Our Verdict
Welcome to our North Face Jester backpack review.
If you’re hunting for a durable, sleek, and exceptional laptop backpack that’ll do it all, the Jester bag is a top choice.
However, it’s not a very large bag. It can only fit your essentials and not more.
Our Verdict
Welcome to our North Face Backpack review.
If you’re hunting for a durable, sleek, and exceptional laptop backpack that’ll do it all, the Jester bag is a top choice.
However, it’s not a very large bag. It can only fit your essentials and not more.
Our Verdict
Welcome to our North Face Backpack review.
If you’re hunting for a durable, sleek, and exceptional laptop backpack that’ll do it all, the Jester bag is a top choice.
However, it’s not a very large bag. It can only fit your essentials and not more.
.
Pros
- Stylish
Attractive with a slim profile, this bag also comes in many color offerings for many different tastes.
- Durable
The bag is made from high-quality materials, which means this backpack should last you for years to come.
- Comfortable
The bag sits comfortably on the shoulders with amazing support on the back with any amount of weight.
- Laptop Sleeve
The padded laptop sleeve is a welcome addition to any backpack.
- Great Organizational Capacity
Various compartments and pockets allow you to pack all you need, whether it’s a computer, books, or clothing.
- Great Value
The Jester is budget-friendly with amazing quality and features expected in a high-end bag.
- Warranty
It comes with a lifetime warranty. If your backpack develops faults over time, you’ll be able to get a replacement or a refund.
Cons
- Small Size
It’s not big enough for day trips or packing lots of items.
- Front Pocket is Constricted
The front pocket doesn’t extend the length of the bag and can only fit small items.
Pros
- Stylish
Attractive with a slim profile, this bag also comes in many color offerings for many different tastes.
- Durable
The bag is made from high-quality materials, which means this backpack should last you for years to come.
- Comfortable
The bag sits comfortably on the shoulders with amazing support on the back with any amount of weight.
- Laptop Sleeve
The padded laptop sleeve is a welcome addition to any backpack.
- Great Organizational Capacity
Various compartments and pockets allow you to pack all you need, whether it’s a computer, books, or clothing.
- Great Value
The Jester is budget-friendly with amazing quality and features expected in a high-end bag.
- Warranty
It comes with a lifetime warranty. If your backpack develops faults over time, you’ll be able to get a replacement or a refund.
Cons
- Small Size
It’s not big enough for day trips or packing lots of items.
- Front Pocket is Constricted
The front pocket doesn’t extend the length of the bag and can only fit small items.
North Face Jester Backpack Review 2020
Selecting the best backpack from your favorite brand is quite challenging.
It gets even harder when two or more models share similar features and functions!
North Face has so many options and you may not know which one you want.
But…
If you’re considering the North Face Jester Backpack…
Then you’re in the right place.
Use this North Face Jester Backpack review as a guide to help you determine if this bag is the best choice for you!
North Face in a Snapshot
The North Face is widely regarded as one of the top outdoor recreation product brands on the market.
The American brand began its journey in 1966 as a small mountaineering retail store in San Francisco.
Founded by Douglas Tompkins and Susie Tompkins, the company started by designing and producing hiking apparel and equipment.
50 years later, they have created an extensive line of clothing, outdoor equipment, and footwear.
The North Face is headquartered in Denver, Colorado along with its sister brand, JanSport.
In this North Face Jester Backpack review, we will detail the features this bag offers to help you determine if it’s the right bag for you.
Table of Contents
Design & Quality
The North Face line of backpacks has been around for decades. The Jester is a popular and less expensive bag when compared to their everyday carry lineup like the Borealis.
At the time of this North Face Jester Backpack review, North Face has made modifications to the Jester bag, but they are minor. You may hardly notice the difference! (You don’t have to buy this new version if you already have the older version.)
The biggest upgrade to the Jester bag is its new construction made of recyclable materials. It can also now stand on its own, unsupported.
With a 27.5-liter capacity, this is a great bag if you want something streamlined, super comfortable, and durable.
