A work trip can also be a chance to get outside, but bringing separate backpacks for work and hiking isn’t always practical. My The North Face Borealis handles both roles: it carries my laptop and daily work essentials, then becomes my daypack when I fit outdoor adventures into my travels.
I purchased it in August 2025 and use it mainly for work. At home, I have another pack for hiking. When I travel for business or take personal trips where bringing two packs isn’t an option, the Borealis comes along for hikes and fossil-collecting outings too.
This review shares my experience with its comfort, organization, durability, and one minor drawback, along with why I would buy it again.
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My Everyday Work Pack
Most days, my Borealis carries my laptop, adapters, chargers, AirPods, a backup headset, and personal items. The compartments organize what I need well, and the clasp inside one compartment helps me keep track of my keys.
View The North Face Borealis backpack on Amazon.
The pack is very comfortable for daily use. I sometimes carry it over one shoulder when moving through an airport or picking it up for a short distance, and I also find it comfortable with both shoulder straps on.
For work, it is already the pack I bring on business trips. When I have a chance to add a hike or another outdoor outing, I can change what I carry without needing a second backpack.
Taking the Borealis on Travel Hikes
At home, I use another backpack for hiking. When I travel for business or take a personal trip where bringing two packs is not practical, the Borealis serves as my hiking daypack too. It has been very comfortable in both roles.
For these hikes, I generally leave the laptop sleeve empty. I carry rain gear or extra layers for colder conditions, water or Gatorade, snacks like Clif Bars, and a battery bank to charge my phone.
Depending on the outing, I also bring a headlamp if I expect to be out late, sometimes a paper map, and a small bag with medicine and safety items. I bring sunscreen and bug spray when needed.
The compartments work well for organizing my hiking gear. Being able to use the same pack for work and the trail is especially useful when I add outdoor adventures to a business trip.
Using It on Fossil Collecting Trips
The Borealis has also come along on fossil collecting outings. On those trips, I carry bags for collected fossils where collecting is permitted, hand wipes, and camera and video gear.
Fossil outings can get dirty, so the hand wipes are useful. The pack gets dirty too, but it cleans up well afterward. That has been helpful for a backpack I also use for daily work.
Durability and One Minor Drawback
Since buying the Borealis in August 2025, I haven’t noticed any wear or durability issues. Between daily work, travel, hiking, and fossil collecting outings, it has held up well so far.
The only drawback I have noticed involves an exterior zip pocket positioned high on the pack. When that pocket has items in it, the weight can make that section flop toward the ground when I unzip the main compartment. It is a minor inconvenience rather than a major problem.
Based on how it has held up, I expect to keep using this pack for a long time. That is my expectation based on my experience so far, not something I can know for certain.
Would I Buy the Borealis Again?
I have recommended this backpack in person, and I would buy it again when I need a replacement. With no wear or durability issues so far, I do not expect to need one anytime soon.
What I appreciate most is how well it fits the different parts of my routine. It is comfortable and organized for daily work, while also serving me well on travel hikes and fossil collecting outings.
I still use a separate hiking pack at home. For trips where bringing two backpacks is not practical, though, the Borealis has worked well as the one pack I bring for both work and outdoor adventures.
If you would like to explore the backpack I use for work and outdoor adventures while traveling, you can view The North Face Borealis backpack on Amazon.
If you’re also looking for ways to get outside while traveling for work, our Business Trips, Outdoor Adventures article shares more about combining the two. Explore our Hiking guides for trail experiences and practical ideas, or visit our Gear guide for more equipment we use on our outings.
Adventure Never Gets Old™