The Newly Redesigned 2021 North Face Surge! 20 things you need to know!!! 

Thanks for the review.. Can't wait to get one myself..

The material change on the water bottle pocket is very welcome! Elastics tend to work well the first year, or even shorter if you use it in the sun or put heavy water bottles in there. Then it gets loose and unusable. This option seems far better if you're actually keeping a water bottle at all times! Next step would be to make it larger and to have a manual compression strap or a replaceable elastic instead of the sewn on elastic that can be found here.

Quality review as always. Really appreciate that the bag can stand up on its own now. Overall the new bag looks amazing, thanks Desy!

Wow! I just bought the Surge and I can't express how much it changed my day to day goings from work to school. Seriously the best backpack I've ever used. I'm going to buy two more to put in storage just in case they stop being made.

Just picked mine up from REI in-store today!!! Several differences from this prototype include larger water bottle sleeves going almost all the way up to the zipper line of the stash pockets, larger latch straps that go all the way up to the zipper of the stash pockets (4 latch points), there is NO FLEECE on the inside of either stash pocket, and the right side stash pocket does not have the mesh pocket.

I’m currently looking for another backpack and have an older surge. I appreciate all of the organization but the look and the feel of the old surge is still superior. They got rid of basically all the features that I loved the most about my surge with the daisy chain on the back, the sunglasses pocket, handle on the back, deep pockets and side straps. This is an easy pass and I hope they release something more similar to older models. I do appreciate the changes to the bottom though and wish they would give the back large pocket that holds pens the full length size that it used to have

I like how structured, well shot, and thorogh your videos are! You get right to the point and that's awesome! For some reason no one else who reviews these backpacks can manage all of these qualities. Appreciate you man!

A backpack reviewer who gives value to one that can stand on its own, such an underatted feature missing from a lot of bags! Subbed cause of this

anyone else notice how the front of the bag-pack looks like the mandalorian helmet

I worked at the North Face, and these have just not been released yet. They should be coming in the next few weeks!

I love the colorway but i haven't been able to find it anywhere. Do you know if it was ever released to production or was it just a pre-production model?

One thing I love about my (not latest) Surge is that my ThinkTank Retro 7M bag with cameras/lenses in it fits in the main compartment. I need to test if this works with most current retro as it’s a requirement now.

There are some more pictures popping up on Instagram and reddit of the new surge and it looks like they actually have 4 daisy chain loops instead of the 3 that are on this version, and the water bottle pocket actually looks taller as well. The daisy chain loops look like they go up to the center zipper now. And I even saw a version of this color but the daisy chain loops were orange, not black. These changes could be why this bag hasn't released in North America yet.

I think it's Amazing! Gonna get mine on monday!🤞

I can't believe you didn't mention the top of the straps ...the previous Surge had so many neg reviews due to the cut outs breaking ..ie. the straps separating from the main body of the bag..the new Surge seems different to all previous models where the top of the straps connect to the main body of the bag. Just hope the new bag is an upgrade .I've all editions apart from the 1st Surge and the last Surge from 2020 was the only one that broke on me after 2 months ... Shame here in Europe we only get the bag in Black ..the green looks great ..

I received my bag today from REI. There are few differences from the one they sent you. I don't know if mine is different because it's the woman's version or if it's the same for all the new surges. The water bottle pockets are taller and I can fit my 50oz camelback water bottle. Downside: there is no fleece lining in either of the front side J zipper pockets, no separate mesh stash pocket in the right side J pocket, no key leash on the left side J pocket, and in the main compartment there is no zippered security pocket. I'm pretty bummed and I'm curious if the men's version has these features. If so, I might exchange.

Ok..ive watched this video a few times now, cant wait to get my hands on this backpack as my edc

I'm really digging the redesign and love that it's more modern-looking and less like a school bag. Keeping an eye out for the release-- I even emailed TNF to ask if they had any info, but they didn't have a release date yet.

It's still not in stores can't find it online. Any one else having any luck ???

Looking forward to the women's version of this backpack. Hopefully they have the rose gold and black combination they had last time. Please TNF 🙏

I prefer last years model by a large margin. The side compression straps, deep water bottle pockets and front carry strap are some of my favorite features of the previous model. The older model also looks a lot better in my opinion.

