For a quarter of a century, The North Face Borealis has been synonymous with a reliable everyday pack that can go anywhere—from city streets to lecture halls. But now, for its 25th anniversary, the legend has a new chapter: the Borealis Trail. This version takes everything we loved about the original and transforms it into a day-hiking machine that’s unafraid of muddy trails and rocky climbs. Is this a pack that will still reign supreme in your lifestyle? Let’s take a look under the hood—or rather, under the zipper.
Imagine a backpack that has spent a quarter of a century in the backpacks of students, travelers, and urban nomads, now set to conquer the wilderness. The North Face Borealis Trail is such a backpack – an icon that has been given hiking boots and taken on day-long adventures. Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the original Borealis, it brings a breath of fresh air with rugged hiking accessories without losing its urban charm. Is this the bag that will be your companion from the office to the top of the hill? Let’s unpack it and check it out!
Key figures at a glance: The North Face Borealis Trail
- Dimensions: 48.0 × 31.5 × 18.0 cm (18.9 × 12.4 × 7.09 inches)
- Volume: 28 liters (VDA, basic layout)
- Weight: approximately 1.2 kg (2.65 pounds) (Source: thenorthface.com)
- Material: recycled polyester with water-repellent coating
- Carrying capacity: suitable for a 16-inch laptop or hydration bladder
- The price: from 120 EUR (approximately 130 USD, exchange rate 5. 9. 2025) (Source: thenorthface.eu)
Design and functionality: From the city to the top
The North Face Borealis Trail at first glance resembles its urban sibling, but it quickly becomes clear that this is a backpack with the soul of an adventurer. The North Face has taken a proven formula and adapted it for those who prefer to tread forest paths rather than pavement. The most obvious change? Updated bungee cord system on the front, which now uses dual loops to attach gear like hiking poles or a lightweight jacket. It's not just an aesthetic refresh—it's like a Swiss Army knife for quickly accessible essentials.
Amidst these loops reigns a new zipper on the front pocket, which is more spacious and designed for larger items. If you've ever tried to quickly pack a wet windbreaker into a classic Borealis, you know it was a struggle. The Trail makes it easy. Plus, the main compartment is equipped with large shell-shaped zipper, which makes it easier to pack and unpack bulky loads – perfect for hiking boots or additional equipment.
Inside: More than just a backpack
The inner sleeve is the real star of the show. Accepts 16 inch laptop or hydration bladder, meaning The North Face Borealis Trail is equally at home on a hike as it is at a meeting. Revised braces with integrated hydration tubes, they ensure your water intake flows as smoothly as a mountain stream. And if you're the type who always has to have your phone at hand, you'll be delighted by the small pocket on the left shoulder strap - it's like having a personal assistant holding your smartphone.
On the exterior we find a couple more tool loops and improved side pockets for bottles, which are now higher and safer. No more fear of your bottle dancing off into the abyss as you climb a steep slope. It's all thought out, as if The North Face engineers spent a weekend in the wilderness writing down what annoys them about other backpacks.
Compromises: Less urban elegance, more wild spirit
Of course, every adaptation comes with trade-offs. The Borealis Trail sacrificed second front pocket with organizational compartments, which was popular with the original for storing pens, keys or chargers. If you're an urban nomad who needs a pocket for every little thing, you might miss this. But in the age of gorp-core, when tech gear is shamelessly roaming the city streets, Trail looks cooler than ever. It's like a hiker who's learned to wear jeans and still looks great.
Dimensions and usability: Subtle changes, big difference
Borealis Trail custom 48.0 × 31.5 × 18.0 cm (18.9 × 12.4 × 7.09 inches), which is slightly different from the original (48.3 × 30.5 × 16.5 cm). It is slightly lower, wider and thicker, giving it a more robust feel, optimized for outdoor use. The volume remains 28 liters (VDA, basic layout), which is enough for a day hike or a weekend at the office. (Source: thenorthface.com)
Model Legacy: 25 Years of an Icon
Borealis debuted in 1998 as an all-purpose backpack. Since then, it has become a staple in the bags of students, travelers, and hikers. The Trail version maintains that heritage, but adds specialized features that make it more relevant to the needs of modern adventurers. It's like an old rock star who's recorded a new album—still recognizable, but with a modern twist.
Conclusion: Who is the Borealis Trail for?
The The North Face Borealis Trail is a backpack for those who want one bag for two worlds: backcountry hikes and occasional urban adventures. Its rugged construction, thoughtful features like tool loops and a hydration system, and iconic aesthetics make it an attractive choice. Yes, you'll miss the organization pocket if you're an urbanite, but in return you get a backpack that's ready for anything—from rocky trails to coffee tables. For 120 EUR You get a piece of gear that combines 25 years of heritage with modern ambitions. We recommend it for hikers who occasionally venture into the urban jungle and urban adventurers who dream of the hills. (Source: thenorthface.eu)
