Customer Reviews The North Face Recon

I have been using your products for years and I refuse to use any other brand. What I love about your company is that you not only make high quality products, but you guys also take customer satisfaction very seriously and constantly strive to make your products better and better. I purchased the Women's Recon Backpack (TNF + Burnt Coral) a few months back and I have to say that I absolutely love it. The colors are gorgeous and it really is the best backpack out there. As a graduate student in an intense program I need a backpack that is going to be of the best quality. Your recon backpack delivers. As much as I love this new version of the recon backpack, I still would like to offer some feedback/suggestions. 1) The last TNF backpack I had was the older version of the Borealis (the classic version still available on your website). Although I consider my new recon of even higher quality (materials wise), one thing I loved about my old Borealis was that the pockets stretched out/were very roomy. They were similar to the Jansport-style big student backpack. I know that Jansport is a sibling company of yours so I think if you could find a way to mesh both styles into one TNF backpack, that would be amazing (2 much larger main compartments that stretch out that can fit binders, textbooks+ 1 front utility compartment with an organizer that goes all the way down + 1 laptop compartment all the way in the back). So basically what you guys have now but with one more large main compartment and an organizer that goes all the way down. 2) A backpack that can stand up and not fall over 3) Whoever suggested to bring in that burnt coral/rose gold design needs a pay raise from your company. ALL OF MY FRIENDS love the burnt coral/rose gold accents on my backpack. Please continue to make styles that incorporate the burnt coral/rose gold colors. This is one of the "in" colors right now and I know anything with rose gold tends to sell like hot cakes!

Great everyday bag for office and school

I generally love this backpack, had one in middle/high school for 5+ years, so you know they're durable. I recently repurchased the updated design as a junior in college b/c I wanted something that could hold my laptop, books, water bottle, etc for the trek to/day on campus. The most annoying detail about it, which other reviewers mention, is that it doesn't stand up on its own, and even if you prop it, it usually slides to the ground. I didn't think it would be a big deal, but it gets super annoying after a while- something about the way the pockets are arranged or something must distribute the weight unevenly. The other issue I have is that my back gets really hot/sweaty when I wear this (not an issue with other brands I've used, same amount of stuff being carried). So it would be nice to have that area more breathable somehow. On the plus side, it does have a lot of room, the quality is great, and I love that there are two mesh water bottle pockets. The laptop section is very roomy as well.

Black camo has glitter/sparkles on it. Not sure why this wasn't labeled as women's. Sparkles aren't for me.

I use this backpack daily, I just wish it was a bit more flashy.

I bought this backpack for high school and loved it. It fit all my things but wasn't bulky. However, after about 2 years both side pockets ripped completely through and my water bottle would always fall out if I put it in. I brought it in to be fixed and was pleasantly surprised that they replaced the whole backpack! The only thing is it took a very long time to get the replacement and that did not communicate well - I had to call in several times to ask.

I use the backpack for school!

Wish this had one or two additional main storage areas. Doesn't accommodate as much as I thought it would. Seems strong and sturdy; hoping it will last a long time.

My daughter asked me specifically to get this bag for her first year in HS. Although it's pricey, I figured it will last her until graduation, The bag is so sturdy.... so hopefully it will hold up! One thing I would suggest is make the main compartment a little bigger, On gym days, my kid takes an extra bag for her gym shirt and pants because she couldn't fit these 2 items in the bag with the regular notebooks and books she takes to school.

I really love how durable this backpack is and that it has a solid structure. The only issue that I have is that it falls more on the smaller side for my daily needs. I love the color scheme of the backpack and it's definitely an upgrade from my last one!

Daily use

I've been a fan of the recon backpacks for years. This one has a pretty big redesign from the one I purchased 3 or so years ago... the laptop area is its own large pocket which I am not really fond of, as a smaller envelope type area would keep it secure and utilize space better so that it was protected from whatever else you are packing in the bag. I do like how some of the pockets are fleece lined! And the colors are cute! Hopefully the straps break in nicely as they are thicker and honestly feel lighter/cheaper. Four stars overall bit still recommend these backpacks to everyone! Zippers and overall functionality is still unparalleled.

