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There’s no single best north face backpack for travel because what works depends on your trip. A weekend city break needs something very different from a month-long hike. Some of these packs open like suitcases while others load from the top with hiking straps. If you fly often, the Base Camp Voyager Travel Pack has a stand-up design for easy packing. If you need one bag for a quick walk and a longer day, the Borealis Convertible Pack changes shape to fit both.
1. Base Camp Voyager Travel Pack
Best for: someone who packs clothes and shoes for a flight.
A travel pack needs to stand up on its own so you can load it easily. This one has a stand-up design and foam shoulder straps for carrying comfort. The large central compartment holds clothes and shoes together without needing separate bags. Two water bottle pockets and large external pockets keep drinks and documents close.
The daisy chain lets you clip items outside when the main space is full. That means you don’t have to dig through clothes to grab a jacket. It’s built to be lightweight and durable, which matters when you’re moving through airports. But it isn’t for someone who hikes trails, since it lacks hip support or frame structure.
Good if:
- You pack mostly clothes and shoes for flights.
- You want a bag that stands up by itself.
- You like clipping extra gear to the outside.
Skip it if:
- You plan to hike long distances with heavy loads.
2. Borealis Convertible Pack
Best for: someone who wants one bag for short walks and daily travel.
Sometimes you need a small lumbar pack for a quick outing and a larger bag later. This hybrid design shifts between a fanny pack and a water repellent backpack. The stowable hip belt and padded top handle make switching fast. Articulated shoulder straps let you move freely without the bag shifting around.
It holds 17.5 liters, which limits what you can bring on a longer trip. The abrasion resistant fabric and reflective details add safety for evening walks. Secure zip closures on the main compartment and two stash pockets keep things safe. It fits most 1L bottles in the mesh pocket, but it’s not for someone carrying a laptop or heavy travel gear all day.
Good if:
- You switch between a waist bag and a backpack.
- You take short trips where 17.5 liters is enough.
- You walk near roads and want reflective details.
Skip it if:
- You need to carry a large laptop or heavy items.
3. Terra 40 Backpack
Best for: someone who mixes hiking trails with overnight travel.
A trail-ready bag needs fine-tuned support so your back doesn’t ache. This pack uses a padded back panel, shoulder straps, and a hipbelt optimized for breathability. Load lifter straps and a removable frame sheet let you adjust how the weight sits. The S/M size holds 41 liters and weighs 3 lbs 3 oz.
Organization is built for the outdoors, with trekking pole and ice axe attachments for quick storage. An internal hydration sleeve keeps water within reach without opening the main zipper. Two hipbelt pockets hold snacks or a phone while you walk.
Good if:
- You carry hiking poles or ice axes on your trip.
- You need adjustable support for heavy outdoor loads.
- You want stretch mesh pockets for water bottles.
Skip it if:
- You only travel through airports and hotels.
4. Base Camp Voyager Daypack
Best for: someone who needs a simple, durable bag for daily exploring.
Like the larger Travel Pack, this daypack features a stand-up design for easy packing. Foam shoulder straps keep it comfortable during a full day of walking. The large central compartment handles clothes and shoes if you’re moving between locations. Dedicated side sleeves keep your drinks within reach so you won’t run dry while sightseeing.
Good if:
- You want a simple bag that stands up on its own.
- You carry water bottles and daily essentials.
- You like clipping items to a daisy chain.
Skip it if:
- You need padded sleeves for electronics.
5. Router Laptop Pack
Best for: someone who travels with a large laptop and lots of gear.
Carrying a heavy computer requires a suspension system that protects your back. The FlexVent system here has articulated shoulder straps and a rounded back panel certified by the American Chiropractic Association. You can read more about chiropractic endorsement standards directly from the association. It fits laptops up to 17″ inside a 40-liter capacity.
The non-PFC water-repellent finish protects your electronics from light rain. Smart organization includes a front compartment with a padded tablet sleeve and a fleece-lined pocket for valuables. A removable waist belt and sternum strap help stabilize the load during transit.
Good if:
- You carry a laptop up to 17 inches.
- You want chiropractor-approved back support.
- You need separate pockets for tablets and valuables.
Skip it if:
- You prefer a simple bag with few compartments.
6. Recon Laptop Backpack
Best for: someone who carries heavy daily loads and a 16-inch laptop.
Long days require tough materials that won’t tear under pressure. This pack uses recycled nylon ripstop fabric with a non-PFC Durable Water Repellent finish. The dedicated 16″ laptop sleeve protects your computer from bumps while you move. A large mesh storage compartment and daisy-chain attachment points handle extra gear.
The FlexVent suspension system is also certified by the American Chiropractic Association here. An easy-to-reach fleece-lined external pocket holds sunglasses or keys without opening the main bag. At 30 liters and 2 lbs 9 oz, it balances size and weight well.
Good if:
- You carry a 16-inch laptop every day.
- You want recycled nylon ripstop fabric.
- You need quick access to sunglasses or keys.
Skip it if:
- You pack clothing for trips longer than a weekend.
7. Women’s Borealis Backpack
Best for: someone who wants a suspension system shaped specifically for women.
This pack uses a women-specific suspension system to fit narrower shoulders. The FlexVent system features articulated shoulder straps and soft-touch chemise fabric, certified by the American Chiropractic Association. It holds 27 liters and weighs 2 lbs 1 oz.
