Is a northface backpack easy to break?

I don't know about all north face back packs, but my north face recon the zippers aren't very well made. I do tend to stuff my book bag to the maximum, but I thought the northface bag was made to be tough. Anyways the zipper broke easily within 1 year of use. I still use the bag, the rest of the bag was fine but I do think it got shabbier. I've had the bag for about 4 years now, it has a weird shape where it's wider on the bottom of the bag and narrows up top.

On the other hand, my manhattan portage bag which has been stuffed to the max many many times is still going strong after ten years. My brother's timbuk2 which is a similar brand is still just as sturdy and he's had his bag for about just as long as mine, 9 years or so.

In the end, when purchasing an expensive, heavy duty bag, such as one for hiking and backpacking, I really suggest going to the store if you get the chance to actually look at the bag, stuff like the shape you wouldn't be able to get the best picture online. Also look at the reviews and see what other people have done with their bags and if it matches your uses/lifestyle. I sincerely think timbuk2 and manhattan portage are more reliable in terms of durability because they stick to the same basic styles and are known to last whereas Northface comes up with a new style every other year it seems, the variety makes it hard to choose a good one within all the choices. Perhaps a well known northface bag that is a style that has been kept over the years would also be a good choice.

Good luck in your backpack search!