I hope they drop this colorway, I love this look.

Do you have the link to TNF Black and Yellow Recon backpack that you shared in the beginning?

I just bought this model and a bit dissopointed in the main compartment is smaller then previous grab handle model. The main compartment also eats into every other pocket when full. Making it hard to put even smaller items into the pockets. Its a little irratating and iam on the fence in returning it. Its still a nice bag light weight and sleek looking.

It has the kind of organization I like - gonna keep an eye on it when it releases locally. Great review, and hoping to see a similar one for the Recon!

Trying to decide between this and the 20 surge. The 20 definitely looks better and I like the deeper water bottle pocket. But I think the bottom being waterproof on 21 will be good for long term.

Is this out yet? It's nearly May and I cannot find it.

Genuine review. Love it. Thank you from Australia 🇦🇺

Alot of companies get the water bottle side pocket wrong!! I gotta have a deep stretchy one otherwise its a no go -stiill i gotta admit this is a goodlooking bag -interesting to see how camera bags are influencing design direction everywhere

That emerald color looks amazing

Excellent, detailed review. Exactly what a buyer needs to know, Desy. Thank you

Just got this ... not used it yet ... ive had every edition of the surge apart from the 1st .and the previous to this edition (4th or 5th?) Strap broke , so I got the patagonia blackhole32 (in the meantime, and wait for a new edition of the Surge), which is still my main everyday backpack. Thing i prefer about the surge is its far superior internal organisation to patagona blackhole32, it also seems bigger internal storage wise . The patagonia is quite basic and sparse inside. Tho the bottom of the patagonia doesnt rub against my lower back as the surge does ..i do wish theyd sort that... the rigid bottom of surge backpack rubs or rather digs into my back ... Another thing but not major and a positive is the waterresistance of the Patagonia . I still prefer the Surge fsr... if only there was a perfect blend of both those backpacks ... .btw the waist straps/belt on the surge are pointless ... i usually cut the things off . Im put off by the new surges straps at the front and bottom of the bag , what is the need for that ???? Thankfully theyve sorted the shoulder straps out , as the last edition imo the worst surge broke after a couple of months ... ive noticed with every edition of surge they brought some new amazing innovations and then take others from previous Surges away ..one day theyll perfect it ... Also in europe we usually get 1 colour choice ..black lol... tho i do believe there were 2 other colours with this edition but very limited stocks, which is a first ..hopefully we get the same colour combos as in north america . Ithink the main reason ive not yet used the northface Surge over the Patagonia Blackhole ... is due to the fact that the rigid bottom of the bag rubs against my lower back , the patagonia doesnt and is comfortable in that regard . It's a shame the Patagonias internal storage is not very good , and sparse ... a thing The Surge is perfect at . Great channel

Nice!!! I have multiple North Face backpacks! This one will be mine soon!! Looks awesome and I love the look of it too! Thanks for review! Subbed!

Why has this not dropped yet I'm waiting to order mine for college because my current surge's strap broke.

this color was sick! i can only find this backpack in navy blue or black tho. what am i doing wrong?

Thoughtful and detailed review, thanks Desy 😊

Can you please do a review video for the Borealis 2021? I would like to hear your opinion about that one compared to the previous one. Thanks

I hope they hurry up with this. I know I’m not the only one, but I’ve been holding out to get this for business/travel. A release date would be nice at least!

I love this version sooo much! I hope they release it soon.

I emailed TNF and asked when this would be available. They responded with a link to what looks like the 2020 version and she said it was this years. I’m confused.

Amazing review. I'll get myself one thanks to you.

Hm...some of the zippers are not regular kind. Not sure what happens if the elastic of the zipper breaks 🧐. It maybe a deal breaker for me.

I just purchased this bag and there a few features not included. Such as the stow pockets behind the bottle pouches, the extra organizer in the main compartments, and no additional storage in one of the front J pockets. I wonder why North Face would change the design.

u should have an affiliated link.. i just bought one from ala mona . thanks for the detailed review

I just bought the navy blue version of the Surge today from REI and the main compartment doesn't have the zipper pouch. Strange. It looks like the 2021 model with the new 2 front pockets. When watching the product video from North Face web site it doesn't seem to have this zipper pocket either.

