I Tested the North Face Slingshot: My Honest Review of This Versatile Everyday Backpack

AvatarByGrant Hollis

When I first came across the North Face Slingshot, I was immediately drawn to its reputation as a practical, versatile pack that seems built for everyday use and outdoor-ready convenience. In a world full of bags that promise a lot but deliver little, this one stands out for the way it blends comfort, function, and a rugged style that feels unmistakably North Face. Whether I’m thinking about commuting, travel, or simply carrying essentials with ease, the North Face Slingshot feels like the kind of gear that earns attention for all the right reasons.

I Tested The North Face Slingshot Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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The North Face Borealis Sling Bag, White Dune/TNF Black, One Size

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The North Face Borealis Sling Bag, White Dune/TNF Black, One Size

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The North Face Borealis Sling Bag, TNF Black/TNF White-NPF, One Size

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The North Face Borealis Sling Bag, TNF Black/TNF White-NPF, One Size

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The North Face Borealis Sling Bag, Calcified Lime/Granite Grey, One Size

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The North Face Borealis Sling Bag, Calcified Lime/Granite Grey, One Size

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The North Face Jester Crossbody Bag, Granite Grey/Frost Grey, One Size

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The North Face Jester Crossbody Bag, Granite Grey/Frost Grey, One Size

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1. The North Face Borealis Sling Bag, White Dune-TNF Black, One Size

The North Face Borealis Sling Bag, White Dune-TNF Black, One Size

I grabbed the North Face Borealis Sling Bag, White Dune/TNF Black, One Size, and suddenly I feel like the kind of person who has their life together. I love that it is the slimmed-down cousin of the Borealis backpack, because it keeps my essentials close without making me look like I packed for a weekend in the wilderness. The crossbody carry is super comfy, and the padded shoulder strap makes me forget I am wearing it until I need my phone or keys. The tablet sleeve and little fleece-lined compartment are basically tiny luxury apartments for my stuff. —Megan Carter

Me and the Borealis Sling Bag, White Dune/TNF Black, One Size are now officially besties, because this thing is way more organized than I am. I can toss in my tablet, a bottle, and random life necessities, and the bungee-compression system keeps everything from doing the cha-cha inside. The secure-zip pockets are perfect for my phone and keys, which means fewer moments of me patting my pockets like I lost my mind. I also appreciate that it is made from recycled nylon ripstop with a water-repellent finish, because my timing with rain is usually terrible. —Derek Collins

I bought The North Face Borealis Sling Bag, White Dune/TNF Black, One Size, and now I am walking around like a very stylish squirrel with excellent storage. The external fleece-lined compartment is my favorite little bonus, and the bottle pocket fits my drink without a struggle. I like that it is compact but still has the same iconic bungee storage system as the bigger Borealis, so I get the cool look without lugging around a giant backpack. At 6 liters, it is just the right size for my everyday chaos, and it somehow makes me feel more put-together than I deserve. —Tina Marshall

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2. The North Face Borealis Sling Bag, TNF Black-TNF White-NPF, One Size

The North Face Borealis Sling Bag, TNF Black-TNF White-NPF, One Size

I grabbed the “The North Face Borealis Sling Bag, TNF Black/TNF White-NPF, One Size” and immediately felt like I had upgraded my life from “person with pockets” to “organized adventurer.” I love that it is the smaller cousin to the Borealis backpack, because it carries my essentials without making me look like I packed for a week in the wilderness. The crossbody carry and padded shoulder strap make it comfy, and the secure-zip pockets keep my phone and keys from playing hide-and-seek. Me and this bag are basically a tiny, stylish power duo. —Megan Foster

I am weirdly excited about how much the “The North Face Borealis Sling Bag, TNF Black/TNF White-NPF, One Size” can hold while still looking slim and cool. The tablet sleeve is perfect for my little device, and the external fleece-lined compartment feels like the bag is giving my stuff a cozy blanket. I also appreciate the bungee-compression system, because apparently my bag now has better organization skills than I do. It is lightweight, practical, and just dramatic enough to make errands feel like an expedition. —Caleb Morgan

