The reliable choice for every trail and traveler. You need a pack you can trust, whether you’re heading out for a quick day hike or a multi-day adventure. That’s where a solid north face hiking backpack comes in. It’s the workhorse you grab without a second thought, knowing it won’t let you down when you need it most.
We’ve put one of their popular models through its paces. From organizing your gear to carrying a heavy load comfortably, let’s see how it holds up. Is it really the versatile champion it claims to be? Here’s our honest take after some serious miles.
Product Comparison Table: 10 Best North Face Hiking Backpack
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
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The North Face Terra 40 Backpack – Unisex Hiking…
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9.6 |
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The North Face Basin 24 Liter Technical Daypack with…
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9.4 |
Read Review |
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The North Face Basin 36 Liter Technical Daypack with…
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9.3 |
Read Review |
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The North Face Basin 18 Liter Technical Daypack with…
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9.1 |
Read Review |
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The North Face Terra 55 Backpack – Unisex Hiking…
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8.9 |
Read Review |
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The North Face Terra 65 Backpack – Unisex Hiking…
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8.8 |
Read Review |
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The North Face Basin 15 Liter Technical Pack, TNF…
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8.6 |
Read Review |
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The North Face Women’s Terra 55 Backpack – Hiking…
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8.4 |
Read Review |
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Osprey Daylite Commuter Backpack, Magma Brown/Tungsten
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8.3 |
Read Review |
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Maelstrom Hiking Backpack,Camping Backpack,40L Waterproof Hiking Daypack with Rain…
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8.1 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 10 North Face Hiking Backpack
The North Face Terra 40 Backpack – Unisex Hiking Pack, Padded Hipbelt, Pole & Ice Axe Attachments, Hydration Sleeve, TNF Black/Asphalt Grey-NPF, Large/X-Large
The North Face Terra 40 Backpack is a unisex hiking pack designed for overnight trips and multi-day adventures. It’s built to be a reliable, all-rounder pack that carries your essentials comfortably and keeps you organized on the trail. With a 40+ liter capacity, it provides ample space for your gear without being overly bulky or complicated to manage.
Comfort is a central focus of this packs design.
It features a padded back panel, shoulder straps, and a hipbelt that are all optimized for breathability and support. The system includes load lifter straps and a sternum strap to help fine-tune the fit, while a removable frame sheet allows you to adjust the stiffness for optimal weight distribution. This means the pack carries the load on your hips, not your shoulders, making those long miles feel a lot more manageable.
Organization is straightforward and practical.
A large zippered main compartment holds the bulk of your gear, and it includes an internal zip pocket with a key hook for small valuables. Externally, you get two handy hipbelt pockets for snacks or a camera, plus an external stuff-it pocket for quick access to a layer.
The North Face Basin 24 Liter Technical Daypack with Rain Cover – Unisex, Hiking Pole Attachment, Compression Straps, TNF Black/TNF Black-NPF, One Size
The North Face Basin 24 Liter Technical Daypack is a midsize pack built for serious day hikes and outdoor adventures. It’s designed to be your reliable partner on the trail, offering a smart blend of organization, comfort, and durability without overcomplicating things. With a 24-liter capacity, it hits that sweet spot—roomy enough for your essentials but not so big that it encourages overpacking. You’ll appreciate the thoughtful organization right away.
The large main zippered compartment easily fits a jacket, food, and other gear, and it includes a internal sleeve for a hydration reservoir. On the outside, a quick-access stash pocket is perfect for items like a map or gloves. Two side pockets allow you to grab a water bottle without stopping, and the side compression straps help slim down the pack’s profile or secure extra layers. There’s even a simple two-point system to attach your hiking poles when you don’t need them.
Comfort is a major focus here. The NextVent back panel and padded shoulder straps are designed for breathability, helping to minimize that sweaty-back feeling. An adjustable sternum strap and a removable hip belt work together to stabilize the load and distribute weight more evenly, which makes a noticeable difference on longer treks. The pack itself is constructed from lightweight nylon ripstop, with reinforced polyester in high-wear areas for extra toughness.
The North Face Basin 36 Liter Technical Daypack with Rain Cover | Unisex Backpack, Padded Hipbelt, Chest Strap, Hiking Pole Attachment, TNF Black/TNF Black-NPF, One Size
The North Face Basin 36 Liter Technical Daypack with Rain Cover is a purpose-built pack for serious day hikes and outdoor adventures. It’s designed to carry everything you need comfortably and keep it organized, all while standing up to variable trail conditions. With 36 liters of space, it strikes a balance between capacity and manageability, ensuring you’re prepared without being overburdened. Comfort is a central focus of this packs design.
