Introduction
For women with active, on-the-go lifestyles, finding a backpack that offers both comfort and functionality can be a challenge. Whether commuting to work, navigating a college campus, or heading out for a weekend adventure, the daily routine often involves carrying a significant load of essentials. The North Face Women’s Jester Everyday Backpack is designed to meet these needs, combining ergonomic support with smart organization in a stylish, durable package.
The Jester has long been a popular choice among students, professionals, and travelers alike. What sets the women’s version apart is its tailored fit and women-specific suspension system, designed to provide superior comfort for female users . The backpack has received an update that increased its recycled content, simplified the internal organization, and added the ability to stand unsupported . It is also proudly endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association, a distinction that speaks to its commitment to back health and ergonomic design .
Product Overview
The North Face Women’s Jester Everyday Backpack is a 22-liter capacity daypack designed for a wide range of uses, including school, work, travel, and outdoor activities . Its primary purpose is to provide a comfortable, organized, and durable solution for carrying daily essentials while offering a fit specifically designed for women.
This backpack is a versatile choice for students who need to carry textbooks and a laptop, professionals commuting to work, travelers seeking a reliable carry-on, and outdoor enthusiasts heading out for a hike . The women’s-specific design features tailored shoulder straps and a flexible yoke that delivers a custom fit to support an active lifestyle without compromise . Available in the classic Blk-NPF colorway, it offers a versatile, professional look that complements any wardrobe. The backpack has received thousands of positive ratings from users who commend its comfort, durability, and spacious design .
Key Features
The North Face Women’s Jester is packed with features that cater to the needs of modern, active women.
FlexVent Suspension System
One of the standout features of the Jester is the proprietary women-specific FlexVent suspension system . This system is designed to provide comfortable, ventilated support and is officially endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association . It comprises three main components: a flexible yoke built from custom injection-molded and flexible shoulder straps, a padded mesh back panel, and a breathable lumbar panel . This design helps distribute weight evenly, reduces strain, and improves airflow, making the bag comfortable to wear for extended periods. Reviewers frequently cite this ergonomic design as a primary reason for their satisfaction .
Dedicated Padded Laptop Sleeve
The Jester features a dedicated, padded laptop sleeve designed to fit most laptops up to 16 inches . This compartment provides a secure and protected space for a computer, keeping it safe from bumps and scratches during daily commutes or travel. A padded tablet sleeve is also included for additional protection of smaller devices .
Thoughtful Organization
The backpack offers a well-designed organizational layout. The main compartment is spacious for books, binders, or a change of clothes . The front compartment features secure-zip pockets, a tablet sleeve, and a key clip for keeping smaller items organized and easily accessible . On the outside, it has two water bottle pockets that can fit most 1-liter bottles and a front bungee system for additional storage .
Lightweight and Durable Construction
The Jester is constructed from materials that are both lightweight and durable. Its average weight is around 1 pound 8 ounces, making it easy to carry even when empty . The use of 600D recycled polyester with a non-PFC durable water-repellent finish in its construction aligns with modern environmental values and offers water resistance to help protect the contents from light rain .
Materials and Design
The North Face Women’s Jester is crafted with a focus on sustainability and durability. The main body is made from 600D recycled polyester, significantly reducing the environmental impact compared to using virgin materials . This material is chosen for its strength and resistance to wear and tear. The backpack is finished with a non-PFC durable water-repellent (DWR) finish, a PFAS-free coating to help protect against the elements . The Blk-NPF colorway provides a classic, versatile, and professional look that complements any wardrobe and does not easily show dirt.
The design is functional and modern, with clean lines and the iconic The North Face logo. The backpack is designed to stand unsupported on its own, a convenient feature when placing it on the floor . The dimensions are approximately 11 inches in width, 6.75 inches in depth, and 17.25 inches in height . The backpack is designed for adult women and is not intended for use by children 12 and under .
Performance
The performance of the Jester centers on its ability to comfortably and efficiently carry a user’s belongings. The women-specific FlexVent suspension system is a key performance driver, providing the support and ventilation needed for all-day comfort . Reviewers report carrying it around comfortably for several hours at a time, with many noting it is an “incredibly comfortable” backpack to wear . The 22-liter capacity offers ample space for daily essentials, from a laptop and books to a change of clothes, making it suitable for a full day or a weekend trip . The bag’s organizational features help keep items secure and accessible. Its lightweight and durable construction contribute to its longevity, with some reviewers reporting it lasts for up to five years . The water-repellent finish helps protect contents from light rain .
Common Uses
The North Face Women’s Jester is a versatile backpack that can be used in various scenarios.
For Students
The backpack is an excellent choice for high school and college students . Its 22-liter capacity can easily accommodate heavy textbooks, a laptop, and multiple binders . The padded sleeve securely holds the laptop, while the other pockets keep smaller items like pens, chargers, and phones organized .
For Daily Commuting and Work
For professionals and commuters, the Jester functions effectively as a work bag . It provides a protected space for a laptop and offers ample room for files, a water bottle, and personal items. The professional-looking design in Blk-NPF makes it suitable for an office environment. Reviewers working 12-hour shifts in healthcare have praised its comfort and storage space .
For Travel
The 22-liter capacity of the Jester makes it a suitable option for travel, whether as a carry-on bag that meets most airlines’ underseat size requirements or a daypack for exploring a new city . Reviewers note it fits nicely under an airplane seat and is spacious enough for a weekend trip .