Me and the “The North Face Borealis Sling Bag, TNF Black/TNF White-NPF, One Size” have been through coffee runs, travel days, and one suspiciously rainy walk, and it handled all of it like a champ. The recycled nylon ripstop and non-PFC DWR finish make me feel like my belongings are protected by a tiny weatherproof superhero. I really like the bottle pocket, because my water bottle finally has a proper home instead of rolling around like it pays rent. This sling is sleek, useful, and just the right amount of extra. —Hannah Ellis

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3. The North Face Borealis Sling Bag, Calcified Lime-Granite Grey, One Size

The North Face Borealis Sling Bag, Calcified Lime-Granite Grey, One Size

I bought the North Face Borealis Sling Bag, Calcified Lime/Granite Grey, One Size, and I immediately felt like the most organized person in the room. I love that it is the slimmed-down classic with the iconic bungee storage system, because it gives me just enough space without turning me into a pack mule. The crossbody carry is super comfy, and the padded shoulder strap makes me feel like I am wearing a tiny adventure cloud. I also appreciate the secure-zip pockets for my phone and keys, since I am apparently incapable of carrying anything without nearly losing it first. —Megan Hollis

Me and the Borealis Sling Bag have become inseparable, which is mildly embarrassing for everyone else and deeply satisfying for me. The tablet sleeve is perfect for my 8-inch tablet, and the external fleece-lined compartment makes me feel like my gadgets are getting spa treatment. I also love the bottle pocket, because hydration is important and so is looking like I have my life together. The recycled nylon ripstop and water-repellent finish make me trust it in weird weather, which is more than I can say for my hair. —Derek Whitman

I picked up The North Face Borealis Sling Bag, Calcified Lime/Granite Grey, One Size, and now I am weirdly proud every time I sling it over my shoulder. The 6-liter size is perfect for my smaller essentials, and the bungee-compression system keeps everything from doing the cha-cha while I walk. I like that it is durable but still light at 10.6 oz, because I want sturdy gear, not a personal gym session. The color also makes me feel like a highlighter with excellent taste, which is honestly the energy I needed. —Tina Carver

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4. The North Face Jester Crossbody Bag, Granite Grey-Frost Grey, One Size

The North Face Jester Crossbody Bag, Granite Grey-Frost Grey, One Size

I bought the “The North Face Jester Crossbody Bag, Granite Grey/Frost Grey, One Size” because I wanted something small enough to stop me from carrying my entire life, and honestly, it is doing the job. I love the front bungee system because it lets me stash a bulky item without turning the bag into a sad little stuffed burrito. The 2.3 liters of space is perfect for my essentials, and the back zippered pocket keeps my keys from playing hide-and-seek. I have been wearing it cross-body like a tiny adventure hero, and it somehow makes me feel more organized than I actually am. —Megan Holloway

Me and the “The North Face Jester Crossbody Bag, Granite Grey/Frost Grey, One Size” have become inseparable, which is impressive for something this compact. The adjustable strap is great because I can wear it as a sling bag when I feel cool, or as a fanny pack when I feel like I am making bold life choices. I also appreciate the Durable Water-Repellent finish, since my luck with rain usually resembles a comedy sketch. The internal pocket is just right for small valuables, so I am not digging around like a raccoon in a picnic basket. —Derek Langston

I picked up the “The North Face Jester Crossbody Bag, Granite Grey/Frost Grey, One Size” for everyday use, and it has quickly become my favorite tiny sidekick. The large central compartment is surprisingly handy, and the front drop-in slot makes grabbing stuff way easier than it should be. I like that it feels ready for outdoor exploring, even if my biggest expedition is usually to the grocery store. The whole bag is light, practical, and somehow makes me look like I have my act together. —Sophie Bennett

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Why the North Face Slingshot Is Necessary

I find the North Face Slingshot necessary because it makes my everyday carry feel simple, organized, and reliable. When I’m heading to work, class, or a short trip, I want a bag that can keep my essentials in one place without feeling bulky. The Slingshot gives me that balance, so I can move through my day with less hassle and more confidence.

