The North Face Surge Laptop Backpack

Excellent
October 21, 2011

Love this backpack! Lots of pockets, zippers, pouches to keep items in. Light, heavy duty. No complaints! Would definitely recommend this product for all ages.

College
February 02, 2011

I am a college student at a university and I am currently taking 16 hrs. Most reviews I read about the Surge went something like, "it fits all my stuff" or "holds everything I need." Well, I don't know how much stuff they have or what they need; so, this will be a detailed description of what I can fit into the Surge. As I said, I am taking 16 hrs. so I have a lot of materials that I need to haul around all over a large campus. For starters, the main organizer compartment is phenomenal! I carry several supplies (multiple high lighters, pens, pencils, a scientific calculator and a simple calculator, and other general supplies) and the compartment neatly organizes all of it! The large storage compartment can hold 4 one inch binders; while I place 3 books in the designated laptop compartment (book#1: 538 pages, book#2: 906 pages, and book#3: 1,113 pages). I can place book#4: 358 pages, in the main organizing compartment cause it stretches at the bottom. At this point, it is absolutely maxed! It is a very tight squeeze for all this to fit...but it does all fit! I can also squeeze a wide 32oz. water bottle in the side holder! That covers the maximum storage capacity. The Surge advertises that it can store up to a 15" laptop. However, I have a 17" dell studio laptop and it will fit in the designated laptop compartment. I do have to remove the battery in order for it to fit; and again, it is a very tight fit for 17" laptop...but it does fit! If I am carrying my 17" laptop in the designated compartment, I can still fit 2 one inch binders and 2 books (book#1: 1,300 pages & book#2: 538 pages) in the main storgae compartment. I can also store my power cord, mouse pad, and mouse in the very front compartment with ease! That covers basic necessities for the light days, which there are only two. I had read in other reviews the Surge was big and uncomfortable. Well, while it is big it is certainly not uncomfortable. I am 6'3" and 225lbs., this backpack fits me perfect! I love the straps the Surge has...they're wide and durable. The extra padding on the back is really nice as well! Also, if you are carrying as much weight as I do on a daily basis, be sure to cinch the straps up after you put it on; what this does is take the load off your back and makes you stand up straight while carrying a heavy load...trust me, this makes a tremendous difference! The straps are very easy to adjust, just one quick flip and they're all the way out again, so there is no hassle about doing it eveytime you put it on and take it off. I don't think there is another product out there that can come close to the Surge and I will purchase another one if I ever need another backpack!

Great bag.
January 08, 2011

I bought this bag to replace my older North Face Enterprise bag I've had for over 10 years. The Surge bag fits my 17 inch laptop with room to spare. It's only advertised to fit 15 inch laptops, but not so once I put my laptop inside. Theres plenty of pockets and great organization throughout. I highly recommend this pack for travelers or students. I haven't used it in the rain yet, but I suspect the outer front pocket may let water inside due to not having a zipper, but instead a clasp to close. Overall a great bag. I hope it lasts as long as my old bag I had for school until now.

Great weekender
November 24, 2010

I'm using this bag to pack my laptop and clothes for short weekend trips. So far it's worked out great.

just about right
November 21, 2010

I like everything about this bag except for the front pouch. It has a clasp covering the opening that has 2 zippers once pulled down exposes the pouch. Just seems that it could've been engineered a little more user friendly. With that being said, I like it better than the last Swiss pack I had. This one seems more durable. Very comfortable to carry!

Great deal!
June 15, 2010

I get my Backpack just 2 days after my order, and it was all I wanted. the size is perfect for all my books and my Laptop. Also for my trips out of the country. Thanks!

Just What I Needed
June 11, 2010

It was just the right size for 2-3 day trips. Light enough to carry by hand or over one shoulder. Wanted it for short business trips and it worked great on my very first one. Thanks all.

Good size for small trips
March 11, 2010

Just received this backpack and I am happy to see that all the positive things I read about it are true. It fits my MacBook Pro 15" perfectly, has plenty of space for other stuff and a lot of different compartments for organizing. I wanted a bigger backpack to take with me on planes carrying my laptop but also all the other things I don't want to check in. Also, it will allow me to pack enough things for weekend trips. My only worry from another review was that it would be too big for my 5.3 ft. But it isn't, it doesn't look oversized on my back. So nothing to complain about so far.

Solid Backpack
January 24, 2010

I got this backpack as a gift for Christmas. It's exactly what I was looking for. I'm a law student and I have to lug around unnecessarily large textbooks in addition to my computer. The Surge handles it all easily and has additional room for packing a lunch or clothes for the gym. The one thing that I would note is that the interior volume is accomplished in large part by making the bag a little taller and wider than a conventional backpack. While it's not a big deal for me, it might not fit comfortably on someone who is 5'5" or under.

Great Backpack
October 14, 2009

I have used briefcases for work and always ran into problems. Either with carrying the case or trying to fit things. The backpack has a lot of different compartments and because you can carry it on your back it's never a problem. I would highly recommend it. Oh and my laptop fits nice and secure too.