For Outdoor Activities
As a part of The North Face outdoor lineup, the Jester is also a go-to choice for light hiking and outdoor exploration . The durable materials and comfortable suspension system make it suitable for carrying essentials on a trail .
Advantages
Women-Specific Ergonomic Comfort: The women-specific FlexVent suspension system and the endorsement from the American Chiropractic Association highlight a key advantage: carrying comfort, even when the pack is heavy . Reviewers consistently mention this as a primary benefit, with many noting it is comfortable to wear for several hours .
Versatile and Spacious Design: With a 22-liter capacity, the Jester is versatile enough for school, work, travel, and light outdoor use . It can hold a laptop, books, and gear for a full day or a weekend trip .
Trusted Durability: The North Face brand is known for making durable products. The use of high-quality recycled polyester and the positive longevity reports from reviewers suggest the Jester is built to last for years .
Smart Organization: The multiple compartments, including the dedicated 16-inch laptop sleeve and zip pockets, help keep a variety of items organized and easily accessible .
Sustainable Construction: The use of recycled materials and a non-PFC DWR finish shows a commitment to reducing environmental impact .
Self-Standing Design: The ability to stand unsupported is a convenient feature when placing the backpack on the floor .
Things to Consider
Laptop Size: The dedicated sleeve is designed for laptops up to 16 inches . Users with larger laptops should ensure their device will fit before purchasing, as the compatible device size maximum is 12.75 inches .
Capacity: The 22-liter capacity may feel smaller than some larger backpacks, which some users have noted . It is designed as a versatile daypack rather than a large travel or expedition pack.
Not Intended for Children: The product specifications note that this item is not intended for use by children 12 and under . This is due to the adult-specific fit and design.
Style and Use Case: While versatile, the Jester has a classic, slightly outdoorsy style. Users looking for a very sleek, minimalist “professional” bag may prefer a different aesthetic. It is a daypack rather than a specialized travel or hiking pack.
Price Point: As a product from a reputable brand with advanced features, the Jester is positioned at a mid-range price point. The value proposition is tied to its comfort, durability, and brand reputation.
Comparison with Similar Product Categories
In the market for backpacks, the North Face Women’s Jester fits into a specific category. A comparison with other general types can help define its unique value.
The “Professional/Work” Backpack
These bags often prioritize a sleek, minimalist look for the office and a dedicated laptop compartment. They may use materials like leather or ballistic nylon. They typically lack the large, boxy interior or outdoor-focused features like the Jester’s FlexVent suspension system. The Jester is more utilitarian and active, making it a better fit for multi-use lifestyles than a formal work-only bag.
The “Travel/Carry-On” Backpack
Travel backpacks are designed for vacations and may feature a clamshell opening, compression straps, and a more structured shape. The Jester is a daypack, which is a simpler top-loader more suited for daily use than a dedicated travel pack, though it works well as a personal item on flights .
The “Classic Student” Backpack
This is the most direct competitor. These backpacks focus on simple durability and a large, open main compartment. The Jester elevates this concept by adding more specialized features, such as the ergonomic women-specific FlexVent system and a dedicated 16-inch laptop sleeve, making it a more sophisticated option for the modern student who values comfort and organization.
The “Women-Specific” Backpack
Some brands offer women-specific backpacks with tailored shoulder straps and suspension systems. The Jester is a leading example in this category, offering features specifically designed for a woman’s frame. This distinguishes it from unisex or men’s backpacks that may not provide the same level of comfort and fit.
Maintenance and Care
Maintaining the North Face Women’s Jester is straightforward. The backpack can be hand washed or machine washed on a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent . The backpack should then be air-dried completely. It is not recommended to use a dryer, as the heat can damage the materials and structure of the bag. For minor cleaning, a spot clean with a damp cloth is also effective. Avoiding harsh chemicals or bleach is recommended to protect the fabric and the water-repellent finish .
Frequently Asked Questions
What size laptop does this backpack fit?
The North Face Women’s Jester features a dedicated, padded laptop sleeve designed to accommodate most laptops up to 16 inches in screen size .
What is the capacity of the backpack?
The Jester has a total capacity of 22 liters .
Is the backpack comfortable to carry?
Yes. It features a women-specific FlexVent suspension system, which includes a flexible yoke, padded mesh back panel, and breathable lumbar panel. It is officially endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association for its superior back support .
What material is the backpack made from?
The backpack is constructed from 600D recycled polyester and includes a non-PFC durable water-repellent (DWR) finish .
Is the Jester suitable for travel?
Yes, many reviewers recommend it for travel . Its 22-liter capacity fits most airlines’ underseat requirements, making it a good personal item for flights. It is also spacious enough for a weekend trip .
Does the backpack have a water bottle pocket?
Yes, the Jester includes two water bottle pockets that can fit most 1-liter bottles .
How should I clean the backpack?
The backpack can be hand washed or machine washed on a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent. It should be air-dried completely .
Does the backpack stand up on its own?
Yes, one of the updates to the Jester design is that it can now stand unsupported on its own .
Final Thoughts
The North Face Women’s Jester Everyday Backpack is a thoughtfully designed, versatile pack that successfully meets the needs of a wide range of female users. Its 22-liter capacity, combined with the ergonomic and ACA-endorsed women-specific FlexVent suspension system, makes it a highly comfortable and functional choice for students, commuters, travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The use of recycled materials and a non-PFC DWR finish aligns with modern values on sustainability . While the price point may be higher than standard backpacks, the blend of comfort, durability, smart design, and brand reliability makes it a compelling long-term investment for anyone seeking a single, trustworthy bag for their daily routine and adventures.