North Face Generator Backpack Review: Features, Benefits, and Guide

An Overview of The North Face Generator Backpack

The North Face is an American outdoor recreation product company that specializes in outdoor apparel, footwear, outdoor equipment, and accessories. They are known for their high-quality and innovative products designed for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes. One of their most popular backpack lines is the Generator backpack series. The Generator backpacks are designed as multi-use packs that can be used for school, work, travel, and outdoor adventures.

The North Face Generator backpack comes in different sizes and styles to fit various needs. The featured backpack for this article is the Women's North Face Jester Backpack in black. This backpack has been highly rated and is very popular among students, commuters, and travelers.

Key Features of the North Face Jester Backpack

Here are some of the key features that make the North Face Jester backpack so useful:

• Spacious main compartment with room for books, laptop, and daily essentials
• Padded laptop sleeve fits most 15" laptops
• Front elastic bungee system for external storage
• Two water bottle pockets on the sides
• Reflective bike-light loop for added visibility
• Padded back panel and shoulder straps for comfort
• Sternum strap with whistle buckle
• Top handle for easy grabbing and hanging
• Available in multiple color options

Benefits of the Generator Backpack

The North Face Generator backpack offers versatility, organization, comfort, and durability - everything you need for school, work, and travel. Here are some of the benefits you can enjoy with this backpack:

Versatile Storage - With 23 liters of space, this backpack provides ample room for carrying books, laptop, lunch, gym clothes, and more. The main compartment has an extra padded sleeve to protect laptops up to 15 inches. Interior organization pockets help keep your items neatly stowed away.

On-the-Go Access - The bungee cord system on the front offers exterior storage for jackets, umbrella, or other items you need quick access to. Side water bottle pockets provide easy accessibility to hydration. An integrated whistle on the sternum strap gives you added emergency utility.

Technical Design - Made with durable polyester material, this backpack is designed to be sturdy and withstand daily use. The padded airmesh back panel and shoulder straps provide ventilation and support for comfortable carrying. Reflective detailing adds visibility when biking in low light.

Convenience - With multiple entry points and pockets, it’s easy to pack and organize your gear. Features like the daisy chain webbing and lash points allow you to attach and hang additional accessories. The top handle makes for quick grabbing and hanging storage.

Reliable Brand - The North Face has over 50 years of experience in making quality outdoor gear and packs designed for all types of adventures and needs. Their bags are made to last through years of regular use.

Ideal Uses for the North Face Generator Backpack

Here are some of the main uses and situations where the Generator backpack really shines:

• School backpack - With its 28-liter capacity, padded laptop sleeve, and array of pockets, it has ample space and organization for textbooks, laptop, supplies, and more.
• Work/commuting - Cushioned back panel makes it comfortable to wear during daily commutes to the office or around town. Pockets allow quick access to ID, phone, snacks, etc.
• Day hiking - Lightweight and comfortable on the trails. Front bungee provides external attachment points for layers, helmet, hiking poles, etc.
• Travel - Compact enough for airplane carry-on. Large main compartment and organization for clothing/essentials. Secured storage if you need a personal item.
• Gym/sports - Roomy enough for workout clothes, shoes, water bottle, and post-workout essentials. The water-resistant finish helps protect gear.

Available Styles and Sizes

The North Face Generator backpack comes in a few color variations and sizes to choose from:

Women's Styles and Colors

• Zinc Grey & Dreamy Blue - 17" x 13" x 7"
• Black - 17" x 13" x 7"
• Asphalt Grey & Botanical - 17" x 13" x 7"
• Demitasse Brown & Gardenia White - 17" x 13" x 7"

Unisex Styles and Colors

• Asphalt Grey/Mid Grey - 19" x 13" x 7"
• Black - 19" x 13" x 7"
• Demitasse Brown/Antique Bark - 19" x 13" x 7"

The women's Jester pack is a slightly smaller, women-specific fit compared to the unisex version. Both come in attractive color combinations to choose from.

Pricing Overview

The North Face Generator backpacks retail at the following price points directly from North Face:

• Women's Jester Backpack - $99
• Unisex Jester Backpack - $109

The women's version is slightly less expensive due to the smaller sizing. These backpacks are considered reasonably priced given their excellent quality and performance. The Jester packs can sometimes be found on sale in the $80-$90 range from various retailers.

