Whether you plan on using a backpack for the streets of your town, adventures in cities, travel, or day hikes, North Face can accommodate with a specific backpack designed to meet your needs. For the everyday and day hike use, North Face offers two top rated backpacks known as the Big Shot II and Hot Shot.

Common Features Shared

Key Features

The North Face Big Shot II and Hot Shot have very similar features and organization.

Both feature FlexVent™ injection-molded shoulder straps. These straps are covered by a top layer of Atilon Foam for additional support, while the bottom layer is layered with PE foam for comfort.

A padded Airmesh back panel is fitted with Spine Channel and PE sheet for extra back support. Another fact worth mentioning is that the design of both these backpacks is promoted by the American Chiropractic Association for excellent fit, comfort, and usability.

For safety, both backpacks include a safety whistle, which is located on the chest buckle. An integrated reflective light loop is also included to increase visibility when traveling in the dark

In addition to the sternum strap, both backpacks feature winged and stow-able hipbelts for better weight distribution.

Organization

The North Face Big Shot II and the North Face Hot Shot both feature a large compartment fitted with a variable-sized laptop sleeve and additional space for extra gear. The hydration port can also be found within this large compartment.

This port allows the user to insert a water bladder and stay hydrated during day hikes or extended walks. In addition to the hydration port, two mesh side-pockets are included to store water bottles securely.

The backpacks also feature front vertical stash pockets with organization. These zip pockets can hold smaller items and electronics close at hand.
Material

Both backpacks are made of 420D nylon, 600D polyester print, and 1680D ballistics nylon. These materials are durable to withstand traveling around town or day hikes. The quality as guaranteed with a lifetime warranty.
Side Compression Straps

Two side compression straps are located per side of the backpack for a total of four compression straps. These straps help secure items and minimize the size of the backpack.

Notable Differences

Laptop Size Capacity

Though both of these backpacks feature the laptop sleeve, the size of laptops they can comfortably accommodate is different. The North Face Big Shot II is compatible with 17 inch laptops, while the North Face Hot Shot only hold most 15 inch laptops.

Overall Capacity

Another difference is the overall size and capacity of the backpacks. The North Face Big Shot II has a total capacity of 32 liters, while the Hot Shot has a smaller capacity of 26 liters.
This size difference explains the 5 oz. weight difference between the two packs.

Daisy Chains

The North Face Hot Shot and Big Shot II both feature daisy chains. These chains allow the user to loop in additional gear on the exterior of the backpack. However the amount of daisy chains included varies by backpack.
The North Face Hot Shot includes a strand of five on the front pocket, while the Big Shot II two strands of six, for a total of 12.

The North Face Hot Shot also features one zipper on the front pocket while the Big Shot II features two vertical zippers across from each other.

Conclusion

Both of these backpacks are incredibly similar but their differences do make a difference when it comes to everyday use. The Big Shot II increased size capacity of 32 liters make it easier to fit all of your items, while the 17 inch laptop capability makes it easier to store your laptop.

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The increased laptop compatibility also makes it easier to upgrade a smaller sized laptop to a bigger 17 inch size if you choose to do so without having to find a new backpack, as you would with the Hot Shot. The additional daisy chains also make it easier to loop-in additional gear if needed.

With this in mind, it is clear that the North Face Big Shot II takes the lead.