The North Face Recon Backpack

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
  • Laptop Sleeve: 18.9" X 11"
  • Dimensions: 11.6" X 7.5" X 19.3"
  • Volume: 30 Liters
  • Brand : The North Face
  • Country of Origin : Imported
  • Style : NF0A52SH
  • DSG Pro Tips
  • Fabric : 210D recycled nylon ripstop / 300D heathered polyester / 600D polyester
  • Web ID: 21TNOMMRCNXXXXXXXTRV

REVIEWS

4.7
89%
Recommended

1,332 Reviews

Tom

Verified Purchase

Great Backpack

Great for back to school. Stong and durability for the amount of stuff he puts in his book bag

Parsa

Verified Purchase

The quality is very good. I’m really satisfied with both the quality and the spaciousness of this bag.

Kade

Verified Purchase

The best back pack I’ve ever purchased. So usable due to all of the different storage compartments!

Whatever

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

North Face Backpack

I bought this a week ago. It is a very sturdy backpack

Macaroni

Received incentive

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

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

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Q&A

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