The North Face Kaban Backpack Review | 26L Daypack For Laptop & Tech EDC

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With smart and simple features, The North Face Kaban is a sleek 26-liter day pack that looks nice and functions well. View Our Full Review: packhacker.com/travel-gear/th...
0:00 - Intro
0:45 - Material & Aesthetic
2:04 - External Components
4:33 - Inside the Pack
8:27 - Durability & Testing
9:32 - Pros & Cons
10:04 - The Verdict
For everyday carry between home and work or keeping a light load as you travel, it’s great to have a bag that looks great and functions smoothly. The North Face Kaban is a 26-liter day pack that offers both-a slick, minimal look and some smart features, too.
We've been testing The North Face Kaban for just over two weeks in Detroit, Michigan. While the California-based brand also offers a charged version of the Kaban-packed with some extra accessories for electronics-we’ll be focusing on the regular version in this review.
With a streamlined look and simple, smart features, The North Face Kaban not only looks nice but it functions well, too. We’ve found the laptop and phone ejector handles to be a bit more campy than useful, but they don't get in the way when not in use. In general, the pros outweigh the cons in this bag, and although the capacity feels tighter than other bags we've tested of a similar liter size, we think the Kaban could be a solid choice for everyday carry or minimal travel.
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View more travel gear reviews on our website: packhacker.com/travel-gear/
SHOW NOTES:
In this video, Tom Wahlin of Pack Hacker reviews The North Face Kaban Backpack, a 26L daypack for laptop and tech EDC.
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Опубликовано:

26 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 120

@PackHacker 4 года назад

What’s your favorite laptop & tech backpack?

@peterzaharis1897 4 года назад

So far I’m loving my Black Ember Forge. But I’ve only been using it a couple of days. Will need to use it more to form a better opinion.

@basettabz 4 года назад

Tom Bihn synk

@PackHacker 4 года назад

Hey! We currently haven't designed our own pack, but you can check out all of our highest-rated bags here: packhacker.com/travel-gear/category/bags-and-luggage/?order=rating We also recommend checking out our rating system to see how we rate all of the gear we test: packhacker.com/about/rating-system/ Plus, you can also check out our Best Travel Backpack Guide for all the info and features we look for when finding a backpack. From our experience there's no best backpack for everyone. So finding out what works for you and your travel style can help you find the right pack. Best Travel Backpack Guide: packhacker.com/guide/best-travel-backpack/ Hope this helps! - Rebecca

@kesiahruiz2894 3 года назад

Which packing cubes were used in this video? Thanks in advance!

@johenyo6847 4 года назад

While I don't think I will get this particular bag, I really appreciate your review and how meticulous you guys are with the practicality of a bag.

@fir3tripper 4 года назад

PH was super cool to see this video this morning; this Kaban has been my daily driver as well as my functional bag for work (maritime security) and gym, its super durable; cleans well and still looks great! Love your work guys!

@PackHacker 4 года назад

That's awesome, Phil! We're so glad The North Face Kaban is working well for you. Thanks for sharing. 😊👍 - Rebecca

@hackk37 4 года назад

The best bag I've found after testing 10+ in a outdoor store

@lorchenakumnarth6456 Год назад

I have been using this backpack for over a year now, and made my decision after watching this video. I also found it second hand in great condition and only paid $65 for it. Since purchasing, I've used it for interstate and international travel, runs to a local coffee shop to get some work done or, (more commonly) bike rides to my local game store to play some games of Magic the Gathering. It's been able to handle my large Yeti Tumblr, Ultimate Guard Arkhive 800+, 2-3 free floating Ultimate Guard Boulder 100+ deckboxes+ a few extra dice bags and snacks like Cliff bars. Needless to say, been extremely happy with it!

@PackHacker Год назад

Thanks for sharing your insights! 🤙 -Eric

@dixitk13 4 года назад

I actually just bought this backpack a month ago. Here's what I think: 1. The straps are soft but they hurt on heavier backpack days. The back panel can sweat, like sweat sweat! 2. The top-loading mechanism eats up a lot of valuable space for a 26L backpack. Wish there were two zippers for top loading opener - I mean its the main pocket, please add another zipper man. Its pretty frustrating tbh. And the zip isn't the best, they can't be opened with one hand :| 3. the front-organization zipper is total crap since it doesn't expand to accommodate anything big - and starts showing bulges in the nylon coating area. Personally, I would have preferred if this area expanded. Basically, NF preferred looks instead of functionality. 4. Love the grab handle - that's the best part of the backpack followed by the yellow interior & the inner organization. 5. The side bottle pockets dig into main capacity and aren't the best - could be better if they expanded, I have a 32oz bottle and I have to fit it inside the main body. 6. This backpack isn't heavy rain-proof! wth? Also tempted to return this :(

