking, and gym hopefully this backpack can do 2 day hiking and camping trips. You are on of the best reviews.
Had to turn in my old Borealis classic for warranty reasons and I could choose if i want again a classic or the new 2018 Borealis and now I'm super happy I chose the new one :)
hey, thx for showing this.. a lot of people don't talk about stress test enough! Though i want to ask of you, next time you want to test if a backpack (or literally anything) is waterproof, hold the showerhead centered above the backpack,not just on the front. + maybe 10-20 secs isnt enough, if you've ever walked half an hour through a downpour you'll know what I mean. Of course I do understand this is no 100% waterproof bag, but it would be nice to know where it's limits are. Your test was kinda like someone holds a waterbottle upside down for a few secs to enrage someone :D
It is very helpful to know how water resistent the bag is. Just a suggestion, next time you probably can use newspaper so it is more obvious. The blue towel you had in the main compartment made me thought inside is all wet :)
Great Video man, i was wondering which bag i was going to buy for college cause i've got a 15,6 inches laptop. Now i know which one thanks a lot for the help i just bought it :)
hi I’m a college student and I’m just done using jansport backpacks. They’re great but my back just can’t handle them anymore especially with my laptop. Thank you for the review (part 1 and 2) they were very in-depth and easy to follow along. I’ll probably get this one but have been also reading about the classic borealis. What are your thoughts on it?
Glad to hear it helped! That's what I aim to do! I'm not the biggest fan of the throwback version. I think it's missing some of the key features that the new model has, like the new shoulder straps and I'm not sure if it has the laptop separate spot (in my opinion one of the best features!). So, I wouldn't buy it but that doesn't mean its not a good choice still, I'd say go to a TNF store and try it out in person! Hope this helps!
I have an old model recon that I could use and do the jester via pictures from the website? I'll try to figure something out! Right now I'm working on the basecamp duffel!
My back feels better just looking at it on your back, I am somewhat small for my age so my backpack's straps are barely too long to hold the too to my back and it doesn't have a buckle between the straps either lol
It would depend on the colour that you get as they use different material for different colours but it should be as water resistant as the borealis! Hope this helps!
@@GearReviews is there a good way to tell what material each colour is before ordering? They list a bunch of materials on the north face website but is doesn't update when you select different colours
It can definitely fit a 15.6 laptop, no problem at all. I wouldn't want to chance it with anything bigger as the other commenter said. Hope this helps! Hopefully the bag works for you!
@@GearReviews Thank you so much! I ordered it and hopefully get it quickly. This review totally sold me on this backpack. Gotta keep my laptop and med supplies dry!
@@GearReviews I bought from Ebags. It arrived in a shipping bag, and it has a bend in the back. I didn't realize how stiff the back of the bag is, and the curve is so great that it's falling over. Even put my laptop, college sized book, and some supplies in it to see if the weight would help it not fall over, but still does. Is a curve normal in the very back panel of the bag? It's really taking up room in the compartments of the bag. I wanted to love this.
Hey, good question, I'm not completely sure, but it was probably around 10-20 pounds just as a ball park. It was not that heavy at all on my back though
Gear Reviews hey do you think this is gna be the same as the one you reviewed? This is borealis classic one. www.thenorthface.com/shop/equipment-backpacks-womens-backpacks/borealis-classic-cf9c?variationId=KZ3#hero=0
Is this the classic version or the "borealis pack", the newer version. If this is the newer version, can someone confirm if the classic is as water proof.
Hey! This is the newer version. I compared the product pages and they are made of similar material. But I can't say for certain it would be the same! Hope this helps!
No I think it'd be good, all the binders and lunch bag would fit. If you see it in store that may help a little to decide, if you aren't set on it check out the Jester.
Does the laptop touch the ground when you put the borealis on the floor? I like how the jester had a laptop compartment that was lifted from the bottom of the pack. Thank you 😊
Good question! The laptop compartment does not go to the bottom of the bag, it has space between the ground and the end of the laptop. Hope this helps!
