The North Face 10L Mini Borealis Every Day Backpack, Forest Olive/TNF Black, One Size

For a recent trip to Paris, I wanted a small lightweight backpack to wear during my long walking excursions throughout the city. The backpack needed to be lightweight and hold a water bottle, light jacket or sweater, umbrella, extra iPhone battery, other small items, and anything else I might need to spend the day away from my hotel. It also needed to be "packable" (which typically means folding into a small pouch that comes with it and may or may not be attached)—or at least not take up a lot of space or weigh a lot. Thus, I embarked on a 3-month long search for exactly the right backpack, spending hours and hours online. However, I kept coming back to this one.This backpack comes in a variety of very nice colors. I considered black—so neutral and goes with everything. But I was really attracted to the “gardenia white” one. Since most of my travels will be, if not during summer, in milder temperatures, the light color appealed to me. It’s actually a warm off-white, rather than a stark white color. The black trim and zipper pulls give it some sophistication, and the total look is very appealing. Having decided on the color range, I then looked at hundreds of backpacks in white, off-white, and beige. Once again, I kept coming back to this one.While I was willing to pay more, this one met most of my needs and just happened to also be very reasonably priced. It has a small, but sufficiently sized, front pocket with an almost invisible zipper (which I like, in case of pick pockets). On the exterior, one side has a stretch pocket that holds a bottle of water or smaller umbrella. The other side is claimed to be a second water bottle holder. However, it is actually a very tiny pocket, which (as others have noted) has such a narrow opening that it is almost impossible to get into and thus useless as a practical matter (and I have very small hands). Ultimately, I used it as a place to store clean, loose tissues that I could quickly access if I needed to blow my nose, because of spring pollen, or needed to wipe something up.The padded top handle is useful and comfortable if one needs or wants to carry it that way (such as on a crowded subway or bus). And internally there is an open pocket and a nice sized zipper pocket with a key clipI hadn’t initially considered it necessary but began to really like the idea of the front bungee system. I could use it for compression. However, I found that the most practical use for it in my case was as another place to store a sweater or jacket. This way, if I acquired items along the way that I put into the backpack, the bungee system could be used to make way for them internally by attaching my jacket to it.Finally, the padded straps and back panel make this backpack very comfortable for all day use. This means that it isn’t foldable, but it’s small and thin enough to simply store flat in the bottom of your luggage. The slight amount of bulk the back panel padding adds is worth it. Backpacks without it means that items inside can protrude and bump against your back as you walk.The only downside is the lack of a true second outside pocket. I do miss this as exterior pocket for an umbrella that can be quickly accessed (always useful when travelling to Europe). But this meets all of my other needs so well that it was worth the trade-off.I’m back from Paris and truly love this backpack. I used it every day, all day. I found it more useful and comfortable than a sling bag would be, especially since I could put a lot in it-- from fruit purchased at a stand to souvenirs to everything needs to stay out for 8 or more hours at a time. Its light weight, along with padded straps and back panel, made it very comfortable. It looked great, with enough of a put together and appealing style that I never wished I’d brought a handbag. For all that it does, it is a terrific value.

I bought this bag to attend a concert at Red Rocks since their bag policy has strict size limits, and it was absolutely perfect! Despite its compact size — smaller than an iPad Pro 12 — it fits a surprising amount. I was able to pack two rain jackets, a hoodie, my wallet, two phones, a makeup pouch, wipes, keys, and even two shirts I bought at the concert, and it still didn’t feel heavy at all.The size is ideal for events, concerts, or any place with bag restrictions, and the quality is great. Highly recommend it if you need something small, lightweight, and practical!

Great quality. Surprising holds a lot of stuff. I was able to fit an iPad, a small 5x7 notebook, and two 9x6 books.

This is almost perfect. It is well built and holds enough for a daypack, but it only works for someone about 5’2” or shorter. Northface really should make a mini for men. We need a bigger mini. Ended up getting an Osprey Daylite instead.

This bag is AWESOME. I use this bag as my personal size bag when traveling and put my water bottle, book, wallet, and headphones in it. I like it better than a purse when traveling. Feels safer and can fit all the stuff I buy :D

I love this little backpack from The North Face. It is much roomier than I imagined. I suggest watching YouTube videos on this product, to see all of it's features and pros and cons, before purchasing. The so-called water bottle side pockets are too small for most water bottles. However, the main compartment of the pack has a tablet sleeve and I put my water bottle in there (since I don't carry a tablet). If you are taller (say 5' 10" or more) or wide-chested, be aware that you may need to open up the shoulder straps to their full capacity and that this may result in the plastic strap length adjusters digging into your arm or armpit area. I like using this pack for short walks in the summer, because it covers less area over my back, which reduces back sweating. However, I highly recommend the super lightweight Salomon Trail Blazer 10L or 20L (depending on your needs). I also recommend the Deuter Speed Lite series of daypacks.