Customer Reviews The North Face Recon

My last North Face backpack (Surge II) lasted me twelve years of travel all around the world (and local travel as well), but I had to retire it as the waterproof lining inside the bag was starting to deteriorate and flake off. So I purchased the Recon backpack (in Asphalt Grey) a few weeks ago, and it's been great! The Recon is a touch smaller volume-wise than the Surge II (according to website specs), but I haven't noticed a difference in actually usability... at least not yet. I've already used the Recon on two local trips, and it's the perfect size for my needs (light jacket, snacks, camera with lenses, water bottles, laptop, tablet, small med kit). I like the easy-to-pull zipper tabs for the two main compartments, and the color is a very nice subtle dark grey (blends nicely with the TNF Black accents) that doesn't scream "look at me". Time will tell if this survives another thirteen years like my old backpack did, but so far, I have no regrets. Oh, one big plus are the super deep water bottle pockets. My old Surge II had only one water bottle pocket (and a rather shallow one at that).... causing my 16 oz aluminmum bottle to fall out if I was standing off balance (like bending over to pick up something on the ground). Not the case with the Recon... the pockets are MUCH deeper and more secure feeling (and I can cinch them down if needed). Overall, A+ bag and can't wait to explore the world with it!

It's a great backpack. One of the pockets gets in the way of being able to use the other one 100%, but besides that it's really well designed, really comfortable, and still has tons of space so I never feel like I need more

I love my new backpack! This is a replacement for my surge from about 8 years ago. The only reason it's not 5 stars is because I wish it had one more lather pocket.

I bought this for commuting and as a carry on. I thought 30 liters plus would be enough to replace another 30 liter pack. But all the internal separators, padding, zippers, and pockets actually reduce the functionality and space.

Love this backpack! Use it for work and travel. Plenty of pockets and room for my work needs as a project manager, as well as a great travel pack!

Not instuative, but love it otherwise for hauling a laptop

The External stretch-mesh pocket is too loose and seems broken or badly made. I'm really bummedthis wasn't the case for the previous model and was my favorite backpack on the market.

Beautiful backpack. It looked exactly as the picture.

Love it! Color is exactly like the photos. Backpack has a lot of space and the pockets are all functional.

Great quality!

A well crafted well designed backpack that has and holds many items with compartments to assist as well." I use it as my daily commuter pack to head into Manhattan..

Not the biggest fan of the new straps, but they're ok. Good bag, except the laptop compartment does not have a sleeve for iPad. Overall, satisfied.

I highly recommend the backpack. First, the quality is extraordinary. We used it for a hiking trip and it is still in perfect condition. It has many pockets which makes the internal order of things very practical.

Amazing backpack. I use it for school, hiking, and my soccer practice. It has a lot of space and is very compact. Despite putting a lot of heavy things into the Recon Backpack, when I wear it, it feels light and comfortable. Also, I like that one of the pockets is flat - it's especially good for holding a laptop and other devices with a flat screen. Additionally, I must say that this pocket does not crumple my school papers. I love all of the products the North Face offers because their products are durable and of high quality. Even I or any of my family members need something for sports, winter season, or school, I cannot recommend it more.

I downsized and am happy. I feel the big pocket is hindered a bit by the smaller front pocket otherwise would be a 5 star.

Very nice backpack Good quality Plenty of organization Very padded Comfortable to where Would recommend

It's awesome! I have sooooo much space now. I'm using for school and it's literally perfect. The front pocket is the best, I put the books I'm reading there. So easy to pick it up. And the color? Wow, so pretty.

This bag manages to keep a low profile while still having a lot of space. Excellent build quality and comfortable to use with the strap system employes The only reason I would not give it 5 stars is because while there are a lot of pockets, very few of them are "deep" pockets and the material on the straps don't feel as durable and could rip

I love this backpack!! It's a great color and has the perfect number of pockets. I've gotten multiple compliments on it.

Sturdy backpack. The pockets are super useful and the pack itself can hold a lot of items. Happy customer

Perfect size, ample storage, well built. Buy it!

Really love this backpack. It is very roomy but somehow also sleek.

Use it for school and the gym. Works great

Great backpack my son uses it for HS and fits everything from his laptop to all his books in there.

I use the product everyday and it's the perfect size for class for the gym or just traveling