The North Face's Borealis Sling is perfect for carrying your daily essentials. It takes the best features from their iconic Borealis backpack series and packs them in a compact 6-litre design. On the front is an adjustable bungee system, ideal for stashing layers when you're on the move. Inside the main compartment, you'll find a dedicated sleeve for a tablet or phone, along with a mesh pocket and key clip to keep things organised. An external, fleece-lined pocket provides a safe spot for sunglasses or your phone, protecting them from scratches. Use the open side pocket to hold your water bottle. With a padded shoulder strap and a cushioned back panel, the Borealis Sling offers a comfortable carry. There's a zipped pocket on the shoulder strap that's large enough to fit a phone, so you can keep your valuable items close and secure.
The North Face's Borealis Sling is perfect for carrying your daily essentials. It takes the best features from their iconic Borealis backpack series and packs them in a compact 6-litre design. On the front is an adjustable bungee system, ideal for stashing layers when you're on the move. Inside the main compartment, you'll find a dedicated sleeve for a tablet or phone, along with a mesh pocket and key clip to keep things organised. An external, fleece-lined pocket provides a safe spot for sunglasses or your phone, protecting them from scratches. Use the open side pocket to hold your water bottle. With a padded shoulder strap and a cushioned back panel, the Borealis Sling offers a comfortable carry. There's a zipped pocket on the shoulder strap that's large enough to fit a phone, so you can keep your valuable items close and secure.
The North Face's Borealis Sling is perfect for carrying your daily essentials. It takes the best features from their iconic Borealis backpack series and packs them in a compact 6-litre design. On the front is an adjustable bungee system, ideal for stashing layers when you're on the move. Inside the main compartment, you'll find a dedicated sleeve for a tablet or phone, along with a mesh pocket and key clip to keep things organised. An external, fleece-lined pocket provides a safe spot for sunglasses or your phone, protecting them from scratches. Use the open side pocket to hold your water bottle. With a padded shoulder strap and a cushioned back panel, the Borealis Sling offers a comfortable carry. There's a zipped pocket on the shoulder strap that's large enough to fit a phone, so you can keep your valuable items close and secure.
The North Face's Borealis Sling is perfect for carrying your daily essentials. It takes the best features from their iconic Borealis backpack series and packs them in a compact 6-litre design. On the front is an adjustable bungee system, ideal for stashing layers when you're on the move. Inside the main compartment, you'll find a dedicated sleeve for a tablet or phone, along with a mesh pocket and key clip to keep things organised. An external, fleece-lined pocket provides a safe spot for sunglasses or your phone, protecting them from scratches. Use the open side pocket to hold your water bottle. With a padded shoulder strap and a cushioned back panel, the Borealis Sling offers a comfortable carry. There's a zipped pocket on the shoulder strap that's large enough to fit a phone, so you can keep your valuable items close and secure.
Last updated at 03/13/2026 16:35:24
The North Face White Borealis Sling Backpack
Delivery $43
originally posted on thenorthface.com
I recently bought this for a trip to UK and Scandinavia. I was using a backpack style luggage (early Tortuga) and wanted something I could wear easily in front when carrying the backpack and as a sling when not to give my shoulders a break. It worked better than expected. I think they must have extended the straps from previous reviews as I'm 5'10 and 155 and had no problem even with layers and a thick coat. I could fit a lot inside and then use the outside straps to carry a jacket, sweater, or tote bag if needed. I often had two books and an iPad mini, an adapter, power bars, chapstick, wallet, and gum. I was able to fit the small size and height hydro flask in the water bottle holder- though did have to work at it initially and then it was fine. Things that were ... MoreI recently bought this for a trip to UK and Scandinavia. I was using a backpack style luggage (early Tortuga) and wanted something I could wear easily in front when carrying the backpack and as a sling when not to give my shoulders a break. It worked better than expected. I think they must have extended the straps from previous reviews as I'm 5'10 and 155 and had no problem even with layers and a thick coat. I could fit a lot inside and then use the outside straps to carry a jacket, sweater, or tote bag if needed. I often had two books and an iPad mini, an adapter, power bars, chapstick, wallet, and gum. I was able to fit the small size and height hydro flask in the water bottle holder- though did have to work at it initially and then it was fine. Things that were great: when you have it on your back and then bring it forward the openings to the bag face upwards making it really easy to access everything- on your back they are vertical so harder for someone else to access. Two things I would improve: I wish I could have changed the direction of the strap and I wish the inside zipper pocket opened in the opposite direction. It was hard to access without opening the bag widely. Overall it was perfect and left my hands free when carrying both my backpack luggage and it to manage the various environments and necessities of travel.
