The North Face Explore Haulaback Backpack vs The North Face Router Backpack

The main difference between the The North Face Explore Haulaback Backpack and the The North Face Router Backpack is that the Explore Haulaback Backpack has Laundry Pocket (Dedicated zip bottom compartment to keep shoes and dirty laundry separate) while the Router Backpack does not.

The North Face Explore Haulaback Backpack - Front View
The North Face Router Backpack - Front View
Specs Brand The North Face The North Face
Name Explore Haulaback Backpack Router Backpack
Category Backpacking Commuter
Sub Category Hiking Everyday
Capacity (L) 43.5L 40L
Dimensions (in) 1.5 x 11 x 23.5 12.5 x 9 x 21
Weight (lb) 3.34 2
Fabric 900D 100% polyester with non-PFC durable water-repellent finish 210D recycled nylon ripstop with non-PFC durable water-repellent (non-PFC DWR) finish
Color Peak Purple/Tnf Black Meld Grey/Tnf Black
Warranty Lifetime
Release Date August 15, 2014
Rating 5 4.6
Price Under $100 Under $200
General Features Shoulder Straps Padded shoulder straps J shape - adjustable padded & articulated shoulder straps
Sternum / Chest Straps Adjustable chest strap Sternum strap with a whistle buckle
Hip Belt / Waist Strap Removable waist belt
Zippers Nylon zipper with string pulls U-pull zippers
Main Compartment Access Zippered opening at the top and side for easy access Normal top two way zip access
External Pockets Fleece-lined pocket for sunglasses, phone or keys, durable water bottle pockets, large external D-zip pocket for organization
Internal Compartments Laptop compartment Large main compartment for books and binders, front compartment has internal organization with secure-zip pockets and a padded tablet sleeve
Water Bottle Yes
Handles Four padded webbing handles Two grab handles, a padded handle on top of the pack and another handle on front
Business & School Features Laptop Sleeve Padded Padded; 14.75'' x 12'' (37.5 cm x 30.5 cm)
Travel Features Base / Bottom Dedicated zip bottom Bottom compression
Hiking / Backpacking Features Back Panel Padded flat back panel Padded
Gym / Sports Features Laundry Pocket Dedicated zip bottom compartment to keep shoes and dirty laundry separate

You're currently comparing the Explore Haulaback Backpack by The North Face against the Router Backpack by The North Face.


The North Face's Explore Haulaback Backpack is a Backpacking backpack with Hiking features while The North Face's Router Backpack is a Commuter backpack with Everyday features.

The The North Face Explore Haulaback Backpack has a capacity of 43.5L (liters), weighs 3.34 pounds and it's dimensions in inches are 1.5 x 11 x 23.5. It's made of 900D 100% polyester with non-PFC durable water-repellent finish and is available in Peak Purple/Tnf Black in comparison the The North Face Router Backpack's capacity is 40L with a size of 12.5 x 9 x 21 inches. Constructed from 210D recycled nylon ripstop with non-PFC durable water-repellent (non-PFC DWR) finish it weighs 2 pounds and is available in Meld Grey/Tnf Black.