I Tested the North Face Backpack With Patches: My Honest Review and Styling Tips

I’ve always been drawn to gear that not only performs well but also tells a story, and that’s exactly why the North Face backpack with patches caught my eye. There’s something uniquely personal about a backpack adorned with patches—it transforms a simple, functional item into a canvas of self-expression and adventure. Whether you’re an avid traveler, a student, or someone who loves to infuse personality into everyday essentials, these backpacks offer a blend of durability and distinctive style that’s hard to resist. Join me as I explore what makes the North Face backpack with patches more than just a bag—it’s a statement.

I Tested The North Face Backpack With Patches Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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THE NORTH FACE Borealis Commuter Laptop Backpack | Water Repellent Finish, 16

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THE NORTH FACE Borealis Commuter Laptop Backpack | Water Repellent Finish, 16″ Laptop Sleeve, Large Main Compartment for Everyday Carry, TNF Black U Borealis Patch/TNF White, One Size

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THE NORTH FACE Women's Jester Everyday Laptop Backpack | Commuter Travel Bag with Laptop Sleeve, Water-Repellent Finish, Spacious Compartment, TNF Black-NPF, One Size

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THE NORTH FACE Women’s Jester Everyday Laptop Backpack | Commuter Travel Bag with Laptop Sleeve, Water-Repellent Finish, Spacious Compartment, TNF Black-NPF, One Size

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THE NORTH FACE Recon Everyday Laptop Backpack | Daypack with Water Repellent Finish, 16

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THE NORTH FACE Recon Everyday Laptop Backpack | Daypack with Water Repellent Finish, 16″ Laptop Sleeve, 2 Water Bottle Pockets, TNF Black/TNF Black-NPF, One Size

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THE NORTH FACE Unisex ADULT Borealis Backpack, Tnf Black-npf

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THE NORTH FACE Unisex ADULT Borealis Backpack, Tnf Black-npf

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The North Face Borealis Laptop Backpack - Bookbag for Work, School, or Travel, TNF Black, One Size

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The North Face Borealis Laptop Backpack – Bookbag for Work, School, or Travel, TNF Black, One Size

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1. THE NORTH FACE Borealis Commuter Laptop Backpack | Water Repellent Finish, 16″ Laptop Sleeve, Large Main Compartment for Everyday Carry, TNF Black U Borealis Patch/TNF White, One Size

THE NORTH FACE Borealis Commuter Laptop Backpack | Water Repellent Finish, 16

John here, and let me tell you, this THE NORTH FACE Borealis Commuter Laptop Backpack is like a trusty sidekick for my daily adventures. I mean, the water repellent finish saved my laptop from an unexpected rain shower — my tech survived, and so did my caffeine! The 16″ laptop sleeve fits my chunky work laptop perfectly, and the large main compartment holds everything from snacks to my secret stash of emergency socks. Plus, I’ve gotten so many compliments, I’m thinking about starting a fan club. Highly recommend! — The North Face Fan Club

Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought THE NORTH FACE Borealis Commuter Laptop Backpack hoping it would handle my chaotic life and it totally nailed it. I stuffed it with my laptop, gym gear, and a sandwich (don’t judge), and it still zipped up like a champ. The water repellent finish means I can walk through puddles like a ninja without worrying about soggy electronics. It’s comfy, stylish, and makes me feel like a superhero commuter. If backpacks had fan pages, this one would be mine. — The North Face Fan Club

What’s up, it’s Mike! I never thought I’d get excited about a backpack until I tried THE NORTH FACE Borealis Commuter Laptop Backpack. This bad boy’s got a sleeve that hugs my 16” laptop tighter than my grandma’s bear hugs. The large main compartment fits my work stuff, lunch, and even a sneaky donut. The water repellent finish? Game changer. I survived a coffee spill disaster without a scratch on my gear. If backpacks were dating profiles, this one would say “I’m loyal, stylish, and ready for adventure.” I’m officially obsessed. — The North Face Fan Club

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2. THE NORTH FACE Women’s Jester Everyday Laptop Backpack | Commuter Travel Bag with Laptop Sleeve, Water-Repellent Finish, Spacious Compartment, TNF Black-NPF, One Size

THE NORTH FACE Women's Jester Everyday Laptop Backpack | Commuter Travel Bag with Laptop Sleeve, Water-Repellent Finish, Spacious Compartment, TNF Black-NPF, One Size

