Customer Reviews The North Face Recon

Great backpack, super comfortable and supportive. I ordered the hydro green/snow cone red color and the color was not the same as the picture. I was expecting the turquoise color with the mint green accent color. It was actually a blue with a lighter blue accent color. I kept the backpack, I just really wish the colors were the turquoise I was expecting. Other than misleading colors, the backpack is fantastic!

I am replacing my old North Face backpack which I have owed for over 10 years. I don't know which backpack it was but the best I can tell the two are relatively comparable in size and function. My previous backpack had the zippers' stitches rip and come off the backpack fabric. My first impression of my new backpack its quality is inferior. The thick fabric that was used in my original has been replaced with thinner lighter material. I beat up my old backpack and I never once had a tear in the fabric. I feel this one will rip along the way. Though it does seem the issue with the zippers does seem to have been addressed with the new backpack. Also, the plastic used in the chest and waist clasps are much weaker. Though I will concede it's way too early to tell for any of my concerns.

Excellent pack for school. Modest capacity, but big enough for a couple of classes worth of books. The pockets and lap top pocket are well thought out and very well constructed. If you are looking for a good school pack, this one is an excellent candidate. I would rate it at five stars if the main compartment was 6 or 7 liters bigger.

Can be difficult to load things into main pocket but overall good amount of storage

I work on a college campus and I was looking for something that would fit my laptop and a few things to take to and from work. I also travel occasionally and was looking for a new backpack that would again fit my laptop and be a good carry on bag. The main compartment wasn't quite as big as I'd hoped. Once I got my laptop in that sleeve, there wasn't a ton of room left. I am still able to fit a notebook and some folders. I'm sure more would fit, it would just take a little effort to get it all in there. That's usually all I need to carry, though, so it was nothing that would lead me to sending it back.

Took this bag on a trip. Wanted a daypack that would double as my carry on for my 10 hour flight. Very comfortable. Lots of pockets for organization. Worked well for travel as well as for my bike and trips around town. A bit on the heavier side than other bags of compatible size.

good backpack, better than previous north face version.

For school!

This is probably the best backpack I've ever owned. It's clear a lot of thought was put into the design. It's extremely comfortable, adjustable, and there are pockets galore to give everything a proper place. The 15in laptop sleeve is great too, it holds my Macbook securely, while keeping it elevated from the ground for protection (another fantastic design concept). My only disappointment was I ordered the backpack in hydro green, and when it arrived I thought they sent the wrong one. The hydro green looks NOTHING like the picture. The backpack is extremely blue. I've asked several other people their opinion, and they agree it is not green, and looks nothing like the advertised photograph. I know this is a minor detail, but it was pretty disappointing.

I received this as Christmas present, however it was on my "wish list" for a long time! Not only is it presentable but it is also extremely durable. I do not really have any complaints, besides the stiffness/size, but you easily can get used to it. In general, I would recommend it and it is worth the buy.

Use it for college and hiking

Purchased this as gift for granddaughter. Her request was for this backpack due to large padded slot for laptop, light in weight and stylish!

My husband liked this backpack !! He can carry his stuff. I'm very happy about this present to him.

The orange yellow color is more light and bright. Give me a cheap product feeling. Not as beautiful as the picture posted like. I returned this one and ordered another black one. So far I like it.

I'm reviewing this for my 15 year old daughter. I ordered the Borealis because she liked the styling better (a back pack IS a fashion accessory, I was told) but she needed more space for multiple 1 inch three ring binders she carries daily to school along with I-pad and other notebooks, etc. She wanted it in black and she "loves it". I think she really needed the padding and fit for this overstuffed pack she lugs to school everyday. We had lockers in my day.....!

I use this for bringing my laptop and papers to and from work. The back support is nice. I have a 15" laptop and it just barely fits, wish that pocket would be been a little bigger.

Needs to be a bit bigger for computer to fit too!

My only complaint with this backpack was it did not do well in the rain. I was caught in a downpour and everything got soaked. I was surprised to find my hard cover glasses case was saturated clear thru to the inside. I was grateful I had my IPad in an OTTER case I otherwise believe this piece of electronic could have been trashed. Something to think about depending on where you will be using this item.

I use this backpack commuting to school everyday. It's comfortable and stays secure on me when I'm running to catch the subway. Also, it easily fits all my books and school stuff. I also use this backpack when I visit my boyfriend for the weekends: I usually stuff two outfits, some school books, laptop, a few toiletries, and even a pair of shoes in here. Only downfall that I wasn't expecting was that the back is very stiff. I had been using a flimsy old Jansport for years so I wasn't used to it, but it is necessary to protect your laptop.

I use this backpack for school. It is comfortable, though a little heavy. Holds a good amount of books and has great organization

This backpack has been perfect for commuting everyday to work and carrying my things including laptop, gym clothes and Kindle. There is padding in the large section for my laptop and padding in the smaller section for my Kindle, which is great.

I ride my bike to the train station everyday & then walk in the city to get to school. Overall the compartments to the backpack are great, it's very comfortable, and cute. However, I had this backpack for literally one day before I got something on it & tried cleaning it like the tag said and it was impossible. I now see marks all over the backpack which is driving me nuts. So frustrating that I paid over $100 for a backpack that now has so many flaws. Poor quality if it gets that dirty that easily. I got a darker color on purpose to hide marks, but I recommend black if that's an issue for you bc grey wasn't dark enough.

I use this backpack for school and am able to fit lots of bug books and notebooks in it at the same time.

This was a gift to my niece and she abosoultly loves it. She carries a lot of books everyday and her bags usually get worn out fast but this backpack has been helpful and still looking new after a few weeks now.

This is a good backpack for school if you do not have too many books and/or binders. It is deep but a little narrow. Lots of pockets for accessories and organization.