The North Face

Surge 31L Backpack

I would definitely buy this again

I purchased this bag for my son for college. He loves this bag because it holds his apple computer and had a lot of room in this bag!!

Disappointment

I have used surge 2 daily for 13 years until I changed to new one because of color fade and oldness. Well this one didn't last so long. After two years the straps started to break and because of the reflection parts straps hits the part in my shoulder the fabric broke and it is bad quality. I don't recommend this anymore. If you go then go for surge 2. Somehow the backpack does not fit so well the stuff I would want to put in.

Perfect For Commuting or International Travel!

Ton of space and a lot of pockets that's great for commuting or international travel. This backpack stands out to me because of the computer sleeve in the main compartment. That feature is missing from many other TNF backpacks. I've seen some people complain about the sleeves on the side but I don't find it to be a problem at all. I have a 32 ounce water bottle and it works perfectly fine. I actually prefer the fabric vs. the mesh because it's more snug and secure. My only complaint is I wish it had a luggage strap. That would have really taken it over the top but I'm still very happy with my purchase.

Yes. Buy one. No issues with this pack

Great backpack. Very spacious. Lots of pockets. Very well made. I don't love the zipper pulls but they are growing on me. They are stronger than they look. Adjustments are easy to make on the fly. Overall maybe a little big for a commuter pack but if you are like me you are always prepared so you need the space

I'd definitely buy it again, and, probably, in a bigger size

I use it with my job stuff, laptop, etc. all the time and not only when I travel to the office. Very well designed!

A great backpack for commuters

I'm sure glad I purchased this backpack. It's a large capacity for things I purchase and there's been a lot of instances where I just filled it to the max while shopping. I love the padded hip belt and the chest clips. It keeps the backpack close to my body while I am walking to and from home the backpack is well balanced, and has enough compartments where I could put more things on the exterior. It's a great backpack thank you.

Great pack would recommend to others

Great pack. I love the different compartments and appreciate that I can carry my 32 oz water bottle in one of the front pockets or in the side water bottle holders. Plenty of space for all that I need. Like that the computer holder is elevated off the bottom and keeps the laptop from hitting the ground when I put my pack down. Lots of pockets to separate your stuff. Just know that filling one of the compartments does take up volume in the other parts of the pack (these seems obvious but is important). Only thing I would change would be better places to keep pens in the organizational compartments. Mine keep disappearing down in the front compartment!

Lots of pockets to help locate stuff

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Size Bought:

31L Mens

Smaller than expected, but its was very capable in my most recent international journey, lots of pockets to help locate stuff. Easily takes a laptop and ipad. I used a clean t shirt rolled up in the bottom of the backpack to protect the laptop against harm as the backpack lacks cushioning here. It's a keeper but would like slightly more size.

The North Face Surge Backpack

Absolutely love my new Surge backpack from The North Face! Super spacious, durable, and perfect for work, travel, or hikes. The laptop sleeve and organization pockets are a game-changer.

Surge Backpack 2025

I use the backpack daily for work. I have own several north face surge backpack. The 2025 I'm highly disappointed. I have to struggle to get 32 oz water bottle in the side pockets. They do not stretch like the previous years edition. The inside are much smaller. The same items I had in my 2020 surge edition does not fit into this 2025. north face please go back to the old formula. I should not have to struggle to get my water bottle in my side pocket because it does not stretch. after I put a 1 inch binder, laptop, chargers and pen in my backpack it's full. my previous backpack held binders, laptop, sweatshirts, scrubs, pens and chargers and had room left over.