The North Face Borealis Backpack is a favorite for many due to its durability, comfort, and versatile design. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or an adventurer, this backpack offers plenty of space and organizational features to keep your gear in check. However, to truly maximize its potential, you need to know how to properly organize your items inside. In this guide, we’ll break down the best ways to organize your gear in the Borealis Backpack, making it easy to access everything you need while keeping things neat and secure.
1. Start with the Main Compartment: Books, Laptops, and Larger Items
The main compartment of the North Face Borealis Backpack is spacious enough to carry your larger items, such as books, folders, and a laptop. When organizing this area, consider these steps:
- Laptop Sleeve: Always place your laptop or tablet in the dedicated, padded laptop sleeve. This protective compartment is designed to fit most 15-inch laptops, ensuring they stay safe from bumps and scratches. It’s also a good idea to put your laptop in a case for additional protection.
- Books and Notebooks: Stack your books and notebooks on top of the laptop sleeve. If you have large textbooks, place them vertically in the compartment to maximize space. You can also use this section to store files or folders if you need to carry paperwork.
- Bulkier Items: If you’re traveling or need to pack extra gear like a jacket or a small lunch, this is the best place to store them. Roll your jacket or sweater tightly to save space and ensure it fits alongside your other items.
By organizing your main compartment this way, you’ll create a solid foundation where the heavier items are stored securely while allowing for easy access.
2. Use the Front Organizer Pocket for Smaller Essentials
The front organizer pocket in the Borealis Backpack is perfect for holding smaller items like pens, business cards, headphones, or chargers. The built-in mesh pockets allow you to easily separate your belongings so you’re not fishing around for something at the bottom of the bag.
- Pen and Pencil Slots: Utilize these to keep your writing tools in one place. It’s especially helpful for students or professionals who need pens and pencils for taking notes.
- Chargers and Cables: Use the zippered compartments to store your phone charger, laptop charger, or any other cables you might need. You can also tuck in a portable power bank for emergencies.
- Small Items: Consider using the mesh pouches for items like hand sanitizer, lip balm, gum, or other small accessories that you’ll need to access quickly throughout the day.
By organizing smaller items in this pocket, you’ll keep them easily accessible while maintaining a clutter-free main compartment.
3. Utilize the Stretch Mesh Side Pockets for Water Bottles and Umbrellas
The North Face Borealis Backpack comes equipped with two stretch-mesh side pockets, which are perfect for carrying items that you’ll need quick access to, such as:
- Water Bottles: One of the most common uses for the side pockets is holding a water bottle. These pockets are designed to stretch, so they can accommodate various bottle sizes.
- Umbrellas: If you’re commuting in unpredictable weather, a compact umbrella fits well in the side pockets. This gives you quick access to rain protection without taking up valuable space inside the main compartment.
- Snacks or Sunglasses: If you like to carry snacks or need a spot for your sunglasses, the side pockets are also a great place for these items, as they don’t require as much protection as other gear.
Organizing these items in the side pockets keeps them separate from your other belongings and ensures they’re easy to grab when needed.
4. Keep Your Tech Safe with the Dedicated Pockets
The Borealis Backpack offers specialized compartments for your tech gear, so it’s important to take advantage of these features:
- Laptop Sleeve: As mentioned, the padded sleeve is ideal for storing your laptop safely, keeping it away from other items that could potentially damage it.
- Tablet Pocket: Some versions of the Borealis Backpack feature a tablet pocket in addition to the laptop sleeve. If you carry a tablet, this is a great space to store it safely, ensuring it doesn’t come into contact with other bulkier items.
- Tech Accessories: Store smaller tech accessories, such as a mouse, external hard drive, or charging cable, in the front organizer pocket or a dedicated small tech compartment if your model offers one.
By using these designated pockets, you’ll keep your electronics protected and prevent any unnecessary scratches or damage.
5. Pack for Quick Access in the Top Pocket
The top pocket of the Borealis Backpack is designed for items you need easy access to, without having to rummage through your entire bag. This is the perfect place for:
- Sunglasses: The soft-lined interior of the top pocket helps protect your sunglasses from scratches.
- Phone: If you want to keep your phone secure but easily accessible, this is a great spot to store it.
- Keys: This pocket is also an excellent place to keep your keys, especially if you’re rushing between classes or meetings and need to grab them quickly.
By keeping your everyday essentials in this pocket, you can access them without disrupting the rest of your gear.
6. Maximize the Compression Straps for Bulkier Items
The North Face Borealis Backpack features compression straps on the sides that allow you to tighten the bag and make it more compact when it’s not full. These straps can also be used to secure larger or bulkier items like:
- Jackets: If you’re carrying a jacket or a blanket, you can strap it onto the exterior of the backpack. Simply roll the jacket up and secure it with the compression straps for a snug fit.
- Yoga Mat or Travel Gear: For those who are always on the move, these straps can also be used to secure travel accessories like a yoga mat, extra shoes, or even a small travel pillow.
By using the compression straps effectively, you can ensure your backpack remains compact and organized, even when you need to carry extra gear.
7. Final Tips for Organizing Your Borealis Backpack
- Use Packing Cubes: For even better organization, consider using small packing cubes or pouches inside the main compartment. This allows you to group similar items together and easily find what you need without emptying out your bag.
- Go Digital: If possible, switch from carrying paper to digital notes and documents to lighten your load. The Borealis Backpack has plenty of space for a tablet or e-reader, so you can keep everything organized and accessible in a digital format.
- Maintain a Minimalist Approach: While the Borealis is spacious, it’s essential to avoid overpacking. Prioritize the essentials, and don’t carry unnecessary items that will only add to the weight and clutter.
8. Conclusion
With its variety of compartments and organizational features, the North Face Borealis Backpack is an ideal choice for anyone looking to stay organized. By strategically placing your items in the dedicated compartments—such as the laptop sleeve, front organizer pocket, and top pocket—you’ll be able to maximize the available space while keeping everything within easy reach. Whether you’re a student, a commuter, or an adventurer, organizing your gear in the Borealis Backpack ensures that your day runs smoothly, and your belongings stay safe and secure.
