Customer Reviews The North Face Recon

Ok so I had this backpack for about four months before the straps completely ripped off. Grated, I'm a student...so I cary fairly heavy books. But this backpack is built for hiking and other very trying activities, and the fact it broke after just four months of use is disappointing. I like the style of this backpack and its pretty roomy, but the seams were just so weak. I'm gonna give this pack another try (maybe it was a manufacturing issue?). Anyways, I would just be aware of the weakness of the straps of this product, especially if you carry heavier items.

I mainly purchased this backpack for college, but I use it for literally everything in between. This backpack has been around the world and has been perfect! I love all the space and the well designed pockets. Also, there's enough padding and support so it's always comfortable.

I currently have an all-black Recon thought I purchased back around 2004. It replaced a red and black Recon that was stolen. I have travelled thousands of miles with just this bag. It can easily be a weekend bag. I love putting my shoes in the water bottle holders and jackets in the outside mesh pocket. The only thing I see missing in the current model is the keychain holder that really comes in handy when the bag is full and you want to find your keys in a hurry. The front top pocket zipper on mine broke years ago and I just sent it in for repair. I look forward to using it for years to come once I get it back!

I have had this North Face Recon backpack for two years and it still feels and looks like new. I believe this is a must if you are looking for a new backpack while in college. Not only should it be a backpack that you feel comfortable carrying around but also a backpack that you know will last you a long time. Any college student will like this because of its easiness to stay organized, its redesigned suspension for all day support, and quick access to side pockets to either hold your belongings such as keys or water bottle. Support: As student in college having a backpack that will provide the support that you need for all your books, notebooks, and laptop is essential. What I love about this backpack is that it provides extra padded support in both the shoulders and back. On both arm straps there is wide padding underneath the straps that runs along your shoulders and chest. This feature helps avoid that direct contact with the strap that can sometimes dig into your shoulders if your backpack is extra heavy. The padding on the back side of the backpack is really great because I am a person that gets back pain easily, and if my backpack is too heavy or I have been carrying something heavy for too long it creates even more pain. The padding can serve as a cushion or layer between what's inside your backpack and the backpack material that sometimes isn't very thick that will be touching your back area. Compared to my older backpacks that have ranged from Nike to other North Face styles, I can see feel the difference and support this bag truly does have. Lastly, there are adjustable straps that it comes with, which are some around your waist, in front of your chest, and along the sides. For my likeness, I think there are too many straps, and it is overwhelming adjusting all of them. However, they are removable. This lets me individualize it to how I like it.

I really like the colors of this bag. I love all of the compartments. I've been using this backpack for school and some light travel for just over a year. There are no tears, fading, or any damage whatsoever, it is very durable. When I first got this bag, I noticed it was very stiff but was hoping it would loosen up but to this day, it is still stiff in the part against your back and in the shoulder straps. The padding is still stiff and I don't notice any benefit with the FlexVent. The bag itself is light, but once you put a notebook and a pencil case in it, it starts weighing more. The computer sleeve is slightly too small for my HP Envy laptop but with a little wiggling, it slides right in just enough for the bag to zip. Once you add a computer, the bag gets extremely heavy and can hurt your shoulders. For me, on a regular school day, I will have my laptop, chargers, one spiral notebook, a pencil pouch, odd things that I keep in my bag (gum, snacks, hair ties, etc.), and a water bottle. If I try to put anything else in my bag, I have to push and shove to get it in there. It seems very tight considering I only have a thing laptop and one spiral notebook. If you need to take a lot of textbooks to class, you will end up carrying them. One thing that really grinds my gears about this bag is that it has the hardest time sitting up on its base. I will have it full with everything I need for the day but it will not sit up on its base by itself, it always needs to be leaning against something or just laying on its back. Mine always ends up sliding and falling onto its back, even when I am putting my items in it! Really annoying, especially when you are in a rush and the bag is not participating. It gets the job done, though. Great quality and color.