It’s light too. At 1.6 lbs, the only weight you’ll be carrying is what you pack inside the bag.
The exterior of the Jester bag has nice features, with two great water bottle pockets, a loop to attach a bike light, and bungee cords.
In terms of branding, there’s a stitched North Face logo on top and branding on the zippers as well. On the side of the bag, you’ll see its name – Jester.
To make it more interesting, North Face has a specific women’s version. This version of the Jester bag has the same great features, but it has been tailored to be more comfortable for females. Check it here.
Materials & Construction
The Jester pack is one of the best options from North Face. The brand continues to upgrade and refine their backpacks to reflect customers’ needs and comfort.
The North Face Jester Backpack is constructed from a recycled 600D polyester material that limits the effects of daily abuse while staying lightweight at only 1.6 lbs.
It’s sports high-quality SBS zippers that feature a nice pull handle. Although SBS is lower quality than YZZ, they work fine.
The Jester backpack is also water-resistant. The exterior polyester material offers optimum resilience so your items inside will stay dry. The bag isn’t waterproof though, so heavy rain would eventually seep through without the use of a rain cover.
The front of the bag features a bungee cord system meant for lashing external gear on. However, it can’t take the weight of heavy times like a yoga mat.
At the base, you’ll see a bike light loop with reflective detailing. Other areas of the bag also sport reflective details, so you can rest assured that you’ll have extra visibility at night.
I like that the laptop compartment is suspended away from the bottom so you won’t have to worry about potential dropping damage.
Other extras include an adjustable sternum strap which doubles as a whistle for emergencies. The top of the bag features two reinforced handles for extra durability.
The back of the bag includes the sophisticated North Face FlexVent suspension system. A heavily padded back panel and mesh shoulder straps with custom injection molded foam provide extra comfort and ventilation.
Also, it comes with an endorsement from the American Chiropractic Association certifying that it’s been engineered to carry heavy loads whilst providing maximum ergonomic support.
In terms of comfort and according to this North Face Jester Backpack review, this bag is a great choice!
Fit & Comfort
The Jester bag features the FlexVent™ suspension system designed to provide maximum comfort.
The bag features a well-padded back panel with comfortable mesh pads for ventilation.
The mesh shoulder straps also have custom injection molded foam for comfort, even when you’re wearing the bag for a long time.
With its 27.5-liter capacity and lightweight design, even when stuffed full, you shouldn’t have any problem carrying this bag comfortably.
The Jester can stand on its own, so you can take items in and out effortlessly.
Another great feature is the pair of sternum straps that distribute the bag’s weight. They also include a hidden whistle in case of emergency.
This bag isn’t just comfortable to wear; it’s comfortable to carry too! There’s a double handle at the top so you can easily grab the bag if you’re in a hurry.
Most importantly, the North Face Jester bag is endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association certifying that these bags have been engineered to carry heavy loads whilst providing maximal ergonomic support to the carrier.
Storage & Organization
The Jester backpack provides practical storage for your daily essentials. In this North Face Jester backpack review, let’s examine each option.
Bungee Cord System: Unlike the bungee cord in the Borealis, which is well designed to take the weight of items like a jacket or yoga mat, the Jester’s isn’t as hardy. It perhaps adds more to the bag’s aesthetics and less to its storage capacity.
External Attachment Points: The external attachment point for reflectors is great for visibility and attaching items like a carabiner.
Two Water Bottle Pockets: The sides of the bag include mesh pockets where you can store water bottles, an umbrella, or even your phone for quick access. They are elasticated so you can fit different sized water bottles or items easily.
Organization Compartment: A compartment for quick access organization of small items, featuring two pen pockets and two mesh pockets. You can put your phone, cords, wallet, or other small items.
This area also features a zipper pocket and key fob where you can keep items you want more secured like your wallet, passport, tablet, etc.
Main Compartment: This largest compartment has enough space to keep your binders, notebooks, jumpers, lunch boxes, or other important gear.
