7 Best North Face Bags for School in 2025

The Borealis isn’t just another backpack—it’s a daily driver engineered for endurance, blending smart ergonomics with rugged functionality. With its American Chiropractic Association-certified FlexVent suspension, articulated shoulder straps, and 360-degree reflective detailing, this pack tackles the toughest commutes while keeping your spine happy. The 28-liter capacity and bungee compression system make it ideal for students hauling books, laptops, and gym gear, offering versatile storage without sacrificing comfort—a rare win in the school backpack arena.

In real-world testing, the Borealis shines across environments: it handles rainy walks with its water-repellent finish, keeps 16″ laptops secure in a well-padded sleeve, and offers dual water bottle pockets that double as quick-access stash zones. The rounded back panel and soft chemise fabric prevent sweat buildup during long campus treks, while the removable waist belt adds stability when fully loaded. However, the laptop sleeve is slightly snug for bulkier models with cases, and the lack of a stand-up design means you’ll need a flat surface to fully unpack.

Compared to the Recon and Surge, the Borealis strikes a perfect balance between tech organization and wearability, making it the best overall choice for students who want one bag that does it all. It’s lighter than the Surge and more feature-rich than the Jester, with superior ventilation and safety features that outshine the minimalist Berkeley. If you need a reliable, all-terrain backpack that supports your back and your workflow, the Borealis delivers premium performance without overcomplicating the design—a step above in both comfort and capability.

Built like a backpacking pack for urban terrain, the Recon is the toughest contender in The North Face’s lineup—perfect for students who treat their gear like expedition equipment. Its 30-liter volume, recycled ripstop nylon construction, and daisy-chain attachment points scream durability, while the non-PFC DWR finish ensures rain won’t sabotage your textbooks or tech. The chiropractor-certified FlexVent system delivers long-haul comfort, making it a top pick for heavy book loads and long days between classes.

During extended use, the Recon proves its mettle: the spacious main compartment swallows binders, chargers, and a lunchbox with room to spare, while the 16″ laptop sleeve (one of the largest at 18.9″ long) accommodates oversized devices. The mesh water bottle pockets are deep enough to hold phones or small notebooks, adding unexpected utility. But the 2 lbs 9 oz weight makes it feel bulkier than rivals when empty, and the lack of a stand-up design means digging through the main compartment can be awkward in tight spaces like crowded lockers.

When stacked against the Borealis, the Recon trades a bit of agility for raw capacity and ruggedness—ideal for students hauling heavy gear or those who bike or walk long distances. It’s more durable than the Jester, more spacious than the Vault, and better ventilated than the Surge. If you prioritize maximum protection and long-term durability over featherlight carry, the Recon offers industrial-grade resilience with student-friendly organization—a beast built to last through semesters and seasons.

When storage is king, the Surge reigns supreme—boasting a 31-liter cavern that effortlessly swallows textbooks, folders, and even a change of clothes. This isn’t just a backpack; it’s a mobile locker with chiropractor-approved support, making it the best choice for students drowning in daily cargo. The stand-up design keeps the bag stable when open, while three front zippered pockets offer military-grade organization—perfect for quick-access items like calculators, pens, or transit cards.

In practice, the Surge excels at high-volume hauling: the padded laptop sleeve fits most 16″ models with ease, and the stretch mesh side pockets securely hold water bottles or umbrellas. The FlexVent system with lumbar panel provides excellent airflow during long walks, and the removable waist belt adds stability when fully loaded. However, the 2 lbs 12 oz weight is the heaviest in the lineup, and the front pockets, while numerous, can feel cluttered if not managed carefully—over-organizing can become a time sink between classes.

Against the Borealis, the Surge wins on pure capacity and layout, but sacrifices some refined ergonomics and sleekness. It’s more utilitarian than elegant, clearly designed for function over form. For students who carry multiple textbooks, lab gear, or sports equipment daily, the Surge delivers unmatched storage and rugged reliability—a no-nonsense workhorse that out-organizes and out-carries the competition, even if it’s not the lightest on the shoulder.

The Jester is the workhorse of value, delivering 80% of the Borealis’ performance at nearly half the cost—a game-changer for budget-conscious students. Don’t let the price fool you: it still packs the American Chiropractic Association-endorsed FlexVent system, a huge main compartment, and a stand-up design that makes packing and unpacking a breeze. With a 1 lb 10 oz weight, it’s one of the lightest full-featured packs in the lineup, making it ideal for younger students or those who hate back strain.

