A practical North Face backpack guide covering fit, organization, current model choices and buying considerations.

X-Pac and Dyneema are two of the most recognizable names in premium technical backpack fabrics, but the comparison is often oversimplified. X-Pac is a broad family of laminated pack materials. Dyneema is an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene fiber that can appear in several very different constructions, including film-based Dyneema Composite Fabric, woven-face hybrids, and newer fully woven composites. Comparing only the brand names can therefore produce...

Choosing between X-Pac and ballistic nylon is not simply a choice between “lightweight” and “tough.” Both materials can make an excellent backpack, but they achieve durability in very different ways. X-Pac is a laminated composite built from multiple functional layers. Ballistic nylon is a densely woven nylon fabric designed to resist abrasion and tearing. The better option depends on how you carry, where you...