If you’ve ever spent longer than planned hunting for a backpack, you already know how quickly “simple choice” turns into an afternoon research project. The North Face makes two of its most-searched packs—the Jester and the Borealis—each with genuine appeal but very different trade-offs on capacity, features, and price. This guide breaks them side by side so you can match the pack to how you actually travel.
Free Returns: 60 days · Free Delivery: Over 70€ · Top Models: Jester, Borealis · Key Features: Adjustable straps, multiple pockets · Primary Retailer: The North Face
Quick snapshot
- Borealis holds 28L men’s, 27L women’s (Backpackies)
- Jester holds 28L men’s, 22L women’s (Backpackies)
- UK Jester fits up to 16-inch laptops (The North Face UK)
- Current 2025-2026 model pricing for UK market
- Full Borealis spec sheet from official UK site
- Exact color availability by region
- 2021: Jester men’s measured 27.5L
- 2023–2024: Capacities updated to current figures
- 2024: UK Jester page updated with 16-inch laptop spec
- Use TNF backpack finder tool for UK
- Check regional pricing before purchase
- Consider load needs vs feature requirements
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Official Shop URL | www.thenorthface.com/en-ie/c/bags-and-equipment/backpacks-and-rucksacks-224451 |
| Free Returns Period | 60 days |
| Free Delivery Min | 70€ |
| Key Retail Features | Adjustable straps, zips, pockets |
Best The North Face Backpacks for Travel
Both the Jester and Borealis appear in TNF’s travel-focused listings, but they serve different trips. The Borealis brings the feature set that urban explorers and heavier packers tend to want—a removable waist belt, compression straps, and a FlexVent suspension that handles load distribution better for full-day use. The Jester targets the lighter end: a streamlined 22–28L that works well for shorter trips or as a secondary bag.
Key Features for Travelers
The Borealis adds a tablet pocket, fleece-lined phone pocket, and hydration hookup that the Jester skips entirely, according to comparison data from Backpackies (backpackies.com). Its water bottle pockets use stretchy mesh that keeps 32oz bottles secure, while the Jester’s non-stretchy mesh pockets can struggle with larger containers.
Capacity and Durability
Men’s Borealis is rated 28L, women’s 27L for 2023–2024 models (Backpackies). The Borealis uses nylon ripstop material; the Jester uses recycled polyester. This means the Borealis carries a durability edge for rough handling, while the Jester sheds weight—women’s Jester weighs 1 lb 8 oz versus the women’s Borealis at 2 lbs 1 oz.
North Face Backpacks UK: Where to Buy
The official North Face UK site lists each model with region-specific specs. The UK Jester page confirms a laptop sleeve sized up to 16 inches and a DWR (durable water repellent) finish (The North Face UK). This beats some regional listings that cap Jester at 14–15 inches.
Top Retailers in UK
- The North Face official UK site (the north face.com/en-gb) — direct source with full specs
- Price comparison aggregators like PriceRunner for tracking price drops
- Specialist outdoor retailers stocking TNF lines
Delivery and Returns
Free delivery kicks in at 70€ on the EU site, with free returns within 60 days of purchase. Women’s Borealis has been listed at a lowest price of £137.29 on PriceRunner (PriceRunner UK). The North Face also offers a backpack finder tool on their UK site to narrow choices by use case (The North Face UK).
Regional pricing varies. The £137.29 figure reflects the lowest recorded listing on PriceRunner; current prices may differ by color and size.
The North Face Jester Backpack Review
The Jester lands under $100 regularly and often appears in sales, making it the budget entry point into TNF’s backpack line. Reviewers consistently call it the practical choice for lighter loads and tighter budgets (Backpackies).
Design and Compartments
The Jester features adjustable straps, extra front pockets, and a bungee closure system on the front panel. It lacks the tablet pocket, fleece-lined pocket, compression straps, and waist belt that the Borealis includes. According to Backpackies, the Jester uses SBS zippers and basic mesh—functional but less refined than the Borealis hardware (Backpackies).