@earlcooke4344 4 года назад

Have been using this bag for a year and a half and this comment sums it all up perfectly

@winwinwin282828 4 года назад

yeah...looks nice but in terms of functionality....don't expect to pack much in as the bag don't expand outwards when you pack stuff in, especially in the organisation area

@tsuba14 4 года назад

yellow interior reminds me of Kata bags, much better quality (caters more to camera crowd). thanks for your critique. I like the look but having looked at it up close with my hands, I saw the space issues as you noted. and not rain resistant??? check out Rains (Danish - their stuff is nicely rain resist).

@jatiyanon 4 года назад

"NF preferred looks instead of functionality" ??? What bag are you using now? I guess that GR1? or something like this. Bags with heavy rain proof, When was this becoming a standard ?? Did you know that in Vietnam, It's only 100USD.

@tsuba14 4 года назад

@@jatiyanon 100USD on sale in asia, because they have trouble selling it. I think they need to rethink some of the issues. otherwise, the design looks good on paper and not in real life.

@timo5601 3 года назад

Since the Kaban is discontinued I bought the REI Recycled RuckPack 28l. Very similar look and features. Better, slightly softer mesh straps, nice sternum strap and much better ribbed venting on the back pad. The only thing missing is more org pockets inside but it does adapt for Hydration pack where you would put a laptop. there is a larger mesh pocket on the front innner side of the pack. Side zipper access behind the Water bottle sleeve on one side and an org pocket on the other side with a inner zipper pocket where you can stash the removable hip belts. I am very satisfied. $99 price tag.

@daley3 4 года назад

Great review! Cheers! Plus 1 on your Subs

@vorname3935 2 года назад

Hey guys, would be cool if you could review the new Kaban 2.0 backback.

@ArtificialPerson 4 года назад

Looks amazing! But I'm not sure about the opening style... Great review as usual, thank you PH!

@alessandrorusso7245 4 года назад

I wanted to buy this bag, but eventually I bought the dart 24 by 5.11 and couldn't be happier.

@OnnoKaell 4 года назад

I love this bag! So stylish! I have been using it for a year now, mostly for short business trips (1-3 days) where I need to bring my MacBook, iPad, work phone, cables + clothing and a smaller toiletry kit...my AER Travel Pack simply is to big for those short(er) trips!

@bartsons 4 года назад

I would love to see a review on the stratoliner pack from the north face !

@vaibhavravichandran 4 года назад

I have been using the larger version of this bag, the Kabig, for a few months now. Used it as a primary carry on road trips in Arizona, Utah and Nevada as well as on a drive from Seattle to San Francisco. I've also used it as a carry-on during two trips to India. Its a great bag and you guys should check it out!

@PackHacker 4 года назад

Thanks for sharing your go-to pack with us, Vaibhav! We currently have no plans to review The North Face Kabig Backpack in the immediate pipeline, but we'll check it out. 👍 - Rebecca

Год назад

Hi ! I'm a little concerned about the back sweating, how bad or good it is ?

@rlabarca 4 года назад

Minor FYI, North Face logo peeled off my shoulder strap (white colorway) after less than a year of light use. No big deal as the branding is even more minimal now.

@DanielMaidment 4 года назад

I've been using the Kabig which is fairly similar in design just bigger. A couple of gripes after 1.5 years of daily driver use. The weather resistant TPC coating layer tends to collapse inward if the bucket isn't full. Where the collapse occurs the coating and polyester has eaten away into holes because it's folding on itself. Also, the TPC has picked up marks and stains that i feel should be able to come out but don't. Finally for the gripes, it doesn't stand well when leaned against the wall. Ultimately great bag, all the pros mentioned are true

@PackHacker 4 года назад

Hey Daniel! Thanks for sharing your experience of The North Face Kabig Backpack with us. We love hearing what works and what doesn't work for you. 😊🙌 - Rebecca

@RomanJoe 4 года назад

Own same Kabig for couple month, using it for weekend travels and have it fully packed almost all times. My main complain is that if feels like all the volume is that giant clamp shell compartment. Then anything you put in other compartment - like tech organization compartment eats that main space, because it has no own volume. Same happen with laptop compartment - if you put laptop in sleeve to that compartment it ends up sticking to main compartment. Side pockets - same. And would say it is a bit on a heavy side. Otherwise solid bag.