Quick-draw phone access on one side means you don’t stop walking to check messages. A front compartment includes a padded tablet sleeve and zip pockets for smaller items. The front bungee cord system offers flexible storage for a jacket or scarf. It’s not for someone carrying a large 17-inch laptop, as the 12.5″ x 11″ sleeve won’t fit one.
Good if:
- You want shoulder straps designed for a woman’s frame.
- You need quick access to your phone while walking.
- You carry a tablet rather than a large laptop.
Skip it if:
- You need to fit a laptop larger than 13 inches.
8. Terra 55 Backpack
Best for: someone who takes multi-day hiking or thru-hiking trips.
Extended trips demand easy access to gear buried at the bottom of a bag. This pack solves that with a full-length two-way U-zip opening the cinch-top main compartment. The removable lid has an internal zip pocket and key hook for small valuables. It holds 53 liters in the S/M size and weighs 4 lbs.
Trail-ready features include hiking pole and ice axe attachments plus an internal hydration sleeve. Side and bottom compression straps cinch down the pack or hold large items like a sleeping pad. Zipper hipbelt pockets keep essentials close while you walk.
Good if:
- You go on multi-day backpacking adventures.
- You need to access the bottom of your bag quickly.
- You carry a sleeping pad or hiking poles.
Skip it if:
- You only travel by plane and stay in hotels.
9. North Face 40L Travel
Best for: someone who needs a TSA-friendly bag that opens like a suitcase.
Airport security slows you down if your laptop is buried deep inside. This Navigator-T66 bag opens 90° to 180° for scanning, keeping you moving through checkpoints. The main compartment unzips like a suitcase, making packing and unpacking simple. It fits a 17″ laptop and a 13-inch iPad in the tech compartment.
Made from 100% post-consumer recycled PET plastic bottles, the fabric is built to last sustainably. Dimensions are 20.47 x 12.99 x 9 inches, meeting most international airline carry-on requirements. A luggage pass-through strap on the back slides over your rolling bag handle. Note that this is made by tomtoc, not The North Face, though it competes directly in this space.
Good if:
- You fly often and want fast security checks.
- You prefer packing a bag that opens flat.
- You use a rolling suitcase and want a pass-through strap.
Skip it if:
- You only want gear made by The North Face.
10. Base Camp Voyager Roll Top
Best for: someone who prefers a roll-top closure for variable loads.
Because the specs are unknown, you can’t compare its capacity or weight to the others here. It might suit someone who already trusts the Voyager series and wants a different closure style. But it’s not for someone who needs to confirm exact measurements or specific organizational pockets before buying.
Good if:
- You like roll-top closures for adjusting volume.
- You already trust the Base Camp Voyager line.
- You want a simple design without extra zippers.
Skip it if:
- You need to verify exact dimensions before purchasing.
Where These Overlap
Several of these packs share the same DNA. The Router gives you 40 liters and fits a 17″ laptop, while the Recon offers 30 liters for a 16″ device. The Terra 40 and Terra 55 are genuinely different sizes meant for different trip lengths.
Still Not Sure?
How often will I really use this bag?
If you travel every month, you need durable zippers and strong fabric that won’t wear out fast. A bag used once a year doesn’t need heavy-duty trail features. For frequent flyers, the Router Laptop Pack features a FlexVent suspension system certified by the American Chiropractic Association.
What do I already own that this has to work with?
Think about your current gear. If you already carry a 17-inch laptop, you must choose a bag with a sleeve that fits it. If you use a rolling suitcase, a pass-through strap saves your shoulders. For those carrying large computers, the North Face 40L Travel has the right sleeve and strap.
What am I most likely to regret choosing?
Buyers usually regret picking a bag that’s too small or too big for airplane cabins. A hiking pack feels awkward in a hotel lobby, and a tiny daypack fails on a week-long trip. If you mix city travel with light trails, the Borealis Convertible Pack prevents that mismatch.
If you fly often and need a bag that opens flat for packing, pick the Base Camp Voyager Travel Pack. If you want a single carryall that shifts from a waist pack to a backpack for mixed days, go with the Borealis Convertible Pack. Check the dimensions against your airline’s rules before you click the button.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the Router Laptop Pack fit my 17-inch laptop?
Yes, the Router Laptop Pack is listed to fit laptops up to 17″. Its laptop sleeve measures 14.75″ x 12″, which accommodates most standard 17-inch screens. If your laptop is thicker than average or has a bulky protective case, measure it first to ensure a smooth slide into the padded compartment.
Is the Terra 40 Backpack allowed as a carry-on for flights?
The S/M Terra 40 Backpack measures 23.23″ x 11.02″ x 9.84″. It’s designed primarily for hiking and backpacking, so check your specific airline’s dimensions before taking it into the cabin.
How does the Borealis Convertible Pack change from a backpack to a lumbar pack?
The Borealis Convertible Pack uses a hybrid design that adapts to your needs. You can compress it to function as a lumbar pack for quick adventures, or expand the volume to use it as a water repellent backpack. The stowable hip belt tucks away when you’re using the full shoulder straps.
Does the Women’s Borealis Backpack have a different fit than the regular version?
Yes, the Women’s Borealis Backpack is built with a women-specific suspension system. This means the articulated shoulder straps and back panel are shaped differently to match a woman’s frame, providing enhanced comfort. It still includes the FlexVent system certified by the American Chiropractic Association for back support.
Conclusion
Pick the bag that fits your next trip, then load it up at home before you leave. You’ll quickly see if the straps feel right or if you’ve packed too much. Don’t wait until you’re standing in the airport to find out.