Customer Reviews The North Face Recon

I use this backpack for college, and I can actually fit all of my books for once!! it may seem like a small accomplishment, but not when you've had to carry half of your books or leave some behind for years. I absolutely love this product and plan on using it for many different purposes for example traveling or hiking, with it's great. back support. This backpack could really be used for just about anything. Also, on a side note, the computer pocket is soft and padded so I don't have to worry about my laptop getting banged up. I'll probably never choose another backpack again for school, although it is a little pricey, don't let that turn you away.

I had this exact same boo bag 6 years ago, and about a year ago I decided to replace it with this new one. It was probably the worst decision I have ever made. This bag has like a back plastic like panel that is so sharp and painful on your legs when you try to sit the bag on your lap. It is now completely ripped at that bottom part. In addition to this, within the first 3 ish months of having this bag, the right side of the strap started to rip at the stitching of where the mesh started, extremely disappointed. I really did expect something of higher quality from TNF, considering I have bought this same book bag in the past. I am a college student, so it is not like I really over use my bag. All I ever carry in it are 2 notebook, a planner. and my computer with a charger and maybe some snacks.

I got this backpack as a gift, and after eyeing it for about 3 months, I finally got it! It is a great backpack that is comfortable with the back panel and shoulder straps, and it has lots of pockets to keep my things in. Hoping to use this backpack for as long as I can!

I use my Recon for college and the gym. I needed a bag to fit all my school stuff (laptop, chargers, pens, a binder), and my gym stuff (shoes, change of clothes, toiletries). Fitting everything in there at the same time was important for me as I often go straight to my workout from class. After experimenting for a bit, I managed to pack all my stuff in there, while having everything still accessible, with some room to spare. My only gripe about this bag is the lack of water resistance. I have seen some videos of the Borealis withstanding water but neither the Borealis or Recon are advertised as water resistant. Fortunately, I live in sunny Southern California, so the chances of me getting caught in a downpour is slim to none. It would be nice if the bags were officially water resistant as I plan on taking my Recon on my travels and I won't be guaranteed sunny weather everywhere I go. Overall, this is still a 5 star bag and I am very satisfied. Thanks TNF!

I have used this backpack for less than a year and there are already holes in the side water bottle pockets. This never happened with my 2 previous Borealis backpacks. Also, the internal pocket design of this backpack makes it very top-heavy and it doesn't sit up well on its own, making it not ideal for use at school. The only things I really like about the backpack are that it is comfortable and the rigid laptop pocket. Overall, I will not buy another Recon backpack.

I have had 3 of these. The first one was bulletproof. Washed it many times. The second one seemed great, but I washed it a few times and it fell apart. So I bought a third one and washed it once and the whole side of the pack blew out. complete junk!

I love all the pockets it has available and that it has straps to compact the bag. That it also comes with a waist strap for when i go day hiking. Another big thing is the water bottle compartment can fit a 40oz flask which not a lot of backpacks can do. Overall a great backpack for school and commuting and i plan to use it for travel and hiking

I use this product to carry my laptop and files and notebook(s). Plenty of room for everything...including a water bottle or 2 in the side pockets. Smaller pockets outside hold the extras like phone, pens, charging cables and even a tablet. Holds everything I need and still lots of room! Very comfortable to wear as well!

I bought my daughter a North Face backpack before she started High School and she used it 4 years of High School and 4 years of College. I just bought a new one for her to use at her new job. She recently graduated nursing school and has her BSN RN. She will start her job soon at Arkansas Children's Hospital and this backpack was her number one request. I also bought one for my freshman in high school before school started last August.

I bought this backpack for my son to use for school. He loves the color and design. I love that it is lightweight, has excellent support and is comfortable. His last backpack had no support and was hurting his back. This one has a waist belt, a chest belt and very cushioned straps. It is lightweight and doesn't hurt his back. It also has lots of pockets and helps him keep organized. I will stick with the North Face from now on. Great quality, great support and great features.

I use this every day for school and it's great!

The backpack is very stylish and comfortable to wear. I can get most of my school supplies that I need inside.

Carry my laptops and papers for work!

This backpack was extremely small. The main pocket only fits two 3 subject notebooks comfortably. The laptop pocket was great for the computer however, uncomfortable against the back. This backpack is not meant for students who carry multiple binders and notebooks, it may work for office use.

This is my second North Face backpack and it is great for use in high school and college. I commute on a bus to campus and it is compact enough that it doesn't take up extra room but it is also roomy enough to fit all of my notebooks. I also love the laptop sleeve for my computer!

I use this backpack commuting to work. Very stylish.

I love North Face!! It is one company I can really count on, and it lasts for so long that I never have second thoughts about buying from here. You can find whatever you need and I really appreciate that! Thank you for making high quality products.

This product is great! I was due for a new work backpack and it meets all my needs.

The design of this backpack seems like it would work great but once you use it you realize it doesn't work well at all. The laptop compartment in the back works fine, although the compartment is really rigid and doesn't seem like it would be comfortable to have against your back. The real issue is the main compartment. The zippers only go halfway down the bag which makes it difficult to get things in and out. The bag does have quite a bit of space in the compartment but it's nearly impossible to get things in the compartment. This bag was a gift for my 7th grade son who is using it for school - he normally carries his chromebook as well as a 1" binder, 1 or 2 notebooks and a lunch box in it. Doesn't sound like a lot to but it's a struggle every morning to get the backpack loaded up for the day due to the issue with the zippers. I'm sorry I bought this one - it is a complete waste of money.

Great Backpack!!! I've had a Recon Backpack for the last 14 years and have used it everyday since. my previous bag was my college bag, then it became my work/travel/everyday carry backpack. Because of the 14 years of constant use it had seen better days, but is still a great bag. This new one is just an gift to myself and it is a gift indeed. Great upgrades from my older bag. Love the computer specific pocket in the back and how it differs from what i had as a main pocket with a sleeve inside for the computer. Every large main pocket for all of the other items/ tools/packed lunch/ sweatshirt or jacket, it's just amazing! I would recommend this bag to anyone and everyone. Great for school, work, travel, the occasional off the beaten path day hike or even an overnight hike for those like me that just need a hammock and a couple of good trees to sleep under.

I use this backpack for school and it is perfect because I can fit books, my laptop, and my food.

Used for academic purposes!

Quick change from school use to weekend bag. Very versatile bag. My 3rd NorthFace Backpack! I love them. They are just suitable for my demanding life, at work, at college, at play. I am 41 now, I still have my classic from high school and my outdoor backpack! Still going strong!

My son is 17 and uses it for high school... it's durable and has room for lots of books notebooks including sports stuff

I use the product for both business and for school. I'm a former lobbyist who's going back to school to finish my degree and pursue a law degree. I feel like I made the best choice with getting this backpack. It's got a great design and the build is superb. I never expected to fit as much in it and it still doesn't "poof" out like older style backpacks would have. This is a one stop shop pack and can even be used as a hiking pack and day pack if I went away for a night.