Search  for anything...

The North Face Surge Commuter Laptop Backpack

  • Based on 1,662 reviews
Condition: New
Checking for the best price...
$74.83 Why this price?
Save $75.17 was $150.00

Buy Now, Pay Later


As low as $12.47 / mo
  • – 6-month term
  • – No impact on credit to apply
  • – Instant approval decision
  • – Secure and straightforward checkout

Ready to go? Add this product to your cart and select a plan during checkout.

Payment plans are offered through our trusted finance partners Klarna, Affirm, Afterpay, Zip, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. No-credit-needed leasing options through Acima may also be available at checkout.

Learn more about financing & leasing here.

Selected Option

Free shipping on this product

FREE 30-day refund/replacement

To qualify for a full refund, items must be returned in their original, unused condition. If an item is returned in a used, damaged, or materially different state, you may be granted a partial refund.

To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.

View our full returns policy here.


Availability: In Stock.
Fulfilled by Amazon

Arrives Tuesday, Sep 29
Order within 1 hour and 46 seconds
Available payment plans shown during checkout

Protection Plan Protect Your Purchase
Checking for protection plans...

Size: One Size


Color: Timber Tan


Description

Surge Backpack Borealis Backpack Jester Backpack Lichen Backpack Router Backpack Recon Backpack Vault Backpack

Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 10.5 x 13.5 x 20 inches; 8 ounces


Item model number ‏ : ‎ NF0A52SG


Department ‏ : ‎ unisex-adult


Date First Available ‏ : ‎ August 15, 2014


Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ The North Face


Manufacturer’s warranty can be requested from customer service. Click here to make a request to customer service.:


Best Sellers Rank: #69 in Laptop Backpacks


Customer Reviews: 4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (1,662)


Other Special Features of the Product: Laptop Compartment


Recommended Uses For Product: Travel, Work


Strap Type: Adjustable


Compatible Device Size Maximum: 15 inches


Pocket Description: Utility Pocket


Apparel Closure Type: Zipper


Water Resistance Level: Water Repellent


Number Of Pockets: 10


Number of Compartments: 5


Sleeve Length Description: Long Sleeve


Fit to Size Sentiment: Neutral


Fit Type: Classic


Color: Timber Tan


Backpack Design: Laptop Backpack


Sport Type: Hiking


Theme: Work/Commuting


Pattern: Solid


Item Shape: Rectangular


Product Style: Surge Commuter Laptop Backpack | Daypack With Water Repellent Finish, 16" Laptop Sleeve, Reflective Details


Brand Name: The North Face


Age Range Description: Adult


Item Weight: 2 pounds


Style Number: NF0A52SG


Model Name: Surge Commuter Laptop Backpack | Daypack With Water Repellent Finish, 16" Laptop Sleeve, Reflective Details


School Type: Adult


Number of Items: 1


Unit Count: 1 Count


UPC: 197065421533


Item Type Name: Backpack


Manufacturer: The North Face


Manufacturer Part Number: NF0A52SG


Import Designation: Imported


Material Type: Nylon


Product Care Instructions: Hand Wash Only


Outer Material: Nylon


Lining Description: Nylon


Shell Type: Soft Shell


Apparel Fabric Stretch: No Stretch


Apparel Fabric Weight Class: Lightweight


Storage Volume: 31 liters


Item Dimensions D x W x H: 7"D x 12"W x 20"H


Size: One Size


Frequently asked questions

If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is: Tuesday, Sep 29

Yes, absolutely! You may return this product for a full refund within 30 days of receiving it.

To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.

View our full returns policy here.

  • Klarna Financing
  • Affirm Pay in 4
  • Affirm Financing
  • Afterpay Financing
  • Zip Pay in 4
  • Financing through Apple Pay
  • Financing through Google Pay
Leasing options through Acima may also be available during checkout.

Learn more about financing & leasing here.

