ashenThe North Face isn’t an alienated brand for backpackers, hikers or any other outdoor enthusiast. Producing high quality travel wear and gear for over a half a century now, The North Face Generator backpack is no exception. We’ve reviewed quite a few of North Face’s travel wear and gear and we decided to add this one to the list of some of the well performing travel backpacks. Keep reading and find out if this’ll suit you for your next adventure trip!
The North Face Generator Backpack Specs
- Dimensions: 19.75″h x 13.5″w x 8.5″d | Weight: 2 lbs. 12.45 oz. (1260 g)
- Volume: 28 liters
- 210D Cordura nylon mini-ripstop
- 15″ laptop sleeve
- FlexVent suspension system
- Padded mesh back panel
- Side compression straps
- Padded top haul handle sternum strap
- Plenty of convenient storage options
- Great ventilation and internal organization
Build Quality And Design
As usual, let’s start off with the material. 210D Cordura nylon material is mostly used in high end backpacks as opposed to just using Nylon or Polyester. Why is Cordura better than Nylon? simply due to the better resistance to wear and tear. Nylon possesses a better water resistance over Cordura. However, Cordura resists tears and abrasions like no other fabric. The denier grade is 210 which further guarantees durability and readiness for tough environments. Although it isn’t fully ripstop, the material combination is tough that regular use or abrasion won’t just open holes along the seams. This is much thicker and sewn at close intervals. On a side note, Cordura is self extinguishing and will not act as a combustible substance in a fire. Finally, the material combo makes it a better water repellant than Neoprene.
The next special feature of course is the FlexVent suspension system for optimum weight distribution across your torso. Add to this, The North Face adds the custom injection-molded shoulder straps and a padded mesh back panel. Mostly for enhancing breathability and ventilation to keep you going during those long hikes. Not to mention the removable waist belt and side compression straps that also aid in distributing the weight evenly throughout the spine and optimized adjustment. The fit is fully ergonomic with the adjustments. It won’t sway from side to side once the main straps and the sternum strap are adjusted to match your height. Versatility is further enhanced with the waist belt. This is one of the primary features that converts this comfortable laptop backpack into a daypack.
Internal Organization And Pocket Placement
Considering the storage options, the front elastic bungee is capable of holding your travel wear such as jacket, sweater for easy access. The rest of the pockets are pretty much what you get in a standard backpack. What I would like is an inclusion of a dedicated hydration reservoir to complete the entire package of a well thought out backpack. For example, the Patagonia Refugio Backpack comes with a laptop compartment that supports a hydration reservoir. However, the Generator has two stretch-mesh water bottle pockets and a velcro strap at the top that you may use to attach a water bladder. The internal secure zippered pocket can be used to store the valuables such as the travel wallet, passport etc. The laptop sleeve comes handy for those purchasing this for work and school. You can utilize the external fleece-lined pocket to store minor electronics and the accessories such as a sunglass, hat and your maps.
The North Face Generator vs Borealis
Two backpacks going hand in hand, hence a quite popular comparison. Specs wise, they are both almost identical. The Borealis is slightly lighter(2.69 lbs) and they are more specific on the material. The Fabric: 600D, 400D or 300D polyester, 210D Cordura nylon ripstop and the Boot: 1680D ballistic nylon. The rest is exactly the same as the Generator. Both have easily flexing shoulder straps, same internal organization and the waist belt. Whichever you choose, you have gotten yourself a great multifunctional backpack that you may use for hiking, lightweight backpacking, biking and even for school. The user feedback is nothing short of positive and all around good vibes. Especially among high school and college students. They claim that the organization is such that it accommodates everything from the laptop/tablet to stationery extremely well. Plus it’s super lightweight, great for commuting and durable.
Overall, the Borealis is much more popular among the community for some reason although both the backpacks perform equally. You could throw them around, dip them in water and they’d both still serve you for a long time. According to the users, the laptop compartment of the Borealis is exceptional and it protects their devices very well. Mostly due to the backside of the pack having heavy cushioning and additional protection around the sides of the laptop too. Also, you don’t have to worry if you accidentally throw your backpack on a hard surface because the suspension system and the padding protects the content inside. Very much easy to use with the large zippers, simple adjustment and great pocket placement. Neither pack is extraordinarily stylish, but the functionality trumps above that. Both The North Face Generator Backpack and Borealis are almost equally priced with the Borealis been slightly expensive. Whichever you choose, you have made a choice that makes life easier.