I will not continue waiting so I bought the TNF Vault instead. It stands up on its own, is not as big but does not have the same build quality but should be fine for me for now... And if the new Surge really turns out perfect I will put the Vault on ebay and switch to the new version.

Are the zippers waterproof on the top, where the rain falls yet? Because one criticism I have with my Borealis pack is that in medium city rain, I opened the bag to get the laptop out and found that my 4000 euro macbook was damp because water leaked through the zipper. Now I have to put a plastic cover on top for the winter months. I can't understand why North Face would skimp out on that since it's nice the bottom is waterproof, but you know, rain falls from above. I'd expect a backpack to be waterproof at least at the zippers. On one shot of this video, it looked like the zippers don't completely close and there is a gap between them. That's exactly where the rain is gonna go. Disappointing.

Hey man, love your videos and love how you take the time to reply to all the comments too, real dedication there! Im still on the fence on getting this or the Osprey Tropos, i like having lots of organisation for my daily commutes and work, as well as lots of space for when i go grocery shopping (hate carrying plastic bags!) One thing i wanted to ask about Tropos is that, does the water bladder hole let any water in when its raining?

2019 model is still better. You can secure umbrellas and water bottles with the side straps. The open flat design is better for packing. You can lock the old YKK zips too. The three compartment laptop zoned reinforced base is good though. The main material looks weaker but the specs says 650D not sure it is though

Reflective strip on the side could be used as a loop & attach shock cord for taller items in the water bottle pocket? (Such as tripod, etc)

This bag needs to release ASAP!

Thanks for the cool vid! It was very useful.. You're the man! Subscribed.

Hello! Sorry to bother you, I've seen only few moments ago this video and I want to ask you if you know when this model will be released. I would like to buy a Surge model but this one seems more compact and impermeable than the last version

Hi Desy. Can a 19-inch portable computer monitor fit in the laptop compartment of that bag?

The new borealis and this bag says it has a quick-draw smartphone access on one side. I have the Borealis and don’t see this at all. Am I missing this, or is the description incorrect?

I wonder if you could do a review of Northface Router 2021. I saw it in the Northface store where I am (Taiwan) but I have a hard time finding any kind of reviews anywhere. I owned the 2015 version (looks just like the 2015 Surge), but the designs of the 2021 versions (for both) are now drastically different. The old version was probably my favorite backpack to date but it's a bit worn out, I just want to know if I should get the new version. Thanks.

Looking for a backpack that holds two laptops and enough room for small commutes between work & school. Strongly considering this pack, but do you have any other recommendations to look into? I was told the Patagonia Black Hole by a coworker. Not sure if you've reviewed that one as well?

Thanks so much for this comparison. Super helpful. I was wondering why I was finding so many different versions of the same pack. Just bought the 2021 version to try out. I could totally see how that handle would have been handy for quick grabbing the pack in and out of the car or something. But, not a deal breaker that it’s gone if the pack works otherwise. Also, completely agree on the whole standing up thing. Why don’t designers aim for this in more backpacks?

Great review and great video thanks a lot!!

Will they be coming out with a 2022 version soon? And will the 2021 version still be available after that? Maybe on sale?

Hey Desy! Great review! I got one question though. Does the backpack stand by itself (once it is empty/full with the stuff)? The old version I had was not able to stand due to being rounded on the bottom.

What kind of jacket do you have the one you put in the bag in this video, it looked like it was a very good compression jacket. Could you drop a link to it thanks.

Great video, I'm looking for a new school backpack and I can't decide between the Surge and Recon. Unless they took a few more months I hope to pick up one of the new models. I need space for a laptop, 5 notebooks, a book or two, and a small lunch box. Which one would you recommend?

*Hi Desy, wondering if you have done a review on the 2021 men's (and woman's) Borealis? If not, it might be interesting if you could. There is also a "Patch" version of the men's Black Borealis. It'd very interesting to hear you talk about the 2021 North Face Borealis and the TNF black Borealis' Patch version. What do you think of the Patch version? Kudos to your videos! Thank you and stay safe to all! : )*

The front material(water proof) in the middle is not available on the bags I want to order online. Any solution? are there different variants

Desy if you had to choose between the new versions of Surge and Router 2021 which of the two would you choose?

how big of a deal is the lack of side compression straps? Do you miss being able to cinch it and bring it closer to the body? Where do you put your tripod now and will it fit a hydro flasks wide shape?

