How to Choose Daypacks

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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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View all The North Face Travel Daypacks| 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 |
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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??
This is advertised as a woman’s backpack. I am a 60 year old man and I am happy with my purchase. This is a great pack for daytime adventures and traveling. The amount of space is just right for a full day out. Very well-built and a very good design. This pack will be with me for many years and miles!
I purchased this backpack in 2019 because I wanted something that would carry all of my tech gear plus some light clothing. I shopped around and tried several backpacks at REI ultimately choosing this one. I haven't been able to use this that often due to COVID but now I have been traveling a bit and every time I use this backpack I experience severe, debilitating, headache, neck and shoulder pain for several days after. I am 5'8 140 lbs would consider myself in decent shape. In the pack I am carrying a 16" laptop, some extra hard drives, headphones, toiletries and a water bottle so in other words, it is not packed to overflowing. And every trip I am basically wearing the pack from the car or subway to the airport gate so maybe 1 hour each way. I am feeling stuck because now I am past the 365 day return window and I have an expensive backpack I will not use again.
The new generation of the surge line of North Face backpacks has surprisingly disappointed me. The quality is significantly not as durable as the previous one I owned. The straps are not as robust, and the seems started showing right away with little weight put inside. Doesn't seem like the new design will last as long.As much as I do not want to say, I do not recommend this backpack ...