User Fit
Women’s Jester carries 22L in current models; men’s hits 28L. The women’s model dimensions measure 18.75 × 14 × 7 inches, roughly 26L, per Sports Unlimited data (Sports Unlimited). Men’s versions have larger back panels and wider shoulder straps for a broader frame fit (Backpackies). The FlexVent suspension appears on the Jester but is tuned for lighter loads.
The Jester saves you money and weight but trades away the features that heavy-load days demand. If your commute runs under an hour with a laptop and a few extras, that trade-off works. If you’re hauling more, the Borealis pays back.
North Face 20L Backpack Options
The standard Jester and Borealis don’t hit exactly 20L, but understanding how capacity maps to use helps narrow your choice. Current Jester women’s sits at 22L—closest to the 20L range—while men’s Jester and both Borealis sizes run larger.
Daily Commute Suitability
For daily commute use, a pack in the 20–28L range covers most needs: laptop sleeve, water bottle, a few pockets. The Jester hits this range cleanly. The Borealis overshoots it slightly—28L for men means you’re carrying more bag than some commutes need. Both share TNF’s FlexVent suspension system, though the Borealis tunes it for heavier loads (YouTube Explained).
Size Comparison
| Model | Men’s Capacity | Women’s Capacity | Weight (Women’s) | Waist Belt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Borealis | 28L | 27L | 2 lbs 1 oz | Yes (removable) |
| Jester | 28L | 22L | 1 lb 8 oz | No |
Two models, two weight classes. The women’s Jester at 1 lb 8 oz sits nearly half a pound lighter than the women’s Borealis at 2 lbs 1 oz.
The North Face Borealis Backpack Details
Backpackies describes the Borealis as “the Jester upgraded”—more features, better materials, and a higher price point that reflects the step up (YouTube Comparison). It targets buyers who want the full TNF feature set.
Available Colors
Color availability varies by retailer and season. The Women’s Borealis has appeared in listings including Pink Moss, Dark Heather, and Gardenia White colorways per PriceRunner data (PriceRunner UK). TNF’s UK site carries current seasonal colors directly.
Key Specs
- Men’s: 28L capacity, 2 lbs 5 oz weight
- Women’s: 27L capacity, 2 lbs 1 oz weight
- Material: Nylon ripstop construction
- Laptop support: Up to 15-inch (men’s); women varies by year
- Extras: Tablet pocket, fleece-lined pocket, compression straps, sternum strap, removable waist belt, hydration hookup
The waist belt on the Borealis isn’t just extra kit—it genuinely improves load distribution for full-day carries. The Jester skips it entirely, which shows in how it handles heavier weights.
The North Face Jester vs Borealis: Side-by-Side Comparison
Three capacity entries, one consistent pattern: Borealis measures larger across the board while the Jester’s women’s model drops to 22L—five liters less than the men’s.
| Feature | Borealis | Jester |
|---|---|---|
| Men’s capacity | 28L | 28L |
| Women’s capacity | 27L | 22L |
| Material | Nylon ripstop | Recycled polyester |
| Weight (women’s) | 2 lbs 1 oz | 1 lb 8 oz |
| Waist belt | Yes (removable) | No |
| Tablet pocket | Yes | No |
| Fleece-lined pocket | Yes | No |
| Compression straps | Yes | No |
| Hydration hookup | Yes | No |
| Water bottle pocket | Stretchy mesh (32oz) | Non-stretchy mesh |
| Zipper quality | Premium | SBS (budget-grade) |
| Laptop sleeve (UK men’s) | Up to 15-inch | Up to 16-inch |
The Jester leads on one metric that matters for some buyers: the UK men’s version fits a 16-inch laptop, beating the Borealis’s 15-inch ceiling by a full inch.
