The Osprey and The North Face companies are known for their high-end backpacks. Despite the fact that they offer durable material, they come at an affordable price. This is part of the reason why they have become so popular in the past few years.
It is quite difficult to compare the Nebula and the Surge. This is because they offer many of the same features and quality. In this Osprey Nebula vs North Face Surge comparison, we will be discussing what these backpacks have in common, as well as the differences to pay attention to.
Looking for a backpack with a more feminine design? You might like our Osprey Nova vs Nebula Backpack Review or our Osprey Backpack Guide for Female Travelers, Hikers and Cyclists.
Osprey Nebula vs The North Face Surge
Airplane Compliance
One of the reasons why people purchase the Nebula and the Surge is to take them on airplane trips. This is due to the fact that they are both compliant in terms of airplane size regulations. Both of these backpacks will fit in the overhead bin, as well as underneath the seat in front of you.
These backpacks are also TSA compliant. This means that it will be super efficient to go through customs with these backpacks.
For Hiking Or For Urban Travel
These backpacks are truly hybrids for the nature lover, as well as the daily commuter. There are water bottle pockets on the sides in order to accommodate water bottles. They are rugged enough to take with you on hiking excursions.
These backpacks are also great for your daily commute. Apart from being rugged, they also have organizational pockets in the front and room for your electronics. They are especially designed to be optimal for carrying books and binders.
Comfort
While both companies offer a great design that is optimal for comfort, Osprey is the king of comfort. They have their own trademark backpanel systems that allow you to carry very heavy loads without making your back ache.
While the North Face Surge has a padded mesh backpanel, the Osprey Nebula is designed for carrying plenty of electronics or hiking gear. This means that you will have a slight advantage in the Osprey Nebula if carrying heavy loads.
They both have a hip belts that you can use to stabilize your loads.
Carrying Your Electronics
Both of these backpacks are optimal for carrying your laptop and your tablet. They have a sleeve for both of these items. These sleeves offer scratch resistance so that you can be sure to keep your electronics protected.
You also have the option to carry your cell phone and iPod safely without being scratched. You can use the same scratch free pockets for your sunglasses.
Main Differences Between The Nebula And The Surge
The main difference between the Nebula and the Surge is the pocket organization in the front. While the Nebula has a stash pocket in the front panel, the North Face Surge has three slash pockets. Inside of the slash pockets, you can put items that you will need to be accessing on a regular basis.
While having slash pockets in the front of a backpack is very useful, the stash pockets in the Nebula is also advantageous. In a stash pocket, you can put wet rain gear or dirty clothing without interfering with the main contents of your backpack.
Osprey Nebula
- Weight: 2.13 lb.
- Dimensions: 19 x 12 x 11 inches
- Volume capacity: 34 liters
The North Face Surge
- Weight: 3 lb. 3.5 oz.
- Dimensions: 19.75 x 13.75 x 8.5 the whole thing with me and Southinches
- Volume capacity: 33 liters
Osprey Nebula vs The North Face Surge: Comparing The Prices
In order to compare the prices between the Osprey Nebula and the North Face Surge, please see the links below.
Osprey Nebula vs The North Face Surge: The Verdict
We like the Osprey Nebula for the fact that it allows you to carry a very heavy load with comfort. Its backpanel is highly optimized for those long treks in the woods. Even for those daily commutes with your laptop and your tablet, you will find that they give you the comfort that you need.
The The North Face Surge North Face Surge is also a very good choice. However, while it has less volume capacity, it also weighs more than the Osprey Nebula. We like the Nebula for the fact that it offers more volume capacity for the weight.
What is your own personal preference regarding the Nebula and the Surge? If you have any questions about either of these backpacks, please leave your question below.
I’ve had both (currently the Nebula) and the Osprey seems more adaptable to each individual’s body. Osprey has the best return and service warranty hands down. Osprey is my new pack manufacture.
Is it possible to remove the hipbelts on the packs?