Affordable Alternatives to North Face Backpack [TOP 20]

A backpack is one of the most enduring and versatile staples of any closet. Camping trips, work commutes, and weekenders all require a well-equipped carryall that will hold everything from your laptop to a spare umbrella. The North Face has long been synonymous with high-quality, long-lasting backpacks. While The North Face brand name comes with a higher price point, there are alternatives that deliver the same quality and durability with a softer impact on your wallet.

North Face backpack alternatives…that won’t break the bank.

Let’s take a look at the top 20 North Face backpack alternatives (that are reasonably priced).

Tocode Laptop Backpack

Features:

• USB Port
• Built-in charging cable
• Two external mesh pockets
• Laptop compartment
• Multifunction organization compartment

Pros:

• Fits under an airplane seat with ease.
• Sturdy and holds up to the daily commute.

Cons:

• Not waterproof or even water-resistant (it got damaged after being rained on).
• The chest strap is a bit small
• Heavier than other options due it the material and padding.

Price Point: $38.99

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The Tocode Laptop Backpack will suit the needs of users that have a covered commute and don’t plan on using this pack for outdoor recreation.

Modoker Canvas Laptop Rucksack Backpack

Features:

• Padded laptop sleeve
• Tablet sleeve
• USB charging point
• Front compartment
• Two side pockets
• The flap top closes with a magnetic clasp

Pros:

• The vegan leather material looks great and is water-resistant.
• Large enough for all your devices.
• Would work as a camping or travel pack.

Cons:

• Sporadic issues with the battery connection in the USB port.
• Quality may not stand the test of time.

Price Point: $29.95

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This option is great for outdoor enthusiasts, students, and professionals alike — all for a great price.

Airlab Rucksack Backpack

Features:

• Drawstring closure
• Compression straps
• Large capacity
• 15-inch laptop pocket

Pros:

• Fits a ton of items — great as a travel bag.
• There’s an anti-theft pocket at the back which lets you secure your most valuable items.
• Nice-looking with a choice of three colors.

Cons:

• The drawstring closure isn’t as secure as a zippered closure or magnetic closure.
• The main pocket is deep, rather than wide, so your stuff might get jumbled up.

Price Point: $25.99

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The Airlab Rucksack Backpack is an inexpensive choice that would be best used as a gym or travel bag.

HFSX Laptop Backpack

Features:

• Reflectors on the straps
• USB port
• Headphone jack
• Large side pockets
• 6 in laptop compartment

Pros:

• Firm frame and quality fabric construction.
• Many compartments, which makes organization easier.

Cons:

• Smaller than it appears in the listing photo.
• This backpack is not waterproof.
• You get what you pay for in terms of durability — don’t expect this bag to last a lifetime.

Price Point: $25.99

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With its trendy look and low price point, HFSX Laptop Backpack is a great option for students who need a durable backpack that doesnt break the bank.

MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack

Features:

• 17-inch laptop pocket
• USB and headphone ports
• Padded shoulder straps
• Luggage strap
• Optimized to unfold and go through a TSA checkpoint without removing your laptop

Pros:

• The laptop pocket fits a larger device than most competitors.
• This backpack is water-resistant!
• High-quality zippers that easily close.
• Made of extremely durable material.

Cons:

• Once a laptop is in the laptop pocket, some larger water bottles don’t fit in the side pocket.
• Heavier than other backpacks when empty.
• The padded back traps heat and gets too warm quickly.

Price Point: $29.99

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The MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack is not flashy, but it is highly-functional and holds up as a travel bag, outdoor take-along, and daily commuter.

Kelty Redwing 50 Backpack

Features:

• Perfect Fit Suspension
• Top-loading
• Duel hydration sleeve
• Laptop sleeve
• U-zipper design
• Front stash pocket
• Organized compartments inside

Pros:

• The compression straps make wear comfortable, even for long periods.
• There are loops for your hiking/ski poles.
• The front opening makes loading/unloading gear way easier.

Cons:

• The mesh fabric can be uncomfortable on the skin.
• Not water-resistant — at least it is not advertised as such.
• Some tearing issues.

Price Point: $129.95

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A very rugged option perfect for the longest and roughest camping trip. It’s a bit much for the office or classroom though.

