How big is the north face borealis backpack

Recommendation: If you need a daily carry that stores a 15″ laptop, a change of clothes, a water bottle and a small camera while remaining airline carry-on friendly, choose this 28‑liter commuter rucksack.

Declared capacity: 28 L. External dimensions approximately 50 cm × 30 cm × 18 cm (height × width × depth), roughly 19.7″ × 11.8″ × 7.1″. Empty weight about 1.1 kg (≈2.4 lb). Main compartment holds roughly 18–20 L, secondary/front organizer ~6–8 L, two stretch side pockets each ~1 L.

Internal layout: padded sleeve fits laptops up to 15″ (measured diagonal), separate tablet sleeve, front panel with key clip and pen pockets, and a small zipped pocket for phone or wallet. Compression straps on the sides reduce depth by ~2–3 cm when lightly loaded. Shoulder straps include a sternum strap; removable hipbelt is slim and intended for short transfers rather than heavy loads.

Top Rated

THE NORTH FACE Borealis Laptop Backpack

Comfortable design for everyday commuting.

This versatile laptop backpack features a water-repellent finish and ergonomic support, making it ideal for daily use. Enjoy organized storage with multiple compartments, including a padded sleeve for your laptop.

$99.00 at Amazon.com

Amazon price updated: October 2, 2025 1:13 am

Practical packing guidance: place the laptop against the back panel, heavier items low and close to the spine, gym shoes or wet items in the front pocket or a waterproof sac. Expect comfortable daily carry for loads up to 8–10 kg; for sustained hiking or multi‑day use choose a purpose-built larger pack. Carry-on compatibility: fits most airline overhead bins and under-seat limits for domestic flights when not overpacked.

Size and capacity details

Recommendation: opt for 28L for daily commuting, school, gym; choose 34L for overnight trips or heavier gear.

• Volume: 28L (standard), 34L (large)
• External dimensions – 28L: approx 46 x 30 x 18 cm (18 x 12 x 7 in); 34L: approx 50 x 33 x 20 cm (19.5 x 13 x 8 in)
• Empty weight – 28L: ~1.0 kg (2.2 lb); 34L: ~1.2 kg (2.6 lb)
• Laptop sleeve – fits up to 15″ laptop in padded compartment; separate tablet sleeve for up to 10″
• Torso fit – adjustable harness suitable for torso lengths roughly 40–60 cm (16–24 in)
• Pockets & organization – main compartment with divider, front shove-it pocket with bungee, two external stretch bottle sleeves, zippered front utility pocket with mesh organizer
• Carry rules – 28L qualifies as personal item for most airlines; 34L commonly allowed as carry-on but check carrier size limits
• Load examples:
  • Daily commute (28L): 15″ laptop, charger, lunchbox, water bottle, light jacket → fills ~60–75%
  • Two-day trip (34L): change of clothes, toiletries, lightweight sleeping layer, 1L water, small towel → fills ~85%
  • Gym + work (28L): shoes in shoe bag, gym clothes, towel, laptop → fills ~80%
• Material & durability – polyester blend with reinforced base; water-resistant exterior coating; YKK or equivalent zippers
• Practical tips:
  1. For daily carry with bulky lunch or camera kit choose 34L.
  2. For minimal everyday load choose 28L for better balance and less shoulder swing.
  3. Use compression straps and front bungee to stabilize taller loads and reduce pack movement.

Exterior dimensions (height × width × depth) in inches and centimeters

Recommendation: Regular model measures 18.5 × 11.75 × 8.5 in (47 × 30 × 22 cm); Large model measures 20.5 × 13 × 8.75 in (52 × 33 × 22 cm).

Measurements refer to external shell: height from base to top of main zipper; width across front panel at widest point; depth at base including side pockets. Straps and sternum clip excluded from height figure.

Quick specs

Packing implications

Regular fits up to 15 in laptop sleeve; Large accommodates up to 16 in. Regular suits daily commute and most airline under-seat limits; Large better for overnight trips or when extra layers required.

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Pack volume in liters and common load examples

Choose a 28 L daypack for daily commute and light overnight trips; pick a 26 L women’s-fit option for shorter torso length and slimmer silhouette.

Volume breakdown

Capacity label: 28 L (women’s-fit: 26 L). Typical internal split: laptop sleeve ~3–4 L; main compartment ~18–20 L usable; front-organizer pocket ~1–2 L; side mesh pockets combined ~1.5–2 L. Foam backpanel, frame sheet and padding consume about 1–2 L of claimed capacity, so bulky items will reduce usable volume more than slim items.

Common load examples

Commuter load (approx. 12–15 L used): 15″ laptop in sleeve (3–4 L), charger + mouse (0.5–1 L), water bottle in side pocket (1–1.5 L), lunchbox or meal container (2–3 L), lightweight jacket or sweater (2–3 L), A4 notebook + pens (0.5 L), small toiletries pouch (0.5 L). Fits comfortably within 28 L with room for daily extras.

