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Roomy enough for a 15 in. laptop and more—and carrying a coveted endorsement from the American Chiropractic Association—the women's The North Face Surge pack is a go-to for your daily office carry.

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Features

  • Updated FlexVent™ suspension system has articulated shoulder straps, a rounded back panel and stitch lines for comfort and soft-touch chemise fabric
  • FlexVent suspension system is certified by the American Chiropractic Association
  • Made with durable recycled ripstop nylon
  • Stand-up design adds convenience
  • Front compartment has internal organization with zippered pockets and a padded tablet sleeve, plus room for books and binders
  • 2 durable, external water bottle pockets can easily double as multi-use pockets; one side allows for quick-draw access to a smartphone
  • 2 external J-zip pockets stash extras; fleece-lined pocket stashes your sunglasses, phone or keys
  • Compression at bottom of the pack helps to secure the load
  • Webbing daisy chain offers lash points for additional gear
  • 360° reflectivity helps you stay seen in low light
  • Padded top handle provides a comfortable carry
  • Sternum strap buckle doubles as a whistle
  • Removable waistbelt

Imported.

View all The North Face Travel Daypacks

Technical Specs

Best Use

Travel

Bag Style

Backpack

Gear Capacity (L)

31 liters

Gear Capacity (cu. in.)

1,526 cubic inches

Number of Exterior Pockets

4 + main compartment

Laptop Compartment

Yes

Fits Laptop Size (in.)

15 inches

iPad / Tablet Compartment

Yes

Carry-On

Yes

Raincover Included

No

Material(s)

210-denier recycled ripstop nylon

Dimensions

19.5 x 12 x 6.5 inches

Weight

2 lbs. 10 oz.

Gender

Women's

Sustainability

Contains recycled materials

Buying Advice

Reviews
931 reviews with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars

Ratings Snapshot

Product Rating

264 out of 344 (77%) reviewers recommend this product

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Kristen
Undisclosed
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Pros outweigh cons. My new school bag for next 10 years.

3 years ago

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I bought the women's surge to replace my 6 year old Recon backpack. Things I love: 1. front left/right stand up pockets deep for size. Left side: I can fit 2 pencil cases and laptop charger. Right side (slightly smaller): not as expandable as left side, but can fit wallet or palm sized notebook. 2. sectioned 3-pocket laptop section for easy access. Front (deep): laptop (15"), Back (deep): portfolio/folder, planner, Middle (shallow, near surface): palm-size notebook. 3. Lightweight material. Compared to old Recon, straps are thin so I was scared it'd be lesser quality. After using it day to day, I appreciate the design because it's lightweight, forms well to my body, and feels well-built/made well with high quality. 4. Water bottle side pockets are deep. My yeti rambler 36oz fits snug and secure. Not worried it'll fall out as long as I'm standing/sitting up (near) straight. I only get concerned it'll fall out if I bend over far enough. I wish it had side strap buckles like the recon but it's ok. Things still warming up to: 1. Not as expandable. Since the zippers don't go all the way down, bottom half is durable waterproof material, and the front-sectioned compartments fill into the main compartment, I'm not able to stuff a variety of stuff into the main compartment. Able to fit 2 textbooks and 2 notebooks. Daily: 1 textbook, 2 notebook, 1 jacket. 2. doesn't stand on own unless bottom is filled. tends to lean forward with just my books inside because my front compartments are usually filled (front heavy). If I stuff jacket to bottom, it'll stand but this is inconvenient sometimes. 3. front fleece pocket is weird. I like that it's big but zipper is on bottom so if bag is standing upright, things fall out if not paying attention. 4. Too many sections? While I appreciate different compartments, I wonder if this takes away from functional space because some pockets feel "tight" and shallow and I find myself wishing they were deeper or could fit more

Originally posted on thenorthface.com
Teacher
Chicago, IL
Rated 2.0 out of 5 stars

Beautiful but not as functional

3 years ago

I bought the Surge to replace my 9-year old Recon backpack. It was pricey, but I was willing to pay more for a new favorite backpack. I am disappointed in the surge. There are some nice qualities, like the fleece lined pocket, the YKK zippers, and the waterproof bottom. However, I couldn’t fit NEARLY the same amount in it that I did in my Recon. I used my recon for traveling, teaching, and going to college. It held up and I am just disappointed in the Surge. I tried to fit the same amount of items in both, and if it can’t even comfortably fit headphones, a wallet, a pair of gloves, a notebook and a travel kit, how is it going to fit all of my teaching manuals, laptop and papers to grade??

Age:25–34
No, I do not recommend this product
Helpful?
Trenton
Undisclosed
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Great work travel bag

1 year ago

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Quality materials. Thoughtful design and versatile pockets. I use for work travel and it handles laptop, monitor, peripherals, cords, toiletries, headphones, food water and some travel clothes with ease. I'm really enjoying the organization and good looking durable design. Great bag for me so far. Haven't worn for long periods though straps are very comfortable and fit my body well.

Originally posted on thenorthface.com
Kylie
WA
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

PERFECT COLLEGE BACKPACK!

4 years ago

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] By far my favorite backpack I've had from NorthFace! It's perfect going into college! It holds all I need and more! It's cute, comfortable and durable! The Surge is all you want in a backpack! I recommend this for everyone looking at buying this! The Surge beats out the Recon and the Borealis! Both I've had in the past!