On campus, the Jester proves reliably spacious, fitting multiple textbooks and a 16″ laptop with room to spare. The dual water bottle pockets are deep and stretchy, doubling as quick-stash zones for masks or snacks. However, the laptop sleeve is shorter (12.75″), which may not fit thicker laptops with rugged cases, and the organization is more basic—fewer zip pockets than the Borealis or Surge. Still, for a sub-$80 backpack, it punches well above its weight in durability and comfort.

Compared to the Borealis, the Jester trims the fat on premium features but keeps the essentials: solid ergonomics, water resistance, and smart layout. It’s lighter than the Recon, more affordable than the Surge, and more practical than the Vault. For students who need a no-frills, dependable backpack that won’t break the bank, the Jester offers exceptional bang for the buck—a budget pick that doesn’t feel cheap.

The Vault is the lightest, leanest option in The North Face’s school lineup—perfect for students who prioritize mobility over mass storage. At just 1 lb 11 oz, it’s built for speed: darting between classrooms, hopping on bikes, or sprinting to catch the bus. The sleek, self-standing design gives it a modern edge, while the 27-liter volume is surprisingly efficient for daily essentials—laptop, notebook, water bottle, and a light jacket fit snugly.

In real use, the Vault shines for minimalist commuters: the padded 15″ laptop sleeve protects tech, and the streamlined front compartment keeps pens, keys, and phone neatly sorted. The FlexVent system still delivers solid airflow, though the lumbar support is less pronounced than on bulkier models. The two water bottle pockets are reliable, but the smaller main compartment means you’ll need to pack strategically—no room for extra binders or bulky gear.

Versus the Jester, the Vault is lighter and more stylish, but less spacious and less versatile. It’s not built for heavy loads, making it better suited for high schoolers or college students with digital-only coursework. If you want a sleek, low-profile backpack that’s easy on the back and sharp on campus, the Vault delivers lightweight efficiency with urban flair—ideal for those who carry less but demand quality.

Tailored for female students seeking comfort and proportion, the Women’s Jester delivers ergonomic precision with a shorter torso fit and contoured shoulder straps. The women-specific FlexVent system reduces pressure on narrower shoulders, making it noticeably more comfortable for all-day wear than unisex models. At 1 lb 8 oz, it’s the lightest in the lineup, and the 22-liter capacity is perfectly sized for essentials—laptop, planner, water bottle, and a sweater—without feeling oversized on smaller frames.

In daily use, the stand-up design makes loading effortless, and the front bungee system is great for jackets or yoga mats. The 16″ laptop sleeve fits standard models, though it’s tighter than the unisex Jester’s. The external water bottle pockets are slightly shallower, risking slippage if not fully zipped. Still, the simplified organization keeps things intuitive—no overthinking where your keys went.

Compared to the unisex Jester, it trades some volume for fit, making it ideal for high school and college women who want a backpack that fits their body, not just their budget. It’s more tailored than the Vault, lighter than the Borealis, and more purpose-built than the Recon. For students who want a thoughtfully designed, body-conscious pack, the Women’s Jester offers superior comfort and proportion without sacrificing durability—a standout in inclusive design.

The Berkeley is the minimalist’s dream—a sleek, vintage-inspired daypack that trades bulk for effortless style and sustainability. With a 16-liter capacity, it’s best for students who carry light: laptop, notebook, phone, and water bottle. Its crinkly, PFAS-free fabric and 75%+ recycled material build make it one of the most eco-conscious choices, perfect for environmentally aware students. The padded back panel and top handle ensure comfort and grab-and-go ease, while the external zip pocket keeps essentials secure.

In practice, the Berkeley excels as a class-to-class commuter—slim enough to slide under desks, light enough to forget you’re wearing it. The 16″ laptop sleeve fits most models, and the mesh pouches inside the main compartment add subtle organization. But the lack of sternum or waist straps means it can bounce during long walks, and the small volume rules out textbooks or binders. It’s not built for heavy academic loads—this is a lifestyle pack, not a workhorse.

Against the Vault, the Berkeley is more sustainable and stylish, but less supportive and less spacious. It’s ideal for high schoolers or college students with digital-only classes who value aesthetic and ethics over utility. If you want a clean, retro look with eco-cred, the Berkeley delivers minimalism with meaning—a quiet statement in a world of overstuffed backpacks.