This is wonderful! I initially hesitated when buying this because it was so expensive. However, it is well worth the money. I am a student, so I carry around a ton of books/food/supplies, and my backpack gets very heavy. This is the only backpack that I've tried that doesn't show signs of wear immediately. Legit the other less expensive backpacks have given up on me within a month or two. This one is also sturdy and manages the weight well. It is super comfortable! 10/10 worth it!

This thing was awesome! Carried our water, some snacks, a camera and lenses, laptops, extra clothing and more! My favorite part is how comfy the straps are. This will be used for many trips to come! This was ideal as a carry on for airport travel as well.

I've had this pack back for two years, and it's still usable. However I do have my qualms. The bag fits my everyday school supplies (2 books 2-4 binders) and not much more. I liked all the pockets, everything in my bag has it's place. My biggest issue is how quickly it looked dirty, my bag is the zinc grey and surf green, and the green is disgusting to me now. Other issues are how hard the straps and back are, and the water bottle pockets developed large holes in the mesh. Also I don't think you're going to be fitting a soccer ball in the front mesh pocket anytime soon.

The pictures on the website don't show just how big and how many pockets there are and I was pleasantly surprised to see that the front pocket it bigger than shown online and there is a pocket below the very very small pocket (it doesn't have a zipper so isn't obvious that it's a pocket) can't wait to start using it!!!

I go to college and I have has used it for 3 years and it is amazing. It rains a lot where I live and it rarely leaks water into the inside. Overall a great bag and I love it.

I really love this backpack! I've used it since my junior year of high school and I'm now a sophomore in college. I used to use under armour backpacks but every year I would have to get a new one because a binder would rub through the fabric and there would be holes everywhere. Granted I've always been one to pack a ton of binders and notebooks in my backpack, but it's still annoying to buy a new backpack every year. This one is very comfortable and has a ton of space. All of my friends have the borealis backpack but I got this one for its bigger size/more pockets. The only downside I have about this backpack is the fact that there are so many straps and buckles in the back of the backpack. I simply buckled them all together and they lay flat against the back and they no longer bother me. I also wish I got a color other than the white/grey because as much as I love the way it looked brand new it's so dirty now and I'm super OCD about that. Overall this backpack is absolutely worth the price I don't see mine needing a replacement anytime soon.

Awesome backpack! I have had this bag for the last 4 years. I most used it it for school, day trips and traveling. I want to buy the newest version but the bag last so long, I have no reason to replace it.

My every day carry for general use/short travels/gym - best bag on the market at this price point.

I love this product because I can use it for everything. I use it for school and when I go on trips (short and long trips), and I have never wished it had more space and it always holds up. I have had it for 2 years and it is just like it was when I received it. Great product, lots of space, comfortable, and it looks on the verge of being a bit campy but yet looks modern.

I have had this backpack for a year, so I do feel able to give an honest review. Cons: I purchased this backpack in the sea foam green color. In the picture it appears to be a mint color, however the bag I received is more green and is made of a different material than the picture. - This backpack was smaller than I expected, however I do pack a lot each day for school. So if you are a high schooler who does not bring a ton of textbooks, it should work for you. - Ths shoulder straps on this backpack are hard. When completely full and heavy this backpack hurt my back and shoulders. It especially made my neck muscles tighten. Pros: - Overall I would say the backpack is good quality. I have not had anything break and the zippers work fine. - The fleece lined pockets are nice for glasses, electronics, etc. - Every compartment in the backpack is extremely useful and they are set up in an easy to use way.

I love this product! I got it in purple and blue, and although the purple is darker in person than what is shown on the website, it is still very cute. It can hold everything I need easily and the backpack helps it feel light!

i loved the backpack but its a little stiff, i think i need to break it in and use it for a while. the only thing i don't really like is that there are a lot of tassels to tighten the straps. its great for outdoors and hiking but for work or school the straps and tassels get in the way

I really like this backpack, and it fits my books and computer well. The sole problem with it is that the mesh on the back of the backpack ruins your clothes. Every article of clothing I've worn while wearing my backpack has pills all over the lower back. When moving, the back pack's mesh moves back and forth tearing at the fabric of your clothing. I wouldn't buy this product again, and I'm now looking for a backpack that won't ruin hundreds of dollars of clothing.