Light overnight load (approx. 20–24 L used): packed outfit (2 shirts, underwear, socks) folded into main compartment (~4–6 L), lightweight down jacket or fleece (~2–3 L), travel-size wash kit (~1 L), sneakers or sandals (~3–4 L if packed), electronics + cords (~1–2 L), laptop in sleeve. 28 L handles one-night trip for minimalist packers; 26 L can work if footwear and clothing are compact.

Dayhike load (approx. 10–16 L used): water reservoir or two bottles (~2–3 L), rain shell (~1–2 L), snacks + lunch (~1–2 L), first-aid + small tool kit (~0.5–1 L), map + small camera (~1 L). Use side compression to stabilize load and keep bulky items low and close to back for comfort.

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Laptop and tablet compatibility by screen size and sleeve measurements

Recommendation: use a slim protective sleeve ≤0.6 in (15 mm) thickness for snug fit; devices with screen diagonals up to 15″ (max device footprint ~14.2 x 9.6 in / 36.1 x 24.4 cm) slide into dedicated padded sleeve; 16″ laptops (footprint up to 14.5 x 10.2 in / 36.8 x 25.9 cm) fit only inside main compartment with no guarantee of full padding coverage.

Measurement method

Measure device width × height × depth with protective case on. Measure interior sleeve usable space from top seam to bottom seam and from side seam to side seam. Allow 0.3–0.6 in (8–15 mm) clearance for easy insertion and removal. If using a hard-shell case, add 0.2–0.4 in (5–10 mm) to depth measurement before comparing with sleeve internal depth.

Fit examples and practical tips

11″ tablets / small laptops: device footprint up to 10.0 × 7.5 in (25.4 × 19.0 cm); fit into sleeve with internal dimensions ≥10.5 × 8.0 in (26.7 × 20.3 cm).

12.9″ tablets (iPad Pro 12.9): device footprint ~11.0 × 8.5 in (27.9 × 21.6 cm); fit into sleeve with internal dimensions ≥11.5 × 9.0 in (29.2 × 22.9 cm).

13″ laptops: device footprint up to 12.2 × 8.5 in (31.0 × 21.6 cm); recommended sleeve internal dimensions ≥12.7 × 9.2 in (32.3 × 23.4 cm).

14″ laptops: device footprint up to 12.8 × 8.9 in (32.5 × 22.6 cm); recommended sleeve internal dimensions ≥13.5 × 9.7 in (34.3 × 24.6 cm); fit into padded sleeve depends on laptop bezel and hinge profile.

15″ laptops: device footprint up to 13.9 × 9.6 in (35.3 × 24.4 cm); fit into padded sleeve only if internal sleeve dimensions ≥14.5 × 10.2 in (36.8 × 25.9 cm); otherwise store device in main compartment with sleeve for extra protection.

16″ laptops: device footprint up to 14.2 × 9.9 in (36.1 × 25.1 cm); typically require placement inside main compartment; verify strap clearance and top-loading access before forcing insertion.

Orientation and protection tips: vertical insertion (screen facing rear panel) often provides better clearance for tall devices; horizontal insertion requires interior depth ≥ case depth + 0.5 in (13 mm). If internal retention strap exists, secure device after insertion to prevent upward movement. Avoid stashing bulky chargers between device and sleeve wall to preserve padding contact and fit.

Pocket and compartment capacities: main, front, and side pockets

Recommendation: stow heavy items inside main compartment close to back panel; reserve front organizer for electronics, chargers, pens, snacks; use side stretch pockets for 500–1,000 ml bottles or compact umbrella.

Main compartment usable volume: approximately 16–20 L. Approximate internal dimensions: 18 × 11 × 5 in (45.7 × 28 × 12.7 cm). Fits: 1 pair running shoes (packed flat), 2–3 folded T‑shirts, lightweight shell, 1.5 L lunchbox, toiletry pouch, and one mid‑size camera or compact lens. Use a small stuff sack (1–3 L) to separate wet clothes or toiletries and preserve remaining internal organization.

Front organizer compartment capacity: roughly 3–4 L. Internal layout: zippered mesh pocket (~1 L), padded divider sleeve (~0.5 L), 3 pen/cord slots, and key clip. Approximate pocket dimensions: 9 × 9 × 2.5 in (23 × 23 × 6.5 cm). Recommended contents: power bank (10,000–20,000 mAh), phone, compact charger, USB cables, keys, small notebook, slim wallet.

Top quick‑access fleece pocket (glasses/phone): volume ~0.5–0.8 L; dimensions ~7 × 4 × 1.5 in (18 × 10 × 4 cm). Fits: sunglasses case, smartphone plus earbuds, transit card. Soft lining protects lenses and screen; avoid stuffing bulky items that obstruct zipper.