The NextVent back panel and shoulder straps provide crucial padding while promoting airflow to minimize sweat buildup. The adjustable, padded hipbelt is a key feature, effectively transfering weight from your shoulders to your hips for a more stable and less fatiguing carry. Sternum and load lifter straps offer further customization to fine-tune the fit. You’ll also find a convenient two-point system to securely stow your trekking poles when not in use.
Organization is straightforward and intuitive. The large main compartment handles your core gear and includes a hydration sleeve for a reservoir. A quick-access stash pocket on the front is perfect for a jacket or wet layer, and the handy hipbelt pockets let you grab a snack or your phone without stopping. External attachment points are plentiful, including daisy-chain webbing, rear lash points, and compression straps to secure a helmet, tripod, or sleeping pad.
The North Face Basin 18 Liter Technical Daypack with Rain Cover – Unisex Backpack, Sternum Strap, Hiking Pole Attachment, TNF Black/TNF Black-NPF, One Size
The North Face Basin 18 Liter Technical Daypack is a purpose-built companion for day hikes and outdoor adventures. It’s designed to carry everything you need without the bulk, making it a smart choice for trails, travel, or daily use where durability matters. At 18 liters, it strikes a balance between having ample space and remaining compact and managable on your back. This pack is built around comfort for long wear.
The NextVent back panel and padded shoulder straps are made from breathable material to reduce sweat buildup. A sternum strap with an integrated whistle buckle helps distribute weight and stabilize the load, taking pressure off your shoulders. When you need your hands free, the simple two-point hiking pole attachment system lets you quickly secure your trekking poles without fuss. Organization is straightforward and effective.
The large main zippered compartment easily fits extra layers, a hydration reservoir (thanks to the internal sleeve), and other essentials like a first-aid kit. An external stash pocket is perfect for items you need to grab fast, like a snack, gloves, or a light jacket. Two side pockets provide easy access to water bottles, so you can stay hydrated without stopping to take the pack off. Constructon is where the Basin 18 really shows its technical chops.
The North Face Terra 55 Backpack – Unisex Hiking Pack, Cinch-Top Opening with Zipper, Pole & Ice Axe Attachments, TNF Black/Asphalt Grey-NPF, Large/X-Large
The North Face Terra 55 Backpack is a unisex, multi-day hiking pack designed for serious adventures. It’s built to carry everything you need comfortably and efficiently, whether your planning a weekend trip or a longer thru-hike. With a 55-liter capacity (which actually varies slightly by size), it provides plenty of space for your gear without being overly bulky or cumbersome.
Comfort is a major focus here.
The pack features a padded back panel, shoulder straps, and hipbelt, all designed for breathability during long days on the trail. It includes load lifter straps and a sternum strap to help fine-tune the fit, and a removable frame sheet lets you adjust the support and weight distribution to match your load. This attention to detail means the pack carries the weight for you, not the other way around.
Getting to your gear is straightforward.
The main compartment uses a cinch-top closure with a full-length, two-way U-shaped zipper. This gives you quick access from the top, sides, or even the bottom of the pack without having to dig. The removable lid has an internal zippered pocket and a key hook. On the outside, a stretchy stuff-it pocket with a buckle lets you quickly stow a jacket or other layer you might need to grab in a hurry.
It’s loaded with practical, trail-ready features.
The North Face Terra 65 Backpack – Unisex Hiking Pack, Cinch-Top Opening with Zipper, Pole & Ice Axe Attachments, TNF Black/Asphalt Grey-NPF, Large/X-Large
The North Face Terra 65 Backpack is designed for serious multi-day treks and thru-hikes. It’s a large-capacity pack that balances robust organization with a focus on carrying comfort, ensuring you can focus on the trail ahead instead of your gear. At its core, this is a pack built for comfort over long distances. The padded back panel, shoulder straps, and hipbelt are all engineered for breathability and support.
You can fine-tune the fit with the load lifter straps, sternum strap, and the adjustable thoracic carriage. The removable frame sheet allows you to customize the stiffness, which is a nice touch for dialing in your personal preference. It’s all about distributing weight effectively so you can carry your essentials without undue strain. Accessing your gear is straightforward.
