Customer Reviews The North Face Women's Recon

I did a lot of research looking for a backpack for this school year. I didn't want to spend that much but ultimately I decided to just go for it. I was deciding between this one and the Surge and decided on this one because I thought the Surge had a lot of compartments that weren't going to be useful to me. I really like the color of this backpack. It's also very comfortable. The straps and back are really cushioned which is great because sometimes I have to carry a lot of things and it gets heavy. I also wondered if the side drink pockets would be big enough for a Nalgene water bottle and it was. I'm hoping the price will be worth it as in I hope it will last me a long time.

This backpack was nearly impossible to find anywhere else so I was SO EXCITED to see that Zappos was selling it. Yet another reason they're the best! Anyway, back to the pack. Fits perfectly. Colors are pretty much exactly as shown. I like that it's feminine without being super girly like a lot of other day packs. It holds a ton of stuff, but the weight is distributed so evenly that it never really feels heavy (unless maybe you're carrying bricks or something). The straps are really comfortable on my shoulders and there are so many ways to adjust the fit that this pack is perfect for everyone. I would absolutely recommend this product to everyone!

Absolutely love this backpack. Definitely can tell the difference between a women's recon bag and a regular one. The length of the bag is shorter so it's a lot more comfortable for me. I'm 5'3" and this bag is perfect for me. It's also easy to clean and there are so many pockets I can easily keep my things organized. I also have a 15" laptop that I bring and it easily slips into the sleeve. The bag is also made of light material so it doesn't weigh you down.

This has proven to be an excellent backpack. It is well designed with lots of pockets in lots useful places. The shoulder straps are well padded and comfortable.

I agonized over which pack to buy, and I'm glad I chose this one. The back and shoulder support is by far the best feature, but all the nooks and crannies make it one of the best day packs I've come across - especially for this price point.

I think I actually ordered mine from Amazon, but only after getting serious to buy it and wanting a particular color that Zappos didn't carry anymore. But I love Zappos, and I wanted to review it here as well since this is where I had originally found it. I went on a new backpack search after purchasing a Jansport for a long trip a couple years back, and ultimately being disappointed by the design. The bag was fine overall, but there is a fine line between organization and complicated where my wishes are concerned. This NF Recon seemed to fix all those issues. I pulled the trigger and got this bag in the offwhite/gray and neon yellow. Just recently I took a trip and used the bag to get a feel for how I will use it later on a long trip this summer... turns out I was right (and so were the other reviewers). I love it. It is so comfortable!! It has the back padding like other backpacks do, but unlike my Jansport, it didn't ever feel like I had a board on my back. It was more flexible, and something about the fabric or design kept it from feeling too hot/stifling. I found myself being the person who sat on buses or in airports with my backpack left on! My favorite feature is that you can tuck the waist straps away when not in use. I rarely travel in such a way that requires those, so I was thankful to have one less thing dangling off of me. Also on that note, the chest straps are contoured so well and the attachment clips aren't super dangly. They didn't bother me at all. The middle pocket with organizational pockets came in handy. It had a couple more pockets than I really needed, but nothing so excessive that it was in the way. I don't usually travel with anything bigger than an ipad mini so all of my electronics fit well into that "Middle" pocket (kindle, ipad mini, and pouch with headphones/chargers), leaving the large compartment for extra clothes or shoes (packed in cubes). I used the smaller pocket for sunglasses, wallet/ticket/easy access pieces, and the slip pocket was mostly kept empty but I did store a crossbody/clutch purse there. Fit perfectly and worked very well in that manner. Only complaints were: 1. the clip on the front slip pocket always managed to break my nail. not sure if that was more me or the design of the clip. I do love that pocket though! 2. the side pockets, which I used for my water bottle, were a tight squeeze. it was a contoured bottle that I used, and other designs might fit better, but it was kind of bothersome. I was able to clip the bottle to the outside just fine (which I didn't like), or tuck it in the big compartment but it was less convenient. I'm REALLY excited about using this backpack later this summer for a big trip to see how it holds up. I love the colors, and had trouble deciding. If not for the price, I'd probably get a few others. You can't go wrong with this backpack!

the perfect work backpack! a great neutral color. would buy 10/10 times!

Nice design and great color!

I love that I can fit everything I need for a flight in this bag and don't need to also carry a purse. It's also a beautiful color.

I bought this for traveling so I didn't need a purse and personal bag. I can fit everything needed for my trip and have it easily accessible. The backpack is comfortable to wear and fits everything I need, including my laptop or tablet.

This is a great durable backpack. Love it!

Perfect size for my travels with laptop, color is even better than it looks on picture! Absolutely happy with my purchase.

Obviously it's great, it's a north face bag. Bought this for my daughter, my old bag is like 10 years old and still works great.

My daughter loves it. It is the trend in private schools, every student owes one or more.

We love the recon backpacks! Spacious, organized, and comfortable!

Bought this for my 27 yo daughter to be used as her travel backpack. It is perfect and fits everything including her laptop!

Great backpack. Bought it for my college daughter and she loves it.

Love the color

AMAZING - fits everything and great for flying

This bag is perfect for light travel, day to day, and carrying all of the essentials. It fits well for walking around the city, and I love the color!

Love it! Can easily fit my laptop and love the pockets to help keep everything organized!

My daughter loves this backpack! holds everything needed for college school.

Had my last recon backpack for over 15 years, didn't even really need a new one but after debating for about a year I finally got a new one. This backpack exceeded my expectations. I was skeptical before because I didn't think the new style was anything like the old style (i.e. the front mesh pocket). I'm so glad it's style mimics the older version, and is more practical and discreet.

This is my second north face backpack. Had the first one for 15 years and took it all over Europe. Love this product.

Purchased this backpack for my daughter who just started middle school. We both loved the color, especially since we are entering winter, which is usually dark and gloomy. The straps and the bag itself is very sturdy and definitely holds all the texts books and other things she has to carry around.