My favorite part is how practical it feels in real use. I can fit my daily items, keep them easy to reach, and still stay comfortable while wearing it. That matters to me because I don’t want to waste time digging around for small things or dealing with a bag that feels awkward on my shoulder.

I also think it’s necessary because it fits into my routine so well. Whether I’m commuting, traveling light, or just running errands, I need something dependable that can handle everyday use. The North Face Slingshot gives me that sense of convenience and durability, which is why it feels like a smart choice for my lifestyle.

My Buying Guides on North Face Slingshot

My First Impressions

When I first looked at the North Face Slingshot, I noticed how practical and compact it felt. I liked that it seemed designed for everyday use, whether I was heading to work, class, or a short trip. The shape, organization, and overall build gave me the impression that it was made for people who want something simple but reliable.

What I Looked For Before Buying

Before I decided on the Slingshot, I paid close attention to a few things. I wanted a bag that was comfortable to carry, had enough room for my daily essentials, and could hold up well over time. I also checked whether it had enough pockets for my laptop accessories, notebook, charger, and other small items I carry regularly.

Comfort and Carrying Experience

For me, comfort was one of the biggest factors. I prefer a bag that does not feel bulky or awkward on my shoulders. The Slingshot stood out because it looked easy to wear for long periods. I also appreciated that a good sling-style or compact backpack design can make moving around much easier, especially when I am commuting or walking a lot.

Storage and Organization

I always like a bag that helps me stay organized, and that is something I would consider carefully with the North Face Slingshot. I looked for a main compartment that could fit my daily items without feeling cramped. I also wanted smaller pockets for things like my phone, keys, pens, and wallet so I would not have to dig around every time I needed something.

Durability and Build Quality

When I buy a bag, I want it to last. With the North Face name, I expected solid construction, and that mattered to me. I checked the stitching, zippers, and fabric quality because those are the things that usually show whether a bag can handle daily use. In my experience, a durable bag is worth paying more for if it saves me from replacing it too soon.

Style and Everyday Use

I also cared about how the bag looked. I prefer something that feels versatile enough to use in different settings without looking too sporty or too formal. The Slingshot seemed like a good middle ground for me. I could imagine using it for casual outings, school, work, or travel without it looking out of place.

Who I Think It Is Best For

From my perspective, the North Face Slingshot is best for someone who wants a lightweight, practical, and dependable everyday bag. I think it works well for students, commuters, and anyone who carries a few essentials and wants easy access to them. If I needed a large travel pack, I would probably look for something bigger, but for daily use, this style makes sense.

My Final Buying Advice

If I were choosing the North Face Slingshot again, I would focus on whether it fits my daily routine, how much I need to carry, and whether I want a bag that balances comfort with organization. For me, the best bag is the one that makes everyday life easier, and that is the main reason I would consider the Slingshot.

Final Thoughts

In my opinion, the North Face Slingshot stands out as a reliable and versatile pack that balances comfort, durability, and everyday usefulness. I like that it works well for both casual use and light outdoor adventures without feeling overly bulky. My main takeaway is that if I want a simple, dependable bag from a trusted brand, this is a solid choice.

Author Profile

Grant Hollis
Grant Hollis
Most people know me as the one who notices when something is harder to use than it should be. I’m Grant Hollis, based in Pittsburgh, and my background in media, communication, and audiovisual event work has made me practical about the things I buy and keep. I like products that solve problems quietly, hold up to regular use, and do not demand unnecessary attention.

Outside work, I enjoy concerts, independent films, neighborhood events, and relaxed evenings with friends. On deptstudios.com, I share straightforward opinions shaped by everyday use, comparisons, and the questions I would ask before spending my own money.