North Face Surge vs North Face Recon (2023) - What’s the Difference?

[@ejavak3819]

Great reviews but I’m mostly here for the walk. Man’s got one hell of a walk!

[@redmori]

Exactly what I was looking for. Great reviews as always.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and for the support! I’m glad the video was helpful!

[@d.a.t8582]

This video really helped me with my decision. Ended up choosing the Surge solely due to the laptop compartment being roomier, as well as offering more protection. I’m an IT guy so keeping my laptops and other tech protected while traveling is very important. That being said they’re both good bags. I always liked TNF book bags because they’re very durable and long lasting. My first book bag was a north face bag that lasted me from Kindergarten, all the way to 8th grade. Could’ve still kept using it after that but after having the same bag for so long, I just wanted something new.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful! Happy to hear that you’ve had good experiences with north face bags!:)

[@belengonzalez1440]

This was SO helpful ! Thank you for making this !

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful!:)

[@ninjashhh8344]

I've had the same NF Surge backpack for like 8 years around the world (along with another 52L NF backpack that has also been awesome to have) and have loved having it the whole time. So many convenient little and big pockets and it's a durable, quality bag. Interesting to see the changes they've made to the bag. And yeah I wish the logo was way more incognito on the front there. Honestly every NF product I've owned as I've bounced around the globe has been great quality.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and for sharing your experience with north face bags! Glad to hear they have held up well, I’ve really liked the ones I’ve used from them a lot so far

[@sergsergesrgergseg]

is the recon usable for long term travel? storing clothes, laptop and general stuff? or do i need something bigger

[@legendaryaguilar]

This was the perfect review for me, you were the only reviewer I saw that went into which option would be better for someone with a bigger back, I'm tall and my stature is a bit wider but every other reviewer would tell me the measurements but not really show the difference nor make the recommendation. Also, the laptop sleeve on the Surge seems more ideal since my laptop won't potentially hit a hard surface as hard. Great video, thanks!

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and the positive feedback! I’m glad the video was helpful!:)

[@GaetanoProchilo1989]

I've took the Recon. The Surge is too big and doesn't have compression straps. This backpack really saved my back, it doesn't hurt anymore. The only thing that i'm concerned about, is the elastic web on the front. When it rains becomes wet, and i'm afraid it will smell. But oveall, definitely the best money i payed for a backpack and i'm very happy with my choice. Fantastic comparison.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful and that the bag has been comfortable to wear!

[@hawkeye50]

Looks like the Recon is a little more versatile -- especially for hikes where you may want a water bladder. Is there a hole on these bags for one? The Surge looks better for urban/work stuff where you need to lug that computer around. Weird that they removed the compression straps on such a large bag. Also, I have found you can always create a padded bottom in the compartments like the Recons with a rolled t-shirt/pad or something because the compartment is so huge it will still fit your devices. Also, are those front compartments dual zippers? I would certainly hope so.

[@ILiveForTheSummers]

Have the Recon, it does have a hole for the water bladder tube to go through. The admin pocket has dual zippers too

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and for the suggestion on the laptop compartment! Definitely a fair point on the compression straps on the surge

[@brodwaybeach]

Very helpful video, thank you!

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful!

[@hustlas4ever]

Please also review The North Face Router comparing to the Borealis. Thank you.

[@starfoggs]

Classic?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and for the suggestion! Definitely curious to check out the router

[@Ellman1231]

​@@starfoggs Agreed. The older model of Router (The Router Transit) was so amazing.

[@Live7Love1Laugh2]

I’m trying to decide!! I need a backpack to fit my school stuff and then things like my wallet and all the other random junk I carry. I need a lot of storage space since I will be using it as a backpack and kind of like a purse. I plan on carrying it to my job so I can do schoolwork and not have to carry my purse as well

[@vivekteega]

I just got the Recon and it feels small tbh. I am thinking of returning it and getting the Osprey Nebula 32

[@ek8652]

I’m trying to decide between the 511 lv18 and one of these two bags for an edc/work/overnight bag.

[@HappyPerson870]

Thank yo for this video.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful!:)

[@j.m.t.8649]

II have the recon, but I don’t particularly appreciate how it keeps falling over. Does the surge backpack fall over like the recon?

[@fixittony]

My son loves his surge for college

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and glad to hear he’s enjoying it!:)

[@ek8652]

Which one has the larger main compartment?

[@PhilRuybal]

The recon does!

