The North Face Surge II Review

North Face is an American outdoor company that specializes in outerwear, footwear, and equipment including backpacks, tents, and sleeping bags. They started out by being selective and targeting their merchandise towards a demographic that was mainly interested in climbing and backpacking. But as the brand rose in popularity, they quickly began to add skiwear to their available selection and eventually added camping equipment shortly after.

The North Face Surge II Backpack is unique and definitely stands apart from its competition because the product designers of this particular backpack decided that they wanted to provide those hiking or backpacking a more convenient and functional pack that also had the ability to carry a laptop due to its special laptop compartment, table sleeve, and even charge any USB-powered devices with its built-in battery pack.

If you love the outdoors but are still anchored in the digital world, then this backpack can be the answer to your problems. The Surge I that came before it certainly made its mark by becoming a backpack known for its durability, the available amount of space, organization, and security. They wanted to design the Surge II to exceed the previous expectations of the previous backpack while being able to provide even more key features to make it a favorite just like the first Surge.

The North Face Surge II

The North Face Surge Backpack offers a backpack that rewards you with both functionality and durability while providing you with a travel backpack that provides you with the same advantages as the model before but takes these features to the next level to provide improved functionality, security, support, and durability.

Key Features

• FlexVent injection-molded shoulder straps that include a top layer of Atilon foam for added comfort
• Includes a laptop sleeve measuring25 x 10.5 x 2 inches
• Made of a water resistant 420D nylon material with a 600D polyester print and 1680D ballistics nylon
• Pockets and compartments for improved organization including zippered and velcroed pockets
• Better weight distribution with a small hip belt that can also be tucked away when not being used
• Weather flap helps keep the rain and moisture off the pack
• Extremely spacious and can comfortably hold everything you may need without putting added strain on your back

Charging Features of the Surge II Backpack

The Surge II is outfitted with a large capacity Joey T55 power supply so that you can easily charge your electronics on the go. It can equip you with three and a half full battery charges or can provide a partial charge for several days for devices such as a cell phone, mp3 player, tablet, or other USB devices.

The Surge II Backpack is also waterproof and crush-proof to provide you with added safety and security when transporting your various electronic devices and other equipment. The laptop sleeve is padded, and the pack is designed to withstand rugged outdoor adventures while keeping you powered up and digitally connected during your travels.

It also features a lay flat design which makes it easier and more convenient when it is time to send it through security at the airport and it also means you will not have to remove your laptop.

Organization

If it is organization, functionality, and convenience you are looking for, then the Surge II Backpack will not disappoint. The backpack is equipped with several small zippered pockets as well as Velcro pockets that are strategically placed so that you can keep your smaller items safe and within reach. There is also a separate mesh pocket so that you can see the contents and won’t have to shuffle around the bag if there is something you need to get to quickly.

The main compartment offers a lot of space so that you can fit everything you need for your travels comfortably and can expand to accommodate whatever you need. It is always a good idea to strategically pack your items, however, so that you can fit even more in the backpack.

It is okay to stuff the backpack because it has great weight distribution and will not hurt you. The hip belt will help to transfer the bulk of the weight from your back and shoulders to your hips to make it easier and more manageable. This feature makes it the perfect option for traveling and backpacking as well. When you are not using the hip belt, you can easily and securely stow it out of the way so that you don’t have to risk getting the straps hooked on something while you are walking.

The Cons of the North Face Surge II Backpack

There aren’t many downsides when reviewing the North Face Surge II Backpack. The biggest complaint that was found was regarding the mesh lining of the straps. The mesh lining can become quite uncomfortable if you are not wearing sleeves.

Finally, the backpack remains water-resistant in lighter rain and weather conditions. However, if you feel that you will experience heavier downpours, it is advised that you purchase a backpack rain cover to ensure that your belongings stay safe and dry.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the North Face Surge II Backpack received great reviews and is considered an extremely comfortable, functional, durable, secure, and lightweight backpack that will help keep any traveler connected to the digital world while still being able to experience all of their outdoor adventures.

With its sleek silhouette and modern and durable fabric material and its fleece-lined compartment for your laptop and electronics, it makes a good travel companion for any occasion. The organizer panel is suitable for holding and organizing cords, headphones, and chargers and the raised padded back panel with soft mesh helps improve air flow and circulation while you are wearing the pack.

It also features two external vertical-zip pockets, two stretch water bottle pockets, and has a 360-degree reflectivity for safety, padded handles for comfort, a removable waist belt, and a sternum strap with a whistle buckle so you can experience all the security and functionality you would expect from a North Face backpack.