Customer Reviews The North Face Recon

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.

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

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.

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 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.

It was good for 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.

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.

This will be a great gift for a new college student

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!

I use the backpack for school!

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.

My backpack started ripping and the lining started peeling less than a year after purchasing it. Plus, the main compartment is awkward and doesn't allow me to easily get what I need. I've had a Jansport Big Student for several years, and regret switching over to TNF.

I bought this as a gift for my daughter, a sophomore in college. She loves it & says it's perfect. I usually buy a new backpack for her at the beginning of each school year. North Face has a great reputation & stands behind its merchandise. I'm hoping this will be the last backpack I buy for her.