[@hermanchu9040]

Is it possible to fit a regular tripod on the recon? Thanks

[@carlosandresbellidosoliz6995]

Hello thank you for the great information. Can a 17 inch laptop fit into the surge backpack?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful! I think it will depend on the specific model, it’s a big compartment that can handle a 16 so there’s a good chance it could fit

[@korinnemcguiness5561]

Is there a difference between the women’s surge backpack and the men’s surge backpack in like what U can pack in them space wise? I’m hoping there the same size.

[@Skywing452]

women’s version is more rounded at the top and has a narrower back. probably holds less things there

[@CaicoCAM]

Is there a strap on the back meant to go around my carry on telescopic handle?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! Unfortunately these don’t include one, you might be able to add your own with a third party strap tho

[@jamildar8932]

im not too bothered about the laptop compartment, which of the 2 has a bigger main compartment though as it looks pretty similar? and do both zips go down as far as each other?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I agree, the main compartments on these are pretty similar overall as far as capacity and the zipper

[@jamildar8932]

@@dannypacks yeah true, think the surge one may be slightly bigger but its minimal, will go for the surge because of the front pockets and laptop part. thx for the help!

[@yuchu-kok5993]

⁠@@jamildar8932the recon is actually bigger in the main compartment. This should’ve been mentioned. This is due to the laptop area being bigger in the surge.

[@wushuhsu]

The new Surge no longer has the side compression straps.😢

[@mayla2326]

I just bought the recon and I'm disappointed at how small it looks!

[@vivekteega]

I agree, i just got mine and it feels very small

[@williamqu682]

i love watching him walk

[@ObjectiveAnalysis]

Creepy

[@starfoggs]

Wow.. just by looking at them within the first 3 min of the video I expected something like 28 vs 32.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and i agree visually one clearly looks bigger

[@suitlab]

To be honest the older version recon backpacks were a lot better. Spewing my mate lost my old recon backpack 😭

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! I’ve heard similar things from others who have had the older versions, wish I could have had a chance to check those out

[@franciscolopez2736]

looking through amazon, it says that the recon actually has a bigger laptop compartment? hoping anyone can speak on this as i need space for a kinda bulky 17 in laptop

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! I would say it does feel a little more spacious since it doesn’t have the additional dividers that the surge has and since it’s not as well suspended that could provide more space for a taller device

[@franciscolopez2736]

@@dannypacks thank you! sounds like it probably can fit bigger but having that space on the surge is a very nice level of extra protection.

[@City-Hiker]

The North Face Borealis and ROUTER have up to 40% discount now.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and for sharing, great deals for anyone interested in these bags!

[@shaunsebastian532]

I’m undecided between surge and recon 😬

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and definitely a tough choice! If you don’t mind the larger size / need better laptop protection the surge would likely be the better option imo

[@Salty_Biscuitz88]

I just got the surge on a discount for $85

[@davidaurelius7482]

link?

[@swatipatel8182]

@Salty_Biscuitz88 how? Do you have a code or tips to share?

[@milanmla99]

Do a Router please. I can't find a decent review on it. 🙏

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and for the suggestion! Will be taking a look at that one soon!:)

[@thiagogregory1]

Are those water resistant?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and yes I would say they are water resistant (but not waterproof)

[@Demosthenes409]

wow these bags have been neutered. looks nothing like the early 2000s heavy duty style

[@cristian46901]

I agree with u

[@dbeff]

True it doesn’t but I don’t see this as a negative now that I used both. New models are lighter which for travel is a must and it’s crazy durable as well. I used a very heavy load (my full frame camera kit goes inside) and I don’t see any week or broken parts. Also they really mastered which zippers to use it’s so easy to open that even having a proper camera back I keep using this because how easy can I get my stuff.

[@unkotakinguys6791]

Can 17 inch laptop fit in?

[@upigufiroh320]

I don't like the way TNF move their logo from side to center.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and that’s a fair point, it’s a little more prominent than I like typically

[@FaerieDust]

I've been going back and forth between the Surge and Recon, but that laptop compartment pretty much disqualifies the Recon tbh. It wouldn't have bothered me as much when I had a cheap laptop, but I paid way too much for my current one to throw it in a backpack without a proper false bottom 😂

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I agree, the surge is way better in that regard!

[@MunroMcLaren]

The Recon has a false bottom of 1-2 inches.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and good call out! I can tell there is a gap from the bottom but (at least on my bag) it just doesn’t do a good job of protecting the device when I drop it in. When I release my laptop I hear and feel a noticeable thumb on the ground or table which I don’t feel with the surge and Borealis which is why I try to mention it in the comparisons across north face models

[@3iridiumintime467]

It's crap version of the older one, don't buy it!!!

[@spectrecruz2697]

seems like most bags are built like crap according to reviews I've seen smh