Yes , I recommend this product
Originally posted on thenorthface.com
Teacher
Chicago
Rated 3.0 out of 5 stars

Beautiful but not as functional

3 years ago

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I bought the Surge to replace my 9-year old Recon backpack. It was pricey, but I was willing to pay more for a new favorite backpack. I am disappointed in the surge. There are some nice qualities, like the fleece lined pocket, the YKK zippers, and the waterproof bottom. However, I couldn't fit NEARLY the same amount in it that I did in my Recon. I know they're different models, but the general basics should have been up to the same standard. I used my recon for traveling, teaching, and going to college. It held up and I am just disappointed in the Surge. I tried to fit the same amount of items in both, and if it can't even comfortably fit headphones, a wallet, a pair of gloves, a notebook and a travel kit, how is it going to fit all of my teaching manuals, laptop and papers to grade??

No, I do not recommend this product
Originally posted on thenorthface.com
TBeck
Seattle, WA
Rated 3.0 out of 5 stars

Not as advertised, too small, and awkward set up

1 year ago

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Honestly, I'm a bit disappointed in this backpack. I don't always utilize the outer pockets but they are ok. Maybe too many. The placement of the the pockets is very weird. There is no quick access to a phone from the side pockets and neither of the J-zip pockets are not even fleece lined. The main pocket is wider toward the base and makes it a struggle to fit things comfortably. The fleece pocket is too big for what it's made for and has a awkward space above the zipper that is really hard to use. It takes up more space than the front compartment. They should have just combined the two. Also, the thing hardly stands up on its own, and in multiple configurations. I use it as daypack, travel bag with laptop, snacks, etc., and for clothes and toiletries. Overall, not bad and it is still useable, but it did not meet expectations.

No, I do not recommend this product
Originally posted on thenorthface.com
Léo
Portland, OR
Rated 1.0 out of 5 stars

DID NOT PROTECT MY MACBOOK AIR AT ALL

6 months ago

My North Face Surge BackPack DID NOT PROTECT my MacBook Air AT ALL. The bag slipped from my hand from waist height onto the street, and, I fully expected it to have protected my laptop but it didn't. One of the corners of my laptop is completely ruined and I was lucky that the screen has remained intact. I bought this bag specifically because it supposedly offered a suspended compartment for the laptop and, up top it gives you the false sense of protection since it is heavily cushioned. But, on the bottom, where it matters most, it's thin/no cushion AND the edges of the laptop compartment are perforated (not sewn together). This unprotected bottom corner of the laptop compartment has caused my laptop's edge to hit the ground and absorb the impact, smashing its aluminum body! I am really disappointed in North Face for having cut corners on such an expensive bag, since it has ruined the aesthetics of my machine and caused it to loose resale value.

No, I do not recommend this product
Originally posted on thenorthface.com
Dave
St.Cloud, Minnesota
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Best school backpack I've used!!

5 months ago

I've been using this Surge backpack since 2019 and it has been great! I've heard my family's thoughts on the newer model of the same backpack and they are not as impressed. The straps are more prone to breaking and the seams have started tearing pretty early in the life of their backpack. This being said, my older model has been so great! It's gone through years of hauling notebooks, folders, textbooks, water bottles, and clothes for practice after school. One of the shoulder straps did begin to tear last year (2024) slightly but a quick stitch-job has got it back to working order. I would definitely buy a North Face backpack again!

Yes , I recommend this product
Originally posted on thenorthface.com
BRGuti
Dallas Tx
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Very cool and holds my giant laptop!!

2 years ago

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] It is very cool and has that modern look that NorthFace always creates. I received this Surge backpack as a gift from my husband for Christmas. He chose the black with rose gold to match my rose gold wedding ring and my rose gold iPhone. He knows how much I like that color. It is a very spacious backpack for what I need. I don't have a reason or desire to have a lot of things with me. The multiple pockets and organization compartments makes it easy to stay organized. I will be carrying this backpack with my giant laptop to school and work. I am often made fun of for my 15" by 10" giant laptop but you will rest assured that your laptop will fit if mine does. If you have a larger laptop than that, it will not fit. My laptop has zero space left. The only con I could maybe see with this backpack is how heavy, stiff and ridged the back material is. I could also see the stiff and ridged material to be a pro because it will hold up and also assist in better posture when hiking. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I am mine. -Brandy

Yes , I recommend this product
Originally posted on thenorthface.com
KP
Illinois
Rated 2.0 out of 5 stars

Broke within 1st week of high school!

2 years ago

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I got this backpack for High School I was really disappointed with the quality of it. Before I bought it I thought it would last a long time but the stitching in a second pocket busted my first day of school and within the first week one of my zippers fell off on the main pocket where the computer pouches and the other one fell off a couple weeks later. I was hoping I could use a return policy to get a new bag but it expired so I was unable to get one. So I did not have a zipper pull tab for the rest of my freshman year and to the end of my Sophomore year. I was hoping I could use this backpack for a travel bag but I ended up washing it and it completely fell apart. I'm hoping this was only my experience because I really liked the concept of the backpack and all the pockets.

No, I do not recommend this product
Originally posted on thenorthface.com
1 - 10 of 931 Reviews

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