The North Face  Borealis Sling Bag

I'm SO DISAPPOINTED in North Face. I thought they would actually try their packs before they sell them. I specifically purchased this bag because it said it held a phone in the strap pocket and a water bottle. I have a normal sized Samsing phone that WON'T fit in the pocket. I tried every size water bottle in the REI store, NONE will fit into the water bottle pocket. I can barely get a granola bar in it! I'm returning this ASAP!

I was initially concerned after seeing reviews complaining about the size of the water bottle pocket. I am pleased to report the pocket is perfect to fit a standard disposable water bottle - one of the ones that comes in a 24 pack. I am equally as pleased that my iPhone 17 pro max in a case with a pop socket also fits inside of the phone pocket. This pack is exactly what I was looking for as a casual pack for going on 5 mile walks/easy hikes. It’s enough to take a can of bug spray, sunscreen, extra disposable water bottles, keys, AirPods, first aid supplies, small snacks etc. It also has the soft padded pocket for your sunnies or a headlamp. Plus it’s got room to clip anything, and the ties are perfect to hold a light jacket/windbreaker. I am very satisfied with this sling for my needs and preferences.

I bought the North Face boreal sling bag because it seemed to have more features that I need over an item I've been using for a few years. This bag does have some very good features, such as: a short outer pocket for items such as glasses, sunglasses, and other items that should not be scratched; interior sleeves to help organize items; a crossing bungee on the outside for holding items such as a raincoat; and a padded but not too padded shoulder strap. The one thing that is not desirable is an outside side pocket for a water bottle - this pocket is far too narrow for nearly all water bottles except the disposable plastic. I'm going to have to look very hard for a re-useable water bottle that can fit. A standard water bottle can probably be attached to the top handle and slid under the outer bungee straps, but I really wanted a water bottle sleeve.

Two stars feels generous, but I’m a fair man. I picked up the The North Face Borealis Sling Bag expecting that classic North Face durability. Instead, I got something that feels more “airport gift shop impulse buy” than rugged everyday carry. Biggest issue? The sling strap is not long enough. If you’ve got anything resembling a normal adult torso, it rides awkwardly high and tight. Not exactly the comfortable crossbody vibe they advertise. Adjustability is limited, which makes it frustrating if you’re broad-shouldered or just prefer a looser fit. Second problem is the material. It feels thinner and lower quality than what I expect from North Face. Not terrible, just… underwhelming. It doesn’t inspire confidence for long-term use, especially if you’re tossing it in a truck or actually using it outdoors. For the price and the brand reputation, I expected sturdier fabric and a better strap design. Looks decent. Functionally disappointing. Two stars. It carries stuff. That’s about it.

This is quite well made and has room to carry my iPhone and other various things I carry daily. I like the lined pocket where the phone fits. The inside zipper pocket is nice for my gps pen and second pocket. The only thing I would like to change is to extend the strap by 4" - 6"; I have it to its full extent and it works but a bit more slack would be nice. I rated 4 stars but I would rate it 5 if the strap had a little more slack.

First I'd like to say that I dislike The North Face as a brand, however they beat out the other competition for my application. I have a backpack for a carry-on and I needed a small bag to carry in front of me. It needed to hold my switch two as well as other misc travel goods. This one and the osprey had really good thin straps which I liked but the osprey felt large / clunky. The Patagonia and REI equivalent didn't hold or fit my items like I wanted. I really like how the Patagonia one looked, but the side loading / length of it just didn't work for my switch. Again, I wish I didn't pick The North Face because I don't like them as a company, but this was a rare instance where they provided the better product for my application.

Perfect for European travel! Loves the size and fit of this bag. Made it easy for me to access my passport and credit cards, while at the same time keeping my items secure and close To my chest.

very useful little bag, the water bottle pocket might hold a 16.9 water bottle, the bag has a nice mesh pocket with zipper on the top inside of the bag

Slung fits well, very light weight. Not too big for a short person. Plenty of storage

I did a lot of research before buying this sling. I have the TNF Voyager Base Camp sling (11L) as well and needed something smaller for day trips/short walks/hikes/EDC. I bought the Borealis to replace my Osprey Daylite Sling (also 6L) which wasn’t meeting my needs anymore - I have the original Osprey sling which has no gear loops, no bungee chords, no water bottle pocket, no strap phone pocket, on the exterior. I bought and tested the Osprey Quasar sling and the Borealis and ended up returning the Osprey Quasar because my phone (iPhone 15 Pro Max) wouldn’t fit into the strap pocket. Also because the gear loops on the exterior are pretty long resulting in my hat sliding down…because gravity… and when you’re 4’11” it is annoying for your hat to be swinging around hitting your lower back. I found the Borealis more comfortable as it has more padding. My general observation is the Osprey Quasar is designed for more rugged use - hiking/biking and the Borealis can be used for that as well as urban carry. Agreed with other reviews - the water bottle pocket is super small - but honestly, perfect for my 6.7oz. Hydro Flask Micro Bottle. The Borealis is designed for the strap to be slung over the right shoulder which is great for lefties - so I love it. Osprey slings can be adjusted to wear over either shoulder so +1 for Osprey in that regard, but if you’re a leftie - the Borealis is great. I looked at the Patagonia Atom sling too but it is not meant for lefties. I (plane) travel a lot and find this sling too small as a personal item IF I’m taking my Bose headphones - if only earbuds then this is a great little personal item for short 2-3 hour flights. Sometimes I’ll use the North Face Voyager Base Camp as my personal item and pack the Borealis in my carryon or checked bag for day trips/EDC at the destination.