Ever feel weighed down, wishing your backpack could do more? Imagine exploring a new city or hitting your favorite trail with gear that just *works*. North Face makes tons of daypacks, each looking a little different but promising adventure.
Choosing the perfect North Face daypack can feel like a puzzle. Do you need space for snacks or just a laptop? Should it be light or tough enough for rough hikes? We know it’s tough to pick the right one when all the features blur together. You want comfort, durability, and the right size, but finding that sweet spot is tricky.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the top North Face daypacks so you can see exactly which one fits your life best. Get ready to stop guessing and start packing smarter.
Top North Face Daypack Recommendations
- CLASSIC MINI BACKPACK: Meet the Borealis Mini, the scaled-down, 10 liter version (8.65" x 4.15" x 13.5") of our much-loved travel classic. Still featuring the iconic front bungee system of its sibling, the mini carries a smaller load for city life.
- DURABLE CARRY: This mini backpack is made from tough, abrasion resistant fabric with a non-PFC Water Repellent coating. The padded top handle and tough U-pull YKK zippers are easy to grab and use on the go.
- SMART ORGANIZATION: Featuring external bungee-compression, the 10 liter main compartment has zippered mesh pockets for small valuables, plus a padded tablet sleeve for your device. 2 durable water bottle sleeves double as quick-access smartphone pockets.
- EXPLORATION WITHOUT COMPROMISE: Easily find our most sustainable products with this badge. To qualify, apparel, equipment, and accessories must be made with 75% or greater recycled, regenerative, and/or responsibly sourced renewable materials by weight.
- TECH SPECS: Dimensions: 8.65" x 4.15" x 13.5" (22 cm x 10.5 cm x 34.3 cm); Avg Weight: 12 oz; Volume: 10 Liters; This item is not intended for use by children 12 and under.
- MINIMALIST DESIGN. Designed with our outdoor heritage in mind, this minimalist daypack efficiently carries your belongings and has a vintage-feel fabric. A water-repellent finish and side water bottle pockets help keep your valuables dry and you hydrated.
- COMFORTABLE CARRY. Featuring crinkly face fabric with a vintage texture, this stylish backpack is easy to wear anywhere. A padded back panel makes it easy to use for a long time, while the top handle lets you effortlessly move through any environment.
- TOTAL ORGANIZATION. A spacious main compartment has two organizational mesh pouches and a dedicated 16" laptop sleeve, while an external zip pocket keeps your valuables protected.
- EXPLORATION WITHOUT COMPROMISE. Easily find our most sustainable products with this badge. To qualify, apparel, equipment, and accessories must be made with 75% or greater recycled, regenerative, and/or responsibly sourced renewable materials by weight.
- TECH SPECS. Dimensions: 11.81" x 5.51" x 16" (29.9 cm x 13.9 cm x 40 cm); Laptop Sleeve: 15.25" x 11"; Avg Weight: 1 lb 6.4 oz; Volume: 16 Liters. This item is not intended for use by children 12 and under.
- EVERYDAY CARRY: Our classic Jester pack has a huge main compartment for all your travel essentials, padded laptop & tablet sleeves, grab handles, plus a stand-up design for easy loading & unloading.
- ERGONOMIC SUPPORT: Endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association, FlexVent suspension system features a flexible yoke built from molded and flexible shoulder straps, a padded mesh back panel and a breathable lumbar panel for ventilated support.
- WATER REPELLENT: Made from tough, recycled polyester fabric, keep your valuables protected with a non-PFC Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish. Whether you're commuting, traveling or hitting the trail, this daypack has you set.
- SMART ORGANIZATION: The front compartment has an extra padded 16" laptop sleeve and zip pockets for additional protection. 2 water bottle pockets double as multi-use pockets to quickly secure essentials when you're crossing the quad.
- TECH SPECS: Dimensions: 11" x 8.25" x 18.13" (27.9cm x 21cm x 46.1cm); Laptop Sleeve: 12.75" x 11" (32.4cm x 27.9cm); Avg Weight: 1 lb 10 oz; Volume: 28 Liters; This item is not intended for use by children 12 and under.
- EVERYDAY READY. Built for the sophisticated city goer, the Women's Never Stop Daypack stylishly carries your laptop, tablet and more for days around town or at the office.
- COMFORTABLE CARRY. The women-specific, padded shoulder straps and back panel allow you to comfortably carry this backpack for hours. Easily attach to luggage for rolling through the airport.
- ORGANIZED DESIGN. A large main compartment holds bigger items while maintaining essential storage features with internal mesh pockets and a tablet sleeve. On the outside, it has two water bottle pockets a secure-zip pocket for holding quick-access items.
