In-Depth Review of THE NORTH FACE Vault Everyday Laptop Backpack – PFAS Free, TNF Black-NPF, One Size
When it comes to choosing the right backpack, especially one that caters to daily needs like carrying a laptop, books, and other essentials, there are numerous options available. However, few brands have managed to establish a reputation for quality and functionality like The North Face. One product that stands out is the THE NORTH FACE Vault Everyday Laptop Backpack. This review will explore its features, functionality, and overall performance based on various user experiences.
Product Specifications
- Dimensions: 6.5 x 12 x 20 inches
- Item Weight: 1.65 pounds
- Capacity: 27 Liters
- Model Number: NF0A3VY2
- Features: Water-repellent finish, FlexVent suspension system, organizational pockets
- Target Audience: Unisex-adult
Design and Aesthetic
The Vault backpack comes in a sleek TNF Black color with a modern aesthetic that appeals to a wide audience. The streamlined design is not only visually appealing but also practical, making it suitable for both casual and professional settings. The camo texture print and taupe green color option add a unique flair for those looking for something different.
Comfort and Support
One of the standout features of this backpack is the FlexVent suspension system. This technology consists of a flexible yoke built from custom injection-molded and flexible shoulder straps, along with a padded mesh back panel and a breathable lumbar panel. These features provide exceptional comfort, especially during long hours of wear. Users have reported that even when fully loaded, the backpack remains comfortable, thanks to the support it offers. The padded handles add an extra layer of convenience for easy grabbing and carrying.
Functionality and Storage
The Vault backpack boasts a total capacity of 27 liters, which may seem modest at first glance. However, users have been pleasantly surprised by how much they can fit inside. The main compartment is spacious enough to hold textbooks, a lunchbox, and even a hoodie or rain jacket. The padded laptop sleeve is designed for a 15″ laptop, providing excellent protection and peace of mind for tech users. Many customers have noted that they feel confident in leaving their laptops unprotected within the bag due to its robust design.
In addition to the main compartment, the backpack features a front compartment that simplifies organization. Multiple zip pockets, a tablet sleeve, and a key clip make it easy to keep essentials in order. The two external water bottle pockets allow for convenient access to hydration throughout the day, and a daisy chain offers extra lash points for attaching gear.
Durability and Quality
The North Face has built a reputation for durability, and the Vault backpack is no exception. The water-repellent finish ensures that belongings stay dry in varying weather conditions. Users have reported that the backpack stands unsupported, adding to its convenience and usability. Some customers have expressed concerns about the material’s texture not feeling as premium as expected, but the overall durability has still been praised.
Target Audience and Versatility
This backpack is suitable for a wide range of users—students, professionals, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. With its unisex design and practical features, it caters to adults and older teens who require a reliable bag for daily commutes and academic needs. Many reviews mention its effectiveness for both work and school-related activities, making it an excellent all-rounder.
User Experiences
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Work-from-Home Adaptation: One user mentioned that the Vault pack is perfect for transitioning from working at home to coffee shops or co-working spaces, as it provides ample room for work essentials while being stylish enough for public settings.
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Student Approval: A parent noted that their daughter loves the backpack for its spaciousness, style, and comfort. The well-padded handles and adjustable straps made it easy for her to carry, even with a full load.
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Ease of Use for All: A parent of an autistic child praised the user-friendly zippers and spacious water bottle holder, highlighting the thoughtful design aspects that cater to specific needs.
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Long-Lasting Identity: One long-time North Face fan acknowledged the blend of style and functionality, recommending the backpack for its ruggedness and ample space for essentials.
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Minor Grievances: While many praised the backpack, a few users pointed out potential issues like the texture of the material not meeting expectations or the front pocket becoming cumbersome if overstuffed.