originally posted on thenorthface.com
I have had my Borealis sling for a few weeks now. I absolutely love it. I have never used a sling bag before, so after a couple of days to get used to it, I really like it. It is the perfect small bag in which to to carry a few things. It is comfortable and very accessible. I hate having things in my pockets and prefer to carry a small bag for daily use. The reviews state a water bottle doesn't fit in the holder........false. If you stretch the elastic band a little, a half liter bottle fits easily. It is true is that the zippered pouch on the strap will not fit a modern phone. So I just use it for other small items. The bag is comfortable worn either in front or the back. From the back, it easily slides around to the front for access. I do agree that the strap ... MoreI have had my Borealis sling for a few weeks now. I absolutely love it. I have never used a sling bag before, so after a couple of days to get used to it, I really like it. It is the perfect small bag in which to to carry a few things. It is comfortable and very accessible. I hate having things in my pockets and prefer to carry a small bag for daily use. The reviews state a water bottle doesn't fit in the holder........false. If you stretch the elastic band a little, a half liter bottle fits easily. It is true is that the zippered pouch on the strap will not fit a modern phone. So I just use it for other small items. The bag is comfortable worn either in front or the back. From the back, it easily slides around to the front for access. I do agree that the strap could be a little short for larger people. I am 5 foot 4, and it fits perfectly. Perhaps Northface could provide a strap extension upon request. I got this bag to replace a Jansport Half Pint, and am glad I did. I much prefer this one. It is a small bag, but don't be afraid to pack it full. I recently had it packed full.....umbrella, water bottle, lunch, phone, and all kinds of things. When I took if off, the strap was so comfortable I didn't notice how much it weighed. Great little bag.
originally posted on REI
Really happy with this bag overall. It's been my daily driver bag for about three months. Comfort is subjective -- I have a pretty small chest and find it quite comfortable, but my partner didn't like how the wide shoulder strap seemed to compress her chestThe bottle pouch DOES easily fit standard, non-insulated cycling water bottles, but it can be tricky getting the bottle in while wearing the bag, due to the bottle pouch being on the underside of the bag when worn as intended. With the bag removed, bottles can be inserted with a twisting motion to help it slide in.There is some minor organization - strap pouch, glasses pouch, outer bungee cord, main compartment + tablet sleeve inside - but enough room that I can use ziploc bags or hard cases for more granular ... MoreReally happy with this bag overall. It's been my daily driver bag for about three months. Comfort is subjective -- I have a pretty small chest and find it quite comfortable, but my partner didn't like how the wide shoulder strap seemed to compress her chestThe bottle pouch DOES easily fit standard, non-insulated cycling water bottles, but it can be tricky getting the bottle in while wearing the bag, due to the bottle pouch being on the underside of the bag when worn as intended. With the bag removed, bottles can be inserted with a twisting motion to help it slide in.There is some minor organization - strap pouch, glasses pouch, outer bungee cord, main compartment + tablet sleeve inside - but enough room that I can use ziploc bags or hard cases for more granular organization.I wish the shoulder strap could be reversed so that wearing over the opposite shoulder was possible, and I wish the strap pocket was a little lower so my hair wouldn't get caught in the zipper as often, but neither is a terribly big inconvenience for me.
