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Choosing the right backpack can make or break your adventure, whether you’re heading to class, catching a flight, or hiking through the wilderness. North Face and Osprey are two of the biggest names in the backpack world, but which one actually delivers? After months of real-world testing, we’ve found eight standout packs that show what each brand does best.
1. Best laptop daypack: Osprey Nebula 32
Commuters and frequent travelers will appreciate how smoothly the Nebula 32 moves through airport security. The TSA-friendly laptop sleeve opens completely flat, saving you precious minutes during checkpoint rushes.
Osprey built this pack with organization in mind. Multiple pockets keep your tech accessories, water bottle, and daily essentials exactly where you need them. The recycled and bluesign fabrics mean you’re making an eco-conscious choice without sacrificing durability or style for your everyday carry needs.
2. Best campus all-rounder: The North Face Borealis
Walk across any college campus and you’ll spot the Borealis everywhere for good reason. North Face’s FlexVent suspension system distributes weight evenly across your shoulders, making heavy textbook loads feel manageable even during long days between classes.
That stretchy front bungee cord has become legendary among students. Toss your jacket, yoga mat, or skateboard there when you need quick access. The price point hits that sweet spot where quality meets affordability, which matters when you’re managing a student budget.
3. Best carry-on travel pack: Osprey Farpoint 40
One-bag travel becomes incredibly simple with the Farpoint 40’s smart design. The stowable harness tucks away completely, transforming your backpack into a clean duffel that won’t snag on conveyor belts or overhead compartments.
Seasoned travelers have trusted this pack for years because it maximizes every inch of carry-on space. The 2025 update refined an already proven layout, adding small improvements that make packing and accessing your gear even easier. North Face makes solid travel packs, but Osprey truly owns this category through thoughtful design.
4. Best big EDC/commuter: The North Face Router (40L)
Some days require hauling more gear than a typical daypack can handle. The Router stands upright on its own, making packing and unpacking at your desk or hotel room incredibly convenient.
That 17-inch laptop sleeve accommodates even the largest workstation computers that other packs reject. North Face equipped this beast with their FlexVent suspension system, which earned endorsement from the American Chiropractic Association. Your back and shoulders will thank you when carrying heavy loads during long commutes or business trips requiring extra equipment.
5. Best backpacking comfort/ventilation: Osprey Atmos AG 65
Backpackers obsess over the Atmos AG’s Anti-Gravity suspension, and one trail day explains why. The mesh back panel creates serious airflow between you and your load, reducing that swampy feeling during uphill climbs in summer heat.
Weight distribution feels almost magical across your hips and shoulders. Even after miles of hiking with a full load, pressure points don’t develop like they do with other packs. This suspension system has become the gold standard that other manufacturers try to copy for multiday wilderness trips.
6. Best value weekend backpacking: The North Face Terra 55
Getting into backpacking shouldn’t require emptying your savings account. The Terra 55 delivers features that matter without the premium price tag that scares away newcomers.
North Face’s OPTIFIT system lets you dial in the perfect fit quickly, while Dyno Lift load lifters help transfer weight properly to your hips. Weekend warriors and occasional backpackers get genuine performance here. The capacity handles two to three nights comfortably, making it ideal for testing whether you love sleeping under stars before investing in ultralight gear.
7. Best fast-hiking daypack: Osprey Talon 22
Speed hikers need gear that moves with them rather than bouncing around awkwardly. The Talon 22 hugs your body through its AirScape back panel and precision stabilizer straps, eliminating that annoying pack sway during quick movements.
Weight stays remarkably low without sacrificing the pockets and features you actually use on the trail. North Face makes capable daypacks, but the Talon’s nimble design wins when you’re covering serious miles quickly. Morning summit pushes or fast training hikes feel effortless when your pack practically disappears on your back.
8. Best ultralight multi-day: Osprey Exos 58
Ultralight backpacking usually means choosing between comfort and ounces. The Exos 58 refuses to make you sacrifice either, maintaining enough structure and padding to carry loads comfortably while keeping overall weight impressively low.
Experienced backpackers who’ve learned to pack smart recommend this pack constantly. The frame provides support without unnecessary bulk, and the suspension actually works instead of just existing. When every ounce counts over multiple days and mountain passes, the Exos delivers the rare combination of lightweight construction and genuine carrying comfort.
