Customer Reviews The North Face Recon

Overall very solid backpack replacing my older Surge north face. I love the aesthetic and quality of materials. Very deep excellent side pockets for my 46oz yeti. Only gripes is compared to the surge there is significantly less usable space (obviously a smaller pack). The pocket w the mesh organizer is only halfway deep as opposed to full clamshell opening. Due to this, it stuffs up very quickly and protrudes significantly into the top half of the main compartment which reduces usable space. Also I wish the laptop compartment was more like the surge w the extra organization flap. Overall happy w it though and like the look, function, and silhouette

I used recon backpacks for school, commuting by bike, day trips, pretty much everything. I've owned recon models since perhaps 2008. I was forced to buy the new 2022 model when my old recon backpack (2016ish) was stolen. The materials seem high quality and there seems to be more water proofing but that's where the benefits end. There have been some strange design choices that make it hard to recommend. The newer model is definitely narrower. When you load up two water bottles the main pocket volume is reduced immensely due to the design of the water bottle sleeves. They seem cut into the internal space of the bag rather than protrude. Also the water bottle sleeves are no longer elastic, they're solid rubber, so if your water bottle is even a little too big, then too bad, they won't fit. This combined with the main pocket being so small, I barely fit my usual daily things in it. The side straps for cinching down the thickness of the back are permanently fixed rather than buckles now. This could be a problem if you really want to expand the bag and load it to the max. But ultimately the bag doesn't expand as much as the older models so perhaps this isn't an issue. The secondary pocket with smaller pouches and pen/pencil slots is now only half the depth of the bag, it doesn't go all the way down, it stops half way. So you really only get one full main pocket and half a pocket for storage. There is now a dedicated zipper pocket for laptops which is sort of nice but it's so big you sacrifice a huge amount of volume for it. It could easily accommodate a 17in laptop, my 13in laptop is basically lost in a giant cavern and I can't really use that space for anything else. It's kind of wasted space. It's robust and protective, but way too much volume is wasted. The straps seem narrower on the new model, and denser/firmer. The straps attach to the body with a short piece of nylon strap which is different, I'm not certain how that would impact longevity. It seems to increase mobility and flexibility of the strap though. If you've never owned the previous Recon backpacks you may not notice anything amiss. It's a high quality backpack overall. Coming from owning several previous models, this new one feels like a downgrade: smaller, narrow main pocket. 1/2 size secondary pocket. Laptop pocket is ridiculously large. Water bottle holders are not elastic and eat up internal volume. Cinch straps are permanently fixed rather than buckles. Bag doesn't expand at all, much smaller volume.

Great for gym or work clothes. Packs a lot

Great backpack and nice color.

Rich, beautiful color. Quality construction and useful features. Very roomy backpack.

Nice for younger student. Smaller backpack that could use more storage and depth when hauling the whole school day or office.

My son's a physician, this was on his birthday list, so I bought for Christmas. Well made, loved the soft fabric lining etc.

It's good

Really versatile backpack that I use for everything. It is great for daily commuting and day hikes. Love the separate zipper pocket for my laptop. Water bottle pockets on the side actually hold my water bottle without it dropping (older versions were way too short)

Best backpack ever!!

This backpack is just the right size! Not too big and not too small. My husband and I do a lot of subsistence all year round, this backpack is perfect for holding our gear and snacks! Plus I also do a lot of traveling for work, this pack is so convenient for my work gear and travel! 5/5, definitely recommend if you're looking for something easy to carry!

I use this as my go-to day hiking back pack when I just need the essentials. It's comfortable and simple. I'm 6' 4" 220 with wide shoulders and it fits me just fine.

I love the color! The zipper pulls, the thick shoulder straps, and the hip and trust straps are fantastic.

Backpack is compact and lightweight. Not too spacious but gets the job done.

I purchased this bag to replace a 15-plus-year-old version of the same bag I use for work. It offers enough space and options for a laptop and other work-related items. Overall, I highly recommend this backpack to anyone needing a reliable, high-quality bag.

Great pack, especially for the price. This is now my designated pack for day hikes. Perfect size, not too many unnecessary pockets, and very comfortable. I use the outer mesh pocket for quick access snacks for my kids.

Love it carry all my important papers n devices everywhere I go

Good quality of work and materials, comfortable to wear, stylish. would buy again

For traveling

Best backpack ever

This one sold me on the fact that it not only has plenty of space, it zips all the way from side to side. My other one purchased over a decade ago only zips from top to bottom on one side which made things more complicated for me. Thank you!

I bought my first North Face backpack to use for commute to and from work as well as for business travel. Although the city and corporate offices isn't where you'd expect a backpack like this to be, it's the best in class for my use. Comfortably fits my 15" inch laptop, iPad, journals and charging cables. The plush inside lining of the smaller pockets are perfect for items that can scratch easily The flex vent technology keeps you cool and everything is well support and doesn't but a strain on your back even though I can be carrying between 5-10lbs in one go

Great daily backpack! Love the different compartments and it all feels well made.

Very good back pack for work! Is able to hold all my belongings and 40 oz water bottle!

I have had this pack for 3 months, I carry a ton in it and have not had any issues. I have 30 backpacks from various brands. Never had a problem with warranty replacement for any issue, especially after 2 weeks! From Osprey/Mystery Ranch/Pantagonia/STM/Burton. I find it hard to believe that NF would not cover strap tearing only after two weeks or atleast repair it...Maybe so without proof of purchase...? I would hope they would not tell Jimmy Chin this!