Good question! The bag isn't heavy, I find the bag is not that heavy with a Macbook and everyday carry stuff inside. TNF bags are approved by the American Chiropractic Association so they are usually quite comfortable. If you're in doubt, go to a store and see how it feels, would by my recommendation! The site says it only weighs ~2 lbs Hope this helps!
the bag holds alot - i purposefully do not overload mine - the chest strap i find more handy than the waste strap and - some care needs to be taken when putting on starps is that it helps if they are very loose before tightening after finding optimum shoulder position
@@GearReviews thanks so much for the quick reply! Yeah, the recon is a bit too much and I think I'm gonna go with the borealis! Thanks so much for the help and you give very good reviews!
NOW THIS IS A BACKPACK REVIEW. CUT TO THE CHASE AND SHOW ME WHAT I WANT TO SEE! Ps: the north face should pay you bc you probably sold a lot of these for them
most comprehensive review on a backpack ive ever seen. i love it
Thanks! Glad it was helpful!
I'm sold! North Face should hire you.
Haha thanks! That would be pretty great
I love this dude, got me cracking throughout the whole video
Awesome! Glad to provide comedy and information.
Thanks for the review! I'm considering buying this pack, and now I'm almost 100% sure that I will!
No problem! Glad you liked it!
Zuzanna Składanowska same
BEST FRIGGIN REVIEW EVER
has 2 water bottles inside the bag OH shoot im going to the gym i need some extra water :D
I know! What a savage, thirsty human being
was searching for a video like this from half an hour, thanks for this!
Haha no problem!
I went on a 5 mile hike with mine in moderate rain. I had a small umbrella but it was pretty windy and its main job was keeping me dry. I was surprised when I got back that the bag was soaked throughout. Every compartment was significantly wet and the bag had to be hung up to dry. My guess would be that you should avoid prolonged exposure to rain but if you are caught in a drizzle walking to class you’ll be fine.
Hi, I fell into a waterfall in the UK with my current Borealis (pre this 2018 version) and I was amazed that the inside of the pack stayed completely dry. The new one sounds great...and since I managed to melt the side of mine on my motorbike exhaust, is looking like it will be replacement...once I decide on the colour.
Hey! That is amazing! I was shocked by the water test on mine, North Face have really stepped up their game recently! Yeah, I don't think it would fair too well against an exhaust pipe! I definitely recommend getting another, the colour choice is all yours though, thats the hardest part!
My advice is to ask in the live chat (on www.thenorthface.com) what material the colour your considering is made of, as they vary and some are not as durable. Mine is 420d nylon, others are polyester, which will rip easier.
Hope this helps!
What new one?
@@savanalange5938 The Clam shell version. Similar size.
Trevor Coates ty!
I just wanna say, the slapping of the backpack alone has convinced me to get this
Great thorough review with a lot of details that are hard to find out about - thanks!!
Happy to help!
Thanks for such a great review. You picked out and answered all the doubts I had for this bag 🙏🏾 Subscribed
Thanks! Glad it was helpful!
Ok I’m sold on this bag, I am getting one today. 2020 version. I want this for hiking, and gym hopefully this backpack can do 2 day hiking and camping trips. You are on of the best reviews.
What is the 2020 version called?
i just bought this too and this video made me even more excited when it comes lol, great video!!
Great to hear!
Had to turn in my old Borealis classic for warranty reasons and I could choose if i want again a classic or the new 2018 Borealis and now I'm super happy I chose the new one :)
I love the North Face warranty. But I'd say great choice, it is a stellar bag!
hey, thx for showing this.. a lot of people don't talk about stress test enough!
Though i want to ask of you, next time you want to test if a backpack (or literally anything) is waterproof, hold the showerhead centered above the backpack,not just on the front.
+ maybe 10-20 secs isnt enough, if you've ever walked half an hour through a downpour you'll know what I mean. Of course I do understand this is no 100% waterproof bag, but it would be nice to know where it's limits are. Your test was kinda like someone holds a waterbottle upside down for a few secs to enrage someone :D
It is very helpful to know how water resistent the bag is. Just a suggestion, next time you probably can use newspaper so it is more obvious. The blue towel you had in the main compartment made me thought inside is all wet :)
Glad we agree! Thank you, that is a stellar idea! I was trying to think of what showed water well!
Look out for newspaper in the next water test!
Great Video man, i was wondering which bag i was going to buy for college cause i've got a 15,6 inches laptop. Now i know which one thanks a lot for the help i just bought it :)
Awesome! Hope it works well for you!