@lodjo 4 года назад

Same, i have it since 2 ou 3 months, here's my feedback : + this bag pack is so convenient in the everyday use. Everything is easy to access. It was the most important thing for me and i'm not disappointed. + would now prefer the top loading quick and side access to everything else, take no additional time and is way safer (some people thought i had an anti-theft backpack) + capacity of the main compartment which doesn't have any additional pocket inside. It's just a big hole to put things. For me that use the backpack for work and sport it's perfect. You throw your gears inside, it doesn't get stuck with anything. Again, convenient ! It's big too. + streamline profile, even when you load it well, it doesn’t get too bulky + inside's color, make it easy to spot thing in the bottom of the bag = design, i was not convinced at first, people i know are mixed (some like, some don't), but overall i find it cool and futuristic. Get along with every style (but better with casual ones) = main material of the backpack marks easily, if you lean on a white wall for example, and then it's really hard to clean it (didn't succeed for now) = zippers are not waterproof, but i really never had water getting inside my bag, so.. - straps aren't the most comfortable i used, when you put heavy things in your backpack, youl quickly feel the charge on your shoulders. Maybe a matter of morphology - back panel, it looks very cool, is fairly comfortable (hard is fine for me), but it gets hot real quick. The material doesn't breathe, so you will sweat everywhere it touches your back and you will be dry in the middle with the airflow thing, not that revolutionary I tested lot of backpacks and for me the usefulness of the design is the only judge, before the comfort. It has drawbacks, but every day i have to access or store something in my bag, it's quick and easy. So i gladly stick with it.

@kits6252 3 года назад

I'm considering buying it but heard from reviews that the front cover can easily get scratched

@BmxClaudio 4 года назад

Great Review! Can you test the new Stratoliner pls

@venom5809 4 года назад

That's a nice looking backpack and the price isn't crazy either. 👍

@AsuraiGaming 4 года назад

Actually got this bag and it's amazing but the biggest problem is it doesn't expand outwards, so putting water bottles on the side pocket or more items in the front compartment all affect the space inside the main compartment It helps keep the shape but it doesn't feel like 26L to me :(

@Watteroy 4 года назад

Can you please review the REI Co-op Commuter Pack

@jatiyanon 4 года назад

this why tnf is the best, all pockets are soft material, friendly with every stuff and no other brand realise.

@fajarhidayat23 3 года назад

great review... i wonder how this bag looks like if it's not full loaded? will it ruined the sleek form of this bag?

@aleccorpuz2806 2 года назад

What bike light is that? Got this bag cos of your review. Its pretty cool for my use case.

@mrliamw1996 4 года назад

@packhacker what packing cubes exactly did u use in this video ? Great video 👌🏼👌🏼

@PackHacker 4 года назад

Hey - these are the Peak Design Packing Cubes and the Peak Design Tech Pouch. 👍 Peak Design Packing Cubes: packhacker.com/travel-gear/peak-design/packing-cubes/ Peak Design Tech Pouch: packhacker.com/travel-gear/peak-design/tech-pouch/ - Rebecca

@deathblade7604 4 года назад

I am using the smaller cousin (~20l) of Kaban, Kabyte. It's been my daily driver for about 2.5 years now. I love it's streamlined look and it has the same small pockets in Kaban as well. I believe both the Kabyte and Kaban have a great combination of asthetics, functionalities and comfortability. I wish (the outer layer of) this bag is built more durably though. The exterior starts to peel off (near the main compartment zippers) after about 1.5 years of use. I may consider getting a new bag if it continues to peel off badly. I'm not entirely sure if it's due to the hot and humid climate where I am at. Does anyone in the non-tropical climate regions has the same experience? Well, overall I believe the Kabyte (by extension, the Kaban) is still a great value-for-money purchase despite my gripes. :)

@PackHacker 4 года назад

Hey deathblade - thanks for sharing your experience with us! We love hearing what works for you and it's interesting to hear how the exterior materials are holding up after a year and a half of traveling. It sounds like you've really put this pack to the test and it's great that you've found a pack that works for you despite the gripes. 😊🙌 - Rebecca

@AyoSoma 2 года назад

any review on the updated model?

@nougatbitz 4 года назад

@Pack Hacker what are the backpack brands/models in the background? I like ones that sit "on the shoulders" of the presenter (bottom row) as well as the one on the top right of his head / top show . They have a similar clean look like the Kaban...

@ArianneInsauriga 3 года назад

Hi, great video! Do you think it’ll fit well for a woman with 5’6 height? I like its style but I’m not sure if it will fit me, thank you!

@giogiofer 4 года назад

Nice city backpack! what about a review of the evergreen north face borealis in its new flavours?

