Customer Reviews The North Face Recon

It's very spacious lengthwise, but it is a squeeze getting binders in there. It is not super wide, but that allows it to have a smaller platform and not feel so heavy on your back when weighed down. As a school bag it is fine, but I can image if I used it for it's intended purpose of hiking or camping, it would be perfect.

I have been using this backpack for a couple of months for high-school. It is pretty good and I like the backpack appearance and how it distributes the weight of many binders, notebooks, and textbooks. The front mesh is so useful for quick-access items like a hat, keys, brochures, etc.. I haven't utilized the daisy chain system yet, but I heard that you could attach bungees to behave similarly to the Borealis backpack, where you can stuff extra clothes or other items. However, you do have to pack smart (and less) due to the backpack's slim profile. When you have lots of books/notebooks/folders/binders, everything is stressed and gets squished pretty easily (which increases the difficulty in taking in or out school items). This backpack would be perfect for students attending schools that have lockers, or if you just pack less in general. Additionally, you have to keep in mind that the backpack is very prone to fall over when you set it to stand vertically (unless there is a lot of space taken up) due to the slim profile. There are some things I wish the backpack could be improved on: PLEASE ADD strap loops on all of the straps (it gets messy and confusing), improve zipper quality (the zippers are decent, but compared to other bags in this price range, it feels cheap), ADD A FALSE BOTTOM for the laptop compartment,

Backpack needs chest support straps.

This bag is awesome. My only complaint is that my aluminum water bottle on several occasions has slipped out of the side pocket even though I have tightened the strap, its an average 24oz bottle, so in that regard it is not safe compartment unless you're okay with dents. I have no issues with the bottle holder with my Jester or Borealis both bags I have owned in the past.

I use it as a business backpack. Laptop sleeve is nice, well padded. Like the large water bottle holders on each side. Wish there was another sleeve in the large compartment to keep folders and paper organized.

Great for traveling

The compartments dig into each other a bit and the waist straps are extremely hard to remove. Overall though, the rest of the features are good.

The North Face Recon Backpack is a versatile and almost the best designed choice for anyone in need of a reliable and functional backpack. With its sleek design and robust features, this backpack caters to both casual users and outdoor enthusiasts. the one thing the would make this backpack perfect would be if the shell could open completely instead of the half opening from the top. Pros: Ergonomic design with excellent comfort and support Large storage capacity with an organization compartment (that could be larger) Durable and water-repellent material Padded laptop sleeve and organization pockets Reflective details for enhanced visibility Cons: The opening should completely open the backpack instead of the half opening to make easier to pack The price point might be higher compared to some other backpacks on the market

Size is great, but my son complained how it does not have reinforced bottom

had the previous version for 5 years. the mesh on the side pockets ripped. this version has stronger side mesh pockets. it's able to stand up a little better, which is nice. but not sure about the front mesh, feels like it won't hold up for the long-haul.

Used as a backpack for high schooler. Able to carry load without the struggle of his old backpack. Love the comfort and support.

Classic NF backpack. Sturdy with lots of space. I chose this one as it did not have the elastic cords on the outside. Won't stand up if you cinch the straps on the bottom, but that's just the tradeoff for making it smaller (a useful function).

This backpack works for what I need. It is not as big as I thought it would be and there are no clips on the side. So far it has held up nicely.

I wish the middle pocket wasn't a half pocket. Other styles have full middle pockets. Disappointing. Good overall style though.

The mesh tore while putting a soft lunch bag in it. I though that the mesh would be more durable than that.

School backpack. Though wish it had a slot for iPad.

I wish more backpacks were made like this. If It was waterproof, it would be one of the world's best bags ever made!!

Overall like the backpack however it isn't as big as expected so I cant fit everything I want.

I use it for school every day, and it's just what i need.

The quality on the backpack was great. The material itself is light but you can tell it is strong. The zippers, straps and stitching are very high quality. The only improvement would be to add more full sized pockets, outside of the main opening.

My son wanted this backpack for high school. It has a lot of straps that (thankfully) can be adjusted or removed.

It's a great product I wish more of the pockets had the super soft fabric like the top one does.

I haven't even used yet, but it looks spectacular.

This is a well made and big backpack. Only complaint is that it is a bit heavy.

I use the backpack everyday. I mainly use it for travel and to carry my everyday items. The backpack has plenty of space. It has a laptop compartment and a soft lined Swing compartment in the front for sunglasses / reading glasses. I much rather have the mesh lining for the water bottles on either side. Overall, the backpack is perfect for what I need it for