Insanely helpful video
Thank you!
Just got mine today. Got it on sale for £60 and im over the moon. This review definitely sold me. Shame you didn't have an affiliate link haha
North face owes you
Wicked! That would be top but still happy to help!
@@poacher9118 You tell them for me!
Thanx for your efforts, mate! :)
No problem! Thanks for the love!
Excellent review👀👍
Simple carry around a small umbrella in one of the water bottle holders if you need extra water just attached it to a carabiner... I know I’m a genius
hi I’m a college student and I’m just done using jansport backpacks. They’re great but my back just can’t handle them anymore especially with my laptop. Thank you for the review (part 1 and 2) they were very in-depth and easy to follow along. I’ll probably get this one but have been also reading about the classic borealis. What are your thoughts on it?
Glad to hear it helped! That's what I aim to do!
I'm not the biggest fan of the throwback version. I think it's missing some of the key features that the new model has, like the new shoulder straps and I'm not sure if it has the laptop separate spot (in my opinion one of the best features!). So, I wouldn't buy it but that doesn't mean its not a good choice still, I'd say go to a TNF store and try it out in person!
Hope this helps!
Would you also recommend the recon backpack for school? Would be really helpful if answered
Yes I would, the recon is a fantastic bag!
Great review brother, can you do a review on jester vs recon vs borealis?
I have an old model recon that I could use and do the jester via pictures from the website? I'll try to figure something out! Right now I'm working on the basecamp duffel!
stellar review :)
Is the black version made from a different material than all the other colours though? Very helpful video btw!
PositiviTea Spill it’s the same material
So its the same material for almost all the colours, but there are a couple that have slightly different materials used, still a great bag all around.
how does the hole in the laptop compartment deal with all of this?
If I loose up the straps at the front can I make space bigger inside?
big thanx for review, I'm totally buy it now. it's 65quid on amazon now.
Thats a great deal! Glad I could help!
Wicked review. Subbed mate
Thanks man! Much appreciated!
Is there a vid like this for the jester backpack ?
Would you water test also North face router? Thanks
I could see if I find one on sale
Great review
My back feels better just looking at it on your back, I am somewhat small for my age so my backpack's straps are barely too long to hold the too to my back and it doesn't have a buckle between the straps either lol
Getting a backpack that fits is key!
That's a long walk through the water fall lol
Haha so very true
Nice vid. Hope you get more subscribers.
Thanks!
Does it suit a 15" Macbook, too?
Definitely! That is the laptop I have and it fits easily!
Will the side water pocket hold a 2 L water bottle? Thank you
Depends on the 2 L bottle, but probably, it holds a 1.5L yeti rambler water bottle.
@@GearReviews thanks for your response! Take care.
@@kirushanthrasasegar832 No problem, if you can try it in store that is always my recommendation.
hope you can test like this with The north face explore fuse box L
I don't have any plans to buy one of those backpacks, but if I stumble upon one I will give it a test.
Would you say the recon is equally as "waterproof"?
It would depend on the colour that you get as they use different material for different colours but it should be as water resistant as the borealis! Hope this helps!
@@GearReviews is there a good way to tell what material each colour is before ordering? They list a bunch of materials on the north face website but is doesn't update when you select different colours
@@coleeto2 In the past I've used North Face's live chat to ask which material the colour I'm thinking of ordering is made of!
Looking to buy this to start nursing school. Need quick reply because I’m looking to purchase tomorrow. Will it fit a 15.6” laptop??
It will fit a 15.6 laptop easily, I think it can also fit a 17.4 inch laptop as well.
It can definitely fit a 15.6 laptop, no problem at all. I wouldn't want to chance it with anything bigger as the other commenter said. Hope this helps! Hopefully the bag works for you!
@@GearReviews Thank you so much! I ordered it and hopefully get it quickly. This review totally sold me on this backpack. Gotta keep my laptop and med supplies dry!
@@Jrahe0609 TNF is fairly quick with shipping! Hope you like the bag!
@@GearReviews I bought from Ebags. It arrived in a shipping bag, and it has a bend in the back. I didn't realize how stiff the back of the bag is, and the curve is so great that it's falling over. Even put my laptop, college sized book, and some supplies in it to see if the weight would help it not fall over, but still does. Is a curve normal in the very back panel of the bag? It's really taking up room in the compartments of the bag. I wanted to love this.