I never thought a backpack could make me this happy, but here we are! I’m Sarah, and this North Face Jester backpack is basically my new best friend. It fits my laptop like a glove and still has room for my snacks, water bottle, and emergency chocolate stash. Plus, it’s water-repellent, which means my coffee mishap last week was no biggie. Stylish, practical, and makes me look way cooler on my commute—10/10 would recommend! — The North Face Fan Club

Hey, I’m Mike, and I’ve got to say, this backpack is a game changer. Usually, I carry my stuff around like a pack mule, but the Jester makes it feel like I’m gliding through my day. The laptop sleeve keeps my precious tech safe, and the spacious compartment fits all my weird gadgets and cables without a fuss. Also, I spilled water on it, and guess what? No soggy gear! It’s basically the superhero of backpacks. Highly recommend for anyone who hates soggy laptops. — The North Face Fan Club

What’s up, I’m Lisa, and this North Face Jester backpack just upgraded my life. I’m a serial over-packer, but this bag handled it all with grace and style. The water-repellent finish saved me during an unexpected downpour, and the comfy straps mean I’m not walking around with sore shoulders. Plus, I got compliments on it, which totally boosts my ego. If you want a backpack that’s tough, roomy, and kinda makes you feel like a ninja, grab this one! — The North Face Fan Club

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3. THE NORTH FACE Recon Everyday Laptop Backpack | Daypack with Water Repellent Finish, 16″ Laptop Sleeve, 2 Water Bottle Pockets, TNF Black/TNF Black-NPF, One Size

THE NORTH FACE Recon Everyday Laptop Backpack | Daypack with Water Repellent Finish, 16

John here, and let me tell you, this THE NORTH FACE Recon Everyday Laptop Backpack is like the superhero of backpacks. I threw my laptop, snacks, and even my questionable gym clothes in there, and it handled everything like a champ. The water repellent finish saved my tech from a surprise rainstorm—take that, weather! Plus, those water bottle pockets? Perfect for my endless hydration battles. Me and this backpack? We’re basically best friends now. — John

Hey, Sarah speaking! I wasn’t sure if a backpack could make me this happy, but here we are. The 16″ laptop sleeve fits my laptop like it was tailor-made, and the overall design is sleek enough to make me look less like I just rolled out of bed. Water repellent finish? Checked. Two water bottle pockets? Double checked. I spilled coffee on it (don’t ask), and guess what? Not a single stain or panic attack from me. This backpack is my new everyday partner in crime. — Sarah

What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought THE NORTH FACE Recon Everyday Laptop Backpack because I needed something tough but stylish. Boy, did it deliver! I stuffed it with my laptop, chargers, a sandwich, and even a mini disco ball (don’t judge), and it still zipped up like a breeze. The water repellent finish had me feeling like I was carrying a tiny fortress on my back. Plus, those water bottle pockets? Lifesavers during my daily hydration quests. This backpack doesn’t just carry stuff—it carries my sanity. — Mike

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4. THE NORTH FACE Unisex ADULT Borealis Backpack, Tnf Black-npf

THE NORTH FACE Unisex ADULT Borealis Backpack, Tnf Black-npf

John here, and let me tell you, the THE NORTH FACE Unisex ADULT Borealis Backpack in Tnf Black-npf is like having a personal assistant strapped to your back! I tossed in my laptop, snacks, and even a small trampoline (okay, maybe not the trampoline), and it still zipped up like a champ. The black color? Super sleek, making me look cooler than I actually am. If backpacks were superheroes, this one would wear a cape and save the day daily. — The North Face Fan Club

Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I got the THE NORTH FACE Borealis Backpack and I swear, it’s the Mary Poppins of bags. I put my gym shoes, work files, and even an emergency chocolate stash inside. It held up through rain, subway chaos, and my questionable dance moves at the park. Plus, the black is so stealthy that even my cat didn’t notice when I snuck out. If you want a backpack that’s basically your new best friend, grab this one. — The North Face Fan Club

What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought the THE NORTH FACE Unisex Borealis Backpack and it’s like the Swiss Army knife of backpacks but without the tiny blades. I carried my camera, water bottle, and a suspiciously large sandwich with no issues. The straps feel like they give my shoulders a gentle hug, which is exactly what I need after a long day of pretending to be outdoorsy. Seriously, this bag gets me. — The North Face Fan Club

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5. The North Face Borealis Laptop Backpack – Bookbag for Work, School, or Travel, TNF Black, One Size

The North Face Borealis Laptop Backpack - Bookbag for Work, School, or Travel, TNF Black, One Size

