Overall, the design is great for a school/commuter bag, but the flimsy nylon material would call for a price drop in my experienced opinion. I wouldn't recommend this for the trail. I have an old NF book pack from '95...it was a good bag, I carried it everywhere in high school and part of college and I bought the new Recon based off of my old bag. I'm disappointed in the nylon materials used for the body of the pack, especially for the price. The materials feel cheap, thin and flimsy...I can only hope it stands up to abuse better than I suspect it will. On the positive notes, the Recon is designed well for a good school/commuter bag, I wouldn't wear this on the trail...I have more technical packs for serious adventures. The organizer panel is nice...lots of slots, even a few padded squarish ones for your electronics. The organizer in my bag is a medium gray with red accents...the lighter color helps make items more viable. (I bought the "bittersweet brown" color). The outside pocket on the front is a great stash pocket...they say it will fit a bike helmet...I don't bike but will stash my stethoscope and a light jacket in there. "The North Face" logo is embroidered at the bottom, while the pack's name is screen printed off to the side. There are two loops directly below the logo...which I find pretty much useless on a school pack (but love them on technical packs). There's also an additional zippered pocket just above the large mesh one on the front...its medium size is good for snacks or a headlamp and other small tools. The inside is roomy enough. Forget it if you're trying to bring your laptop AND 2 inch binder along with a couple text books...the pack isn't deep enough. Although my 2 inch binder and medium sized texts seem to fit fine. There's an internal sleeve/pocket for a water bladder or laptop...my 17 inch can fit ok. The zippers are quality. Easy to open and close although the protective zipper flaps get in the way often. 2 mesh side pockets fit a regular nalgene bottle easily. Shoulder straps are ergonomic and made with a thin but dense foam. I was wearing a strapless top my first day with the pack and the straps chaffed my skin. The sternum strap IS adjustable. There is a stretchy pocket on your left shoulder which is too small for my sun glasses but would fit an ipod or cell phone nicely. Two elastic bands cross the shoulder straps as well...I guess you could clip your keys here or loop sunglasses under them. Back panel feels nice with its contoured mesh fabric. The hip belt is basically worthless, it's thin and cheap and would offer no support for the pack at all...I removed them completely. Compression straps at the sides and bottom, which I find extremely useful. The side straps are attached to some funky rubberized material, I wonder when/if it will rip.

I have had this book bag for almost a year, it has gotten me through pre-nursing, my first quarter of nursing school, and I expect it to carry me through and onto whatever other adventures lie ahead! I love how you can cinch down the bottom and side of the bag for a close fit to your back - this makes it very comfortable when you have a lot of stuff in your bag, and keeps your load more stable! I am 5' 4" and 130# woman and I think this bag fits me well. The cup holders are perfect. Overall, worth the money!

Great backpack for grad school. I carry my laptop, notebooks, water bottle, etc. every day and it is very comfortable and spacious. Seems very strong and durable and has straps that can be worn around the waist and chest which make it even more comfortable. I like that there are two water bottle pockets on either side, and I like all the smaller compartments and pockets for keeping things organized.

I purchased this backpack for my brother before he left for college because I knew he needed a sturdy and reliable bag for the next four years. He loves it so far, and takes it with him everywhere, not just to class. It even offers added protection for his laptop when he travels.

I only wish the laptop sleeve had more padding. Other than that, it is a comfortable, spacious, good-looking backpack.