Written By: Melissa Harrel
Ladies, are you tired of wearing a backpack that juts out so far you could pass a dromedary camel? The North Face Isabella Women’s Backpack AJVT ($75.00) keeps you looking like you while you carry what you need in comfort. Engineered to fit women’s frames, this backpack is finally a happy medium in design, capacity, and versatility.
Features
- Slim design, conforming to women’s frames
- Injection-molded shoulder straps with FlexVent™
- Two panel-loading compartments with organization
- Main compartment with zip mesh pockets and two slip-in pockets
- Front quick-access pocket
- Built in keys, phone, and pen organizer panels
- Comfortable foam back
- Hip belt (removable)
- Bungee Weave on front
- Side mesh water pockets
- Durable polyester
More about North Face’s Isabella Woman’s Backpack
Under two pounds, this daypack hangs lightly. With a slim design that hugs the teenage and adult body, it fills “downward” and not “outward.” I’ve stuffed mine with a laptop and five books (mind you, not unabridged dictionaries), with room to spare. The FlexVent™ custom-molded shoulder straps give your backpack wings, distributing weight without irritating joints or collarbones. This same technology prompted the American Chiropractic Association’s endorsement of nine of North Face’s hiking packs. Like organization? Pens fit snuggly in their stitched pockets and file folders rest easy in built-in dividers. This anti-slump pack goes anywhere—school, gym, work—and it makes the grade on moderate day hikes. If you’re an avid hiker/backpacker, I’d suggest you give this pack a day off in favor of one of North Face’s hiking/technical packs.
Pros
- Comfortable fit for women
- Slim, versatile design; good capacity
- Durable, waterproof material
- Thorough organization system
- Fits small to medium-sized laptops
Cons
- Pricier than non-name brand equivalents
- Not built for long day hikes and overnight trips
- Larger laptops (15-inch+) won’t easily fit in unpadded slip-in pocket
Variations
With five color combos, this backpack comes in one size with adjustable shoulder/waste straps. Want fewer bells and whistles, but more space? Try the North Face Women’s Jester Backpack ($55.00). For lugging that larger laptop or good for an extended day hike, try the nylon Box Shot backpack ($125.00), but note the price jump.
The Verdict?
This versatile backpack is the best one I’ve owned for day-to-day hauling and short day hikes. Sleek, non-bulky, lightweight and well built, it’s worth it. Shop around, because you’ll find the price drops to $50.00 at most online retailers. With its comfy fit, the North Face Women’s Isabella backpack will let you go where you want . . . but won’t land you at the chiropractor.
Product Details:
Weight: 1 lb 12 oz (795 g)
Fabric: 600D polyester, 1200D polyester
Colors: moonlight ivory/polar blue; brunette brown/gravity purple; zinc grey/diamond blue; utterly pink; TNF black
Dimensions: 17” x 12” x 6.5” (44 cm x 31 cm x 17 cm)
Volume: 1220 in³
(20 liters)
Suggested Retail: $75.00 (ranges from $45.00-$80.00 by retailer)