I'm in college and my back usually is heavy and before I had this product my back would hurt every time I would get back home. The flex back is super comfortable and supportive and it doesn't give me any back pains at all. I love the mesh pocket in the front because I can just put stuff in there and get it out quickly and not have to completely zip my backpack up to get something. The only thing that I don't like is that I find it too small for all my books and laptop. If you don't have back to back classes then I suggest that this is a good backpack for you. The laptop sleeve is a god send I don't have a case for my laptop but I don't worry about it getting broken.

The pockets keep me organized, the chest strap helps distribute weight when it's filled to the brim and I love the colors.

Use for college. Great and has plenty of room for books and laptop. Wish the shoulder straps were more padded though.

Will be a great addition for college and travel

I love this backpack for a bunch of reasons. Namely, the design in both style and functionality is a perfectly balanced. In the Adirondacks where I hike, there are many rock scrambles where I'm on all fours scaling a rock face. The waist and chest straps help to keep the bag in place instead of sliding to the right or left and throwing off my balance. I like it a lot more than the tactical style bag I was using, which had the same straps but it was flimsy so even if the bag stayed put, the things in my bag would shift and throw me off balance. This bag is more rigid. I love how lightweight it is too. With nothing in it, I barely feel it on my back. It is also very well built. The zippers are chunky and don't feel cheap and the webbing straps feel premium. I love the design. I bought the bold red color which looks great. I like that TNF is going back to the bold color schemes again. The past few years everything was either earthy or neutrals. I much prefer those bold colors that portray adventure better than Urban Navy. Anyway, I like the SOS whistle incorporated into the chest strap too. That's handy if you ever become lost and need help so that's a nice touch. Not sure it's effective in scaring away bears though. And finally, I like the vented and padded shoulder straps and back pad. It really helps to keep my body temp down on strenuous hikes.

I was definitely skeptical in buying this product, just because it was rather pricey. However, after receiving the product, it's evident that it was made to last. The material the backpack is made out of is extremely built and sturdy. It's sleek and has a modern look to it, which I loved. The overall shape of the backpack makes it difficult to stuff a lot of things inside, though, so I would recommend getting a different style if you are one looking for a backpack that can hold a lot of stuff. However, as a freshmen going into college, this backpack will be the perfect fit for me.

Pros: 1. Outside design is very smart looking. 2. Big mesh pocket is functional. 3. Fleece lined sunglasses pocket is a appreciated necessity. 4. DEEP dual waterbottle pockets are great, something that NF has not previously included. 5. Ventilation is awesome, especially for biking. Cons: 1. The straps at the top, where they attach to the bag rub on my neck which is quite uncomfortable and itchy - personally, I don't like my backpack hanging low on my back especially with weight, regardless, the shouldn't rub. 2. The organization pocket only reaches halfway - it's a waste of space in my opinion, why not extend it fully? It also makes the top half of the bag bulge outwards, unevenly, when packed. 3. Laptop compartment is only about 1 inch from the bottom of the bag which doesn't seem like very good protection. I also appreciate having the laptop in the main compartment but that isn't a huge deal for me. I have a 5 year old Surge II that has served me well through high school and college and a 2018 model Recon that I've used for the last year. I liked the look of the 2019 Recon and wanted to try it but I will stick to my 2018 bag instead. If I could take the organization pocket, single main pocket (laptop space included), and wider straps of the 2018 Recon and stick them on the 2019 model, NF would have themselves a near perfect bag. In summary: if the straps don't bother your neck and, what I consider to be inconveniences more than issues, are of no concern, then I recommend this bag simply because of NF's amazing reputation and my pleasant experiences with other models of their bags.

I use this for school. I like it, but I wish it wasn't so heavy. Also, I wish there was a spot to put the extra straps (waist strap) in. I know the older recon backpacks had a little pocket for them. I wish this one did too.

This is a pretty good backpack. It holds a lot of stuff... if you pack it correctly. I agree with some of the other reviewers that the shape makes it hard to use. When I first packed this bag for a trip it seemed to hold very little but it turns out there was still a lot of room at the bottom that was inaccessible if not packed in a specific order. I assume this will also make accessing my items at the bottom fairly difficult. My husband's mens' North Face backpack unzips much further making his much more convenient and I wish this one had that feature.

I just got this new back pack for school, it is so cute and the colors are great!

one thing i would change is more main pockets.

I have used the previous version of the backpack for all four years of high school and it does not have a single rip or tear. It is durable and long lasting. I intend to use this model for college and expect it to hold up the same. Great product!

My daughter loves her backpack! We ordered from NorthFace to get the color she wanted.