Over 10K Hikers, Travelers, and Commuters Have Given This North Face Backpack 5 Stars for Comfort and Durability

Travel + Leisure

4 days ago

Not all carry-ons are suitable for use on a hiking trail, and not all hiking packs should be used as a carry-on. It takes serious versatility to be good for both, and one of the standout brands that meshes travel and outdoor functionality well is The North Face. The Jester backpack is a prime example.
If you're looking for a backpack that does it all, reviewers call this one a 'comfortable companion' and 'everyday essential' for travel, commuting, hiking, camping, and more. It has more than 12,000 ratings at Amazon and nearly 4,000 more on The North Face's website, with a 4.7-star average and over 4,000 purchases in the past month. $75 at Amazon $75 at The North Face
The Jester backpack measures about 17 inches by 11 inches and is roughly seven inches thick, depending on how much you fill it. That meets most airlines' underseat size requirements, so there's a good chance you can bring it on a plane as your personal item. One traveler who bought it to use as a carry-on called it 'the perfect size even for the strict airlines.' Another wrote that it's their 'go-to bag now for flights,' noting that 'it fits nicely under the airplane seat'—and believe them when they tell you it fits a lot.
With a carrying capacity of 22 liters, the backpack can hold everything you'd need for a weekend trip, many say, including a laptop, which slots right into the 16-inch padded laptop sleeve inside the main compartment. The bag has lots of additional pockets and pouches inside the front compartment as well as a bungee system on the front for carrying an extra jacket or a pair of sandals, for example. Even when it's packed full, reviewers say it still looks slim. '[It's] more spacious than meets the eye,' one added. $75 at Amazon $75 at The North Face
More than anything, though, the Jester backpack is highly rated for comfort and its 'top-tier' quality. 'The backpack is incredibly comfortable to wear, thanks to its ergonomic design and padded straps,' another shopper said. It's made with The North Face's trademarked, American Chiropractic Association-certified FlexVent suspension system, which includes a flexible yoke (the part that connects the straps to the top of the bag), padded mesh back panel, and breathable lumbar panel. This system also helps the backpack stand by itself, unsupported.
Reviewers report carrying it around comfortably for several hours at a time. And they say the backpack has lasted them up to five years. Whether you need a new backpack for a big hike or a weekend trip, the Jester is a widely recommended option for $75. It comes in women's and men's fits and dozens of colors. Shop more travel-ready bags by The North Face at Amazon, below.
At the time of publishing, the price started at $75.
Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.