North face recon review

Pack Hacker is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

At any given moment, I probably own around six backpacks — and not a single one of them functions perfectly the way I need it to. The promise of a do-it-all pack seemed far-off and ripe for concessions, but when I was given the opportunity to test the Recon 30L Backpack from The North Face, an everyday carry backpack with almost all of the bells and whistles, I was intrigued. It certainly ticked several boxes right off the bat. For a solid week, I used this backpack for all of my side jobs, adventures, and countless errands. Just its capacity to fit my inch laptop alone reduced the number of bags I needed to carry with me. Could this pack actually live up to the hype and do it all? My favorite feature is the extra padding that gave me peace of mind when carrying delicate items like my camera gear.

North face recon review

The Recon was among the highest-rated laptop backpacks we tested but scored just a little lower in a few of the significant tested ratings. It scored highly in the six categories we used to evaluate these backpacks: storage, ease of use, and water resistance. Our testers also thought it was one of the most comfortable packs to wear, both while walking or riding a bike. If you need a contender that can also be used out in the woods, this contender is an excellent choice, with water bladder compatibility and plenty of extra external pockets for clothing. The Recon scored very well in laptop protection just like its cousin The North Face Borealis , which is the second highest score we awarded, with an 8 out of a possible Still, there is much room for improvement. What we did like was that it had two pockets, a bigger one in the main compartment that holds a inch laptop, and a smaller one which can hold either a tablet or an 11" Chromebook. We also loved how the laptop pockets suspend mid-back, and the padding in the backplate stretches about three inches below the bottom of the laptop pocket to the bottom of the bag, a feature we found critical in ensuring the laptop doesn't take a hit when the bag sets on the ground. Both sleeves for your laptops are a bit snug, which made it difficult to get out in a pinch. The negatives that we would improve are that there are no securing straps for the laptop pockets; instead, this pack leaves the laptop free to shift around. Even though it is a snug fit for our 15" Macbook, it just felt a little too unprotected from movement.

The result is that the Recon looks and feels purposeful.

.

Pack Hacker is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more. The North Face Recon has lots of cohesive compartments and features, making it a well-balanced backpack at a competitive price. Save time. Get access to brief summaries of our reviews so you can browse and make decisions more efficiently. Disclaimer: We take the measurements of the bag provided by the manufacturer and compare them to the allowance listed on airline websites.

North face recon review

Additional Reviews. Sort by: Most Helpful Newest. Overall 5 Rated 5 stars out of 5. Overall, I love this bag. It was stiff at first but after a month or so the straps and back were more comfortable. The pockets are great, especially the fleece lined sleeves for a computer, tablet, and phone. It is also pretty water resistant as I walked across campus in the pouring rain and all my stuff stayed dry. The only downside is that the water bottle holders are not very durable. I always carry a water bottle and one of the holders started to tear after only having this bag for a few months.

Blue comforter target

The Recon also has two water bottle holders on the sides and a clip access front pouch for larger items. Follow Us On. Read more…. The Recon will truly shine for users who need to carry all sorts of different things during their commute or for those who also like the fact that it is a versatile day hiking pack. Email Name Website. Get your questions about the The North Face Recon answered from our team and the Pro Community right here on the page. The overall experience of carrying the Recon is a comfortable one. The North Face Recon Review If you are looking for an all-around pack to bring with you to work, on trips, and on short hikes, then this is an excellent selection. Compared to the bungee systems of the Jester and the Borealis, the mesh pocket has its obvious pros and cons. Fortunately, each component plays its part according to the script without any major issue. The seams on the Recon pack felt like they were going to withstand several years of constant use easily. The result is that the Recon looks and feels purposeful.

I have two of these packs, one for everyday and a back up in case something happens to the 1st.

The Recon also has two water bottle holders on the sides and a clip access front pouch for larger items. I was also impressed with the craftsmanship. We think it features some of the most comfortable shoulder straps. Just because a bag is listed as carry-on compliant here doesn't mean that the airline will interpret it that way. Sign up to get our 5 Minimalist Travel Hacks Guide. Standing at 30 liters, the Recon strikes a balance between a daypack and something you can use for travel. Subscribe Now Get adventure news and gear reviews in your inbox! Interestingly, the nylon has a subtle grid pattern, hinting that it may be of the ripstop variety. Learn More. Since this pack is intended for daily use, I understand keeping valuables secure is a priority. Fortunately, each component plays its part according to the script without any major issue. Get your questions about the The North Face Recon answered from our team and the Pro Community right here on the page.