Top Amazon Reviews


  • IMHO the best EDC pack for those carrying electronic gear.
After a very lengthy search for a backpack that would meet my needs for carrying a laptop and various other everyday needs, that was capable of having greater organization capabilities than just a couple of pockets, the TNF Surge came out on top. After using this pack now for over a week, I am very impressed in its comfort and fit.The pack felt a lot flatter when I first recieved it, but is definitely breaking in and becoming more comfortable to wear, not that it was not comfortable at first. It has more than adequate organization sleeves, all sleeves that are designed for electronics are fleece lined and given extra padding, this includes sleeves for a laptop, cell phone (iphone 6s plus sized), tablet (ipad full size with otter box case), and a smaller pocket that would fit a flip type recharger. The sleeves in the admin pouch area are pretty tight once everything is in place, though if you don't have the otter box tablet case alot more room is afforded in the pockets. I recently used this on a hunting trip, into northern Minnesota, to carry my street clothing and toiletries and had no issues with being able to fit everything I would need for 4 days out. There was plenty of room for more gear had I needed to bring more. The packs cinch straps are angled, which makes compressing your load ideal as it draws the front of the bag up and back. Access into the admin pouch and the two front pockets is not an issue when fully loaded and cinched up, and the front load carrying handle really is a smart improvement on this pack, it makes moving it around extremely natural feeling. As for the two front zippered pockets, one is fleece lined and could be used to house other screened electronics, but I find it ideal for storing a hand gun, the pocket itself sits behind the non lined pocket so the only profile that could be exposed are the contents of that pouch, though when fully loaded the pack doesn't reveal itself as having contents. The side pockets for carrying water bottles are deep and not see through, a quart Nalgene bottle fits perfectly without fear of falling or sliding out, I have been carrying that and an 18 oz hydro flask while riding a motorcycle on the daily commute and have not had either slide up. In all, The North Face comes through again with a solid product that was well thought out. If you have been deliberating between this and some other pack, I would definitely say go with this one, you won't be disappointed. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2016 by Scott Franzitta

  • A Beast of a backpack
Size: One Size Color: Space/Anthracite Grey
Love this product! As a traveling nurse, I need about 100 different things with me at any given time. I purchased my first one when deployed to NYC for Covid in March 2020, have taken it back-and-forth to work every day since and honestly, there wasn't anything wrong with it and not due to gentle use. I overstuffed it to the point of being difficult to close and the super strong zippers never failed. It went from my car, often to the floor where I was charting, on my back when riding my motorcycle and I washed it about once a month. The fabric still looks new - no tears, no stains, no fading, no complaints. The variety of compartments and zippers is invaluable for organization. So why did I buy a new one? I took a five week motorcycle trip from one end of Italy to the other, I always loved the teal color that was not in stock when I got my first one and I decided to treat myself. As expected, it was a true workhorse and an excellent traveling companion. My original Northface backpack is enjoying retirement as a sports bag. ;) Customer for life. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2025 by Doug H.

  • Superb Pack
Size: One Size Color: Tnf Black/Tnf Black-npf
I was looking for a new backpack that could hold a 13-inch iPad tablet and a Lenovo Yoga 16-inch Laptop (2-in-1) for university studies and work. Additionally, it has ample space to hold two calculators, a collection of writing tools, two textbooks, and a 32-oz Nalgene bottle. I’ve had ease in packing away all chargers, cables, and flash drives as well. And there’s PLENTY of room to keep up with additional material for the remainder of the semester. 10/10; Recommend for other STEM students or those needing to comfortably and efficiently pack ~20lbs of gear. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2026 by Mario Cacho Jr.

  • This one was a keeper. Sleek.
I bought/returned a few "computer backpacks" before keeping this one. One feature I kind of like is that the external accessible pockets are actually internal pockets (the pocket itself) -- this creates a very sleek backpack with no bulges or odd shapes. I've carried two laptops and an ipad, and assorted cables and id badge, pens etc. It's not oversized (which is a pro/con depending on ones needs). Gets the job done. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2026 by John G

