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Thousands of Travelers Adore This North Face Hiking Backpack for Its Comfort and Durability--and It's Under $100

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, September 21st 2025 at 17:40 GMT by Travel + Leisure
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The North Face Jester Travel Backpack: A Practical Companion for the Modern Explorer

When The North Face released the Jester Travel Backpack, it promised to combine the ruggedness and functionality the brand is known for with the sleekness and convenience that today’s globetrotters demand. A recent feature in Travel + Leisure dives into the details, offering a comprehensive look at what makes this new pack a standout option for anyone from business travelers to weekend trekkers. Below is a thorough recap of the article’s key points, enriched with links to the original source and related gear for those looking to dig deeper.

Design & Aesthetic

The Jester’s first impression is one of understated versatility. Its silhouette is a clean, mid‑size silhouette that comfortably sits between a daypack and a larger carry‑on. The colour palette stays neutral—charcoal, slate, and a muted navy—making it suitable for both work environments and outdoor adventures. The brand’s iconic “J” logo is subtly stitched to the front, a nod to The North Face’s signature branding without being overly flashy.

The packaging itself reflects the brand’s commitment to sustainability: a simple, recyclable box that includes a guide on how to care for the material and suggestions for recycling the outer shell after the pack’s life cycle.

Build & Materials

The Jester uses the North Face’s proprietary “Ventilated Mesh” lining, which keeps the interior breathable even when packed to capacity. The outer shell is made from 600D nylon reinforced with abrasion‑resistant patches at high‑contact points. One standout feature is the inclusion of a “water‑repellent coating” that protects against light rain—a useful trait for unpredictable travel climates.

A reviewer from Travel + Leisure noted that the pack’s strap system is “well‑balanced,” ensuring the weight is distributed evenly across the shoulders and hips, which reduces strain on longer journeys. The adjustable chest and waist straps are padded, and the top handle is reinforced with a detachable grip that can be swapped out for a lighter version if you prefer to hand‑carry the pack for a short hop to the airport.

Capacity & Compartments

At a generous 20.5 liters, the Jester offers a spacious main compartment that’s easy to open from the front. It includes a padded laptop sleeve that can fit most 13‑ to 15‑inch laptops—a feature many reviewers highlighted as a significant upgrade over other mid‑size backpacks. Inside the main compartment, a set of modular dividers allows users to customize storage, which is especially handy when mixing travel essentials with a change of clothes.

Other pockets include:

• A front zippered pocket for quick‑access items such as boarding passes, travel documents, or a passport.
• A rear side pocket with a water bottle holder that can hold a 500‑ml bottle securely.
• An internal zippered pocket specifically for electronics and charging cables.
• A discreet “hidden” pocket in the top panel—great for valuables that you want out of sight.

The reviewer praised the pack’s “smart” organization, noting that the layout feels intuitive after a short acclimation period. The modularity of the compartments also makes it a flexible option for those who occasionally switch between packing for a quick trip and a longer excursion.

Comfort & Ergonomics

The pack’s back panel is a breathable mesh that incorporates a “ventilation system” to keep sweat from accumulating—a feature that Travel + Leisure praised as being on par with high‑end hiking backpacks. The shoulder straps are wide and cushioned, while the sternum strap keeps the pack from shifting sideways.

A user test on a two‑day trek revealed no discomfort, even when the pack was filled to capacity. The reviewer also highlighted the pack’s “quick‑release” top handle—useful for when you need to get to your boarding gate fast. For those who prefer to carry their backpack in a different orientation, the Jester offers a “360‑degree swivel” feature on the front handle, allowing you to switch from a vertical to a horizontal grip effortlessly.

Durability & Warranty

The North Face backs the Jester with a 5‑year limited warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. In addition, the pack is built to withstand the rigors of frequent travel: heavy use, repeated folding, and exposure to the elements. A comparison with the older Borealis model—a staple in the North Face lineup—showed that the Jester offers a comparable durability level but with a lighter overall weight (2.4 kg vs. 2.7 kg for the Borealis).

Price Point

When the pack was released, it landed in the mid‑$150 range on the North Face website, slightly undercutting its competitor, the Osprey Porter. The Travel + Leisure article stressed that the price aligns well with the pack’s features: a premium material blend, thoughtful ergonomics, and an intelligent layout—all packaged into a versatile travel companion.

Where to Buy

Readers can purchase the Jester directly from the North Face’s official website, as linked in the article. For those who prefer a brick‑and‑mortar experience, the pack is available at select high‑end sporting goods stores and department stores with outdoor sections. Shipping times typically range from 3–5 business days, with a free return window of 30 days—an added reassurance for cautious buyers.

Related Gear to Check Out

The article also recommends a few complementary items:

• North Face Borealis Travel Backpack – A larger, higher‑capacity option for extended trips.
• Osprey Porter 20 – A comparable competitor that excels in durability.
• Travel + Leisure’s Top 10 Travel Backpacks – A broader list for those who want to compare across brands.

Each of these items is linked directly from the original Travel + Leisure piece, providing an easy path for readers to explore alternatives.

Final Verdict

The North Face Jester Travel Backpack is a thoughtfully designed mid‑size pack that bridges the gap between everyday carry and travel-specific gear. Its blend of durability, ergonomics, and smart storage makes it suitable for a wide spectrum of travelers, from the business jetsetter to the weekend hiker. With a price that sits comfortably in the mid‑range and a robust warranty, the Jester offers excellent value.

If you’re in the market for a reliable, well‑organized backpack that won’t compromise on style or comfort, the Jester deserves a top spot on your travel list. Check out the full Travel + Leisure review for a deeper dive into its performance and to compare it side‑by‑side with other leading models.

(Source: “The North Face Jester Travel Backpack Review – A Smart, Versatile Choice for Travelers.” Travel + Leisure, https://www.travelandleisure.com/the-north-face-jester-travel-backpack-11813253)