LBBJKT The Peloton Rolltop Bag vs. The North Face Borealis Backpack

Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.

LBBJKT The Peloton Rolltop Bag

Front facing view of the LBBJKT The Peloton Rolltop Bag
Capacity35 L
Weight1.6 kg
Dimensions53×36×12 cm
Airline fit98%
Price$170

Feature by feature

LBBJKT The Peloton Rolltop BagFeatureThe North Face Borealis Backpack
Storage
S Compression S
None Expanded Capacity None
2 Opening 4
N Passport N
N Passthrough N
Carry
S Backpack S
R Hip Belt R
S Sternum Strap S
Inside
17 Laptop 15
5 Main Compartments 3
Y Organizer N
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
2 Water Bottle Holder 2
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
1000D CorduraLightweight water resistant polyester inner linings in bright yellowYKK Aquaguard zippers600D Polyester Toile, 500D Nylon Oxford Slub, 420D Nylon, 210D Cordura® Nylon Ripstop, Polyester Jacquard Camo

The North Face Borealis Backpack

Front facing view of the The North Face Borealis Backpack
Capacity28 L
Weight1.22 kg
Dimensions50.2×33.7×24.8 cm
Airline fit47%
Price$89

When it comes to durable, travel-ready backpacks, the LBBJKT The Peloton Rolltop Bag and The North Face Borealis Backpack both offer impressive features. The Peloton, courtesy of Jakarta-based bag-makers Life Behind Bars, boasts a towering 53-inch height and a wide 36-inch width. Its roll top design gives users easy access to its spacious 35 liter storage capacity. Unlike its North Face competitor, the Peloton offers compatibility with 98% of airlines, making it a frequent-flyer's dream. Yet, its true crowning feature may be its 1000D CorduraLightweight water-resistant polyester inner lining, complemented with YKK Aquaguard zippers—a fail-safe against torrential downpours and accidental spills.

• LBBJKT The Peloton Rolltop Bag: 53" tall, 36" wide, 12" deep weighing at 1.6 pounds • The North Face Borealis Backpack: 24.8" tall, 33.7" wide, 50.2" deep weighing at 1.22 pounds • Peloton has 35 liters of capacity; Borealis has 28 liters • Peloton is compatible with 98% of airlines; Borealis with 47% • Peloton is made of water-resistant polyester; Borealis of polyester toile, nylon, and Cordura • Peloton fits a 17" laptop; Borealis fits a 15" laptop

The North Face Borealis Backpack, despite being the smaller of the two at 24.8 inches tall, still offers a commendable 28 liters of storage—optimum space for a quick getaway or daily commute. Its 600D Polyester Toile mixed with a variety of nylon materials ensures a tough exterior suited for harsh conditions. However, unlike the Peloton, it falls short of a higher airline compatibility, only fitting the carry-on specifications of 47% of airlines. Nothing to sneeze at, but certainly not ideal for globetrotters.

Despite these differences, both backpacks have taken user comfort into consideration. A reviewer praised the Peloton for its suitability to cyclists, owing to its hook system, while another reviewer commended the Borealis for its FlexVent™ suspension system which offers superior comfort. Both backpacks also accommodate sizable laptops in dedicated compartments. If you're in the market for a reliable, sturdy backpack that can handle the demands of travel—whether by plane or by bike—both the Peloton and the Borealis merit consideration. A final decision really boils down to your specific needs and preferences. The majestic Peloton with its superior height and airline compatibility? Or the small but fierce Borealis with its superior comfort system and material durability? You decide.