Overall, the Generator backpacks offer great value with their versatility, organizational options, technical features, and durable construction. The lifetime warranty from North Face provides added peace of mind for years of use.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

The North Face Jester Generator backpack is very highly rated across major retailers and review sites. Here is an overview of what customers are saying about this versatile pack:

• Average Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
• 91% of customers recommend this backpack
• Praised for durability, quality materials, laptop protection
• Many mention using it heavily for school, work, travel over years
• Most common complaints are about smaller size and lack of waist strap
• Frequently described as comfortable with excellent back padding

Here are some example positives that customers have said about the Jester backpack in their reviews:

• "I've had this backpack for 6 years now using it every single day at college and it still looks brand new. Great quality and so many pockets."
• "I love all the storage options this backpack provides. I can fit my heavy textbooks, laptop, planner, water bottle - everything I need for my college courses."
• "Very comfortable even when fully loaded down. I barely feel the weight on my back thanks to the great shoulder and back support."
• "So many compartments to organize all your items while not feeling bulky. Materials feel very durable and strong."

As you can see, most buyers are very satisfied with the Jester for school, work, travel, and everyday use. The combination of storage, features, and durable materials make it a top choice for an everyday backpack.

Alternatives to the Jester Generator Backpack

The North Face Jester is a fantastic backpack, but it may not be the perfect fit for everyone. Here are some alternatives to consider if you need a different size, features, or style:

Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack

- Available in both S/M and M/L sizes
- Strap to attach to larger Osprey packs
- Mesh side water bottle pockets
- Breathable padded back panel
- Front organizational pocket

Herschel Pop Quiz Backpack

- Also comes in smaller "Little America" size
- Signature striped fabric liner
- Contoured shoulder straps
- Front storage sleeve pocket
- Available in fun color patterns

JanSport SuperBreak Backpack

- Iconic simple school backpack
- Large main compartment and front pocket
- Padded back for comfort
- Web haul handle for easy carrying
- Budget-friendly price

Fjallraven Kanken Classic Backpack

- Made in Sweden; iconic square design
- Vinyl fabric is dirt resistant
- Foam back padding
- Front storage pocket
- Perfect for organization minimalists

Hopefully this gives you some alternative options to consider if you need a different size, look, or features than the Jester backpack.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the North Face Jester backpack waterproof?

No, the Jester backpack is not fully waterproof. However, the durable polyester material is water-resistant and can withstand light rain and snow. For heavy rain, an additional rain cover or waterproofing spray treatment is recommended for complete water protection.

Does the laptop sleeve fit a 17" laptop?

Unfortunately, the Jester backpack does not accommodate most 17" laptops, as the laptop sleeve is optimized for 15" laptops. Very thin 17" models may fit, but most will likely be too large. For a 17" laptop, look at the North Face Surge backpack instead.

Is the North Face Jester good for hiking?

The Jester backpack can work for light day hikes as it has durable materials, a trail-friendly design, and storage for essentials. However, it lacks more advanced hiking features like ventilated back panels, trekking pole attachments, and hip belts. So it's good for casual day hikes but not extended, heavy-duty trekking.

Does the women's Jester backpack run small?

The North Face women's Jester backpack runs slightly small due to being designed as a women-specific fit. It works best for women 5'4" and under. Women above 5'6" may find it runs a bit small. The unisex Jester will provide more room if you need a larger pack.

What size backpack is recommended for school?

For school, the ideal backpack size is between 20-30 liters (approximately 1900-2300 cubic inches). This provides enough room for heavy textbooks, a laptop, folders, supplies, and personal items. The North Face Jester backpack is a perfect school backpack size at 28 liters.

Conclusion

The North Face Generator Jester backpack is feature-packed and versatile for school, work, travel, and everyday use. With ample storage, organization pockets, padded protection, and signature North Face quality, it has become a go-to choice for students, professionals, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Customers consistently praise its comfort, durability, and thoughtful design. While it may not work for all needs, the North Face Jester provides exceptional utility and value for a rugged everyday backpack.

FAQs

Is the North Face Jester good for college?

Yes, the Jester backpack is excellent for college usage. Its 28L capacity provides ample storage for heavy textbooks, laptop, supplies, and more. The multitude of pockets keep you organized. It's comfortable to wear all day going between classes.

What are the Jester backpack made of?

The North Face Jester backpack is constructed from high quality 600D polyester canvas material. This makes it durable while keeping the weight reasonable. The shoulder straps and back panel utilize airmesh padding for comfort.

Does Jester backpack fit under airplane seat?

When not overstuffed, the Jester can generally fit under an airplane seat when needed during flights. However, sizing may depend on the specific aircraft. It's a good carry-on size but likely too large as a personal item.

Where is North Face Jester backpack made?

Currently, North Face manufactures their backpacks in factories in Vietnam, the Philippines, and Bangladesh. However, they oversee production very closely to ensure quality control.

Can the Jester backpack hold a binder?

Yes, the main compartment of the Jester backpack can accommodate a 1-1.5 inch binder along with other books and supplies. Just be careful not to overstuff the pack as it may become uncomfortable.