Customer Reviews The North Face Recon

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I ordered this product to use for college. I love it! I got the vintage white and new taupe green colored one, the white is a little less vibrant in person than online. I still really love the look of the backpack. A common complaint in the reviews was that the backpack cannot stand on its own, this is true. However, when filled it stands easier. The reason it does not stand on its own is because of the back support, which I would rather have than have my backpack stand freely. The only other thing is that the straps are a little uncomfortable, but its a fairly new backpack so with time it will probably get more comfortable. I expected to have more space in the middle packet, but it is enough room for what I need. Despite these few negatives, the backpack is great!

My daughter loves this backpack for college!

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!

After looking at a lot of backpacks, this one seemed to have the best features for commuting with a laptop. After using it for several weeks I now wish I could return it. 1) The pack is structured in such a way that it creases half way down when opened. This makes it hard to get items into and out of the bottom because it basically seal itself shut at the midpoint. 2) The accessory pocket exacerbates the crease. It's constructed as a pouch in the inside of the main compartment but isn't sewn all the way across the bottom. It happens to fall right at the crease mentioned above, so items constantly snag in this pouch when trying to squeeze them through the crease. Try so slide some items in and out of the bottom before you buy it.

I bought this for my son for college. He is in nursing and live this bag

I use the bag for school/work. Love the amount of small pockets and organization within them. I just wish the straps were a bit wider and more comfortable.

Great everyday bag for office and school

The middle pocket as half as much organizational pockets as the old version. Also the outside pocket doesn't have a class so everything will fall out if your backpack is upside down. Overall not as good a backpack as the old one. Except for the fact of the back support and venting.

I love this back pack. I have other teacher friends da using it as well and they love it. Easy to use and easy to wash. It's plenty room and very practical! You can use it for anything.

My daughter has used her previous North Face backpack for at least 7 years which has held up well. She will use this new one for work where she cares for small children and school.

It was good for school

I just got this bag, I carry a lot of items with me (including a Lenovo p51 which is veeery heavy) everyday and this bag gets the job done.

My daughter is a second year dental student and researched the best back pack for her needs. This met all her needs.

I got this backpack when I was 15 and have used it every day for school, hiking, travel, etc for the last five years. It's been to three continents so far! It looks a little rougher around the edges now, but it's still structurally sound. Even the color (purple with teal zippers) has stayed vibrant. The one issue I've had with it, and it might be fixed in the newer model, is the stretchy fabric that covers the padding on the back has gotten holes in it where the backpack sits above my butt. The fabric below the padding is still as strong as ever, though, and it'll soon be coming with me on a semester in Europe. I love that it's big and holds a lot, but that it's still light and comfortable. The straps around the hip and chest are a godsend when hiking.

Bought this as a bday gift for my husband who is very picky. He loved it! It has enough pockets to help keep him organized, it's stylish and lightweight. For a guy who buys what he wants when he wants it, I finally got a useful gift he didn't return!

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.

I had a recon backpack for 7 years. I used it daily for work & travel. I loved that pack and the layout of the compartments. It's well thought out and held up for 7 years with no issues. I noticed a zipper separating from the material one day so I returned it to TNF for repairs. They sent me a new Recon FREE OF CHARGE &it's better than the older model. It's laid out the same as the older model except they added a ldedicated laptop compartment. The new model is built like a tank yet very light and comfortable. I love it ND will buy another for my son. Highly recommend!!

It's a great all-purpose backpack. I use it on weekend trips, hikes, bring it work daily and utilize most if not all of the multi-faceted pockets every day.

Great customer service...love this company!

Awesome product! Northface is the only way to go!!!!

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

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

I purchased this for my daughter who is in High School. It has held up extremely well! She carries all her books in it daily since they don't have lockers. The shoulder straps are padded well and she loves it!

This will be a great gift for a new college student