Side stretch pockets: each pocket volume ~0.8–1.6 L depending on stretch. Typical pocket dimensions (unstretched): 10 × 4 × 2.5 in (25.5 × 10 × 6.5 cm). Bottle compatibility: up to 750–1,000 ml standard bottles (height up to ~9.5 in / 24 cm); tapered insulated bottles taller than 10 in (25.5 cm) may protrude. Pocket design also works for compact umbrella, rolled jacket, or quick‑reach map.

Small security and hidden pockets: top front zippered stash pocket ~0.2–0.4 L (4 × 3 × 1 in / 10 × 7.5 × 2.5 cm) ideal for passport, cards, or folded cash. Internal mesh stash in main adds ~1–1.5 L for cords or snack bars. Use zoned packing: heavy bulk in main, quick‑access items in front organizer, hydration and compressible gear in side pockets to maximize balance and accessibility.

Unloaded weight and recommended maximum load for comfort

Empty shell weight: approximately 1.05–1.25 kg (2.3–2.8 lb) depending on model year and trim. For comfortable all-day wear aim for total carried mass ≤15% of body weight; allow up to 20–25% only for short, non-technical outings. For commuting or transit use keep loads under 6–8 kg (13–18 lb).

Concrete examples: 60 kg person – all-day limit ~9 kg, short-stint limit ~12–15 kg; 75 kg person – all-day ~11–12 kg, short-stint ~15–18 kg; 90 kg person – all-day ~13.5 kg, short-stint ~18–22.5 kg.

Packing and fit rules: place heaviest items against the back panel at mid-torso height (roughly level with the base of the shoulder straps) so center of mass stays close to the spine; reserve front and external pockets for light, bulky items and quick-access gear. Use the hip belt to shift roughly 60–70% of load to hips when carried mass exceeds 8–10 kg; tighten shoulder straps and adjust load lifters so the pack sits snug and does not pull you backward.

Structural limits and longevity: sustained loads above 15–20 kg accelerate wear on seams, zippers and strap attachment points; repeated loads over 20 kg are not recommended. For regular heavy loads choose a framed rucksack designed for higher payloads to avoid damage and reduce fatigue.

Fit tips: measuring torso length and adjusting straps for proper carry

Recommended fit: match torso length to pack size within ±1–2 cm (±0.4–0.8 in) and load-share 60–80% onto hips via snug hip belt; adjust shoulder straps, load lifters, and sternum strap to eliminate neck pressure while keeping pack close to upper back.

Measuring torso length

1. Stand upright; tilt head forward to locate C7 vertebra (most prominent neck bone).
2. Place tape measure at C7 and run down spine to top of iliac crest (highest point of hip bones). Record distance in cm and inches.
3. Measure while wearing light shirt or thin base layer; repeat once to verify.
4. Use size guide below to select pack frame size:
   • XS: 38–41 cm / 15–16 in
   • S: 41–46 cm / 16–18 in
   • M: 46–51 cm / 18–20 in
   • L: 51–56 cm / 20–22 in
   • XL: 56–61 cm / 22–24 in
5. If torso falls on size boundary, prefer smaller size for snug shoulder strap contact; choose larger size only if shoulder strap pressure or spine contact occurs.

Strap adjustment sequence and target settings

• Load pack empty onto hips; center hip belt buckle over iliac crest so padding wraps around pelvis. Tighten hip belt until firm comfort achieved and about 60–80% of pack weight transfers to hips.
• Fasten shoulder straps without pulling hard; shoulder pads should contact tops of deltoids without digging into neck.
• Tighten load lifters (straps above shoulders) so they form a 30–45° angle from pack to shoulder. Aim to pull pack top slightly forward onto torso without lifting shoulder pads off shoulders.
• Adjust sternum strap vertically so it sits 4–8 cm (1.5–3 in) below collarbone; tighten to stabilize shoulder strap splay while allowing full chest expansion for breathing.
• Fine-tune shoulder straps to remove gaps under armpits while keeping hip belt load dominant; avoid over-tightening which shifts weight back to shoulders.
• Use load shifters or compression straps to keep heavy items close to spine; move heavy gear lower and centered for better balance on inclines.

Common fit problems and fixes:

• Shoulder straps dig into neck – raise sternum strap 1–2 cm, loosen shoulder straps slightly, tighten load lifters toward 30°.
• Pack tips backward or feels top-heavy – shift heavier items lower, tighten load lifters, increase hip belt tension until hips bear 60–80% of weight.
• Hip belt sits too low – slide belt up so padding rests on iliac crest; if padding still misses, consider different frame size or model.
• Chest strap rubs during arm swing – lower or raise sternum strap within 4–8 cm window or reposition shoulder straps symmetrically.