The North Face Recon Backpack Review
(2023 Update)
The North Face’s Recon Backpack has a variety of large storage pockets for all of your daily necessities. Also included on the Recon are a ventilating mesh back panel and ergonomic shoulder straps for carrying comfort. For more, read the full 2023 North Face Recon Backpack review below.
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CONTENTS
Product Card
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Size: 19.5" H x 14" W x 9.5" D
Volume: 31 L
Warranty: Lifetime
Material: Nylon Ripstop
Laptop Sleeve: Yes
Hard-Wearing North Face Bag
The dependable North Face Recon Backpack is a versatile daily bag with plenty of storage space. Among the Recon’s notable features are a bright bike-light loop for increased visibility at night, twin side water bottle pockets, and front elastic straps for external gear storage.
Like all North Face packs, the Recon has a slew of excellent comfort features built in. The Recon Backpack, like the North Face Pivoter, features ergonomically designed shoulder straps and a cushioned air mesh back panel to ensure that the pack can be worn comfortably for extended periods.
Importantly, the North Face Recon Backpack is built to last from sturdy 500D Cordura. Additionally, the interior of the Recon is equipped with a durable nylon liner for extra protection. Furthermore, The North Face’s products are covered by a Lifetime Product Warranty, which guarantees that they are free of material and manufacturing flaws.
TNF’s hard-wearing Recon Backpack is a great unisex option with a tough shell exterior. In contrast to a similarly priced North Face option, such as the North Face Surge, the Recon Backpack doesn’t quite match it in terms of storage volume, however, on the comfort and durability front it measures up well. In addition, the Recon’s laptop and tablet sleeves are well-padded and easily accessible.
RECON BACKPACK: RATINGS BREAKDOWN
PROS
Multiple zippered external pockets for quick stash storage.
Spacious main compartment with dual side slip pockets.
Dedicated interior laptop sleeve with sufficient padding.
CONS
Compression straps can interfere with main compartment access.
Molded back panel may have some initial stiffness.
Unused slack from shoulder straps can hang low.
SUITABLE FOR
TRAVEL
Room for travel belongings. Ergonomic back and shoulder support. Secure external buckles. Carry handle.
EVERYDAY
Versatile everyday usability. Large main compartment. Zippered utility pocket. Expandable mesh side pockets.
WORK
Secure laptop sleeve. Padded back support. Zippered front pocket. Interior pockets. Adjustable shoulder straps.
COLLEGE
Interior 15" laptop sleeve. Ergonomic back panel. Spacious main compartment. Tough exterior. Zipper pulls.

North Face Recon Review Continued...
KEY FEATURES
✔ Removable waist belt ✔ Padded 15″ laptop sleeve ✔ Additional tablet storage sleeve ✔ Adjustable foam padded shoulder straps ✔ Ventilating air-mesh back panel with spine channel ✔ Quick stash front pocket ✔ Sternum strap
DIMENSIONS
19.5″ (H) x 14″ (W) x 9.5″ (D) 31 L (V)
NORTH FACE RECON VS NORTH FACE PIVOTER
In this comparison between the North Face Recon Backpack and the North Pivoter Backpack, the Recon comes out ahead. Notably, it has a clear style and durability advantage and is better overall value for money.
TNF
Recon
- STYLE RATING - 82
- COMFORT RATING - 86
- DURABILITY RATING - 88
- VALUE RATING - 85
TNF
Pivoter
- STYLE RATING - 76
- COMFORT RATING - 84
- DURABILITY RATING - 81
- VALUE RATING - 78
NORTH FACE RECON: SUMMARY
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Ventilating Back Panel
A ventilating mesh back panel and ergonomic shoulder straps are incorporated on the backpack to ensure that you are comfortable while carrying it.
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Interior Lining
The Recon's inside is lined with a tough nylon material that provides protection against wear and tear.
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Lifetime Product Warranty
TNF's products come with a Lifetime Warranty against material and manufacturing faults.
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Dual Device Storage
Interior storage sleeves for a laptop and a tablet are well-padded and conveniently accessible.
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Durable Exterior
The rugged TNF Recon is a hard-wearing backpack with a robust shell exterior that protects against the elements.
FINAL SAY!
"The Recon Backpack is one of The North Face's most adaptable packs, with an above-average main compartment storage capacity. Multiple convenient interior and exterior pockets and advanced carrying support are just two of the Recon's impressive features. Furthermore, the North Face Recon is built to last from hard-wearing 500D Cordura."
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DISCUSSION
Let us know what you think about the North Face Recon Backpack in the comments below!