I have the 2020 version but hate that it can’t stand up in its own. But I don’t like the design of this 2021. I’ve looked at the Osprey tropos but it lacks a lot of organization, any tips on how to make my 2020 surge stand up ?

Great review. Which would you recommend for traveling? This or osprey tropos? Thanks in advance

Не понравилось что убрали на лямках отверстия наверху, они позволяли пристегнуть дорожную сумку через них. Для меня это решающий минус для покупки. Объясняю про крепление: У меня есть их сумка basecamp duffel, на которой есть свои лямки (как на рюкзаке) их можно продеть сквозь лямки рюкзака и, пристегнув, стянуть их боковыми стяжками рюкзака. Получается что ты можешь нести полный рюкзак и сумку вещей без дискомфорта со свободными руками при этом.

Looking for a good backpack for my 17 inches laptop and ofc to use it all day! Can someone help me with the size I need for 17?

I just received my new Surge and it doesn't have the zippered security pocket in the main compartment like yours... not a huge deal but kinda bummed about it. I wonder why mine doesn't have it Edit - they also changed one of the front two organization pockets. The second one no longer has the fleece lined back OR the mesh pocket. I was so excited about all of these extra features. I'm seeing in another one of your vids that this is a pre production model that you have. It looks like they downgraded the final product quite a bit.

its funny how you put in your priced cameras and shades into those pockets like its not gonna break in there.

Great REVIEW! Thank you!!! I agree with the silly zippers. That's the main reason why I still like the older Northface backpacks. A perfect backpack should have a stable- wide base of support, easy accessible admin organization w/ ID pocket window, D ring/ daisy chains, deeper water bottle pocket, classic full-sized zippers, water-repellent& FLEECE interior. Looks like I found all that in Vera Bradley backpacks. What are these Northface marketing executives doing? 😄 ✌

Nice design but need clamshell opening just like the router

I received my 21 Surge a month ago.. I sure would love to know what the trick is to get it to stand up! It falls down like a college girl who just drank three whiteclaws

i know im late to the party. very imformative video and help me decide to buy the surge for my travel abroad. keep it up sir! subsribed!

Can you fit a nalgene or larger hydroflask in the water bottle pockets? They look tight.

Did you mention the volume liter size? What it is? Remained unchanged?

This bag looks perfect, although I can’t get it in the UK currently!

You’ve actually sold me on the old model. Lol

Wow it looks way different. This one specifically looks like Boba Fett. I have the previous version in all black and I love it to the point where now I get why people are backpack fanatics lol. I’ve heard that the previous iterations have had issues here and there with the shoulder straps so I wonder if that prompted a big refresh. I guess I got lucky with mine because it’s a tank. I do like the new one too though it looks nice and functional.

I’m undecided between recon and surge

If they don't put a big north face logo there it will be a great nice looking backpack

Great review. Can you tell me if you had any problem with the shoulder straps ( the extension that separates the scraps with the main body). Are they durable?

Great review! But I can’t find this model on TNF website, Amazon, or anywhere else.

...looks great...are there any updates on the Resistor?

@Desy Cheng Dude that's a great sweater, what brand/name is it? _______________________

Welp I need this now...

i just got this backpack.. upgrading from older surge. tell me guys, how tf is this newer version of surge smaller? :D the main room is smaller by 30-40% :D im thinking about returning it :(

Is the surge 2021 release on REI the version with the updated larger water bottle pocket?

any updates of the release of this new edition?try to follow the link on your description but seems there is no 2021 edition’ from philippines🙂

Thanks for sharing. Seems it is difficult to buy from online...

Just one question: Does it have a raised laptop compartment?

Can you do a review on The North Face borealis mini? 🥺

Wow almost the perfect backpack except that shallow water bottle pocket! Such a shame

Mine is Made in Indonesia, after i watched this. there are big different when i compare them. They are: in Indonesian the Outer fabric are all the same 5:32, the center compartment without zipper 6:00, the right front pocket is no fleece and keyline 3:06, and the left one also no fleece and no pocket addition. How poor

Did they Update the water bottle pockets on the side? I swear they look taller on the new ones

I notice that the queue waiting for this backpack is increasing week after week XD

How many liters?