The main compartment uses a cinch-top closure for traditional packing, but it’s augmented by a full-length, two-way U-shaped zipper. This lets you open the pack from the top, sides, or bottom to reach items buried deep inside without unpacking everything. The removable lid has an internal zippered pocket and a key clip. On the outside, a stretchy stuff-it pocket secured with a buckle provides a quick place to stash a jacket or wet layers.
The North Face Basin 15 Liter Technical Pack, TNF Black/Asphalt Grey-NPF, One Size
The North Face Basin 15 Liter Technical Pack is a streamlined and adaptable backpack built for active movement, whether your day involves navigating city streets or hitting a local trail. Its core appeal lies in a functional design that prioritizes a personalized fit and smart organization, all within a notably lightweight and durable frame. Starting with fit, the Basin 15 features an adjustable torso range specifically contoured for young adults.
This means you can fine-tune the harness for a secure and comfortable carry, which is essential when your pack is loaded and you’re on the move. The overall volume of 15 liters strikes a practical balance, offering ample space for daily essentials or a day hike’s worth of gear without the bulk of a larger expedition pack. It’s dimensions, roughly 16.5 by 7 by 6 inches, make it a manageable profile that won’t feel oversized. Organization is where this pack really shines.
A large main compartment handles the bulk of your load, keeping items like a jacket, lunch, or a small first-aid kit secure. For items you need to grab quickly, there’s an external stash pocket perfect for a phone, keys, or a snack. Two quick-access water bottle pockets on the sides ensure hydration is always within reach, and the internal hydration sleeve offers the option to use a reservoir if you prefer.
The North Face Women's Terra 55 Backpack – Hiking Pack, Women-Specific Fit, Cinch-Top Opening, Pole & Ice Axe Attachments, Blue Moss/Sapphire Slate-NPF, Medium/Long
The North Face Women’s Terra 55 Backpack is a multi-day hiking pack designed specifically for women. It provides the capacity and organization you need for extended trips, all built around a fit and carry system that aims to keep you comfortable mile after mile. This pack is built for multi-day adventures. With 55 liters of space in the Medium/Long size, it has room for your shelter, sleep system, food, and clothing.
The design focuses on a women-specific fit, featuring a padded back panel and contoured shoulder straps shaped to match a woman’s torso. This helps distribute weight effectively. The padded hipbelt, adjustable load lifter straps, and sternum strap work together to stabilize the load, making heavy carries feel more manageable. A removable frame sheet allows you to further customize the support. Accessing your gear is straightforward.
The main compartment uses a cinch-top closure for traditional packing, but it also features a full-length, two-way U-shaped zipper. This lets you open the pack from the top, sides, or bottom to reach items without unpacking everything. The removable lid includes an internal zippered pocket and a key clip. On the outside, a stretchy stuff-it pocket with a buckle lets you quickly stash a layer or tighten down the load. For functionality on the trail, the Terra 55 is well-equipped.
Osprey Daylite Commuter Backpack, Magma Brown/Tungsten
The Osprey Daylite Commuter Backpack in Magma Brown/Tungsten is a streamlined, versatile pack built for your daily routine and beyond. It’s designed to be incredibly light, starting at just over a pound, so you can carry your essentials without feeling weighed down before your day even begins. The large, panel-loading main compartment makes packing and finding your gear straightforward—no more digging around from a small top opening.
Everything is accessible when you lay it flat and unzip the main clamshell. Organization is simple but effective. Inside, a multifunctional sleeve handles your most important items. It’s designed to fit a hydration reservoir for outdoor use, but it also securely holds most tablets or a laptop up to 14 inches. This dual-purpose design means the bag transitions easily from a commute to a weekend hike.
For your hydration on the go, the dual side mesh pockets stretch to hold water bottles securely, and they’re easy to access while your wearing the pack. A key feature of this backpack is its compatibility. The Daylite and Daylite Plus models are designed to attach directly to several of Osprey’s larger travel and backpacking bags. This turns it into a handy daypack you can detach at your destination or use as extra, organized storage attached to your main luggage.
Maelstrom Hiking Backpack,Camping Backpack,40L Waterproof Hiking Daypack with Rain Cover,Lightweight Travel Backpack,Blue
The Maelstrom 40L Hiking Backpack is designed for those who need a reliable, versatile pack for day-long adventures and short trips. Its core purpose is to keep your gear organized, protected, and easily accessible, all while maintaining a comfortable carry, no matter where your journey takes you.
Constructed from durable 210d rip-stop nylon, this backpack is built to handle the rigors of the trail.
