GUIDE PICK: We chose The North Face Recon Backpack because it's the perfect, versatile pack for commuters, students and hikers alike. It's complete with tons of convenient features like a padded laptop pocket, stretchy mesh pockets for larger items, daisy chains on the sides to clip items to, reflective details, multiple compartments and organizers, water bottle pockets and easy phone access. Plus, its FlexVent™ suspension system is certified by the American Chiropractic Association, so you can feel good about putting it on your back. From high mileage to quick commute, this pack is a great choice.
About This Item
An updated version of an iconic backpack, the Recon now features a super light and durable suspension, a stretchable stash pocket, plenty of internal organization and the endorsement of the American Chiropractic Association.
Fit & Design
Webbing daisy chain offers lash points
Removable waist belt
Stand-up design
Dedicated, highly protective laptop compartment
Large main compartment for books and binders
Comfortable, padded top handle
The updated FlexVent™ suspension system, certified by the American Chiropractic Association, has articulated shoulder straps, a rounded back panel, comfortable stitch lines and soft-touch chemise fabric
External, fleece-lined pocket for sunglasses, phone or keys
External stretch-mesh pocket
Sternum strap with whistle buckle
Two external water bottle pockets that can also be used to stash items like your phone or keys
Front compartment has internal organization with secure-zip pockets and a padded tablet sleeve
Two side compression webbing straps
U-pull zippers are easy to grab
Additional Details:
Endorsement of the American Chiropractic Association
Stand-up design | Webbing daisy chain offers lash points | Removable waist belt | Padded top handle | Sternum strap with whistle buckle
Comfort
FlexVent™ suspension system with articulated shoulder straps | Rounded back panel | Comfortable stitch lines | Soft-touch chemise fabric
Closure
Easy to grab u-pull zippers
Compression
Two side compression webbing straps
Pockets
Large main compartment | External, fleece-lined pocket for sunglasses, phone or keys | External stretch-mesh pocket | Two external water bottle pockets can also be used to stash items like your phone or keys | Front compartment has internal organization with secure-zip pockets | Padded tablet sleeve
Laptop Pocket
Highly protective laptop compartment (18.9" X 11")
Padded Back Panel, Padded Straps, Sternum Straps or Hip Belt, Water Bottle Pocket, Internal Organization, Whistle Buckle, Padded Top Handle, Fleece-Lined Pockets, Front Access Pockets, Laptop Compatible, Padded Laptop/Tablet Sleeve
REVIEWS
4.7
89%
Recommended
1,332 Reviews
Tom
Verified Purchase
1 week ago
Great Backpack
Great for back to school. Stong and durability for the amount of stuff he puts in his book bag
Parsa
Verified Purchase
2 weeks ago
The quality is very good. I’m really satisfied with both the quality and the spaciousness of this bag.
Kade
Verified Purchase
2 weeks ago
The best back pack I’ve ever purchased. So usable due to all of the different storage compartments!
Whatever
2 weeks ago
Perfect Bag
It's just a backpack, but done well. Perfect amount of space & organization. Large main pouch & outside stash-pouch mesh. I've used mine almost daily in NYC for the past year & it's held up great. The only thing it needed was some waterproof spray because it will soak through in a heavy rain. Only complaint is they still use regular cotton thread for the name/logo stitching so it does fray after a while. Not really a big deal but just kind of weird they don't use a stronger thread for that so it lasts as long as the rest of the bag.
DClydeMill
1 month ago
Great Build And Look, One Design Flaw
I needed to replace an old "tactical" bag from another company. I researched many and read many reviews and watched many review videos and finally decided on the Recon. I needed a pack with organization features. The build of this pack is second to none, sleek, comfortable to wear, etc. However, the only reason I took one star was the so-called "external organization pockets," the ones where pens and miscellaneous items go. These pockets are best described as internal pockets with external access. A huge frustration is that when I have items in these organization pockets it creates a bulge on upper inside of the pack that is like a bottleneck that makes it difficult to get additional items into the bottom of the pack's main compartment. I carry a portfolio and a book in the main compartment and I like to put my lunch to the bottom of the bag, but the internal bulge created by having the organization pockets full makes it difficult to get additional items into and out of the main compartment. Other than that, the bag is nice.
Middlej13
1 month ago
Sadly Dissapointed
This does not compare to the QUALITY of the 2020 Surge backpack. I was reading into the modern Surge backpacks and they have changed a lot. They kept the name and the identity of the older Surge bags and relabeled it a Recon for some reason, but comes no where close to the same or better than 2020 Surge. The only flaw of the older version was the shoulder strap design. Other than that if it ain't broke don't fix it. I’m unfortunately returning this and may consider just keeping my old bag and somehow try to fix it. In my opinion massive downgrade. Not sure how or why it’s rated so high.
BKC123
1 month ago
Worst Backpack I Ever Used
I bought the backpack with a lot of hope. It was such an uncomfortable backpack. The ergonomics was so bad that it was hurting my back. Had way more expectation with such an expensive backpack.
GBsMom
Received incentive
2 months ago
Cool College Book Bag For My Daughter
My daughter wanted a bag with lots of space and a special compartment for her laptop. This bag was perfect. Large enough but not too big. Spacious and easy to carry.
waste of space
2 months ago
I Hate This Backpack. It's Unwieldy And Awkward.
Anything placed in the main front pocket makes it difficult or impossible to put things in the main compartment.
tamtemp
Received incentive
2 months ago
Spacious And Rugged
I bought this backpack because of the awesome green color and the spaciousness off the overall size and all the great features. The super soft cloth inside the compartment that could hold your phone or sunglasses is really great. I can't to use it in my outdoor hikes. The material feels rugged and I know it will last a good long time. I believe it's a fair price for quality. I love it!
Winston69
Received incentive
2 months ago
Perfect Work Bag
Nice stiff laptop section, cushioned straps, enough room for note pads and daily use items, clean and wears well. Perfect bag for many uses
BG4NYC608
2 months ago
Now This Is A Backpack!
I got my first one and loved it so much I had to get a 2nd one for my roomie here too. Both of us old but not dead so that sternum strap is really appreciated. The shoulder straps are super comfortable. Haven't used the waist straps as yet. Love the side pockets are not stretchy mesh (I avoid that). Love you can add to the bag via the daisy chains on either side (I like to strap my shopping bags to them). Water resistant for sure, not been out in a downpour to better judge that though. Great size and storage capability. At 67, this bag ought to last rest of my life (but I do wish there was a size smaller )
Steph
Received incentive
3 months ago
North Face Backpack
I bought this a week ago. It is a very sturdy backpack
Macaroni
Received incentive
3 months ago
Just What I Needed.
I bought this both as a daily commuting bag and for travel. It has enough room to pack all of my things and protect it. I’m very happy with the size and color.
Scho416
Received incentive
4 months ago
Great Backpack With Nice Quality And Size
Got this bag to replace my 4year old work bag and this is my first time using backpack as a work bag and it’s been great ! Very roomy and would definitely work as a travel bag as well