The North Face Vault Backpack Reviewed in 2025

A No Non-Sense Backpack

Comfort and utility describe this bag quite well. It’s the Jester in a more streamlined iteration, dropping the bungees for daisy chains.

With a laptop compartment and a main storage hold for books and nicknacks, this backpack does the job without any reason to celebrate. It’s a backpack.

But we applaud the shoulder straps and back support that distinguish it from other more expensive, less impressive packs on the comfort side of things.

The Storage Pockets

The Vault has a nice and simple design. We like the olive green color we got for this review. It’s also lightweight with a soft texture. The material is hydrophobic and somewhat easy to clean.

Both compartments have horseshoe-opening-style and are handy when packing and for quick access.

In the front, the daisy chain lash points are a simplified version for external storage compared to other North Face models, but we like having them as an option. The padding on the back feels very sturdy and comfortable.

The capacity is enough for everyday use or a short weekend away, fits several books and the laptop sits well in the laptop sleeve.

Materials & Design Features

The Vault is made with dual-density recycled polyester heathered 300D and 600D fabric, with a non-PFC DWR finish and 360-degree reflectivity. It has rating 2 water-resistant properties, which means–in our experience–that a 30-minute torrent of rainfall won’t get through to a computer. Anything more than that and we’d not expect dry items.

It has recycled plastic seams and SBS zippers. The back features the flexible patented North Face FlexVent™ suspension system, with a highly breathable lumbar panel. We really appreciated the back padding and aeration effect on extended hikes with a 10-pound burden.

This backpack is certified by the American Chiropractic Association to ensure a comfortable ergonomic everyday fit. We found this to be both warranted and hard to give up.

There is a sternum strap with a clip-in buckle attached to a rail system on the shoulder straps, making it easy to move up and down. The two webbing top handles offer balanced weight distribution when carrying the bag with one hand and offer extra convenience if you are moving the bag around when it’s open.

The daisy chain points offer added lash points for external storage if you loop a suspension cord or carabiner. You can secure sleeping bags or a hydration pack if you plan hiking with your backpack. This pack is available in a women-specific version too, but we found that this pack size was comfortable on women as diminutive as 5’6’’.

The North Face Backpack Alternatives

As noted, the Vault is a more streamlined version of the Jester. There’s also the Surge

This model does not feature The North Face signature compression cord like the Borealis or the Jester models but provides the option for additional external storage with its daisy chain loops. There are external water bottle pockets on each side.

The main compartment is large enough for everyday use and the 15” laptop sleeve helps protect the laptop and keeps it securely in place when on the move. The smaller front compartment offers easy access to smaller items.

Inside this large front pocket, there are different smaller ones for efficient organization. Apart from a secure zip pocket, there are a few mesh pockets for a phone or wallet and smaller ones for stationery and a key chain clip.

PRICE/QUALITY RATIO

Although it comes with the North Face credentials, the Vault is one of the cheaper options and it is a practical everyday bag. Some of the materials feel of lower quality, like the zippers and the internal lining but it compensates with its comfortable padding and internal organization.

Alternative Backpack Options

We compared it to a few other everyday backpacks and here is what we found out.

The North Face Vault is very similar to the North Face Jester which comes with a 28L capacity but has a cord compression system in the front instead of daisy chains, has a laptop sleeve and comes in several different colors.

Additionally, a smaller alternative could be the 16-liter Kanken by Fjallraven. This is an even more simple backpack design in a smaller, square form. Don’t expect the same back padding, but the comfort is surprisingly good.

Another option, if you are looking for better water protection, is the Stubble & Co Roll Top, which has a 16’’ side-loading laptop sleeve, features a minimal design for easy use in the office or the gym and its roll-top opening makes it easy to pack.

If you need more options on bags or your concerns involve better waterproofing, you can have a look at our best waterproof backpack. Additionally

DO WE RECOMMEND IT?

The Vault is a value option within the North Face series. The price will range between $50-$80 depending on the time of year.

Most of the coolest aspects of the Vault have to do with the external design. The material and the straps, including especially the shoulder straps and back padding, make this a robust and comfortable pack

As a test, take a cheaper backpack without padding and good straps, and fill it up with a lunch, a camera and 32 ounces of water. Now take that on a walk for 30 minutes and if you don’t feel any discomfort, no worries.

But if you do, the Vault will likely offer an improved experience worth its weight in gold.

To be sure, there are some aspects of the inner lining and materials that feel somewhat budget-esque. That’s why the price will be south of the $70 mark sometimes.

You pay a premium for the brand name, sometimes, but we do recommend it as a budget option for everyday use, that has a large selection of colors, several pockets and good ergonomic back support.