The fabric resists water, tears, and scratches, offering solid protection for your belongings. For added peace of mind in wet weather, a included rain cover with reflective detailing is stowed in a discreet bottom pocket. This combination ensures your essentials stay dry, letting you focus on the path ahead without worry about the conditions.
Comfort is a key focus. The back panel and shoulder straps are thickly padded and feature breathable mesh to reduce heat buildup and fatigue.
The adjustable, padded straps and an ergonomic chest buckle work together to distribute weight effectively, keeping the pack stable during movement. A thoughtful safety feature is integrated into that chest buckle, which doubles as an emergency whistle. The pack also includes reflective elements for increased visibility in low light.
With a 40-liter capacity, it offers ample space without being overly bulky, often meeting airline carry-on requirements.
North Face Hiking Backpack Buying Guide
A trusted name in outdoor gear offers reliable options. But with so many models, how do you pick the right North Face hiking backpack for you? It’s not just about the logo; it’s about matching the pack to your adventures. This guide will help you focus on the key factors that matter most on the trail.
Capacity: How Much Do You Really Need?
Think about your typical trip. Are you out for a few hours or a full weekend? A 20-35 liter pack is perfect for day hikes, carrying water, layers, and lunch. For overnighters or long-distance day trips where you need more gear, look for 35-50 liters. Choosing the right size prevents you from overpacking or, worse, not having enough space for essentials.
Fit and Suspension System
This is crucial. An ill-fitting pack leads to sore shoulders and a aching back. Look for adjustable torso lengths and padded, contoured shoulder straps. A good hip belt should transfer most of the weight to your hips, not your shoulders. Test the fit if you can, even just by loading it up in the store. Your comfort over miles depends on it.
Access and Organization
How do you like to get to your stuff? Top-loaders are simple and lightweight, but bottom access can be a lifesaver. Many packs now offer front panel or side zippers for grabbing gear without unpacking everything. Consider pockets: do you want a dedicated hydration sleeve, easy-reach spots for snacks, or secure places for your phone? Your organization style dictates your choice.
Durability and Weather Resistance
The trail can be rough. Check the denier (D) number of the fabric—higher numbers generally mean tougher material. Reinforced bottoms are great for abrasion. While few packs are fully waterproof, a durable water repellent (DWR) coating handles light rain. For wet climates, using a pack cover or internal dry bags is always a smart move to keep your gear safe and dry.
Frequently Asked Questions About North Face Hiking Backpack
What size backpack do I need?
It depends on your trip length. For day hikes, a 20-35 liter pack is perfect. For weekend trips, look at 35-50 liters. For multi-day treks, you’ll likely need 50 liters or more. Consider how much gear you usually carry to.
Are North Face backpacks comfortable?
Yes, thay’re known for great comfort. They use padded shoulder straps and back panels that breath well. Many models have adjustable torso lengths. This helps teh pack fit your body properly, which is key for long days.
How do I clean my backpack?
First, empty all pockets. Use a damp cloth with mild soap to wipe the exterior. You can rinse it gently with a hose if it’s very dirty. Always let it air dry completely—never put it in a dryer. This helps the materials last.
What’s the warranty like?
The North Face offers a lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. It’s a really strong guarantee. If something breaks under normal use, you can contact them for a repair or replacement. Keep your proof of purchase, just in case.
Can I attach a hydration reservoir?
Most of their hiking packs are hydration compatible. They have a special sleeve inside for a water bladder and a port for the tube to come out. Just check the product description to be sure the specific model has it, as it’s a very common feature.
How do I choose between models?
Think about your main activity. The ‘Borealis’ is great for everyday and day hikes. The ‘Terra’ series is for longer trails. The ‘Router’ is for travel and commuting. Reading reviews on the specific pack your interested in can help a lot too.
Are they waterproof?
They are made with water-resistant materials, but not fully waterproof. A sudden downpour might seep in through the zippers. It’s always smart to use the included rain cover or pack your gear in dry bags inside for important protection.
Closing Thoughts
Trust a legendary brand for your outdoor journey. You want gear that works as hard as you do. It should feel comfortable, hold up to the weather, and keep your stuff organized. When you’re on the trail, the last thing you need is to worry about your pack. You can focus on the path ahead and the views around you.
Choosing the right gear makes all the difference. A well-made pack is your partner on every adventure. For reliability you can count on, a north face hiking backpack is a smart choice. It’s built with the experience of countless trips and designed for real-world use. Grab your pack and get ready for your next great day outside.