I have had this bag for about 1 month, and right away, I actually had the same complaint about the organizational pocket. I dont even really have that much in there, but it is very bulky at the top. I was watching some reviews of this bag in hopes of falling in love with it, but I am glad to have been validated about this complaint. But I do hope to learn to love it.
I think the max would be a 15" for the laptop pocket. However, if you put it in the main area instead then it would fit. But then you lose the benefit of having the laptop pocket with the false bottom. Additionally, I am not sure if the men's version of this backpack is bigger; so it might fit in that version. I can say it definitely will not fit in the woman's backpack laptop pocket. Hope that helped. :)
Hmm, that’s a little hard to answer, because I think the Jester is all around great, I use it for hiking still. However, I cannot use the side pockets as the elastic is totally ruined. And when I travel, I prefer to have a laptop sleeve; which the Jester does not have. The material doesn’t seem to be as water resistant as the Borealis. So it’s not my favorite for traveling. I perhaps could do a video review of it, though I have the older version of the Jester.
Nice review. I have been using Borealis backpacks (men's version) for something like 20 years. I have never used the bungee cords though, because I feel like stuff will fall out. Your point about the front pocket only going down partway does not apply to the much older versions of the Borealis, from like 15 to 20 years ago (at least for the men's version). I still have two older Borealis backpacks with a front pocket and a middle pocket (where the pen holders are) that go all the way down to the bottom of the pack. The tradeoff is the older bags don't have a separate thinner laptop compartment against one's back, but a laptop can still be placed in these bags, particularly in the middle pocket. So, since that is the thing you dislike the most about the Borealis, my recommendation would be to find a vintage used Borealis, which you might like more. Recently I switched over to using a Recon backpack, which I think I like better than the Borealis, especially for everyday urban use. But I will probably continue to prefer the Borealis for hiking.
Thanks for the insights! Yea, I wonder why they changed that and made that pocket so weird. LOL The vintage Borealis sounds nice, I have the older Jester and it sounds somewhat similar to what you described. Though, I am looking for a backpack that has the laptop sleeve with a false bottom. I'll have to check out the Recon! 💖
@@madeoflovely It weirded me out too when I learned (years after the fact) that North Face pretty much changed the style of all their packs to no longer have the deep front pockets. I wonder what their reasoning was. But after a while, I got used to it with my newer style Recon, which I do like a lot. Regarding the false bottom for a laptop, this video compares exactly that difference between the Recon and Borealis (at 3:50 on the video): ruclips.net/video/3V93Pvzfi_k/видео.html This week I ordered a vintage Router with the super deep water bottle pockets, like the style shown in this video: ruclips.net/video/cfRn2-8qKXk/видео.html I am super excited to receive that in the mail soon. I found your channel from your backpack review, and ended up subscribing. Like pretty much everyone on this planet, I have had my share of relationship struggles and attachment wounds. I will check out your other content.
@@nathanjamesbaker Oooo thanks for sharing! I will definitely have to check that bag out. And thanks for subscribing! I hope that the things I share are helpful & impactful for you. ❤
@@madeoflovely Hey :)! I am also looking for a new backpack right now .. once you got a new one? Could you please review it again? That one was really helpful!
Yes. I have had no issues with fitting it under an airplane seat. However, you may always want to check with the airline what their under-seat luggage dimensions are.
Hmm, I don't remember it having that title when I purchased it - it was simply a color option on the site. But it looks like other stores like Dick's Sporting Goods are now indeed labeling it, "The North Face Women's Borealis Luxe Backpack".
Unfortunately, I don’t think 15.5” will fit in the laptop sleeve. Seemed like 15” would be the max. However, it would probably fit in the main compartment but that sort of defeats the purpose.
I think that it would depend on the type of items you are carrying. IMO the jester seemed more spacious even though I think they are the same liters. You'll have to assess whether you like more of an "open" bag (the jester), or more "condensed/compact" bag (borealis). Best of luck! 😁
Definitely the borealis I'm actually going through the same thing wether I should get the jester or borealis but the borealis has more compartments and zippers and more practical for school
@@hilos24 It has a slight impact, yes. The Unisex is 12” × 6.5” × 19.5" (30.5 ст x 16.5 cm x 49.5 cm), 28 liters, and laptop sleeve 13.75" x 11.25" (34.9 cm x 28.6cm). Whereas the Woman’s is: 11" × 5.75" x 18.75" (27.9 cm x 14.6 cm x 47.6 cm), 27 liters, and laptop sleeve12.5" X 11" (31.8 cm x 27.9 cm). It’s also 4oz lighter. So if you’re more petite the Woman’s will likely fit a little better.
who uses that and for what? I literally have never needed that. Why would I want to put a heavy backpack on a heavy cabing bag and try to pull even more weight with a single hand?