North Face Backpacks: Pros and Cons
Upsides
- Borealis: Full feature set with waist belt, tablet pocket, hydration hookup
- Jester: Sub-$100 price point, under 1.5 lbs (women’s), practical daily carry
- Both: FlexVent suspension, 32oz water bottle fit, TNF official support
- UK: Free returns (60 days), free delivery over 70€
- Official TNF UK specs verified on product pages
Downsides
- Jester: No waist belt, non-stretchy side pockets, budget zippers
- Borealis: Higher price, heavier (2+ lbs), larger footprint
- Both: YouTube/specialist reviews dominate; official TNF comparison page unavailable
- UK: Borealis spec sheet not published on TNF UK site directly
- Current 2025-2026 model prices not yet available
Confirmed Facts vs. Remaining Questions
Two confirmed points from verified sources anchor the comparison: the Borealis carries a removable waist belt where the Jester does not, and the UK Jester fits 16-inch laptops per The North Face UK’s product page (The North Face UK). Women’s Borealis UK pricing shows £137.29 as the lowest recorded listing on PriceRunner. For a detailed comparison of The North Face Jester and Borealis backpacks, check out $Esk skincare reviews.
What We Still Don’t Know
- 2025-2026 Borealis and Jester specs and UK retail pricing
- Full official Borealis spec sheet from TNF UK
- Current color stock availability by UK retailer
What Experts and Users Say
The Borealis is essentially the Jester just upgraded. It adds the fleece pocket and better overall pocket design that make a real difference in daily use.
— YouTube Reviewer (YouTube Comparison)
Choose The North Face Jester if you want a lightweight yet reliable backpack on a budget. The Borealis is the pick if you want the full TNF experience with better materials and lumbar support.
— Backpackies Reviewer (Backpackies)
I honestly prefer Jester. It’s more comfortable, looks better. The lighter weight makes a difference on a daily commute.
— YouTube Reviewer (YouTube Explained)
User reviews skew toward personal fit preference. The “more comfortable” take reflects lighter weight as much as ergonomics—the Jester’s suspension works well for lighter loads, while the Borealis pulls ahead under heavier gear.
Summary
The North Face Jester and Borealis split cleanly along the budget-versus-features line. The Jester delivers reliable daily-carry capability at a price point under $100, with the women’s model at 22L sitting 5L below its men’s sibling. The Borealis steps up with nylon ripstop construction, a removable waist belt, tablet pocket, and a FlexVent system tuned for heavier loads—but carries a weight penalty and a price premium that only makes sense if you use those features.
For UK buyers, the decision gets sharper: TNF’s official site lists the Jester with a 16-inch laptop sleeve and free 60-day returns, removing some of the risk from buying direct. The Borealis women’s has appeared at £137.29 on price aggregators, a useful benchmark but not a guarantee of current availability.
For urban commuters who pack light, the Jester’s value case is hard to beat. For anyone carrying a full day’s gear regularly, the Borealis’s waist belt and compression straps pay for themselves in reduced fatigue. The implication is straightforward: match the pack to your load, not the other way around.
Related reading: What to Do in Wanaka: Hikes, Itineraries & Comparisons
In our Jester vs Borealis showdown, the Borealis vs Recon vs Jesteradds Recon to the mix for a fuller picture of top North Face daypacks.
Frequently asked questions
How durable are North Face backpacks?
Both models hold up well for everyday use. The Borealis edges ahead with nylon ripstop material versus the Jester’s recycled polyester. TNF backs both with their standard warranty policy, and free returns within 60 days from the official site reduce purchase risk.
Do North Face backpacks come in green?
Color availability varies by season and retailer. TNF’s UK site carries seasonal colorways directly; price aggregators like PriceRunner track multiple retailers’ stock. Green variants have appeared in listings but stock changes regularly.
What is the best North Face backpack for hiking?
Neither the Jester nor Borealis is positioned as a dedicated hiking pack—they’re urban-focused with FlexVent suspension. For day hikes under 15 lbs, either works. For heavier loads, the Borealis’s waist belt and compression straps provide meaningful support that the Jester lacks.
Are North Face backpacks waterproof?
Neither model is fully waterproof. Both feature a DWR (durable water repellent) finish that sheds light rain, but neither should be submerged. For heavy rain exposure, a rain cover is the standard add-on.
What warranty do North Face backpacks have?
The North Face offers a standard warranty covering manufacturing defects. Specific warranty terms are published on TNF’s official site. The 60-day free returns window on thenorthface.com provides an additional layer of purchase protection for UK buyers.