@PackHacker 4 года назад

Hey Giorgio - we currently have no plans to review The North Face Borealis Backpack in the immediate pipeline, but I'll pass your suggestion onto the team and we'll check it out. 😊 - Rebecca

@giogiofer 4 года назад

@@PackHacker thanks! It's a great evergreen and newest update make it really better!

@taylorwedell5843 2 года назад

What size packing cubes did you use?

@andraeus 3 года назад

i bought the north face kaban. i noticed the front rubber/leather like fabric gets scratched and dirty a bit easily, how do you clean this to make the scratches not too noticeable. and the interior is a bit on the bright side, yellow like, if these get dirty, how is the best way to clean the bag. thanks a lot!

@dashw900i 4 года назад

Wish I had an excuse to get rid of my current north face backpack but it's looking near new after five years! #firstworldproblems

@cjogorda 4 года назад

Can you please review the new Osprey transporter 30liters? It’s the same as kaban, top opening

@PackHacker 4 года назад

Hey CJ! We currently have no plans to review the Osprey Transporter Zip 30L in the immediate pipeline, but we'll check it out. 😊 - Rebecca

@drawdef 4 года назад

When you have a water bottle in the side compartment, does it bulge inside the main part of the bag?

@earlcooke4344 4 года назад

Eddie it does. Putting a bottle on one side and an umbrella on the other basically takes away half of the interior space

@-Mike 4 года назад

Any hiking pack reviews with some actual hiking? Don't get me wrong, i just don't spend much time flying around the world to various coffee shops with a MacBook.

@stefpix 4 года назад

It’s hard to avoid sweaty backs especially in cold climates when you are wearing winter clothing. It’s actually worse as in warm climates your back can dry quickly when you take the backpack offf. In the winter you stay damp when sweaty.

@PackHacker 4 года назад

That's a great insight, Stefano! Thanks for sharing. 😊🙌 - Rebecca

@luegardener5921 4 года назад

Where are those packing cubes from? Thanks

@PackHacker 4 года назад

Hey Lue! These are the Peak Design Packing Cubes and the Peak Design Tech Pouch. Peak Design Packing Cubes: packhacker.com/travel-gear/peak-design/packing-cubes/ Peak Design Tech Pouch: packhacker.com/travel-gear/peak-design/tech-pouch/ - Rebecca

@benroebuck3721 4 года назад

Can you review the north face borealis as well?

@PackHacker 4 года назад

Hey Ben! We currently have no plans to review The North Face Borealis Backpack in the pipeline, but I'll pass your suggestion onto the team and we'll check it out. 👍 - Rebecca

@benroebuck3721 4 года назад

Thanks!

@Lramirez194 4 года назад

REI Co-op Commuter Pack, Review this PLEASE!!

@PackHacker 4 года назад

Hey! We currently have no plans to review the REI Co-op Commuter Pack, but I'll pass your suggestion onto the team and we'll check it out. 😊👍 - Rebecca

@sharookhkallingal 2 года назад

please review IKEA VÄRLDENS (26l) backpack.

@davidrod2865 3 года назад

26 L and no hip belt sounds like a very bad approach. Is it possible to add a hip belt? Thanks for the video

@YT-yami 4 года назад

Those organizers are cool, any info on them?

@PackHacker 4 года назад

Hey Yami! These are the Peak Design Packing Cubes and the Peak Design Tech Pouch. Check out the links below for the full reviews. 😊 Peak Design Packing Cubes: packhacker.com/travel-gear/peak-design/packing-cubes/ Peak Design Tech Pouch: packhacker.com/travel-gear/peak-design/tech-pouch/ - Rebecca

@YT-yami 4 года назад

@@PackHacker thank you

@garethdesmondreid3263 2 года назад

What are the 3 organisation pods/bags you used in the main compartment?

@PackHacker 2 года назад

Hi Gareth! That's the Peak Design Shoe Pouch, Packing cube, and wash pouch. I'll drop a link below. Thanks for the comment! - Austin packhacker.com/travel-gear/peak-design/

@umutalemdar934 4 года назад

Is it waterproof??

@marcoslobo9692 Год назад

Hello, I have a sugestion for you guys. Please put the measure also in the metric system. The huge majority of the world uses it. It makes a lot easier to comprehend better the size of things. thank you

@PackHacker Год назад

Thanks for the suggestion! I’ll pass it along 😃 -Eric

@hamburgertravels 7 месяцев назад

Had this bag for three years, loved the style but like everyone said 1. Putting a bottle (if you can) reduces space 2. Things start to get a bit loose if you move around alot 3. Lots of back sweat (it's Polyester) Otherwise great bag.

