Whether you’re looking for your next adventure pack or a new commuter bag, The North Face is a trusted brand with plenty of options for you to choose from. The right sling can make all the difference between a comfortable day hike or commute and a miserable one. Typically, bags for the outdoors and into the office rarely overlap, but the Berkeley Field Bag is a special case that just might do the trick for you, depending on what you’re looking for.
Design
The North Face Berkeley Field Bag is a comfortable 5L sling bag with a simple cube design. Its dimensions are roughly 7.28” x 3.15” x 11.02”, which makes it the perfect size for when you don’t need a full backpack but still want to carry your gear comfortably. A single adjustable shoulder strap makes it easy to carry for long periods of time while multiple pockets hold your essentials. There’s also a lash tab on the front of the bag, giving the bag a more vintage aesthetic and letting you attach extra gear that you might need onto the bag.
Durability and Material Quality
If you’re looking for a bag to bring with you on your next hike or to carry your essentials into the office, you can trust the Berkeley Field Bag to get the job done. It weighs just 265g (9.3 oz) and is made of a durable water-repellent 400D recycled nylon. One thing to note is that it lacks water-resistant zippers or something similar, but as long as you don’t get caught in a monsoon, it should protect your gear from everyday wear and tear.
Storage Capacity and Organization
The North Face Berkeley Field Bag features three different pockets, so you can separate your gear in a way that makes sense to you. A smaller outside quick-access pocket is perfect for tools you’ll need most often, like a knife, phone, or even a few snacks. It even has a zippered pocket for smaller items you don’t want rolling around. Then there’s a rear pocket for important items you want to keep against your person, like a wallet or passport. Lastly, there’s the main compartment, which is large enough to hold an iPad Mini, a first aid kit, and a small everyday carry pouch.
Comfort and Ergonomics
The Berkeley Field Bag is a lightweight sling designed to be your companion while you’re out and about. The adjustable strap lets you adjust the tautness not only to carry whatever you throw in it adequately but also depending on your activity. If you’re commuting on the subway, you might choose to keep it a little looser so that you can swing it around to your front to access your gear quickly, but if you’re going out on a hike or a bike ride you might want it tighter across your back to keep it from flopping around.
Accessibility and Ease of Use
A good sling bag stays on you but doesn’t get in your way as you go about the day. The North Face Berkeley Field Bag is perfect for that. It’s easy to carry and swing it around to whatever position you find most comfortable, and at the same time, quick access pockets let you get to your gear in a pinch without needing to take off the bag. Besides the main shoulder strap, there’s also a handy top handle so you can always carry it at your side if you want.
Price
One of the best aspects of this bag is the price tag. It only costs about $50, which isn’t bad in the world of everyday carry slings. Most comparable options are slightly more expensive, and a few can easily cost you hundreds of dollars.
Pros and Cons
There is a lot to like about the North Face Berkeley Field Bag. It’s a convenient size for everyday carry and offers convenient, easy-to-access pockets to stash all your gear. The material and overall construction of the bag can easily withstand daily use as well, though the lack of water-resistant zippers is something to keep in mind. The best thing about it is that it will only cost you $50, which isn’t bad at all, plus it comes in a few nice colors as well.
Conclusion
The North Face Berkeley Field Bag emerges as a versatile solution, blurring the lines between an outdoor adventurer’s necessity and an urban commuter’s convenience. Its compact 5L capacity and sleek cube design strike the perfect balance between functionality and comfort. Whether you’re looking for your first sling or your fifth, this one should be on your shortlist.
FAQs
Are North Face bags durable?
Yes, The North Face is known for making some of the toughest bags you can get. While many of its top-tier offerings have been used by people who summit mountains, its entry-level bags are more than durable enough for everyday carry.
What is a field bag?
A field bag typically has a specialized use case and isn’t used for general carry. It’s a small, convenient, easy-to-carry bag that puts essential tools for a job right at your side.
What are the dimensions of The North Face Berkeley Field Bag?
The North Face Berkeley Field Bag is a 5L sling bag with 7.28” x 3.15” x 11.02” dimensions.
What makes North Face backpacks so good?
The North Face has decades of experience designing everything from slings to giant duffel bags, so over time, they have learned a thing or two about what makes a quality backpack.
