The North Face Surge vs Borealis

The North Face has become a widely known travel gear company in North America for its quality and features. Some of this gear is made for your daily commute, but can also be taken with you while you are traveling. Backpacks such as the Surge and the Borealis go a long way in providing the value that you need in a backpack.

In order to decide between these two backpacks, we have created this The North Face Surge vs Borealis comparison. This was done in response to potential customers searching for the answers to their questions.

Below, we have outlined what makes the surge and the Borealis similar, and then we cover the main differences between them.

The North Face Surge vs Borealis

Preview
The North Face Surge Backpack
The North Face Surge Backpack TNF Medium Grey Heather/Zinc Grey Size One Size
Title
The North Face Surge Backpack TNF Medium Grey Heather/Zinc Grey Size One Size
Price
Price not available
Capacity
31L
Shoulder drop
15"
Dimensions
20" x 13.25" x 10.5"
Suspension System
FlexVent Technology
Tablet Sleeve
Fleece-lined, Padded 15" laptop compartment
Water Bottle Pockets
Two Teksever fabric pockets
More Information
The North Face Surge Backpack
Preview
The North Face Surge Backpack TNF Medium Grey Heather/Zinc Grey Size One Size
Title
The North Face Surge Backpack TNF Medium Grey Heather/Zinc Grey Size One Size
Price
Price not available
Capacity
31L
Shoulder drop
15"
Dimensions
20" x 13.25" x 10.5"
Suspension System
FlexVent Technology
Tablet Sleeve
Fleece-lined, Padded 15" laptop compartment
Water Bottle Pockets
Two Teksever fabric pockets
More Information

What Makes The Surge And The Borealis Popular

While there are a few differences between the Surge and the Borealis, there are also a few similarities. These backpacks have become widely known for their utility as well as their attractiveness. Here are just a few of the similarities between the Surge and the Borealis:

One size:

While many high-quality backpack companies force you to choose between backpack sizes, the Surge, and the Borealis each come in only one size. Since the back panel has very few special features, it is able to accommodate most torso lengths.

15-inch laptop compartment:

Both of these backpacks have a 15-inch laptop compartment. As you will see below, these laptop compartments are located in different areas depending on the backpack.

Removable waist belt:

For those who are always on the go, keeping your waist belt shut around your waist can help prevent the swaying back and forth to the backpack. This is especially useful if you are a cyclist. But when your waist belt is not in use, you can remove it in order to eliminate the hassle of having a wee spell tingling around your legs.

Reflective bike loop:

It goes without saying that having a reflective bike loop on your backpack can ease your mind when you are traveling by bicycle. In foggy or nighttime conditions, this can save you from having an accident with oncoming vehicles.

Fleece-lined tablet sleeve:

There is a fleece-lined tablet sleeve in the main compartment for both of these backpacks.

Side water bottle pockets:

Another great thing about these backpacks is they have water bottle pockets. In addition to that, these pockets are not made of mesh and are opaque. This way, nobody will be able to see into these pockets.

Comparing The North Face Surge vs Borealis

The features listed below are the key points to remember when making a decision between these backpacks. Beside each of these features is a description indicating how these backpacks compare.

Bungee cords:

You may have noticed already that the North Face Borealis has plenty of bungee cord area along with the front pocket. These bungee cords can be used to attached external gear. They can also act to compress the content of the backpack when the front compartment is empty.

Daisy chain:

Apart from having bungee cords, the Borealis also have a daisy chain above it. The Daisy chain is even more useful for attaching some of the larger external gear that could not be attached to the bungee cord. The North Face surge does not have a daisy chain or bungee cords.

Large loop:

Even though the North Face Surge does not have a daisy chain or bungee cords, it does have a large loop on top of the front compartment. On this loop, you can attach a bicycle helmet or other external gear. There’s only one single loop, so if you have plenty of external gear to attach, you may be better off with the Borealis.

Two vertical zippered pockets:

While both the North Face Surge and the Borealis have a top zippered pocket, the surge also has two vertical zippered pockets in the front of the backpack. This gives you extra room for storing your smaller items.

Laptop sleeves:

One of the laptop sleeves of the North Face surge is located in the front compartment, the laptop sleeve for the Borealis is located in the main compartment. This could be a major consideration when you are trying to decide between these backpacks. Furthermore, having a laptop sleeve located in the main compartment can give you a better center of balance. However, it can also limit the number of books and binders that you can place in the main compartment.

Gear capacity:

While the North Face surge holds 33 liters of gear, the Borealis holds 28 liters of gear.

Lay flat laptop compartment:

The North Face surge has a TSA-approved lay-flat laptop compartment. This helps to facilitate the checkout point process at the airport. On the other hand, the North Face Borealis does not have a lay-flat laptop compartment.

The North Face Surge vs Borealis: Price Comparison

If you would like to compare the cheapest prices between the Surge and the Borealis, please see below:

The Verdict

While the North Face Borealis will allow you to carry plenty of external gear, the No products found. has more in terms of internal compartments. As a matter of fact, it has two extra vertical pockets in the front, while the Borealis only has a bungee cord.

Choosing between these two backpacks can also have to do with which backpack models you find most attractive. The Borealis has more options in terms of color combinations and patterns. But if your capacity matters to you, as it does for most people, the Surge does hold 5 liters more of gear.

If you like to have a rather large backpack for your daily commute, the North Face surge is a great one. But if you want to sit down and carry a backpack with a slimmer profile, the Borealis is a great choice.

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