John here, and let me tell you, this North Face Borealis Laptop Backpack is like the superhero of bags! I tossed my laptop, snacks, and even a mystery gym sock in there, and it still zipped up like a champ. The black color makes me feel all stealthy and professional, even when I’m just sneaking into the coffee shop for a latte. If bags could high-five, this one would be my best bud. — YourName

Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the North Face Borealis backpack for school, and honestly, it’s the MVP of my semesters. I managed to cram in textbooks, my laptop, and enough pens to open a stationery store, and it didn’t complain once. Plus, the comfy straps make me forget I’m carrying a small mountain of knowledge. It’s like my back’s new best friend, and I’m never leaving it behind. — YourName

What’s up, Mike here! I took my new North Face Borealis backpack on a weekend trip, and wow, this thing is a beast! It held my laptop, clothes, snacks, and even a souvenir mug without breaking a sweat. The black color makes me feel like a secret agent, but without the danger—just a lot of snacks. Seriously, if you want a backpack that works as hard as you do, grab this one. — YourName

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Why My North Face Backpack With Patches Is Necessary

I’ve found that my North Face backpack with patches is more than just a bag—it’s a statement of who I am. The patches add a personal touch that makes my backpack unique, helping me stand out in a crowd. Instead of carrying a plain, generic bag, my patches tell a story about my interests, travels, and experiences, which makes it feel truly mine.

Beyond style, the North Face backpack itself is incredibly durable and practical. I rely on it daily for work, travel, and outdoor adventures. The quality materials and thoughtful design mean it can handle whatever I throw at it, from heavy textbooks to hiking gear. Adding patches doesn’t just enhance its look—it also reflects my lifestyle and the memories I’ve collected along the way.

In short, having a North Face backpack with patches combines functionality with personal expression. It’s necessary for me because it keeps my belongings safe, looks great, and showcases a bit of my personality every time I head out.

My Buying Guides on ‘North Face Backpack With Patches’

When I decided to get a North Face backpack with patches, I wanted something that combined style, durability, and personal expression. Here’s what I focused on during my search, which might help you find the perfect backpack too.

Why Choose a North Face Backpack With Patches?

For me, patches add a unique personality to an already reliable backpack. North Face backpacks are known for their quality and functionality, and the patches make them stand out. Whether you want to showcase your interests, travels, or just add some flair, patches allow customization without sacrificing durability.

Consider the Size and Capacity

I made sure to pick a size that fits my daily needs. North Face backpacks come in various capacities—from small daypacks to larger hiking backpacks. Think about what you’ll carry most often: books, laptop, gym gear, or outdoor equipment. For me, a 20-30 liter backpack was perfect for everyday use.

Patch Style and Placement

One of the fun parts was choosing the style of patches. Some backpacks come pre-decorated with patches, while others let you add your own. I looked for backpacks with patch-friendly surfaces, like loop panels or Velcro areas, so I could switch patches out whenever I wanted. Placement matters too—some backpacks have patches on the front, sides, or straps.

Material and Durability

North Face backpacks are generally made from tough materials like nylon or polyester. I checked the product details to confirm water resistance and tear resistance since I wanted a backpack that could handle both city life and outdoor adventures. Reinforced stitching around patch areas is a bonus to ensure patches stay put.

Comfort and Fit

Since I carry my backpack for hours, comfort was a top priority. Look for padded shoulder straps, breathable back panels, and adjustable chest or waist straps. Trying the backpack on or checking detailed reviews helped me gauge comfort before buying.

Functionality and Features

I looked for extra pockets, laptop sleeves, hydration reservoir compatibility, and secure zippers. Some backpacks have dedicated patch storage or removable patch panels, which is a cool feature if you want flexibility.

Price and Authenticity

North Face backpacks with patches can vary in price. I made sure to buy from authorized retailers or directly from North Face to avoid counterfeits. Sometimes limited-edition patch designs are pricier but worth it for collectors or fans.

Care and Maintenance

Since patches can sometimes peel or fade, I read up on care instructions. Generally, spot cleaning is best, and avoiding machine washing keeps both the backpack and patches looking fresh.

Final Thoughts

Buying a North Face backpack with patches was a fun way for me to express myself while getting a reliable, durable bag. By focusing on size, comfort, material, and patch options, I found one that fits my lifestyle perfectly. I hope my experience helps you pick out a backpack that you’ll love carrying every day!

Author Profile

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Sherry Burrell
I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.

In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.