Conclusion
Overall, the THE NORTH FACE Vault Everyday Laptop Backpack is a highly versatile, stylish, and functional backpack that meets the needs of a diverse range of users. With its thoughtful design, comfort features, and robust construction, it holds up well against daily wear and tear. While there are minor concerns regarding material texture and pocket organization, the overwhelming consensus is that this backpack is a worthy investment.
Rating: 4.5/5
With its combination of style, comfort, and practicality, it is highly recommended for anyone in need of a reliable backpack for work, school, or everyday adventures.
Javy –
Outstanding product!
Gore –
To make this review easier to digest, I’ve broken it down into sections discussing the pack’s features.
First off, even though the pack’s dimensions and volume are clearly listed, I found it to be a bit smaller than I anticipated. However, it still has ample space for everything I need, including room for a hoodie or rain jacket. I work from home, but I often leave to work at coffee shops or cozy bookstores, or occasionally have to meet coworkers at workspaces or the main office.
The main reason I chose this bag is its laptop-carrying capability, and it excels in that area. Even though I have a protective sleeve for my laptop, I don’t feel the need to use it with this bag. The rear panel, which also serves as the laptop compartment’s back, is well-padded, and the best feature? My laptop doesn’t sink to the bottom of the bag. This is crucial because if it did, it could get damaged when I set the bag down carelessly. The laptop compartment ends several inches above the bag’s bottom. In the included photos, you can see everything I carry, which includes a 13″ MacBook Pro, a 10″ iPad Pro (2nd gen), various sketchpads (the largest being 9″x12″), an on-the-go Apple keyboard and mouse, and three pouches. The gray pouch (9″x6″x2″) holds my art supplies, including Copic and Posca markers, various pencils, erasers, sharpeners, and a small DIY watercolor kit. The black Maxpedition pouch (8″x7″x2″) carries my everyday carry (EDC) items, which include small tools, health and beauty aids, and a small first aid kit. The third pouch (9″x6″x2″) contains a portable SSD, earbuds, and all necessary charging cables for my laptop, iPad, and other electronics. I don’t utilize the bag’s organizational features in the front pocket; instead, I keep the EDC pouch there along with a Moleskine journal and a small container of markers and pencils. After packing all of that, I still have extra space.
Speaking of the front pocket, it works perfectly for me, but it may not suit everyone. The pocket measures approximately 11″-12″ wide, 10″ high, and 2″ deep, taking up half of the front face of the pack. There’s nothing beneath it, meaning that when it’s packed, the outer face stays flat, but the top half of the main compartment will be occupied by whatever’s in the front pocket, creating a gap below it. This setup works well for me since I mostly use pouches. If you prefer larger items or don’t use pouches, this pocket design might not be ideal for you.
Regarding the outer side mesh pockets, they can hold at least a 12oz bottle, but that’s about the limit, especially if the main compartment is nearly full. This isn’t a problem for me, as I typically don’t carry beverages alongside my electronics.
As for the back panel and straps, they were initially a bit stiff, but they’ve softened with use. The straps are made of sturdy foam with ventilation holes, covered in breathable mesh for comfort. The rear panel is firm yet comfortable, allowing the bag to stand on its own. There are two additional cushioned panels on either side, creating airflow between them. While you might not notice this airflow during casual walking, it’s quite noticeable when riding a bike, scooter, or motorcycle, making it a great feature. I’ve had bags with similar features that cost significantly more, so it was a pleasant surprise to find this functionality at a lower price point. Time will tell if it holds up as well as my previous bags.
As for cons, I haven’t found any major issues, but I wish there was some sort of suspension system to tighten the bag. Although my items don’t shift much, a tighter fit would enhance the overall feel. This isn’t a dealbreaker, just a minor wish.
The lashing points on the bag’s exterior don’t serve a purpose for me, as I prefer not to attach items outside. Carrying extra cords or straps feels cumbersome, so I don’t utilize them, even though they are well-constructed.