I've owned my Recon backpack for upwards of four years now, and it's easily the most sturdy, reliable and functional pack I've ever owned. I carry so much stuff for school on a daily basis, there are some days I can't pick up my bag with one hand because it's so heavy. But after years of constant use and very heavy loads, this bag hasn't ripped, torn, or let me down once. It has shielded my laptop and books from the constant Oregon downpour and fits everything I need easily and in an organized fashion. Though I may eventually upgrade to a new pack, I will surely be returning to TNF to purchase it, as they have definitely proven to me that they make quality products that last through any and everything - I highly recommend this bag!!!

This is my favorite backpack I've ever owned. I can't speak to the color being accurate or not, mine is two years old. However, this pack is so comfortable and practical and I use it for college, my day camp job, and for day hikes. It has been a lifesaver for my back having two straps, especially when I'm carrying lots of water and/or books. I love the laptop sleeve for my macbook; it feels very secure and safe if I knock into something with my pack. The two water bottle holders are convenient and hold a nalgene which is really important to me. The front pocket is great for wet clothes or anything you don't want inside your bag. The little pocket is great for a phone and a few other small necessities. Great organization inside. I am a little sad that it's wearing out already, as I've only had it two years, but I do wear it 300 days a year I'd say so I guess that isn't too shabby! I could certainly get a lot more use out of it, but the bottom is starting to pill and the water bottle pockets have very very small holes in them now. It is no longer nice enough to wear on campus, but I'll keep it for outdoor adventures!

I bought this backpack for my first year of college, knowing that in the past I really liked backpacks from North Face. Before my second semester I bought a new backpack from a different company because this one was so uncomfortable to carry. It hurt my back, the straps would rub my arms and neck, and it wasn't even big enough to be carry all the notebooks I needed in a day. I will not be purchasing again due to the fact that you are spending so much money on a bag that hurts your back so badly when you've only been carrying it for 10 minutes. Very disappointed.

If you were to by this backpack you should go to the store and check it out before buying it.

This product is amazing! not only does it have great padding, which prevents back pain, but it also has great storage compartments that help you stay organized. This product is very durable and holds all of the things that you would need every day. I recommend this product because it will help you stay comfortable and happy while you are completing your day to day activities. bottom line..... GET THIS PRODUCT!!!!

This is a great backpack!!! - and I'm a tough critic. I shopped around heavily and nothing compares for all-around-daily-use. As a Brooklynite (no car) I use it daily for carrying every-thing for work commute, lugging around workout gear/professional gear, air-travel/weekend get-aways, and getting groceries/supplies. Simply put, it's my man-purse with extra cargo space for business and travel. I use the backpack so much it (they) become too grungy to be "presentable" so every few years I buy a new one - donating my old (after cleaning it best I can). I've gone through 2 and will likely replace my third soon. Owning several generations of this backpack design, I've seen it evolve over time and get better with each version. Still, one improvement I'm waiting for Northface to implement would be making the interior with a "high-contrast" bright colored material (like professional camera equipment bags do) as that the (typically) black interior makes finding things an unnecessary struggle - and as my "man-purse with extra cargo room", you can imagine that finding all those little things fast gets frustrating - particularly in low light environments. - fixing this is easily engineered by using bright "high contrast" colors for interior materials (hint hint Northface). Note: I have consistently busted the front chest strap on all my bags. The chest-strap has an elastic component which makes it more comfortable but doesn't hold up over time - a fix for this could/should be engineered (...) Also note: eventually the zipper will tend to habitually snag on the "rain flap/deflector" for the zipper - which isn't uncommon given the heavy use/wear but this too could/should be engineered better.

Everything was great about this book bag and how spacious it was with a lot of useful pockets. I used this for 2 years in a row and is getting it again for school!