The North Face Jester Reviewed in 2024 (2024)

The North Face Jester is a classic among backpacks. It features a bungee-compression system on the outside and all the pockets and sleeves that make a backpack ideal for work and study.

It is a durable water-resistant backpack, made mostly out of recycled material. For students and professionals who carry a laptop and books, there’s enough room for gym clothes too.

There’s a reason why so many Jesters can be seen on the backs of thousands of people. It comes in a variety of colors and there is a version designed for women.

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A Useful, Comfortable Backpack

This is a workhorse backpack that ticks every box for an everyday pack for work or school. Some won’t like the bungee cords, understandably so. Luckily, TNF Vault is the exact same bag with lash straps instead.

At first glance, we like the bright colors and soft texture of the Jester. We’re testing out the deep green with fluorescent orange compression bungee. The back and shoulder straps are great for carrying heavy loads and the padding is solid.

On design and comfort, there are many virtues shared across many other TNF packs. The Jester takes the simplicity of these best practices and represents it comfortably well.

A Practical Jester: Pockets & Cords

This Jester comes with several different features, not unlike most of The North Face backpacks. In the front, the bungee-compression system is expandable and adjustable, for easy stashing of a jacket or securing a yoga mat.

As for the look of the Jester, the heathered material offers 360-degree reflectivity against the elements, including the sun, there is a sternum strap with adjustable rails.

The 360-degree reflectivity is made from 300D and 600D polyester, with a non-PFC durable water-repellent finish. Its heathered weaving gives its fabric a multileveled look.

It is a one-size pack with a soft feel, weighing only 1.63 lbs (790g). Check out the women’s version for more petite body shapes.

Capacity and Comfort

28 liters might not seem like much. Most people who don’t need to carry a lot beyond a jacket, a lunch, a water bottle and a laptop won’t need more.

Its materials are mostly recycled and it is certified by the American Chiropractic Association if you are concerned about everyday use on your back.

The padded back features a flexible panel that is comfortable and both back and lumbar panels are highly breathable.

When cycling or hiking, there is a clear advantage to having a design that avoids using the spine to support the burden. In real-life terms that translates to a more balanced support that won’t strain the shoulders and to minimized sweating.

What’s Inside TNF Jester

This everyday backpack features a sleeve for a 15’’ laptop in its main compartment and has a few more convenient pockets. On each side, there are mesh water bottle pockets.

A smaller but functional pocket is placed in the front of the bag. Inside, four mesh pockets are great for keeping smaller items. That’s a useful feature for thumb drives, power banks or even Pokemon cards.

There is also a key clip to secure your keychain inside the pocket.

WATER RESISTANCE

The Jester pack is not waterproof, but it is very water resistant. Its materials have a rating 2 on the water-resistance scale, which means in practice that it’ll survive 15 minutes in the rain without getting flooded.

It can withhold a drizzle or a splash, but anything longer than 15 minutes of serious rainfall will get through with humidity first, followed by threatening moisture levels after half an hour.

Waterproof backpacks will withstand downpours indefinitely, but have their own compromises on convenience.

Price and Value

The Jester is very fairly priced. The North Face brand is known for its durable and practical products, which usually means it’ll last several years as a daily driver. It comes at a lower price than the Borealis, with a few extra features.

Compared to a lot of similar packs, including everything from the Timbuk2 Spire 2.0 to Stubble & Co. Roll Top, the Jester’s stiffer back supports are more comfortable during more active use.

The 360-degree reflectivity gives it extra points, but you might want to invest in a waterproof cover to ensure you have better protection from the elements.

Do We Recommend the Jester?

For its capacity, size and features, the Jester is a good choice for everyday commutes and carrying a laptop with comfort. The back panel also makes a good case for use as a casual daypack for shorter hikes. Unlike the Borealis, there’s no port for a hydration pack hose, but that’s not what this bag is intended for.

The Jester’s main compartment does not offer additional storage options besides the laptop sleeve, but it makes up for that with its smaller, well-structured front pocket with multiple compartments.

Look around the bus and on the street and you’ll probably spot a backpack with an open pocket due to two zippers sliding open. This isn’t a minus as much as it is a bad habit for owners. Just zip the bag shut properly and everyone’s happy.

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