  • Excellent ergonomics and capacity for day hikes, but not quite rugged enough to get 5 stars.
Size: One Size Color: Meld Grey Dark Heather/Tnf Black-npf
TLDR: I would recommend this pack for day hiking as long as you are not looking for something specific like compatibility with hydration packs or something. The ergonomics are excellent and the capacity is great. The only thing that lets it down is that I don't think it is quite as rugged as something that purely for hiking since it is trying to be both a commuter bag and day hike pack. I got this to take on a road trip where I I went on about 15 day hikes ranging from 1 to 15 miles in environments ranging from deserts in the US southwest to redwood rainforest. This is a very competent backpack for pretty much any day hike. I did not use the pack for commuting with a laptop. On my desert hikes I was able to carry 7.6L (2 gallons) of water, with 3 reused rectangular 2L juice bottles in the main pocket, and 2 reused gatoraid bottles, one in each of the open side pouches. Even with that, there was plenty of room in the main pocket for my big changeable lens camera, and room in the small pockets for extra lenses, my lunch, bandaids, sunscreen etc. I found the two vertical zip pockets on the front perfect for carrying lenses. Those pockets are about the size of a gatoraid bottle, so you can fit a lot of lenses in, but in one case it was really tight unless I took the lens hood off. The smaller top pockets have the typical flaps and sub-divisions for organizing small things like tools or pens or office supplies etc. The zippers of the 2 main pockets have big plastic loops that make them easy to hook with a single finger to open or close. This is a really simple idea that I like, and I don't understand why they didn't put those loops on all the zippers for the smaller pockets. Since this is a day pack, all the weight is on the shoulder straps. there is a thin strap to go around the waist, but it is not to carry load, its just to keep the pack from bouncing. I had plenty of weight and was walking not jogging, so I never used this strap. The shoulder straps are well padded, and I did not have any discomfort even with the pack stuffed full of water and camera gear. The pack is advertised as wicking to control moisture. I perspire heavily when exercising, and found this pack to be pretty typical in that I pretty much always had a wet spot of sweat on my back. I don't think this is a terrible thing, its just the reality that unless you have a hip strap and frame backpack, you always have a big area that doesn't breath for sweat to collect. This is just the marketing folks exaggerating. The pack is not very water resistant: my sweat soaked in pretty quick and the one time I caught drizzle, I didn't see water beading off. It does not come with a rain-cover wither, so you will want to either plan to avoid being out in the rain, or supply your own pack cover. My one complaint is with regards to the fabric material the pack is made of. On some of my hikes I squeezed by rocks or trees, and I have noticed a couple of places where the fibers in the fabric are starting to tear. The fabric itself isn't torn through yet, but some of the fibers are snapped. I'm surprised the fabric isn't made of something sturdier. Hard to tell as I've only ad the pack for a couple months, but I think the pack will last me for years, probably more than a decade, but I'm guessing it will be looking 'well used' pretty quickly. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2026 by T. Tomlinson

  • Great everyday commuter bag.
Size: One Size Color: Asphalt Grey Light Heather/Tnf Black-npf
Good and reliable daily commute bag. I like the fact my laptop does not bottom out in the protective sleeve inside the bag. Tablet pocket is nice. I wish the waist strap was removable.
Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2026 by Matthew Lampp

  • Sturdy and comfortable with plenty of storage
This bag replaced an old, workhorse backpack that I wore daily and put to many uses, from carrying a laptop and meeting materials, to farmers market and grocery items on weekends, to carrying water bottles, cameras and trail mix on hiking trips. The North Face Surge has the functionality I was looking for in a replacement: a padded pocket for my laptop, an adequately sized middle pocket, two external side pockets for water bottles, and three, smaller zippered pockets (one on top, two on the front) providing generous storage space for pens, iPad, notebook(s), etc. The shoulder straps and back of the pack are well-padded making for a comfortable carry. The pack also has a sturdy, convenient handle at the top for those times when accessibility is required. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2024 by Paul J. Moderacki

  • Awesome backpack
Size: One Size Color: Tnf Navy/Tnf Black-npf
Very sturdy and plenty of pockets and compartments. Very comfortable and great for hiking or as a carry on when travelling.
Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2025 by Jefe

Can't find a product?

Find it on Amazon first, then paste the link below.
Checking for best price...