Laptop Compartment: A laptop sleeve is located in the main compartment where you can fit your 15-inch laptop or MacBook. It’s suspended and well-padded to protect your equipment.
With the compartments and easy-access pockets, you can comfortably use this bag for hiking, school, college, work, commuting, and travel.
Price
The Jester Backpack is the cheapest pack in the everyday carry lineup offered by The North Face.
Compared to the Borealis backpack, the Jester is cheaper but with equally amazing features.
At the time of this North Face Jester Backpack review, it goes for around $70.00, which is a little steep compared to less-renowned brands, but inexpensive compared to high-end brands like Tom Bihn backpacks.
Warranty
The Jester backpack comes with a lifetime warranty, which is a great way to ensure your bag will continue to serve you for many years to come.
The warranty covers defects in the manufacturing or workmanship of the bag for the entire life of the product. North Face also offers repair or replacement if repairs can’t be done.
Note that the warranty does not cover damage caused by accident, normal wear and tear, abuse of the backpack, or the natural breakdown of colors and materials over extended time and use.
You can learn more about the North Face warranty here.
In this North Face Jester Backpack review, we have listed the great features of this backpack, and with this warranty, you can rest assured that this backpack will remain a staple in your life!
Users Thoughts/Reviews
North Face continues improving the Jester bag to suit customer demand, so the bag doesn’t have many negative reviews.
The improved version now stands on its own, sports a slim profile, and is very comfortable.
A major con of the Jester bag, however, is that it has limited space. It is kind of small, but you can fit a decent number of things – a 15-inch laptop, a few books, and maybe a change of clothes. Sadly, it doesn’t have much space for more.
Another concern is with the front pocket. It’s small and does not extend the length of the backpack. Because of this, the backpack seems to have less space overall.
A simple fix to this issue would be to buy the Borealis backpack.
If you’re looking for a bag for a daily commute, hiking, or even travel, the Jester back is a great option, as detailed in this North Face Jester backpack review.
Alternative to consider: women’s Jester Backpack
As is typical with most North Face backpack collections, the Jester has a model tailored specifically for women.
The major difference is that the straps are contoured to specifically fit a woman’s frame.
It also features a shortened back panel and slim profile for a better fit.
And at 1.4 lbs. with a 27-liter capacity, it’s lighter and comes in 25 exciting color varieties!
It has all the great features seen in the men/unisex version, as detailed by this North Face Jester Backpack review.
Check it out here.
Final Thoughts
North Face is a great brand to add to your collection. Their backpacks stand out with their quality, durability, and overall awesomeness.
The North Face Jester Backpack is all these but at a more reasonable price tag.
As we’ve discovered in this North Face Jester Backpack review, this bag features a simplistic, practical, and stylish design. It’s easy to access the items in your bag and it offers great value for your investment.
It’s no wonder the overall rating for the North Face Jester Backpack is 4.5 out of 5 stars!
Related: Looking for a durable backpack? Check out my North Face Borealis Backpack Review.
This article is not sponsored in any way by any company. This backpack have been independently selected by myself and my team. And the only thing I receive is a small commission from our affiliate program if you buy any of them through the links and buttons on this page. It doesn’t cost you a penny. But it really helps me out as this money goes to paying for maintaining the website, editing software, my time, team and everything else that goes into preparing this post.
18 thoughts on “North Face Jester Backpack Review | A High-Quality, Budget-Friendly Option?”
Seems like that the Jester pack is really one of the best options from North Face. What I really like about it, is a laptop sleeve which is perfectly padded to protect my laptop or other equipment. It’s really great to see that the backpack can stand on its own, this is a really great feature. Great backpack for an affordable price, thanks for sharing.
The laptop sleeve is now becoming a regular feature in backpacks but not all backpacks have it in a suspended manner like the Jester so that when/if the pack accidentally drops, your laptop will be safe.
Thanks for your views Ola.
Cheers
Femi
Fantastic website design with so much helpful information! I can’t wait to travel again! Keep up the great work!
Thanks for the kind words Harley.
Femi
Hey Femi, thanks for sharing this review.