Excellent Backpack for College!
August 29, 2009

Prior to purchasing from altrec.com I bought the North Face Surge Backpack (Black) on eBay for $91 USD. The item I received was full of faults and defects. I returned it for a full refund and decided try again online. (Avoiding eBay of course). I chose altrec.com because of its great customer service ratings, and its strong foundation as a recognized online retail store. I bought it here immediately with free shipping, and much to my surprise, I had my backpack delivered to me in less than a week! I must say the backpack is truly worth the money. I am 6 ft tall, and it fits me very well. It has many useful pockets to store anything and everything related to school. I myself am a college student so it holds many of my heavy textbooks and my 10.2 inch netbook easily. I love the way they designed the inside of the backpack with the contrasting red and gray fabric. Every single detail of the backpack was well constructed with high quality materials. You'll have to buy one yourself to see what I mean. I've been carrying around the standard 2 pocket Jansport backpack for many years of my early middle school and high school life, that this backpack seems like a luxury to me. I already know 3 friends who want this backpack because they saw me wearing it. I'll definitely be carrying this guy around for many years to come with complete satisfaction.

Best backpack EVER!!!!!!!!!!!
August 18, 2009

I bought this bag for school and doing some day trips while camping. I wanted a separate compartment for my laptop plus enough room for books, without my laptop getting slapped around by books. This bag works perfect plus the pocket on the bottom for your cords. The straps are crazy comfy, its an all around awesome bag.

great for college
July 29, 2009

I bought this backpack to carry a 15-inch laptop computer, textbooks and other gear around a large university campus. It fits the bill perfectly. A bit larger than the Borealis (which I also own), it is perfect for larger-sized laptops with plenty of room to spare. It is attractive and very well-constructed, as you would expect from the North Face. Although I have not used it on the trail, I expect that it would hold up there as well.

Comfortable Backpack
July 11, 2009

I bought this backpack for summer traveling and as well as college use. It truly is versatile. The shoulder straps and back panel are very padded making even heavy loads comfortable. My husband carried it for more than 4 hours through Carlsbad Caverns and commented that it was so much more comfortable than any backpack he has ever owned. I also love all the various pockets inside. The only problem I can find with this backpack is that the padded area for the laptop takes up some of the room in the main compartment.

Great Backpack
May 17, 2009

I love this backpack. I bought 2 (1 for me and 1 for my friend) She thinks it's a little too bulky for her but she is small. I am a little taller than her and it fits me perfect! Would definitely recommend to buyers! Very well made with a lot of room for several books and a laptop.

Great backpack!
May 05, 2009

Perfect size for college. Looked for a long time to find a backpack with a fully padded/dedicated laptop compartment that still looks great. Like how you can make it larger or small depending on what your packing.

Great pack for laptop/short trips
February 25, 2009

The pack has great pockets for your computer accessories, as well as a really great pocket on the bottom for your charger. Since I take my laptop on most short trips, it's great that it has just enough room for my weekend clothes, but is not bulky. Highly recommended!

Awesome!!!
February 10, 2009

I was looking for a new laptop backpack when I came across the NF surge. It's much roomier than my old laptop backpack and also lighter. The padding in the back is awesome, it protects my laptop inside and also easy on my back. I use it for carrying my my macbook pro and couple of books to school. It has ton of pockets (MP3, power adapter for laptop, cellphone, water bottles, camera...). Best laptop ever!

Awesome backpack
August 11, 2008

I have last years model and just saw this year's at a store - it's great. Several improvements in terms of internal design to an already well-designed backpack. I use it for corporate travel and just going to/from work and it is simply the best one I've used after years of trying different ones...

Great product and fast shipping!
July 18, 2008

Awesome product! I purchased the one in bittersweet brown, and it looks much better in real life than in the picture. I'm very glad I choose this color over the others. The features this backpack comes with are all very useful and made very well. I needed a laptop compartment and many other pockets to hold other things since I'll be going to medical school soon, so that's why I bought this one. It has The North Face sturdiness and style, so it was definitely worth the buy. Just wished it could have been a tiny bit cheaper, but in the end, this backpack will probably last me 10 years if I don't too overly abuse it. So I guess in the end it's very very worth it. I used the free shipping, and it arrived at my house in 5 days with no problem. 3 thumbs up!

Great Lappy Pack
May 26, 2008

I have had a couple TNF bags and as usual they never let me down. The best pack I have had so far for lugging my computer and stuff. Holds a lot, but doesnt look big and bulky.

Perfect
April 05, 2008

awesome for school

My favorite backpack !!
April 05, 2008

This is backpack is perfect for all kinds of needs for a college student. It is very comforting to wear on your shoulders and it's very stylish. It has many different compartments so you can do whatever you want with it. I'm a college student and i carry lots of books and i bring my laptop with me everywhere. The strap support is just awesome. I would not feel any negative pressure on my shoulders like I would with my other experiences with backapcks like jansports or dakine duel. The design is superb. I am very happy with my purchase. This backpack will last me a very, i mean, a very long time.

great but too large
February 05, 2008

My daughter was the recipient of this back pack... She is 5ft2in and felt that the pack was too large for her frame... So, she's ordering the amria

i love this bag
December 12, 2007

i got this bag for christmas, and it's perfect for school. i had the Jester style but it was just to small for all the books i take. this one is simply perfect. and the straps are super comfortable, i haven't had a sore back since i got this. it's great for heavy loads.

good comute bag
August 28, 2007

my dad uses this bag for work and he loves it. it's the perfect size for work or school.

A++
June 24, 2007

Great pack. Meets all my need. Great value.