LEVEL8 Laptop Backpack

 

Features:

• 6-inch laptop compartment
• Tablet compartment
• Unfolds to go through airport security
• Luggage strap

Pros:

• Fits securely under an airplane seat.
• Water-resistant.

Cons:

• No chest strap, which is a disappointment for some.
• Does not hold up to daily heavy use over a long period of time (4+ years)

Price Point: $69.99

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The LEVEL8 Laptop Backpack is a great pick for someone who travels for work or commutes daily with their laptop and a few additional items. Students with heavy books and binders may want to consider a more rugged option.

KAKA 35l Travel Backpack

Features:

• Terylene oxford fabric
• Computer and tablet compartments
• Lock with combination
• Water bottle and key compartments

Pros:

• This versatile backpack can be carried as a duffle bag or shoulder bag.
• There are several anti-theft mechanisms that come with the backpack.
• A large interior that can hold your entire packing list.

Cons:

• This bag is NOT waterproof.
• There are some issues with zipper placement.
• Smaller than it looks in photos.

Price Point: $49.99

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I’d recommend the KAKA 35l Travel Backpack for weekends away — as long as your travels don’t include the great outdoors. It’s stylish and functional enough to work as a daily backpack for students as well.

Oakley Mens Men’s Bathroom Sink Backpack

Features:

• 100% Nylon lining
• Padded laptop sleeve for devices up to 13 inches
• Mesh-lined straps for cooling
• Specialized compartments for your gear

Pros:

• This backpack is fully machine washable!
• The heavy-duty fabrication will last.
• Oakley’s brand standard = consistency in quality.

Cons:

• The single-zipper design isn’t well-engineered.
• Somewhat what inside
• No exterior water bottle pockets.
• Dumb name.

Price Point: $120.00

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The Oakley Mens Men’s Bathroom Sink Backpack is a rough-and-tumble choice for those who need a backpack that can go on the road or up a mountain with them.

AmazonBasics Classic Backpack

Features:

• Laptop pocket
• Two exterior water bottle compartments
• Inner zipper compartments

Pros:

• Lots of colors to choose from.
• Truly has the “classic” backpack look.
• Lightweight but roomy.
• This backpack comes in a four-pack.

Cons:

• It comes in a four-pack because these aren’t designed to last very long.

Price Point: $75.49

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This simple, no-frills basic backpack is ideal for students or overnight travelers who know what they like.

Vaschy Classic Water-resistant Backpack

Features:

• Padded sleeve to fit a device up to 15 inches
• There’s a hook for your keys in the front pocket
• Two side pockets
• Headphone port
• Faux-suede bottom with padding to cushion your items from any drops.

Pros:

• This backpack is water-resistant thanks to its polyester material.
• Trendy design in multiple colors.
• Comfortable straps.
• A good amount of pockets while leaving lots of room inside.

Cons:

• Might not accommodate all the needs of students with many textbooks and binders.
• Some colors are not true to the photos.
• The straps tend to shed.
• Low-quality zippers.

Price Point: $29.89

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The Vaschy Unisex Classic Water-resistant Backpack is a good choice for anyone looking for a versatile and trustworthy pack for daily use.

JANSPORT City View Backpack

Features:

• Laptop sleeve that fits up to 15-inch devices.
• Suede bottom
• Web haul handle
• Padded shoulder straps

Pros:

• The Jansport brand is reliable for quality backpacks.
• Many color options.
• Roomy interior that can fit enough clothes for a short trip.

Cons:

• This backpack can only be washed by hand.
• No water bottle holder.
• Some people have noticed quality control issues when it comes to the seams.

Price Point: $38.53

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The JANSPORT City View Backpack is a classic, time-tested backpack that continues to live up to its reputation as a durable EDC. The City View version has an updated look compared to what you probably remember from high school, and would be appropriate for professionals and older students alike.

High Sierra AT7 Carry-On Wheeled Backpack

Features:

• Made from 1200 Denier Duraweave
• Removable day pack
• Zippered accessory pocket
• 1 side water bottle pocket
• Hold down straps
• Skate style wheels
• 3 bags in one

Pros:

• This backpack can be wheeled or worn over your shoulders.
• There’s a “quick clip-on strap” that can be used to attach the day pack to the main bag.
• It is light but has a reasonable amount of room.

