How Big is a North Face Backpack

North Face backpacks come in various sizes such as Daypacks (under 30L) for light loads, Weekenders (30-50L) for overnight & multi-day trips, Expedition packs (50-75L) for thru-hikes & extensive travel, Youth packs sized down for kids, and Hunting backpacks with volumes ranging from 48 to 68 liters.

Backpack Sizing Basics

When looking at backpack sizes, there are a few key measurements to pay attention to:

• Volume capacity (measured in liters)
• Dimensions (height x width x depth)
• Torso length
• Weight

Volume capacity refers to the total amount of gear the backpack can hold, while dimensions tell you how tall, wide, and deep the pack is. Torso length is the size of the backpack’s frame and indicates the length of your torso it’s designed to fit. Weight specifies how heavy the empty backpack itself is.

Knowing these specs helps you select a pack with enough room for your gear that will also be comfortable on your body size. Generally, higher volume backpacks will be taller and have more extensive dimensions.

Read: How to wash a North Face backpack

Daypack Sizes

North Face daypacks are small to mid-size backpacks good for day hikes, school, travel, and other light activities. They have volumes between 10 to 30 liters.

Some example daypack sizes:

• Borealis Backpack: 28 liters
• Jester Backpack: 26 liters
• Surge Backpack: 31 liters
• Isabella Daypack: 17 liters
• Router Transit Backpack: 24 liters

These packs are compact, with dimensions around 18-20 inches high x 13-14 inches wide x 7-9 inches deep. They have short torso lengths adjustable from 15-19 inches. Weights range from 1-2 lbs.

With a daypack from North Face, you can carry a light jacket, lunch, hydration, books and electronics for everyday use. The smaller sizes work as hydration packs for running or biking.

Weekend and Overnight Backpacks

For weekend trips and overnights, you’ll need more space and North Face has mid-size packs with volumes in the 30-50 liter range. Examples include:

• Borealis Backpack: 28-33 liters
• Terra Backpack: 50 liters
• Angstrom Backpack: 42 liters
• Router Backpack: 41 liters

These have dimensions around 21-23 inches high x 13-14 inches wide x 10-12 inches deep. Torso lengths adjust from 16-21 inches for proper fit. Weights go up to around 2-3.5 lbs.

With 30-50 liters, you can pack clothing, gear, camping essentials and supplies for 1-3 days on the trail. The larger 50 liter packs allow you to carry bulky items like tents and sleeping bags.

Expedition Backpacks

For multi-day excursions and thru-hikes, North Face has expedition backpacks with extra large volumes from 50 liters and up. Models include:

• Terra Backpack: 65-75 liters
• Router Backpack: 68-71 liters
• Banchee Backpack: 50-65 liters

These packs have impressive dimensions like 25-31 inches high x 14-15 inches wide x 12-14 inches deep. The adjustable torso length hits between 19-23 inches. Weights increase to 4-5.5 lbs.

With massive 50-75 liter volumes, expedition backpacks can haul all your gear for weeklong or months-long trips. You can carry clothing, camping equipment, food, navigation and safety tools over long distances. The additional pockets and straps help you organize and access gear efficiently.

Hunting Backpacks

For hunters, North Face designs specialized hunting packs with volumes ranging from 48 to 68 liters:

• Point 8 Backpack: 48-68 liters
• Apex Pack: 48-68 liters

The Point 8 has dimensions of 32 inches high x 16 inches wide x 7 inches deep. The Apex is 31 inches high x 17 inches wide x 9 inches deep. Both have torso sizes between 17-22 inches and weigh 4.5-7 lbs.

These spacious packs allow hunters to carry meat, gear, camping and hunting essentials through rugged backcountry terrain. The camo prints and rifle carry systems are designed specifically with hunters in mind.

Youth Backpacks

For younger kids and teens, North Face offers youth backpacks sized down in every dimension:

• Youth Recon Backpack: 18 liters
• Youth Jester Backpack: 21 liters
• Big Shot Backpack: 26 liters

These have short 16-19 inch torsos adjustable for growing kids. Dimensions are around 16-18 inches high x 11-12 inches wide x 7-8 inches deep. Weights range from 1-2 lbs.

With 18-26 liters capacity, kids can carry school books, electronics, lunch, gears and some extras. The ergonomic designs are sized appropriately for smaller bodies.

Choosing Your Backpack Size

When choosing a North Face backpack, think about your intended uses and average load to narrow down the ideal volume and features. Here are some tips:

• Daypacks (under 30L) for light loads
• Weekenders (30-50L) for overnight & multi-day trips
• Expedition packs (50-75L) for thru-hikes & extensive travel
• Youth packs sized down for kids
• Measure your torso and find packs with proper fit
• Don’t overpack – carry only essentials to avoid excess weight

Getting the correct size is key to comfort and ease of carrying. Make sure to try on packs at retail stores with weight inside to test the fit. Read online reviews and consider your packing habits. With so many excellent options, North Face has backpack sizes perfect for every activity and body size.

North Face Backpack Sizes Compared to Other Brands

How do North Face backpack sizes compare against other top outdoor brands like Osprey and Gregory?

Generally, popular backpack brands offer similar sizing with only minor variations in volume capacity and dimensions. For example:

• Daypacks – North Face Borealis (28L) vs. Osprey Daylite Plus (20L) vs. Gregory Zulu (30L)
• Weekenders – North Face Terra (50L) vs. Osprey Atmos (50L) vs. Gregory Paragon (48L)
• Expedition – North Face Banchee (65L) vs. Osprey Aether (70L) vs. Gregory Denali (75L)

However, osprey does tend to offer more sizes, especially for ultralight packs. And Gregory often has more adjustable torso lengths for dialed fit.

But when comparing similar pack sizes and models, the Big 3 brands end up being quite similar in overall volume, dimensions and features. The main differences come down to colors, styling and personal comfort.

How to Measure Torso Length

Getting the right torso length ensures your North Face backpack fits comfortably. Here are steps to measure yourself:

1. Stand straight with a friend’s help. Place a book firmly under your armpit.
2. Have them measure from the vertebrae at the base of your neck straight down to the top of the book.
3. That measured length in inches is your torso size for backpack fitting. Round up to the nearest whole number.
4. Compare to backpack torso length charts and choose your size accordingly. Sizes that adjust within a close range to your length will fit best.

Measuring torso length is also helpful when ordering packs online. Use your torso measurement along with volume needs to pick the optimal size.

Factors That Affect Fit

Torso measurements give a starting point, but a few other factors affect how a backpack fits:

• Hip belt position – make sure the hip belt sits around your hip bones, not too high or low.
• Load distribution – use compression and adjustment straps to balance load.
• Pack contents – bulkier gear expands packs and can cause fit issues if overpacked.
• Body frame – broader shoulders or a heavier build may require more space.
• Attachment points – confirm sternum strap, load lifters etc. adjust comfortably.
• Weight – heavier loads change the way weight sits on your body.

Take the time to adjust your pack properly and see how different loads feel. The ideal fit supports weight without too much shifting or pressure points.

Best Practices for Sizing

Here are some tips for choosing the right size North Face backpack:

• Focus on torso length rather than age or body size which can be misleading.
• If between sizes, size up for more adjustability and room to layer clothes.
• Make sure hip belts and shoulder straps fit your body width – not too small or large.
• Try packs on in-store with weights before buying when possible.
• Read North Face sizing charts carefully for all specs – volume, dimensions, torso range.
• Measure your torso and cross