@@GalangPaabut why? I travel with backpacks without a luggage strap all the time and I literally never need or miss it. Why would I need such a useless feature?
@@groberti man, you dont get it. When I travel with my wife internationally, i bring suitcases, given 1 cabin suitcase roller, i can put my backpack on it securely with luggage pass thru. It is not a useless feature. If you push that it is useless, i would assume you never travel with lots on your hands. You try to travel with someone where you only manages all carry on, and do it internationally where your stay is 1 month.. hmmm, why am i explaining to you,
@@GalangPaabecause we are having a conversation, I asked and I am interested in your use case :D IMHO these backpacks, like the Borealis are meant for using them on your back. So in such cases you would never really put it on top of your cabin bag, you'd keep it on your back. I think this is the intention. Plus your back is stronger can can carry more weight more effectively
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
I have had this bag for about 1 month, and right away, I actually had the same complaint about the organizational pocket. I dont even really have that much in there, but it is very bulky at the top. I was watching some reviews of this bag in hopes of falling in love with it, but I am glad to have been validated about this complaint. But I do hope to learn to love it.
Thank you for the video. I'm convinced and will buy this model.
Really nice review thank you. I have a question do you think the laptop compartment would fit a 17” laptop?
I think the max would be a 15" for the laptop pocket. However, if you put it in the main area instead then it would fit. But then you lose the benefit of having the laptop pocket with the false bottom. Additionally, I am not sure if the men's version of this backpack is bigger; so it might fit in that version. I can say it definitely will not fit in the woman's backpack laptop pocket. Hope that helped. :)
You mentioned you also have the jester. Which of the two would you say you like better?
Hmm, that’s a little hard to answer, because I think the Jester is all around great, I use it for hiking still. However, I cannot use the side pockets as the elastic is totally ruined. And when I travel, I prefer to have a laptop sleeve; which the Jester does not have. The material doesn’t seem to be as water resistant as the Borealis. So it’s not my favorite for traveling. I perhaps could do a video review of it, though I have the older version of the Jester.
Nice review. I have been using Borealis backpacks (men's version) for something like 20 years. I have never used the bungee cords though, because I feel like stuff will fall out.
Your point about the front pocket only going down partway does not apply to the much older versions of the Borealis, from like 15 to 20 years ago (at least for the men's version). I still have two older Borealis backpacks with a front pocket and a middle pocket (where the pen holders are) that go all the way down to the bottom of the pack. The tradeoff is the older bags don't have a separate thinner laptop compartment against one's back, but a laptop can still be placed in these bags, particularly in the middle pocket.
So, since that is the thing you dislike the most about the Borealis, my recommendation would be to find a vintage used Borealis, which you might like more.
Recently I switched over to using a Recon backpack, which I think I like better than the Borealis, especially for everyday urban use. But I will probably continue to prefer the Borealis for hiking.
Thanks for the insights! Yea, I wonder why they changed that and made that pocket so weird. LOL The vintage Borealis sounds nice, I have the older Jester and it sounds somewhat similar to what you described. Though, I am looking for a backpack that has the laptop sleeve with a false bottom. I'll have to check out the Recon! 💖
@@madeoflovely It weirded me out too when I learned (years after the fact) that North Face pretty much changed the style of all their packs to no longer have the deep front pockets. I wonder what their reasoning was. But after a while, I got used to it with my newer style Recon, which I do like a lot.
Regarding the false bottom for a laptop, this video compares exactly that difference between the Recon and Borealis (at 3:50 on the video): ruclips.net/video/3V93Pvzfi_k/видео.html
This week I ordered a vintage Router with the super deep water bottle pockets, like the style shown in this video: ruclips.net/video/cfRn2-8qKXk/видео.html I am super excited to receive that in the mail soon.
I found your channel from your backpack review, and ended up subscribing. Like pretty much everyone on this planet, I have had my share of relationship struggles and attachment wounds. I will check out your other content.
