What To Look For
When buying a North Face backpack, think about what you will be carrying when you use it. If you are using it for school and need space for your laptop, then the North Face Surge backpack would be a good choice because of the padded laptop compartment. If you just need to carry books or a change of clothes and a lunch, a smaller pack like the Jester may be a better option. The material of the pack is also a consideration, as it comes in ballistic nylon like the Borealis has or polyester as found on the Jester pack.
Common Pitfalls
Buying a backpack in the wrong size can lead to back problems and leave one generally feeling uncomfortable. For North Face backpacks for school use or regular daypacks, it is typically one size fits all, according to the Sierra Trading Post, an online and catalog retailer. For backpacks tailored to hiking and longer backpacking trips, making sure that you have the right size pack for your torso and trying it on to customize the fit can help you avoid ill-fitting packs that can lead to injury.
Where To Buy
REI and REI.com sell North Face backpacks, as does Dick's Sporting Goods and its website. The North Face website sells the complete range of backpacks, although not being able to see and try them on may pose a problem for some people.
Cost
On the North Face website in 2010, backpacks for everyday use range from a small, simple $45 Scatter backpack suitable for taking to work to a $149 Tree Hugger 32 camping backpack suitable for one-day trips. Hiking and technical backpacks range from the $75 Quiver to the Primero 85 pack, ringing in at $329.
Comparison Shopping
Some women may find that a women's North Face backpack like the Isabella or the women's version of the Borealis suit them better, while other women may find that using the regular, men's version is fine. The North Face makes its women's backpacks on a female-specific model, taking into account the smaller frame and width, but many women buy the regular versions of the daypacks.
Accessories
When hiking on trails all day or even during a long day at school, you tend to get thirsty. Many North Face backpacks have side mesh water bottle holders, and buying a reusable water bottle can save you money and be environmentally friendly. Reusable water bottles include Nalgene bottles made of plastic and Kleen Kanteens and SIGG water bottles made out of aluminum.
Insider Tips
If you plan on buying a North Face backpack for school that you will also use on short day hikes, it may be worthwhile to see if it is hydration-system compatible, which will allow you to put a hydration system in the pack for easy access to water during hiking. The Base Camp Hot Shot pack is hydration compatible, while packs like the Recon are not.
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