The Borealis Backpack has been a popular pick for commuters because it offers all-day comfort, even with heavy loads. However, many users run into two main durability issues within the first year.
DVSS Scorecard
- DVSS Score: 89.65/100
- Satisfaction Tier: Excellent
- Review Count: 14,716
STRENGTHS
- Laptop Protection: The suspended sleeve keeps laptops (up to 16 inches) from hitting the ground.
- Back/Shoulder Comfort: The padded back and thick straps stay comfortable, even with heavy college books.
- Long-Term Fabric Durability: The outer fabric still looks good after four months of daily use.
- Water Resistance: The fabric repels water, keeping your belongings dry on rainy days.
LIMITATIONS
- Main Compartment Capacity: You can fit two textbooks and a notebook before it feels cramped.
- Zipper/Lining Failure: Some users report the main zipper or lining ripping within two to six months.
- Water Bottle Pockets: The pockets are too loose to hold standard bottles securely when bending over.
- Bungee Cord Breaks: One high schooler had the external cord system break twice in under a month.
Read the full article below. ↓
Contents
Borealis Backpack Secures 89.65 Despite Early Zipper and Lining Rips
The Borealis Backpack gets high marks for comfort and laptop protection. Most users say it holds up well over time, which keeps its DVSS score high.
Product Scorecard
- DVSS Score: 89.65/100
- Satisfaction Tier: Excellent
- Review Count: 14,716
- Average Rating: 4.70
- Ideal For: College and High School Students for heavy, multi-subject daily commutes.
The score shows the backpack is great for comfort and organization, but it hides some durability problems. Our DVSS Methodology highlights the reliability of the suspension, even though some zippers fail early. Most people love the all-day comfort from the FlexVent™ system, but many are disappointed by lining or zipper issues in the first six months.
Laptop Suspension Protects Devices Up To 16-Inches
The internal laptop sleeve acts like a “little hammock,” keeping your device above the bag’s bottom. This way, your laptop never touches the ground when you set the bag down. A 16-inch MacBook Pro fits perfectly and is cushioned by soft padding.
This protected space is important for students, especially since the Recon model lets laptops hit the ground. Users can fit two laptops and an iPad safely in the back compartment. The fleece lining also protects things like sunglasses.
Padded Back Panel Feels Like A “Mini Massage” For All-Day Wear
The thick shoulder straps and padded mesh back panel keep the backpack comfortable, even with heavy loads all day. The design gives good support and breathability. People who use it for work, school, or fieldwork say it fits well and feels good.
The adjustable straps and flexible top attachment make the backpack easy to put on and take off. Comfort comes first, making it a top pick for college students and commuters. The padded straps are an improvement over older bags that cause shoulder strain.
Internal Linings and Zippers Fail Within Six Months of School Use
Some parts of the backpack are very durable, but others are not. The inner lining of the main pocket ripped for some users after just two months. This points to a weak spot between the side bottle pocket and the main storage area.
The zipper teeth on the laptop compartment became loose within six months, so the bag couldn’t be used in wet weather. Some users had the main zipper break down within a month. One person said the manufacturer called a strap rip after less than a year “normal wear & tear.”
Water Bottle Pockets Are Too Loose for Standard Bottles
The side water bottle pockets are supposed to tighten at the top, but they don’t for most people. Bottles can fall out easily if you bend over. Large bottles, like a 46-ounce or a big Yeti, are hard to fit.
It’s even harder to fit a bottle when the main compartment is full. The water bottle pockets are short and not made for tall bottles, so you have to use smaller or wider ones. One user said the pockets are “pretty loose unless you have a fat bottle.”
External Bungee Cord System Breaks and is Deemed “Useless”
Many people say the elastic bungee system breaks or comes off easily. One high schooler had the bungee strap break twice in under a month. Another user called the side bungees “absolutely useless.”
People who use the external cord for a coat or jacket say it works fine. Still, one user wished the bungee cords were thicker. The system does add some versatility to the backpack’s design.
Main Compartment Volume Restricts Load to Two Textbooks
The backpack looks roomy, but the main compartment is small and doesn’t stretch much when full. You can’t fit more than two textbooks and a notebook before it gets tight. People switching from other bags often say the main compartment feels “smaller than I like.”
A small top pocket blocks the main compartment, creating a “weird bulge” when the bag is used. This design wastes space and makes it harder to reach the main storage. One user said the bag only held a few things because of this.
Borealis Backpack: Secure a Full-Day Commute with Great Protection?
The Borealis Backpack is comfortable and keeps things organized, making it great for students with a lot to carry. Just be aware of its durability issues before you use it for heavy loads.
Real-World Loadout Test
- Tech: MacBook Pro 16-inch fits perfectly with padding; two laptops (plus one iPad) fit in the back; phones are secured in the hidden upper pockets.
- Gear: 46-ounce water bottles are a tight squeeze; no issues with three textbooks and a planner; sunglasses are protected in the lined pocket.
- Result: The bag can handle a full grad school load and still looks slim, but the main compartment is too small for more than two big textbooks.
Quick-Fit Assessment
✓ You’re a Great Fit:
- You want all-day comfort when carrying heavy school books.
- You carry a 15- or 16-inch laptop and need it to be well-protected.
- You use the backpack mainly for college or high school commutes.
✗ Skip This If You:
- You need to carry more than three large textbooks every day.
- You need zippers that will last reliably for more than six months.
- You carry an extra-large water bottle and often bend over.
- You want taped seams or a backpack made from fully waterproof material.
High Schooler’s Comfort Rig But Risky Zippers
The main user of the Borealis Backpack is a high school or college student who needs to carry a heavy load every day without hurting their shoulders. The FlexVent™ suspension system makes the bag feel light, even when it’s full. The main downside is the high risk of zipper or lining issues in the first year.
Daily Commuter Trading Size for Protection
Another type of user is the professional commuter who wants a sleek, protective bag that also works for short hikes. They like the organized compartments and water-resistant fabric. The downside is there’s no special spot for paperwork, so they have to put folders in the main laptop pocket.
Borealis Backpack Defends Heavy School Loads
The Borealis Backpack is great for students who are tough on their gear and need something rugged for daily use. These users will like that the outer material can last up to four years without tearing. The trade-off is dealing with loose water bottle pockets and a main compartment that’s a bit too small.
The Borealis Backpack is a reliable pick for students who carry a lot. Check current prices and see the Best Standard EDC Backpacks (20L-29L) for more options.