There are small features I appreciate, like the key clip inside the zippered front pocket, although many bags offer this. What makes this bag stand out is the heat shrink tubing around the zipper toggles, a tough material typically used for wiring, adding durability. I also appreciate that The North Face chose to embroider their logo instead of printing it, which adds a touch of quality—something you don’t often see at this price point. Lastly, I love that the bag is made entirely from recycled materials.
One final note: I noticed there are two versions of this bag—an older and a newer one. The newer version, which I purchased, has two top grab handles and stands independently. Be sure to check which version you are buying, as some pictures may show the older model.
Overall, I’m very satisfied with this bag, especially given its price. It looks and feels like a much more expensive product, which is impressive in today’s market. Kudos to The North Face!
Sam –
The North Face never disappoints; it’s a fantastic backpack with ample space for all your needs and the color is spot on. 10/10
Gayle –
As a long-time fan of The North Face, I’ve been using a backpack for over a decade. I always look to switch things up with each new model. Since my previous backpack was black, I opted for a different color this time.
In short, this backpack perfectly blends style, comfort, and functionality. I highly recommend it!
Design: The camo print and taupe green color create a sleek, modern aesthetic that’s great for both casual and professional environments.
Comfort: The FlexVent suspension system, featuring custom shoulder straps and a padded mesh back panel, provides outstanding comfort, even when fully loaded.
Functionality: With a spacious main compartment, a padded sleeve for a 15″ laptop, and multiple pockets in the front compartment, it offers excellent organization.
Durability: The water-repellent finish keeps your belongings dry, and the backpack can stand unsupported, which adds to its convenience.
Additional Features: Two water bottle pockets, a daisy chain for lash points, and a sternum strap for added support make it practical and comfortable for prolonged use.
Highly recommended!
Nidhi Gandhi –
This product has proven to be quite durable, features an excellent design, and is reasonably priced! I’m very satisfied.
Victor D. –
I recently bought a THE NORTH FACE backpack and I’m quite happy with it overall. The design is sleek, and it has all the practical features I wanted—plenty of storage, comfortable straps, and robust construction. It’s ideal for everyday use, whether for school or outdoor activities.
However, the texture of the material wasn’t exactly what I anticipated. While it’s still good quality, it doesn’t feel as premium as I had hoped. That said, it has proven durable and continues to fulfill its purpose effectively.
If you’re in the market for a reliable and stylish backpack, this one performs well, though the material may not feel as luxurious as you might expect.
Decent –
One of the seams ripped within the first week.
Sanoussy Conde –
This backpack is fantastic! My son, who is autistic and has fine motor challenges, finds the zippers easy to use for his laptop and lunch box. The water bottle holder is generously sized, making it simple to insert and remove his 32-ounce thermos. I love the color, and it features a comfortable pad for support and durability.
Gore –
My daughter is obsessed with this backpack! It’s not only fashionable but also surprisingly roomy. She can fit all her books, notebooks, and even her lunchbox inside with extra space available. The padded handles are fantastic; they make carrying her school supplies a breeze without feeling heavy. The adjustable straps provide a comfortable fit, regardless of how much she packs. I definitely recommend this backpack for kids who need to transport a lot while looking good and feeling comfortable!
E.K –
My high schooler is a big fan! There’s ample space, and it’s comfortable on the back and shoulders. Plus, it looks fantastic!
E.K –
If you want a simple, sleek, and minimalist backpack, this is the one for you. The zippers, pockets, and straps are of good quality, though it has limited pockets. The front pocket is easy to access, but it can become difficult to use if overstuffed. This backpack is great for work or school and provides good protection for my iPad and MacBook. While the North Face backpack is somewhat pricey, the quality makes it worth it.
Samantha WhiteEagle –
Well-sized backpack.
Levi W. –
Northface consistently delivers exceptional quality. Their products are rugged, made from high-quality materials, and incredibly comfortable. There’s ample space with well-designed compartments for all your essentials. I highly recommend it.