Sadly I don't think their new packs that have that recycled material, hold up as well to water as the material they used before
I haven't looked at their new Borealis or Recon, but if that is the case that's unfortunate.
Should I get the Vault, Jester, Borealis or the Recon for school and college
All decent choices, depends on what you need and how much you're going to carry.
I have 3 binders. One 3 inch, 1.5 inch & 1 inch. Will all fit ??
I think they would, the main compartment is quite large. If you can go to a store and take a look I'd recommend checking first
Gear Reviews okay thanks !!
Hey what was the approximate weight after you loaded everything in the beginning of the video?
Hey, good question, I'm not completely sure, but it was probably around 10-20 pounds just as a ball park. It was not that heavy at all on my back though
Gear Reviews hey do you think this is gna be the same as the one you reviewed? This is borealis classic one. www.thenorthface.com/shop/equipment-backpacks-womens-backpacks/borealis-classic-cf9c?variationId=KZ3#hero=0
Does the bag have a flat bottom and stand up on its own?
It does not stand up on its own, it will fall over.
Is this the classic version or the "borealis pack", the newer version. If this is the newer version, can someone confirm if the classic is as water proof.
Hey! This is the newer version. I compared the product pages and they are made of similar material. But I can't say for certain it would be the same! Hope this helps!
@@GearReviews ty
Cool dude
Thanks!
brother, do you know if the TNF tourer is also waterproof?
I've never heard of that one, can you add a link?
It is www.amazon.com/North-Router-Daypack-Negro-T93ETUJK3/dp/B0764G6GHH/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?keywords=the+north+face+router&qid=1566469924&s=gateway&sr=8-2
Sadly can't get it in India
That is too bad!
@@GearReviews it is yeah, i can get it through some sites bt it costs double the price of the backpack so yeah :)
@@jatingupta7439 That is rough! Maybe you'll get lucky and find somewhere else or it'll go on sale!
Is this backpack too big for middle school
No I think it'd be good, all the binders and lunch bag would fit. If you see it in store that may help a little to decide, if you aren't set on it check out the Jester.
Can a binder fit in the laptop area ?
I would think so, not a giant one though!
Does the laptop touch the ground when you put the borealis on the floor? I like how the jester had a laptop compartment that was lifted from the bottom of the pack. Thank you 😊
Good question! The laptop compartment does not go to the bottom of the bag, it has space between the ground and the end of the laptop.
Hope this helps!
I have had lower back surgery so I was wondering is this a heavy bag?
Good question! The bag isn't heavy, I find the bag is not that heavy with a Macbook and everyday carry stuff inside. TNF bags are approved by the American Chiropractic Association so they are usually quite comfortable. If you're in doubt, go to a store and see how it feels, would by my recommendation! The site says it only weighs ~2 lbs
Hope this helps!
the bag holds alot - i purposefully do not overload mine - the chest strap i find more handy than the waste strap and - some care needs to be taken when putting on starps is that it helps if they are very loose before tightening after finding optimum shoulder position
Is it thermal also?
What do you mean?
i wash mine on the wasmachine now it has a hole in help me how to repair it.
Hmmm you may need to contact North Face and see if they can help you!
Great videos👌 More reviews👍👍👍
Thank you! I'm trying to get a more consistent publishing rate!
Review the IPhone XR
Haha, that is a bit pricey
Would you consider this backpack just right or too big for college?
I'd say this bag is a really good size for college, but if you have a heavier course load you may want to consider the Recon!
@@GearReviews thanks so much for the quick reply!
Yeah, the recon is a bit too much and I think I'm gonna go with the borealis!
Thanks so much for the help and you give very good reviews!
@@keithwatson1384 Glad to hear! Let me know how you like it! Happy to have helped!
sunny day after the rain, maybe? ded hahaha
NOW THIS IS A BACKPACK REVIEW. CUT TO THE CHASE AND SHOW ME WHAT I WANT TO SEE!
Ps: the north face should pay you bc you probably sold a lot of these for them
Haha thanks, that would be cool
7:27 😂😂😂
I can have my likes and my sub
I want to bay
you wasted a lot of water for this test.