@@nathanjamesbaker Oooo thanks for sharing! I will definitely have to check that bag out. And thanks for subscribing! I hope that the things I share are helpful & impactful for you. ❤
@@madeoflovely Hey :)! I am also looking for a new backpack right now .. once you got a new one? Could you please review it again? That one was really helpful!
@@psyrene4894 Yes, I most definitely will!
does it fit the hydroflask 40 oz in the side bottle pocket?
Yes, it does. (As you can see it @ 03:44)
do you think this is good for an underseat backpack? I’m just worried they won’t let me on with it!
Yes. I have had no issues with fitting it under an airplane seat. However, you may always want to check with the airline what their under-seat luggage dimensions are.
How deep is the second pocket with all the other smaller pockets?
Approx. 10" deep. The more things you put in there, the harder it is to access the pockets as the "stretch" ability is not great.
@@madeoflovely Dang. I might get the Retcon and add a bungee cord to it. Best of both worlds.
is this the luxe one? with the rose gold zippers and logos?
Hmm, I don't remember it having that title when I purchased it - it was simply a color option on the site. But it looks like other stores like Dick's Sporting Goods are now indeed labeling it, "The North Face Women's Borealis Luxe Backpack".
Very nice review . May I ask where your eating are from ? Thanks xx
My earrings are from Caitlyn Minimalist on Etsy! You can find them here go.madeoflovely.com/chunky-jade-hoop 💖
Hi, I have a doubt, it can fit a MacBook with 15'5 ?
Unfortunately, I don’t think 15.5” will fit in the laptop sleeve. Seemed like 15” would be the max. However, it would probably fit in the main compartment but that sort of defeats the purpose.
I’m currently in high school and carry mid-heavy items. Do you recommend the borealis or jester for school? Love your video btw! ❤
I think that it would depend on the type of items you are carrying. IMO the jester seemed more spacious even though I think they are the same liters. You'll have to assess whether you like more of an "open" bag (the jester), or more "condensed/compact" bag (borealis). Best of luck! 😁
@@madeoflovely Tysm! I decided to purchase the jester :))
Definitely the borealis I'm actually going through the same thing wether I should get the jester or borealis but the borealis has more compartments and zippers and more practical for school
Is this the Lux or the regular Borealis?
I believe this is now considered the Lux. I don't remember it having that title at the time I purchased it.
Check out the Osprey Nebula 32L. It corrects all the NFB flaws. :)
Thanks for the info. I'll check it out! Do you happen to know if that pack has the water bladder hook & hose hole?
Do you think this would be suitable, space-wise, for a 7th grade girl to use for school?
I'm not sure as I don't know what kids have to bring to school now-a-days. But it seems like a couple of folders could fit in the main compartment.
It is the male version or the female version?
It's the smaller version (Female)
Does it have a big impact on the size if its male or female? @madeoflovely
@@hilos24 It has a slight impact, yes. The Unisex is 12” × 6.5” × 19.5" (30.5 ст x 16.5
cm x 49.5 cm), 28 liters, and laptop sleeve 13.75" x 11.25" (34.9 cm x 28.6cm). Whereas the Woman’s is: 11" × 5.75" x 18.75" (27.9 cm x 14.6 cm x 47.6 cm), 27 liters, and laptop sleeve12.5" X 11" (31.8 cm x 27.9 cm). It’s also 4oz lighter. So if you’re more petite the Woman’s will likely fit a little better.
参考にさせていただきます。
I'm happy to have helped. :)
no luggage pass-through. ouch
who uses that and for what? I literally have never needed that. Why would I want to put a heavy backpack on a heavy cabing bag and try to pull even more weight with a single hand?
@@groberti if u look at it as travel backpack then yes, as luggage strap is a must.
@@GalangPaabut why? I travel with backpacks without a luggage strap all the time and I literally never need or miss it. Why would I need such a useless feature?
@@groberti man, you dont get it. When I travel with my wife internationally, i bring suitcases, given 1 cabin suitcase roller, i can put my backpack on it securely with luggage pass thru. It is not a useless feature. If you push that it is useless, i would assume you never travel with lots on your hands. You try to travel with someone where you only manages all carry on, and do it internationally where your stay is 1 month.. hmmm, why am i explaining to you,
@@GalangPaabecause we are having a conversation, I asked and I am interested in your use case :D IMHO these backpacks, like the Borealis are meant for using them on your back. So in such cases you would never really put it on top of your cabin bag, you'd keep it on your back. I think this is the intention. Plus your back is stronger can can carry more weight more effectively