Customer Reviews The North Face Recon

This product is great! I went from a Borealis to the Recon. Although it says it's a larger backpack, the pocket spaces are smaller and there is more of them.

Bought this for my 12 year old 6th grader who has WAY too many school supplies to carry due to not being allowed to have a locker because of COVID. Absolutely fabulous backpack. We love it. Great size, great look (black/grey w/ blue). Happy campers.

RECON will always be the best

Amazing bag. I got it for high school, and it has lasted very well. Plenty of room to fit all my books, binders and a computer with comfort. The ventilation is nice too. Only thing I would do is add more little pockets for smaller organization. that's just something that is missing a bit, but besides that it is great. Highly recommend.

I love this product only downfall is the pockets start to wear down once used quite a bit. But the good thing about this c company is they will fix it or ship you a new one! No questions asked. This brand goes head over heels for there customers and will help resolve any issues.

I use this backpack for school, I have over 7 classes and it can hold all my schools binders, books, and materials. Also when I go on trips it is very helpful to hold all my clothes, shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrush, ext.

I loveeeee this backpack I have gone through so much with it!Ive spilled ketchup,wet sandwich's,mayo and not to mention tons of rainstorms and this backpack always holds up.I love it so much and it's definitely worth the price and the hype!

I have been using this backpack for years. It is durable and stylish. Don't see myself using another brand for school or travel!

I loved this product and recommend it to everyone

I have had my Recon for 10 years. I bought it in 2010 when I was a sophomore in high school. Just this year the zipper pulls on one pocket came off. I'm fixing it because I love it! The design looks different in this picture, obviously they have retooled the construction. I think it worked great in high school, and after that I used it as a day hiking pack, when I upgraded for college. This thing has been all over the country with me! It has it has a compartment for a hydration bladder, and the front mesh pocket is awesome to stuff hoodies, jackets or packable sneakers in. It's a great bag, and I am so happy with how long it's lasted as well as the style. I think if you live a versatile life, this backpack is a great option.

In the past, I had bought a North Face Borealis backpack to use in high school, but thought I would get a slightly larger Recon style for college. The Recon is the perfect size, and fits everything I could possibly need for school. While the description says it fits up to a 15" computer, I have no trouble fitting my 16" MacBook inside, and could probably fit a larger laptop or even a computer sleeve inside the technology pocket as well. I would definitely recommend this backpack!

I just bought my second Recon after my first sadly lost a fight with a power-saw (long story, obvious the power saw won). I was devastated when my back pack had a hole spanning the entire bottom side, through the water bottle holder mesh, into both pouches, and through the padded laptop sleeve. (thankfully no laptops were harmed in this outrageous scenario) Took me a while to find this backpack again, as my mom bought it from a sporting good store, and they no longer make it in the color I have, so I didn't recognize it at first. But SO HAPPY I found it again. Was worried it was gonna be discontinued or something. My mom bought the first backpack as a gift for me, going off to veterinary school. I've had it two years, and it was absolutely perfect with plenty of pouches for exactly what I needed. On days I had to travel heavy I simply had to unbuckle the extra support straps to allow the book bag to expand its fullest potential But on lighter days I could clip those straps back in in the book bag felt light and small again. At my worst I have loaded this bookbag with 40-45lb of books/notebooks & laptop/tablet. Never had any issues with support or straining my back or shoulders. The ONLY downside I ever had was the liner started pealing within the first year (that is what my "con" refers to). BUT I I think this book bag was never intended to be waterproof, and I definitely got caught in many downpours walking from my school to my car. I probably just didn't dry it out quickly enough to prevent water damage. Had to write a review, especially when I realized I was so in love with my old backpack that I couldn't stand the thought of getting a different one. (I would have had the first one mended had the damage not been so extensive!)