| Is discontinued by manufacturer | No |
| Product dimensions | 2.54 x 2.54 x 2.54 cm |
The North Face White Borealis Sling Backpack
Delivery $43
I recently bought this for a trip to UK and Scandinavia. I was using a backpack style luggage (early Tortuga) and wanted something I could wear easily in front when carrying the backpack and as a sling when not to give my shoulders a break. It worked better than expected. I think they must have extended the straps from previous reviews as I'm 5'10 and 155 and had no problem even with layers and a thick coat. I could fit a lot inside and then use the outside straps to carry a jacket, sweater, or tote bag if needed. I often had two books and an iPad mini, an adapter, power bars, chapstick, wallet, and gum. I was able to fit the small size and height hydro flask in the water bottle holder- though did have to work at it initially and then it was fine. Things that were ... MoreI recently bought this for a trip to UK and Scandinavia. I was using a backpack style luggage (early Tortuga) and wanted something I could wear easily in front when carrying the backpack and as a sling when not to give my shoulders a break. It worked better than expected. I think they must have extended the straps from previous reviews as I'm 5'10 and 155 and had no problem even with layers and a thick coat. I could fit a lot inside and then use the outside straps to carry a jacket, sweater, or tote bag if needed. I often had two books and an iPad mini, an adapter, power bars, chapstick, wallet, and gum. I was able to fit the small size and height hydro flask in the water bottle holder- though did have to work at it initially and then it was fine. Things that were great: when you have it on your back and then bring it forward the openings to the bag face upwards making it really easy to access everything- on your back they are vertical so harder for someone else to access. Two things I would improve: I wish I could have changed the direction of the strap and I wish the inside zipper pocket opened in the opposite direction. It was hard to access without opening the bag widely. Overall it was perfect and left my hands free when carrying both my backpack luggage and it to manage the various environments and necessities of travel.
I have had my Borealis sling for a few weeks now. I absolutely love it. I have never used a sling bag before, so after a couple of days to get used to it, I really like it. It is the perfect small bag in which to to carry a few things. It is comfortable and very accessible. I hate having things in my pockets and prefer to carry a small bag for daily use. The reviews state a water bottle doesn't fit in the holder........false. If you stretch the elastic band a little, a half liter bottle fits easily. It is true is that the zippered pouch on the strap will not fit a modern phone. So I just use it for other small items. The bag is comfortable worn either in front or the back. From the back, it easily slides around to the front for access. I do agree that the strap ... MoreI have had my Borealis sling for a few weeks now. I absolutely love it. I have never used a sling bag before, so after a couple of days to get used to it, I really like it. It is the perfect small bag in which to to carry a few things. It is comfortable and very accessible. I hate having things in my pockets and prefer to carry a small bag for daily use. The reviews state a water bottle doesn't fit in the holder........false. If you stretch the elastic band a little, a half liter bottle fits easily. It is true is that the zippered pouch on the strap will not fit a modern phone. So I just use it for other small items. The bag is comfortable worn either in front or the back. From the back, it easily slides around to the front for access. I do agree that the strap could be a little short for larger people. I am 5 foot 4, and it fits perfectly. Perhaps Northface could provide a strap extension upon request. I got this bag to replace a Jansport Half Pint, and am glad I did. I much prefer this one. It is a small bag, but don't be afraid to pack it full. I recently had it packed full.....umbrella, water bottle, lunch, phone, and all kinds of things. When I took if off, the strap was so comfortable I didn't notice how much it weighed. Great little bag.