I’m a big fan of The North Face backpacks and other garments. The company is in the industry for ages and they have the best quality stuff out there.
This backpack is actually perfect for my day to day activities. It’s not too big (can’t take it camping), but it fits a laptop, notebook, and city supplies I need when I’m out and about.
Moreover, the price is great as well. I’ll definitely think about it as I need a high-quality backpack.
Thanks again for sharing your awesome review!
Yes, Ivan – the Jester is certainly a bargain for the price, and you may even be able to get a discount at x-mas if you decide to go for it. One thing I didn’t stress that it also has going for it is how it has been made with recycled material making it somewhat environmentally friendly.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience.
Cheers
Femi
Hi Femi.
Great review. Thanks for sharing all the details of this backpack.
I have been using North Face shoes, boots, and clothing for many years now. I’m really happy with the quality of their products.
A lifetime warranty is a sure sign that the company is confident about their products.
The suspended laptop sleeve is a great idea and makes this bag suitable for daily commute or working. However, it is as you say a little to small for hiking trips.
Thanks for sharing.
Andrew,
Yes, The North Face is certainly renowned for the quality of their products and they are one of a few brands with a lifetime warranty cover for their accessories.
Thanks for sharing your experience and thoughts.
Cheers
Femi
Hi Femi!
I love backpacks and have three in my collection now, all have different sizes.
The North Face is a very attractive and famousr brand and it would be nice to have this one. I like that it has a good – padded laptop sleeve and that the backpack suits for many purposes – for a daily work, hiking, traveling.
I usually travel with a backpack only, taking a biggest one! It so convinient when your hands free!)
Thank you for sharing this great review!
Alex
Hey Alex,
I totally appreciate what you are saying about hands-free when it comes to backpacks – I have little ones (9 months and 3 yrs) so when I’m out and about with them for a trip to the city I like to have my hands free which is why backpacks are important to me. And you can’t go wrong with the North face Jester particularly for day trips.
Thanks for commenting.
Cheers
Femi
Hi Femi,
I love this bag! It has so many cool features. I love that it can stand on its own and that it is orthopedic certified. The latter is important to me, because of my back (I have a slight scoliosis) I also like the design, it looks very elegant. Since the laptop compartment is suspended, it is also better protected and it can’t get wet if the bag for example is accidentally placed on a wet surface.
North Face is also a known brand and they usually have nice backpacks. This one is perfect to take to work or for a daily commute. Can we order them online?
Yes Christine, you certainly can order them online – directly from The North Face’s website or from retailers like Amazon.
Thanks for leaving your thoughts.
Cheers
Femi
Hi Femi,
I love North Face bacpacks. I used to have one when I was in school. It’s great that I have come across your article, as it is a great present to buy for my nephew.
He goes into his last year of school next year so he will love this backpack.
I will let you know what he thinks of it and if it is serving him well.
Thank you for sharing and keep up the great work.
All the best,
Tom
Hey Tom,
My thanks for sharing your experience. Backpacks are always great gift ideas. Plus you can’t go far wrong with North Face backpacks so long as you select the right one for your needs. Hopefully, the article helps with that.
Cheers
Femi
I used to collect bags, just because they looked so nice. That changed to backpacks at some point. There was always that one backpack that had all the compartments that I was just looking for at that moment. Or just that color that I wanted.
And now that I look at your pictures, I get that same feeling again. Those backpacks look great! And North Face is a brand that is really good, I know from my own experience. I did not have a backpack from them, but a jacket. And I really enjoyed it for years. Indestructibly good.
I expect their backpacks will be too. Thanks for this overview, Femi.
You are welcome Hannie.
You will not be the only bag collector that has left a comment on this thread. A number of these modern packs give you not just functionality but also class and panache so I can imagine the appeal:)
Thanks for sharing your views.
Cheers
Femi
Wow, very comprehensive review and definitely helpful.
I would not expect to fit a laptop in there at a first glance.
Absolutely love the colours, maybe I’ll check it out 🙂
You are welcome Silvie.
Cheers
Femi