- EVERYDAY UTILITY. This bag holds all your books for a day out and contains a padded 16" laptop sleeve to protect your computer from bumps and falls. Top handles snap together for easy grabbing.
- TECH SPECS. Dimensions: 11" x 17.3" x 5.9". Laptop Sleeve: 11" x 11.4". Volume: 20 Liters. Avg Weight: 1lb 9 oz. This item is not intended for use by children 12 and under.
- ADVENTURE READY. Sure to become your favorite pack for traveling, the Base Camp Voyager Daypack has plenty of organization while being lightweight, portable and built for daily use.
- COMFORTABLE CARRY. Shoulder straps and back panels are padded for all-day use. With a Durable Water-Repellent (DWR) finish, this daypack is ready for use even in adverse conditions thanks to our iconic abrasion-resistant Base Camp Voyager fabric.
- ORGANIZED DESIGN. A spacious central compartment holds your bigger items, while the padded, fleece-lined 16" laptop sleeve makes sure your PC is protected. Large, external zippered pockets offer ample room to store headphones and other electronics.
- OUTDOOR VERSATILITY. Never Stop Exploring with thoughtful features that help you go further — 360-degree reflectivity helps keep you visible in low light conditions, while two external water bottle pockets make sure hydration is nearby.
- TECH SPECS. Dimensions: 11.2" x 5.1" x 18.1" (28.5 cm x 13 cm x 46 cm); Laptop Sleeve: 11.2" x 18.1"; Avg Weight: 2 lbs 9 oz; Volume: 26 L; This item is not intended for use by children 12 and under.
- EVERYDAY CARRY: Delivering simplified organization, the Lichen Daypack is perfect for commuting, workdays, gym visits and day-trips while vacationing. Easy to carry, while boasting ample storage, this laptop pack has reflective details for visibility.
- CHIROPRACTOR APPROVED: The updated FlexVent suspension system has articulated shoulder straps, a rounded back panel, stitch lines for comfort and soft-touch chemise fabric, all certified by the American Chiropractic Association.
- STASH & GO: An exclusive center-front vertical zipper gives simplified access to your essentials stored in an easy to reach pouch. Stretch-mesh pockets, alongside the 2 water bottle pockets, stash your chapstick, gum or wallet for easy access on the fly.
- STORAGE & VERSATILITY: The large main compartment has a padded 16" laptop sleeve, while the front pocket has additional internal pockets for organizing your valuables. Adjustable sternum straps and a padded top handle help you carry this backpack.
- TECH SPECS: Dimensions: 18.11" x 11.02" x 8.66" (46 cm x 28 cm x 22 cm); Volume: 28 Liters. This item is not intended for use by children 12 and under.
- GO-TO CLASSIC: The iconic Recon excels as a day pack with its large mesh storage compartment, daisy-chain attachment points, and an easy-to-reach fleece-lined external pocket that can hold your sunglasses, keys, wallet, or other travel essentials.
- CHIROPRACTOR APPROVED: The updated FlexVent suspension system has articulated shoulder straps, a rounded back panel, stitch lines for comfort and soft-touch chemise fabric, all certified by the American Chiropractic Association.
- WATER REPELLENT: Made from tough, recycled nylon ripstop fabric, keep your valuables protected with a non-PFC Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish. Whether you're commuting, traveling or hitting the trail, this daypack has you set.
- MAXIMUM STORAGE: The large main compartment secures all your essentials for long days, while the dedicated 16" laptop sleeve protects your computer from bumps & falls. 2 external mesh water bottle pockets can carry your phone in a pinch.
- TECH SPECS: Dimensions: 11.6" x 7.5" x 19.3" (29.5 cm x 19.1 cm x 49 cm); Laptop Sleeve: 18.9" x 11"; Avg Weight: 2 lbs 9 oz; Volume: 30 Liters. This item is not intended for use by children 12 and under.
- EVERYDAY COMMUTING. Ultra-durable and super-functional, the 26-liter Explore Fusebox—L pack hauls everything you need to cruise through the city, whether you're on two wheels, four, or on foot.
- COMFORTABLE CARRY. Padded shoulder straps and two tote handles with metal snaps allow for comfortable and convenient all-day carry. The stylish daisy-chain webbing allows for a variety of carrying options
- TOTAL ORGANIZATION. This pack's rectangular, top-loading, zippered main compartment holds essentials for a day in the city. A fleece-lined 15" laptop sleeve protects your laptop from bumps and falls.
- DURABLE DESIGN. Burly Base Camp material makes this pack both durable and stylish. Start living your outdoor lifestyle while proudly wearing the badge of exploration with The North Face.