Really happy with this bag overall. It's been my daily driver bag for about three months. Comfort is subjective -- I have a pretty small chest and find it quite comfortable, but my partner didn't like how the wide shoulder strap seemed to compress her chestThe bottle pouch DOES easily fit standard, non-insulated cycling water bottles, but it can be tricky getting the bottle in while wearing the bag, due to the bottle pouch being on the underside of the bag when worn as intended. With the bag removed, bottles can be inserted with a twisting motion to help it slide in.There is some minor organization - strap pouch, glasses pouch, outer bungee cord, main compartment + tablet sleeve inside - but enough room that I can use ziploc bags or hard cases for more granular ... MoreReally happy with this bag overall. It's been my daily driver bag for about three months. Comfort is subjective -- I have a pretty small chest and find it quite comfortable, but my partner didn't like how the wide shoulder strap seemed to compress her chestThe bottle pouch DOES easily fit standard, non-insulated cycling water bottles, but it can be tricky getting the bottle in while wearing the bag, due to the bottle pouch being on the underside of the bag when worn as intended. With the bag removed, bottles can be inserted with a twisting motion to help it slide in.There is some minor organization - strap pouch, glasses pouch, outer bungee cord, main compartment + tablet sleeve inside - but enough room that I can use ziploc bags or hard cases for more granular organization.I wish the shoulder strap could be reversed so that wearing over the opposite shoulder was possible, and I wish the strap pocket was a little lower so my hair wouldn't get caught in the zipper as often, but neither is a terribly big inconvenience for me.
Got this one, the Patagonia atom and Osprey daylight to compare (thank you Altitude for letting us order a few, choose and return as needed, awesome service !). Pros of this sling : it’s a 6 L but the way the bag is made you can fits lots in it, it stretches outward and not inward so the bag still fit well along your back, inside pocket to store smaller items is good too, attachment outside are a nice add on. Cons : the water bottle pocket is a feature I like but it would be nicer if the pocket could be larger or stretch more to accommodate bigger bottle. Can be used with my 21 L bottle but it’s hard to put in and out. Work with small bottle well. The pocket on the front can stretch to accommodate a phone but it’s not where I’ll put mine as it look and feel weird ; ... MoreGot this one, the Patagonia atom and Osprey daylight to compare (thank you Altitude for letting us order a few, choose and return as needed, awesome service !). Pros of this sling : it’s a 6 L but the way the bag is made you can fits lots in it, it stretches outward and not inward so the bag still fit well along your back, inside pocket to store smaller items is good too, attachment outside are a nice add on. Cons : the water bottle pocket is a feature I like but it would be nicer if the pocket could be larger or stretch more to accommodate bigger bottle. Can be used with my 21 L bottle but it’s hard to put in and out. Work with small bottle well. The pocket on the front can stretch to accommodate a phone but it’s not where I’ll put mine as it look and feel weird ; it’s better to put small items like lip balm, granola bar, Kleenex, etc. Between the Patagonia atom, Osprey daylight and this one , I opted for the North face because I was looking for a small sling when I walk the dog and that I could also use around town. The Patagonia atom and Osprey daylight were great, excellent quality but I preferred the features of the borealis.
Packed this to fly for a day trip. Too narrow to fit a tablet. Water bottle holder is useless. You can't fit a bottle in it. Used it for a granola bar instead. Bag is very small so more like a purse. Inside can fit a small book, that's about it. The pros are the pockets. It has a soft lined outside pocket, a sunglass pocket on the strap, and the inside pockets are nice for organizing. Just can't fit much more than purse items. If you want a more comfortable purse, this is for you. If you want a small backpack or to pack a water bottle, look elsewhere.
Wanted a sling bag so my shoulders weren't tired at end of the day when wearing on trails or in amusement parks. This was perfect.This backpack is not quite as big as I expected it to be, I am 6'0" about 170 (see photos). However, this was not a problem for me! I came to enjoy how small it was, I can pack everything I need for a day in it. Wallet, keys (plastic carabiner in interior zip compartment is great and something I like in other outdoor brands), a packable jacket like north face or other brand, portable charger, chapstick, water bottle, etc.Love the color as well! Would recommend it
I own one before this one and I love it. It's compact, lightweight and very comfortable. It meets my expectations for travel and adventure. However, this one I didn't like the color much so I purchased the black and only to received an email that it's out of stock so they canceled my order. But when I looked up online, there's still 5 left. So I emailed back with a screenshot showing 5 left. So I should be getting my order. Anyway, I checked again after 2 days, there's still 5 left but this time it's no longer on sale. What a disappointment! They should have updated the item online.