@PackHacker 7 месяцев назад

Thanks for sharing your insights! 🤙

@gabrielgomescunha 4 года назад

Just rounded it up to 200

@Lramirez194 4 года назад

This would be my perfect backpack, if only that bucket would open up clamshell-style, or from the top and single side.

@tungv 4 года назад

You should check out the Errant pack. It does what you described

@aarongleen 4 года назад

Does Northface make a bigger version of that bag?

@shaungriffith19 3 года назад

The North Face Kabig

@rustyspoons2087 4 года назад

If you like aesthetics > functionality = get this backpack

@Dibdibber 4 года назад

PFA free ??? Prob 65?

@kesiahruiz2894 3 года назад

Does anyone know what packing cubes he used on this video?

@PackHacker 3 года назад

Hey Kesiah, these are the Peak Design Packing Cubes: packhacker.com/travel-gear/peak-design/packing-cubes/ - Rebecca

@kesiahruiz2894 3 года назад

@@PackHacker Thanks so much!

@2die4life 2 года назад

Will it be possible to fit 17" laptop?

@PackHacker 2 года назад

It has a 15” laptop sleeve, so unfortunately not 😔 -Eric

@jasonnowwhat5041 2 года назад

Why do these reviewers never mention the size of laptop that fits?! Or what size laptop was shown? I have a 16” MBP. Does it fit or not? And if so, with how much wiggle room? Isn’t that information part of bag reviewing 101?

@PackHacker 2 года назад

Hey Jason! We go more in depth in our written reviews. I'll drop a link below! - Austin packhacker.com/travel-gear/the-north-face/kaban-backpack/

@cjpsuave 3 года назад

what caribiner is that

@PackHacker 3 года назад

Hey Chet, this is the Nite Ize Moonlit Micro Lantern: packhacker.com/travel-gear/nite-ize/moonlit-micro-lantern/ 👍 - Rebecca

@v.e.114 4 года назад

You r still not cold in Nano puff? :))

@Feve96 4 года назад

Vladimir Ercevic it’s micro

@PackHacker 4 года назад

Hey Vladimir! We've found that the Micro Puff has a great warmth-to-weight ratio, so we're able to make it work for colder climates when we layer up underneath. 😊 Patagonia Micro Puff: packhacker.com/travel-gear/patagonia/micro-puff/ - Rebecca

@samtayts2869 4 года назад

What about the price??👀

@PackHacker 4 года назад

Hey Sam! You can find the buying options on the full written review here: packhacker.com/travel-gear/the-north-face/kaban-backpack/ 😊 - Rebecca

@ZUCChinishrIMP 4 года назад

Think wrong use of the word polarizing lol.. @1:28

@aaronv7820 4 года назад

Correct usage

@austincamsmith 2 года назад

@@aaronv7820 Incorrect usage

@armanfadillah5427 4 года назад

Can you give away one of your backpack?

@ballwizz23 3 года назад

Beautiful bag. But It just seems like they traded convenience for aesthetics.

@Mahlmo 4 года назад

Doesn't "Kaban" mean "Bag" in Japanese? I see what you did there, North Face ^_^

@kanafina 3 года назад

It also means “boar” in Russian

@FarrasAmaliM21 4 года назад

*Japanese people read kaban* That's bag named bag?

@helenemaja0912 4 года назад

Yes

@Ivan_Eliasov 4 года назад

Awful materials. After 3 month of using - straps and back have breaks and holes. But i really like design and organisation.

@josephsale3019 4 года назад

Tangcool bagpack copied it hahaha I thought looking at the thumbnail it is a tangcool bag pack

@hrlnmlclm 3 года назад

Kaban literally mean "a sack" in my language.

@BioCompStudioMusic 3 года назад

4:48 That handle in this place is useless. You cannot carry a backpack like a "briefcase" if necessary, because it either sticks out or touches your legs. The handle is in the wrong place.

@moogle9740 3 года назад

The old Kaban is better. For me though.

@carl9901 Год назад

looks good but it's not well designed for actual use.

@carl9901 Год назад

the water resiliant material doesn't go all the way back, which means water easily flows straight to in by the back area which is exactly where you least want it.

@carl9901 Год назад

it feels simultaneously huge to carry around, yet small when you try to store things in it

@carl9901 Год назад

I like the enthusiastic innovative engineering though. Hopefully they can try again with more user input

@drewsfjord 3 года назад

I owned this bag for one season ... it's not durable at all ... I went back to my Rucksack premium model which is way more durable and much more practical. It can carry an 18 pack with two water bottles when in need. Water resistant and super durable! Skip this hype looking junk.