Customer Reviews The North Face Recon

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.

Perfect backpack. It also has a padded compartment for your laptop. Plenty of room for lots of books.

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.

This is a fantastic, multipurpose backpack. I mainly use it for hauling my giant heavy college text books to class, and it's often hard to believe I am carrying as much as I am. But I also wanted a bag I could travel with and bring all my essentials. It fits a 15 inch laptop, a decent sized notebook, a DSLR camera (which was in it's own padded case) with all it's accessories, a pouch with toiletries, a big clutch style wallet, sunglasses case, a paperback book, light sweater, cell phone, water bottle, pens and pencils. It's only in one size but the sternum strap makes it easy to keep the shoulder straps from digging into your armpits. My only complaint is that it does not have the cell phone pocket on the strap that's shown in the video. Fortunately it will be easy enough to clip one on.

This is a great bag. I got it because I liked the multi color black with the green. I also needed a new bag because my Big Shot broke. I wish this one had two full compartments like that one, but I guess that is why it was not as expensive. First I got the North Face Borealis in the same color, but man that was way too small. It may be good for an elementary school kid, but then again why buy a kid that young such an expensive backpack. North Face should seriously market it as a kid or ladies' bag since it is way too small. With the Recon, the chest strap that goes over your sternum was a little stiff. That is, other bags had it so it slides easily. Mine came way too high and I thought it was going to choke me and I could not slide it. I thought it was permanent. But I guess it is fully removable, if you wish. I like it but I wish it was sewn in with another strap that slides instead of the hard hook like pieces on these. I do like the mesh pocket in the front. It is great for throwing a towel or grooming kit in for a weekend trip and it even discretely holds my iPad when I am on my way to school. The bag itself fits a good amount of gear. Another minor complaint I do have, though, is that after watching the video on the Zappos website demonstrating this bags features I was kind of disappointed. The video says the bag has compression straps on the bottom of the bag. The pictures of the bag however make it seem like they are not there. They are not there. My old bag had them and they do come in handy compressing your bag even more or I used to sometimes put a yoga mat or camping mat down there when I needed to. But other than that, I would say it is a good bag.

This is a great bag. It is built strong and it distributes weight correctly so even a full bag will not hurt your back. The added straps work great for motorcycles, or biking. In my opinion, it is the best looking North Face bag.

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

This is a great backpack. It is very stylish and and does what it is supposed to do. It is water proof to a certain degree. Quality North Face product. The Price may be a little on the high side but it is worth it. I had my last TNF back pack since junior year HS and I am now a senior in college. The video talks about a pocket on the strap but the newer models that are currently being shipped do not have such pocket. I love the laptop space! This is a great product.

The backpack was exactly what my son wanted. Excellent quality at a great price.

I love this backpack! I am a college student, and I carry my 15-inch Mac, a planner, my Nook, and a couple textbooks and a notebook at any given time. This backpack handles all of that and then some, without looking overly bulky. This bag combines a fun look with a lot of function, without that "Oh look at the girl with the huge backpack" thing going on. It is also going to serve as a great carry-on when I go visit my parents.

This is not bad at all, I wish the shape was more square and less round, yet there is still enough space for all your books or clothes for a weekend getaway. The stowaway hip belt is a great bonus, much better than these convertible carry on backpacks sold by other retailers. The laptop compartment does not reach all the way to the bottom, probably for protection, but be warned that it only fits 15" laptops max.

Very well made, looks nice. Does not look like a "mart" brand backpack. Should last my son a very long time. He loves it. Not only that but only took two days to get it. Now that is service.

Great backpack for everyday use. I wish it was a little bit larger but it works well for a grad student. Very comfortable and the pouches help with organization.

This is the 2nd backpack from the North Face Rincon Series. My husband loved the first and loves this new one, that has a thicker, stronger back padding and some other new features. The reflectors on the back are great and the new division of the first zipper compartment. Zappos has once more performed a major customer service and upgraded the shipping, so that we had the backpack the very next day delivered! Wow, outstanding. Even my non-shopping husband was impressed about the great service. We will definitely be future customers.

Love this backpack! I bought mine last summer and have used it almost every day since for school and travel. Even after a year it looks almost brand new. It doesn't get dirty and it isn't wearing out at all. I've been very impressed with how well it has held up considering I use it a lot. It is definitely worth the money if you are looking for a backpack to use for a few years. It is a great size too, it will hold my full size laptop along with a few books. The side water bottle holders are also great and the small front zipper compartment holds my cell phone. Best backpack I've ever owned!

This is a good backpack. It seems well-made, well-designed, and really tough. The blue color was nice and deep. I got this for my husband, a science professor, but it was not quite right for him. He wanted something for biking to school with books and a laptop, as well as for travel (plane carryons, hiking, etc). This bag was a bit too youthful in style, geary and pockety, also surprisingly heavy, and the back was a bit stiff for biking. He treats his backpacks pretty well, so we will be returning this for something lighter and more minimalist.

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!

Absolutely love this bag. I use it for work, day trips, long trips, etc. So many pockets to put all your goodies.

This is the most comfortable day-type backpack I have ever worn. It is also very attractive. I use it for shopping and every day stuff, but not for hiking as of yet. The only thing missing for me is a zippered compartment in the inside area closest to my back. I want that because I am concerned about the possibility of pick-pockets, especially when my belongings are on my back and therefore not in my sight. I would feel more secure if I could put my cellphone/wallet/keys in a zippered compartment at the bottom of the bag in the compartment nearest my back. If you are only using this for hiking it does not matter. I love the way the backpack looks and feels, so I will have to come up with something creative to make it work, so that I do not have to wear it on one shoulder to protect my belongings.

Love the quality and color of this bag! Enough room for when I travel and want to keep the essentials handy...and it's super stylish! And I love shopping at zappos.com. Thanks for the amazing customer service!

I love this bag! I use it as a diaper bag, overnight bag and even sometimes haul my laptop and office work. Very sturdy, versatile and stylish, great buy!

I bought this bag because I was going back to school and needed a big enough bag for a laptop. It is a great bag! Totally worth the price and I recommend this to anyone!

Excellent, well-built backpack with all of the features most people need. It always takes a while to get used to any new backpack, but with the Recon that time went by very fast. The only dislikes I have are the inability to completely conceal the waist and chest straps. Earlier models had a pouch to conceal these. Otherwise, big, durable zippers, well-sewn seams, and great aesthetics.

Superb product, perfect for airline carry on, and living out of for many days. Very well made, good spaces for organization, and attractive to boot. Zappos price was significantly below local sporting outlets. Highly recommend this product and Zappos.

Great backpack. Looks good, feels good. Seems like good workmanship, too.