The North Face Women's Borealis Backpack
- Hiking Daypack
- 1 cu ft
- Classic
- backpack shoulder straps
A well-reviewed women's commuter daypack with genuinely fitted straps and light water resistance, best suited to laptop and daily gear rather than multi-day packing.
As an Amazon Associate, ProductDome may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page.
Colors Available
Need a different one? Pick on Amazon →
How it ranks among the 21 hiking daypacks we track
4.5★ across 3,000 Amazon ratings, Bayesian-smoothed toward the category average.
3,000 Amazon ratings, weighted on a log scale so huge counts don't drown everything.
5,000+ bought on Amazon last month.
Brand identity, imagery, description and spec coverage.
The ProductDome score is separate from the Amazon rating shown above: it combines the Bayesian-smoothed Amazon rating with evidence volume, tracked demand, and data quality across the 21 hiking daypacks we track - how the scorecard works · full hiking daypacks data report. Confidence: medium - useful but incomplete evidence.Updated 6 days ago. Data-computed, not a hands-on test. Compiled by the ProductDome Research Team.
Overview
The North Face Women's Borealis is a 27 liter daypack (model NF0A52SI) built with a women-specific FlexVent suspension, a padded laptop sleeve sized for 12.5 x 11 inch laptops, a tablet sleeve and a removable waist belt, weighing about 2 lb 1 oz.
- 27 liter capacity, about 2 lb 1 oz
- Women-specific FlexVent suspension
- Laptop sleeve fits 12.5 x 11 inch laptops
- Removable waist belt and sternum strap
What buyers say
From Amazon customer reviews.
Buyers consistently praise the fit for smaller frames, the number of pockets, and how easily the fabric wipes clean of spills. The recurring complaints are front zippers that do not open all the way without reaching in, limited room for packing clothes on a trip, and that sub-models of the Borealis vary enough in size that reviewers recommend double-checking the exact model before buying.
Strengths and trade-offs
Drawn from this product's published specifications.
- Front pocket zippers do not open fully
- Main compartment runs shallow for packing clothes
- Sub-models vary in size, so confirm this exact model
Performance notes
The FlexVent system on this model uses articulated straps and soft-touch fabric shaped for a narrower, shorter torso than the unisex Jester, which is why reviewers under 5 foot 5 report a comfortable fit. The DWR-treated fabric sheds light spills and rain, as reviewers confirm lotion and moisture wiped off without staining, though it is not built for sustained soaking.
Specifications
| Model | NF0A52SI |
|---|---|
| Dimensions & fit | |
| Item Weight | 2 pounds |
| Size | One Size |
| Shoulder to Bottom Hem Length | 18.8 inches |
| Sleeve Length Description | Long Sleeve |
| Item Dimensions D x W x H | 5.7 × 11 × 18.8 inches |
| Apparel Fabric Weight Class | Lightweight |
| Compatible Device Size Maximum | 16 inches |
| Fit to Size Sentiment | Good fit for women |
| Capacity & performance | |
| Storage Volume | 1 cu ft |
| Age Range Description | Adult |
| Construction & materials | |
| Material Type | Nylon |
| Shell Type | Soft Shell |
| Outer Material | Nylon |
| Color | Tnf Black/Tnf White-npf |
| Apparel Fabric Stretch | No Stretch |
| Included components | |
| Backpack Harness Type | Shoulder Harness |
| Unit Count | 1 |
| Backpack Design | Laptop Backpack |
| Other details | |
| Fit Type | Classic |
| Strap Type | backpack shoulder straps |
| Apparel Closure Type | Zipper |
| Sport Type | Hiking |
| School Type | High School |
| Number of Compartments | 5 |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Number Of Pockets | 5 |
| Lining Description | Nylon |
| Subject Character | sports |
| Embellishment Feature | cord |
| Other Special Features of the Product | Women-specific suspension, FlexVent technology, bungee cord system for storage and compression, removable waist belt, sternum strap with whistle buckle, reflective details for safety |
| Product Care Instructions | Machine wash in cold water, tumble dry on low heat |
| Theme | Outdoor |
| Item Type Name | Backpack |
| Product Style | Borealis Commuter Laptop Backpack | Everyday Travel Bag With 16" Laptop Sleeve, Women-specific Fit, Reflective Details |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Travel, Work |
| Import Designation | Imported |
| Water Resistance Level | Water Repellent |
| Pattern | Solid |
| Pocket Description | Utility Pocket |
| Style Number | NF0A52SI |
| Item Shape | Rectangular prism |
How it compares
This product against the closest alternatives we track in hiking daypacks.
| Product | Amazon rating | Ratings | ProductDome score |
|---|---|---|---|
| The North Face Women's Borealis BackpackThis product | 4.5 / 5 | 3,000 | 4.5 / 5 |
| ZOMAKE Lightweight Packable BackpackZOMAKE | 4.6 / 5 | 20,000 | 4.6 / 5 |
| EVANCARY Crossbody Bags Small Sling Bag for Men Women Travel Hiking Mini Sling Backpack…EVANCARY | 4.4 / 5 | 7,900 | 4.5 / 5 |
| Pritent Crossbody Bags for Women Men Trendy Sling Bag Backpack Casual Chest Bag with…Pritent | 4.5 / 5 | 6,200 | 4.5 / 5 |
| Osprey Nebula Commuter BackpackOsprey | 4.6 / 5 | 859 | 4.4 / 5 |
Similar hiking daypacks from other brands
Questions about the NF0A52SI
Common buyer questions answered straight from the product spec data - no fluff, no "it depends".
What laptop size fits The North Face Women's Borealis?
Its padded sleeve measures 12.5 x 11 inches, matching most 13 to 15 inch laptops.
Is the Women's Borealis good for packing clothes on a trip?
Reviewers say the main compartment runs shallow for that, and recommend it mainly for daily items rather than multi-day packing.
Do all Borealis backpacks have the same dimensions?
No, reviewers note sub-models vary in size, so it is worth confirming you are looking at model NF0A52SI specifically.