The North Face Surge Review

Updated Surge

The North Face gave the Surge a remodel, with updates to the suspension, handle, and a fresh group of new colors to choose from. The pack still retails for $129. Check out the latest version on the left, below. The photo on the right reflects the version we initially tested.

• Suspension Change — The FlexVent suspension got a slight makeover this year, including a flexible yoke and a new shape to the lumbar support portion of the pack.

• Front Handle Configuration — The handle on the front of the pack is now horizontal instead of vertical.

Since we have yet to test the latest Surge backpack, please be aware the following review still reflects the previous model we tested last year.

Hands-On Review of the Surge

The North Face Surge stands-out for its TSA approved design that will have you checking through airport security with ease.

Laptop Protection

The laptop compartments across the North Face packs we reviewed are very similar. The laptop sleeves suspend about three inches above the bottom of the bag, a 15-inch computer fits inside easy and snug, and the sleeves are lined with a microfleece material to avoid scratches. The Surge has thick padding on the back panel, as well as a solid frame sheet that gives solid support to the back of this pack. The front compartment also has a padded sleeve for 11" Chromebooks, small laptops, and tablets, which we like for devices of that size. We can stuff a 12" Chromebook into the front sleeve of the Surge, but wouldn't recommend it. The very tight squeeze didn't strike us as a good thing for devices over 11 inches.

We have two main concerns with the laptop compartment of the Surge. First, while larger laptops fit snugly, there is no strap to hold smaller notebooks in place. Second, only the shell of the backpack guards the top edge and two corners. There's no padding to protect it if an impact occurs there. While this is less likely than an impact on the side or bottom, we desire a design that covers all parts of our expensive laptops.

Comfort

The sheet of plastic inside the back panel gives the Surge a great basis for support. We noticed that this pack feels most comfortable when filled with medium to heavy loads, similar to the Dakine Explorer. Without much weight in the bag, the stiff frame feels awkward. Between your back and this stiff frame are raised, very comfortable, panels of padding, even when the pack is loaded heavy. The pads vary in three different densities and thicknesses for an ergonomic fit. The FlexVent feature is a peace-sign-shaped channel that runs down the center of the back and out to the sides, increasing air flow. It kept our backs comfy and cool.

We like the shoulder straps too, which are padded enough to bring comfort without being too hot. There are also vents in the straps where they run over the shoulders, which again increases airflow. This pack also has an adjustable hip (removable) and sternum straps. They aren't padded, and therefore only contribute to stability when moving around, especially on a bike or when running to catch public transportation (we've all been there).

Storage

If you can't keep your backpack contents organized with the Surge…no judgment, but this pack has pockets for storing and keeping track of most anything you need daily. There are lots of organizational options. While we never used every pocket at once, each one occupies the pack with intention. One of our favorite features is the microfleece linings of several pockets (as well as the laptop and tablet sleeves), offering a soft material that won't scratch screens or sunglasses. Two exterior water bottle pockets make room for a water bottle and a coffee thermos, and the small pocket on the front was convenient storage for earbuds, a phone charger, or any objects you want to access fast. For almost any product you need to carry with you from work to home and more, there's a place for it in this bag.

The back compartment is primarily for a laptop. You can fit a book or charger there as well, but it's a thin space. The middle pocket is the largest, and we were surprised by how much we could fit inside. Packed lunches to climbing shoes and harness to extra layers, this pocket swallows it all and opens wide to find what you need quickly. The front compartment is for smaller electronics, keys, wallets, pens, notebooks, and more. We like the mesh pocket in this compartment that makes products easy to find. This pack is a step up in the organization from the other North Face packs reviewed.

Being split into three compartments limits the largest size that can fit inside. This pack is not our favorite for grocery runs, as large items will quickly fill it up or won't fit at all. A small handful of items will fit, but if your list is long, you'll run out of space.

Ease of Use

When it comes to commuting to and from work, stopping at the gym on your way home, or traveling, this is a great option. Keeping your items in place and organized is a cinch with the Surge. The number one feature that sets this pack apart is the TSA-friendly laptop compartment. Unzip, and it opens like a butterfly to lay completely flat. With no zippers, pockets, or any extras in the way, you can cruise through most airport security screenings without removing your laptop and putting it in a separate bin. This capability isn't a big deal if you fly infrequently, but our testers who work and travel significantly love this feature. One less thing to remove at security is a big bonus. On top of its excellent organizational skills, this is a large reason it wins our Top Pick for Frequent Flyers Award.

The Surge is home in an urban environment, Monday through Friday. It is more techy and larger than we prefer for day hikes. It will carry your water and extra layers and snacks on the trails, but it's just not very efficient as other versatile options.

Style

When it comes to sleek looks, the Surge is a fish out of water. Built more for practicality than appearance, it landed at the bottom of the Style metric, along with the two other packs from The North Face. To most of our testers, friends, and colleagues, these packs all resemble bookbags from school days, albeit they are teched out much nicer. The Surge is at home on campus, but lacks urban style.

Water Resistance

This pack falls to the middle of the competition in this category. With a water-resistant shell, your gear and devices should survive quick spells under rain clouds. There is no flap of material covering the zipper to the laptop compartment. As this compartment holds the most expensive product in your bag on average and zippers are a common source of water entry, we are confused why The North Face didn't include such coverage on such an important part of the pack. Such a flap does cover the middle compartment.

When caught in more than just a light rain, we recommend purchasing an after-market rain cover or keeping a plastic bag in the laptop compartment to cover your computer.

Best Applications

Users who frequent airports and security screenings will fall for this backpack for its TSA-approved laptop compartment, but that's not all. The Surge offers all-around quality during the work week, with plenty of specialized pockets for your daily items and devices. Bike commuters, though, might opt for a more water resistant model in case of rain.

Value

This model is one of the most expensive backpacks reviewed with a list price of $129. If you're looking to save time at security screenings or want a tech-happy pack, the extra cash is worth it. If you need a simple, stylish pack for the week, though, you can save $40 by opting for the similar, but less travel-friendly, Borealis from The North Face.

Conclusion

The North Face Surge is specialized for traveling with a laptop, but its utility does not end there. If you need to keep plenty of devices secure when on the go, this pack won't let you down. With its only drawbacks in water resistance and style, there is a lot to like with this pack. It's our Top Pick Award winner for travel, but we bet you'll love it around town, too.