THE NORTH FACE Borealis Laptop Backpack, 28L Review
A 28 liter Borealis laptop backpack from The North Face in TNF Black, with a padded laptop and tablet sleeve, a chiropractor-certified FlexVent suspension system, and a removable waist belt for hiking.
| Brand | The North Face |
|---|---|
| Model | Borealis |
| Capacity | 28 liters |
| Dimensions | 19.5 x 12 x 6.5 inches |
| Weight | About 2 lbs 5 oz |
| Laptop sleeve | 13.75 x 11.25 inches |
| Best for | Buyers wanting a 28 liter work and travel backpack with ergonomic support and a padded laptop sleeve |
Product Overview
This is the Borealis backpack from The North Face in TNF Black, holding 28 liters with a bungee cord system for external storage and compression.
The North Face finishes the bag with a non-PFC durable water-repellent coating for added weather protection.
Score Breakdown
This verdict is based on the manufacturer's stated specifications, the current Amazon listing and its product images, the confirmed materials and design, real buyer ratings, and our research into the product category. Scores are consistent editorial judgments, not laboratory measurements, and we did not receive a paid sample.
Key Features
ACA-certified articulated straps and rounded back panel.
13.75x11.25 in laptop sleeve, 11.2x10.6 in tablet sleeve.
Fits most 1 liter bottles with quick-draw phone access.
Custom fit for hiking and longer carries.
Non-PFC coating for weather protection.
Design and Build Quality
The bag measures 19.5 inches tall, 12 inches wide and 6.5 inches deep, and weighs about 2 pounds 5 ounces on average. It includes a 13.75 by 11.25 inch padded laptop sleeve and an 11.2 by 10.6 inch tablet sleeve fitting most 11 inch tablets.
The FlexVent suspension system is certified by the American Chiropractic Association, using articulated shoulder straps, a rounded back panel, stitch lines and soft chemise fabric for all-day support.
Performance in Everyday Use
The North Face states 2 external water bottle pockets fit most 1 liter bottles, with quick-draw phone access on one side, plus a front compartment with zip pockets and a fleece-lined pocket for sunglasses or keys. A removable waist belt, a sternum strap with a whistle buckle, and 360-degree reflective details round out the carry and safety features. The brand states the bag is not intended for use by children 12 and under.
How It Performs: The Evidence
| Decision factor | What we found | Evidence and measurement | Score | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 28 liters | Listing title states 28L Work & Travel Bag | 8.4 | A stated capacity confirms the real packing volume |
| Suspension system | FlexVent, ACA certified | Listing states Certified by the American Chiropractic Association, our FlexVent suspension system | 8.7 | A named certification confirms the ergonomic support claim |
| Laptop sleeve size | 13.75 x 11.25 inches | Listing states Laptop Sleeve: 13.75" x 11.25" | 8.2 | A stated sleeve size confirms real laptop compatibility |
| Dimensions | 19.5 x 12 x 6.5 inches | Listing states Dimensions: 12" x 6.5" x 19.5" | 7.8 | Named dimensions confirm the real external footprint |
| Weight | About 2 lbs 5 oz | Listing states Avg Weight: 2lbs 5oz | 7.7 | A stated average weight confirms how portable the empty bag is |
| Age guidance | Not for children 12 and under | Listing states this item is not intended for use by children 12 and under | 7.6 | A stated age guidance confirms a real usage limit from the brand |
Who Should Buy It
- Daily commuting with a laptop and tablet
- Travel and work bag needing organized pockets
- Light hiking with a removable waist belt
- Buyers wanting ergonomic, certified shoulder support
- Carrying water bottles in dedicated side pockets
- Children 12 and under, per the brand's own stated usage guidance
- At 28 liters, it suits day trips and commuting rather than multi-day expeditions
- Not intended for use by children 12 and under, per the brand
- Only available in this TNF Black colorway in this listing
- Bungee cord external storage adds bulk if used for larger loads
Full Specifications
How It Compares
| Feature | The North Face | Typical option | Higher-tier option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension system | ACA-certified FlexVent system | Basic, uncertified shoulder straps | Comparable certified suspension system |
| Laptop sleeve | 13.75 x 11.25 inch padded sleeve | Unpadded or smaller sleeve | Comparable padded laptop sleeve |
| Waist belt | Removable waist belt included | No waist belt | Comparable removable waist belt |
| Water resistance | Non-PFC DWR finish | No water-repellent treatment | Comparable DWR finish |
| Capacity | 28 liters | Smaller daypack capacity | Comparable 28 liter capacity |
| Safety details | Sternum strap with whistle, reflective trim | No safety accessories | Comparable safety-focused details |
Alternatives Worth a Look
The North Face's Borealis combines a 28 liter capacity, a certified FlexVent suspension system, padded laptop and tablet sleeves, and a removable waist belt in a water-repellent finish. It suits buyers wanting an ergonomic work and travel backpack, with the main tradeoff being its mid-size capacity versus a larger expedition pack.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the backpack's capacity?
28 liters.
What laptop size does it fit?
A 13.75 by 11.25 inch padded sleeve.
Does it have a waist belt?
Yes, a removable one for a custom fit.
Is the suspension system certified?
Yes, by the American Chiropractic Association.
How many water bottle pockets does it have?
Two, fitting most 1 liter bottles.
What color is it?
TNF Black/TNF Black-NPF.
This review is based on The North Face's stated dimensions, suspension system and included features for this specific listing. It is editorial analysis of the specifications as described, not independent load-carrying or long-term durability testing of this specific backpack.