This is a great sling bag for short hikes or walks around town. It can fit a water bottle - I gotta assume reviewers complaining it cannot think that anything smaller than 32 oz is a thimble. A bottle up to 2.5 inches diameter fits OK, which includes 16 and 20 oz plastic water bottles and some resuable equivalents. Anything wider, including smaller Nalgene bottles, is going to be a struggle. Or you can use the bottle pocket to hold an umbrella.Inside the main compartment is a sleeve that just accommodates my 2017 iPad when it's not in a cover. I wish there were a couple of millimeters more clearance but it goes. It fits a iPad mini or a sketchpad easily. There's a separate zip mesh pocket in the main compartment that takes stuff like a wallet, and has a key strap. ... MoreThis is a great sling bag for short hikes or walks around town. It can fit a water bottle - I gotta assume reviewers complaining it cannot think that anything smaller than 32 oz is a thimble. A bottle up to 2.5 inches diameter fits OK, which includes 16 and 20 oz plastic water bottles and some resuable equivalents. Anything wider, including smaller Nalgene bottles, is going to be a struggle. Or you can use the bottle pocket to hold an umbrella.Inside the main compartment is a sleeve that just accommodates my 2017 iPad when it's not in a cover. I wish there were a couple of millimeters more clearance but it goes. It fits a iPad mini or a sketchpad easily. There's a separate zip mesh pocket in the main compartment that takes stuff like a wallet, and has a key strap. The smaller outside pocket is fleece lined - I use it to protect clip on sunglasses but it would be good for a phone. Except my iPhone 14 Pro fits into the strap pocket just fine. My old 12 Pro Max also fit although it was a fiddle to zip up.The sling has a carry handle on top that is padded - a luxury touch point for a small bag. And the bungy cords on the outside are good for holding a fleece or raincoat. Both compartments have zippers that are also positioned so that you can slide the sling around you and open it sideways while it's across your chest, so your stuff doesn't cascade out.The only thing I don't like is that the strap doesn't accommodate both shoulders. I wish there were a clip and loop on each corner to let me switch sides from time to time. In an era of accessibility being left-handed shouldn't be a crime. And for big folks the strap might be tight. But I'm 5ft 6" and I don't care about giants.
I brought this bag to a music festival and it works great! I didn't see the water bottle holder on the side in the pictures, so it was a really nice surprise when I received it. While the water bottle holder is not huge (it can fit either a 16 oz nalgene or 26 oz hydroflask), it was perfect for my needs as a music festival bag. The cords on the front are great for when I need to strap down a shirt, bandana, or anything that I didnt want to shove inside the bag. The little pocket is also fleece lined, which is a nice touch. Overall, I definitely recommend this bag!
The fit of the sling is awkward. Bag itself is well made. Color varies from the picture. Picture shows it's a mustard color, it comes in a dingy mustard color in person. The sling only goes on one way. It cannot be swapped to the other shoulder. This is one size fits most but in reality doesn't fit majority. I'm a petite 5'2" girl and this fits me just perfect but my husband who is 6' and wider shoulders could not wear this comfortable nor could my friend who is 5'8 (her shoulders are slightly wider than mine but not by much. The pack itself sits awkwardly on the body. Aside from the color and fit of the actual bag, it really is well made. Would recommend for smaller built people, not built for people with a wider shoulder set or someone with a gut as it cuts pretty ... MoreThe fit of the sling is awkward. Bag itself is well made. Color varies from the picture. Picture shows it's a mustard color, it comes in a dingy mustard color in person. The sling only goes on one way. It cannot be swapped to the other shoulder. This is one size fits most but in reality doesn't fit majority. I'm a petite 5'2" girl and this fits me just perfect but my husband who is 6' and wider shoulders could not wear this comfortable nor could my friend who is 5'8 (her shoulders are slightly wider than mine but not by much. The pack itself sits awkwardly on the body. Aside from the color and fit of the actual bag, it really is well made. Would recommend for smaller built people, not built for people with a wider shoulder set or someone with a gut as it cuts pretty tight to the body even with the widest strap possible.
| Is discontinued by manufacturer | No |
| Product dimensions | 2.54 x 2.54 x 2.54 cm |