I just bought my second Recon after my first sadly lost a fight with a power-saw (long story, obvious the power saw won). I was devastated when my back pack had a hole spanning the entire bottom side, through the water bottle holder mesh, into both pouches, and through the padded laptop sleeve. (thankfully no laptops were harmed in this outrageous scenario) Took me a while to find this backpack again, as my mom bought it from a sporting good store, and they no longer make it in the color I have, so I didn't recognize it at first. But SO HAPPY I found it again. Was worried it was gonna be discontinued or something. My mom bought the first backpack as a gift for me, going off to veterinary school. I've had it two years, and it was absolutely perfect with plenty of pouches for exactly what I needed. On days I had to travel heavy I simply had to unbuckle the extra support straps to allow the book bag to expand its fullest potential... But on lighter days I could clip those straps back in in the book bag felt light and small again. At my worst I have loaded this bookbag with 40-45lb of books/notebooks & laptop/tablet. Never had any issues with support or straining my back or shoulders. The ONLY downside I ever had was the liner started pealing within the first year (that is what my "con" refers to). BUT I I think this book bag was never intended to be waterproof, and I definitely got caught in many downpours walking from my school to my car. I probably just didn't dry it out quickly enough to prevent water damage. Had to write a review, especially when I realized I was so in love with my old backpack that I couldn't stand the thought of getting a different one. (I would have had the first one mended had the damage not been so extensive!)

This pack features a lot of compartments and easy access storage, which I like a lot. The ability to stow items away knowing they are protected is great. But, then having pockets/pouches that are easy to get to are great for when I need my keys quickly, or sunglasses, or a hat. Super comfortable, and durable. I don't see myself purchasing a backpack for a very long time.

Perfect for pretty much anything

I'm an archaeologist working long haul in remote parts of Africa so durability and good layout are key; TNF Women's Recon is the best pack I've ever had. First, I had a TNF Borealis for years and it was INDESTRUCTIBLE but the layout of the pockets wasn't ideal and its capacity was a little small. I switched over to a larger pack by another brand. Big mistake. 1. Competitor's Pack was built for a big-shouldered guy and fully loaded it gave me back and neck strain. 2. after 3 field seasons (1.5 years), Competitor's Pack split seams and chest strap link broke. I returned to TNF looking for a bigger capacity than the Borealis. I was glad to see the Recon had a better pocket configuration and larger size, and a female version. Usually I'm not a fan of "gendered" outdoor gear (the "Ladies" version is usually higher price, less rugged, and in pink colors - no thanks) but for backpacks this really is useful, because my shoulders are narrow and packs built for men don't fit me right. The TNF Recon is a great fit, and it carries the same heavy loads that Competitor's Pack used to, without breaking down or throwing my back out. A few small suggestions for improvement: 1) It does not stand up on its own; why not design the bottom to stand up? 2) The outer pocket doesn't open that far so it can be difficult to get to stuff in its basal area. If you want to "bury" a wallet against thieves this is a good place to do so. Still, I would recommend extending the zipper on that pocket a bit farther down, perhaps with gussets so stuff doesn't fall out but you can accordion it open. 3) I would suggest a hidden zip somewhere for valuables. 4) Wouldn't hurt to have a rain fly option (maybe with dedicated pocket). 5) The current lineup of colors is not great for people who work in sunny, dusty areas: dark/vibrant colors fade or show dust, and white is terrible. Try for some tans and medium greys. 6) Thank you for high quality zipper pulls & hardware. Thanks!

I remeber when it first came out i was starting high school till this day i still have it and use it on my daily commute to work great sack!

The best thing I love about the TNF Recon is it's made of codura. The bag is straight to the point and durable. Having had 6 of them and watching how they evolved as a product over the years tells me it's a backpack That is reliable for everything going on life! Plus being 30% off also help sweeten the decision. Happy Hunting, I wish everyone please be safe, and thank you again TNF for everything you as company does for people.

I am a college student, I have to walk at least 2 to 3 miles daily. This bookbag was pretty expensive for me and it took me a year to decide to buy it. I think it was worth it because of how much back structure it has and how much it has helped me with my back pain! I love how it fits me, and it has a really pretty color. I love it a lot. I do wish there was a little bit more space for clothes for sports but I think the space given gives me the limitation to not hurt my back.

Use it daily for commuting to and from school, its compact, roomy, and fits everything I need. Only downside is that the 3rd pocket used for pencil storage extends into the main compartment making it difficult to take out or remove things from the main pocket.

I use this product for work/school.

I purchased this for my daughter. She is an artist in school and carries with her art supplies, large sketch books, and a laptop. She loves the pack because her sketch books and laptop fit well in the pack but it is still comfortable. The shape of the bag and support are wonderful. She loves the colors and the sturdy side pockets.

Just bought it for my daughter right before the school shutdowns but it is great quality and she will use it if and when school goes back!

I take it to work everyday. It's perfect fit for my laptop and documents. It's super lightweight, very comfortable and stylish.

Arrived quickly. Lots of pockets.