Cons:

• Unbalanced and sometimes tips over when in the wheeled mode.
• Smaller zippers and pockets than the previous version of this backpack.
• Some find the material cheap-looking

Price Point: $109.99

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This one’s perfect for frequent travelers, or anyone who is looking to give their back a break. The High Sierra Unisex AT7 Carry-On Wheeled Backpack can be used as a daily carry or lightweight luggage.

Carhartt Legacy Deluxe Work Backpack

Features:

• Durable canvas material
• Padded pocket to hold a laptop up to 17 in
• Front compartment with organized divisions
• Water-resistant

Pros:

• The contoured shoulder straps are extremely comfortable.
• The back mesh allows air to get through and cool you.
• Great quality.
• Lives up to the Carhartt brand.

Cons:

• Hard to actually fit in a 17 in laptop.
• Some issues with the zippers sticking.

Price Point: $75

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The Carhartt brand is known for its durable and tough products for work and play. This backpack certain lives up to the reputation, with some added perks to keep your technology safe.

SwissGear 1900 Scansmart TSA Laptop Backpack

Features:

• Made with weather-resistant 1200D ballistic polyester
• Padded media pocket with headphone cord port
• ScanSmart lay-flat technology for laptops up to 17 inches (perfect for airport security)
• USB equipped charging capability
• RFID Pockets
• Easy access laptop and iPad compartment
• Front compartment with organizational pockets
• Two side pockets to accommodate water bottles, umbrellas, etc.

Pros:

• Comfortable shoulder straps.
• Plenty of room.
• No need to remove your laptop when going through airport security.
• Fits in the overhead compartment on the plane.
• The heavy-duty grab handle makes it easy to pick up and move.

Cons:

• Too big to stow under a plane seat.
• Flimsy zippers.
• Even when it’s full, the backpack will tip over when placed on the floor.

Price Point: $74.99

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Overall, the SwissGear 1900 Scansmart TSA Laptop Backpack is a solid option if you fly a lot, but for regular work and school, you may want to consider an alternative.

BOPAI Slim Laptop Backpack

Features:

• USB charging port
• Flannel laptop compartment
• Multipurpose pockets
• Luggage strap
• Water bottle holder

Pros:

• This backpack has a large capacity, with 6 inner pockets.
• Lightweight and breathable.
• Looks professional.

Cons:

• May be too thin for some tastes.
• Too small if you need to carry a big load.
• Looks cheap for the price.

Price Point: $68

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This ultra-slim backpack is best for career individuals or graduate students who want a more polished look in their backpack. It is not right for you if you like to use your pack like a duffel bag.

Tzowla Business Laptop Backpack

Features:

• Laptop Compartment for laptops under 15.6 inches
• Luggage strap to secure the backpack to a rolling suitcase
• Anti-theft pocket hidden at the back.
• Two mesh umbrella/water bottle pockets.
• USB port
• Breathable material designed for optimal airflow
• Wide, padded shoulder straps

Pros:

• Comes in various colors and patterns
• Quality zippers
• Comes with a built-in charger
• The hidden pocket can be locked with a combination
• Good value for the money

Cons:

• The side pockets don’t fit larger bottles
• Smaller than it looks
• It is NOT water resistant

Price Point: $26.96

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The Tzowla Business Laptop Backpack is perfect for students and those who love a casual hike on the weekends.

GEARONIC TM 21L Vintage Canvas Backpack

Features:

• Four external zippered pockets
• Large main pocket
• Drawstring closure
• Leather corners for increased durability
• Tablet Pouch

Pros:

• The vintage canvas and brass hardware look stylish.
• The canvas material is extremely durable.
• The main compartment is large, and with the exterior pockets, you can fit all of your gear in this backpack.

Cons:

• No dedicated laptop compartment
• No zippers (which may be a pro for some!)
• No water bottle pouches

Price Point: $27.95

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The GEARONIC TM 21L Vintage Canvas Backpack is a good choice for those who like an old-school military look, and are too fussed about having all their tech in its own special place.