- TECH SPECS. Dimensions: 12.5" x 7.5" x 18.5" (32 cm x 19 cm x 47 cm); Laptop Sleeve: 14.25" x 12"; Avg Weight: 2 lbs 4 oz; Volume: 26 L. This item is not intended for use by children 12 and under
The Ultimate North Face Daypack Buying Guide
Choosing the right North Face daypack makes a big difference for your adventures. These backpacks are famous for being tough and useful. This guide helps you pick the perfect one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
A good daypack should match how you plan to use it. Think about what you will carry every day.
Capacity and Size
- Volume (Liters): Daypacks usually range from 15L to 30L. A 20L pack is great for school or short hikes. A 30L pack holds more gear for longer trips or if you pack extra layers.
- Laptop Sleeve: If you commute, look for a padded sleeve. This protects your computer from bumps.
Comfort and Support
- Back Panel: North Face often uses breathable mesh panels. This keeps your back cool when you sweat.
- Shoulder Straps: Straps should be padded well. Adjustable sternum straps (chest strap) and hip belts help spread the weight evenly.
Organization and Access
- Pockets: Look for multiple compartments. Quick-access pockets on the outside are very handy for water bottles or phones.
- Zipper Quality: Strong, smooth-pulling zippers are essential. YKK zippers are often a sign of high quality.
Important Materials That Matter
The material decides how long your pack lasts and how heavy it feels.
Durability and Water Resistance
- Nylon and Polyester: Most North Face packs use durable nylon or polyester fabrics. These materials resist tearing well.
- Denier Count (D): This number tells you how thick the fabric is. A higher denier (like 600D) means the fabric is tougher but slightly heavier. For everyday use, 300D to 450D is usually perfect.
- Water Repellency: Many packs have a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish. This makes light rain bead up and roll off. Know that DWR is not the same as being fully waterproof.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Small details really change how good a backpack feels to use.
Quality Boosters
- Reinforced Stress Points: Where straps attach to the bag, strong stitching makes the pack last longer under heavy loads.
- Internal Frame Sheet: For larger daypacks, a thin internal frame helps the bag keep its shape, even when it’s not full.
Quality Reducers
- Thin Webbing: If the straps used to tighten the bag feel flimsy, they might break quickly.
- Cheap Zippers: Flimsy zippers often snag or break after a few months of heavy use.
User Experience and Use Cases
Consider where you will take your pack most often.
Hiking and Outdoors
If you hike, choose a pack with a hydration sleeve for a water bladder. Side mesh pockets must securely hold large water bottles. Look for loops outside to clip on trekking poles.
School and Commuting
For city use, focus on organization. You need easy access to chargers and notebooks. A sleek, less bulky design often looks better in professional settings.
Travel
When traveling, a pack that fits easily under an airplane seat is a huge plus. Look for clamshell openings (packs that open like a suitcase) for easier packing.
North Face Daypack Buying FAQs
Q: How do I clean my North Face daypack?
A: You should spot clean it first with mild soap and a soft brush. Never put it in a washing machine or dryer. Air dry it completely away from direct sun.
Q: Are North Face daypacks good for carrying heavy books?
A: Yes, many models handle heavy loads well, especially those with padded shoulder straps and a supportive back panel. Make sure the laptop sleeve is well padded if you carry electronics.
Q: What is the difference between a daypack and a hiking pack?
A: A dedicated hiking pack usually has more features for the trail, like sternum straps, hip belts, and specialized loops for gear. A daypack is simpler and better for daily tasks.
Q: Do most North Face daypacks have a rain cover?
A: Some larger models include a built-in, stowable rain cover. Check the product description carefully, as smaller commuter packs often do not include one.
Q: How do I choose the right size for my torso?
A: Many daypacks are “one size fits most.” However, for better comfort, look for adjustable packs. Measure the distance from your neck’s base to your waistline; this helps compare to sizing charts if available.
Q: What does “FlexVent” mean on a North Face pack?
A: FlexVent is a specific suspension system used by The North Face. It means the pack uses injection-molded shoulder straps and a breathable mesh back panel for superior comfort and airflow.
Q: Is a 25L pack too big for just daily use?
A: It depends on what you carry. If you only carry a lunch and a notebook, 25L might feel bulky. If you carry gym clothes, lunch, and a laptop, 25L offers great space.
Q: Are North Face packs heavy on their own?
A: Most modern daypacks are quite light, usually weighing between 1.5 and 2.5 pounds. The heavier a pack is empty, the more robust the frame and materials usually are.
Q: Can I use a daypack as a carry-on bag on a plane?
A: Yes, most daypacks under 30L easily fit within standard airline carry-on limits. Always check your specific airline’s size rules before flying.
Q: How durable is the warranty?
A: The North Face offers a strong limited lifetime warranty that covers manufacturing defects. This shows they stand behind the quality of their materials and construction.