Difference Between Mens and Womens North Face Backpacks Explained
Have you ever thought that the only difference between men's and women's North Face backpacks were the color options? Well, it's time to debunk that myth!
In reality, North Face backpacks for men and women some major differences that determine fit and comfort. This guide will use the men’s and women’s North Face Borealis to showcase the differences but the info share here will also apply to other North Face backpacks like the Recon and Surge as well.
Video Guide
Mens vs Womens North Face Backpacks - What’s The Difference?
The Mens and Womens North Face Borealis backpack
Difference #1 - Shoulder Straps
The first difference is that the shoulder straps on the men's Borealis are set further apart to accommodate broader shoulders while the women's straps are closer together to better fit smaller shoulders.
Mens vs Womens North Face Backpacks - The men’s shoulder straps are further apart for broad shoulders
Additionally, the shape of the shoulder straps differ by a lot. The women's shoulder straps have a more dramatic outward curve to avoid the chest area, a common feature in women-specific backpacks. In contrast, the men's shoulder straps are not only longer but also go straight down, providing a different fit.
Mens vs Womens North Face Backpacks - The women’s shoulder straps are more curved
Difference #2 - Back Panels
The back panels are another major difference in men's vs. women's North Face backpacks. The women's back panel is smaller to better fit a shorter torso, with less space between the lumbar padding and the upper back padding compared to the men's.
When worn, this size difference is immediately noticeable as the lumbar padding will hit on different spots on your lower back. Because each back panel is so torso-length specific, it’s safe to say that most people 5’7" and under would be better off wearing a women’s North Face backpack regardless of gender. Taller people with longer torsos will fare better by just going with a men’s backpack.
Mens vs Womens Back Panels - The men’s back panel is for a longer torso
Pro-Tip: How to Tell if a North Face Backpack is the Men’s or Women’s Version
A men’s North Face backpack will have a rectangular back panel, while the women’s version will have a round, oval-shaped back panel. Spotting the difference is easy once you know what to look for!
Difference #3 - Size
The larger back panel on a men’s North Face backpack also means the bag itself is slightly larger. For example, the men's Borealis has 28L of packing space, while the women's version only has 27L.
Womens vs Mens Borealis Backpack - the men’s Borealis has more packing room
This size difference is mostly seen in the height, as the men's backpack is taller, providing more room at the top for packing but there is also more depth inside the main compartment. If packing for school, you’ll be able to pack 1 or 2 more notebooks inside the men’s Borealis.
Additionally, the pockets, including the rear laptop compartment, are slightly larger in the men's Borealis. A 15.6” laptop fits more comfortably in the men's version, with more space around the laptop.
Choose The One that Fits You Best
Despite the differences in fit, the men's and women's North Face backpacks have the same pockets, compartments, and extra features, making them functionally the exact same backpack. In our North Face backpack comparisons, we often use the women's versions since those are the ones we test in real-world conditions.
The best way to think about these backpacks is not as men's and women's, but as different sizes. The women's version can be considered a Small/Medium size, while the men's is a Medium/Large. Thinking about the backpacks this way will help you choose the one that best fits you individually.
More Helpful Resources
The North Face Borealis vs Patagonia Refugio - A comparison of two of the most popular backpacks!
The North Face Borealis vs Jester - Battle of The North Face bungee backpacks!
The North Face Recon vs Borealis - These two backpacks are more alike than you think.
Ultimate Backpack Size Guide - 20L? 30L? We show what fits inside different backpacks.
