The North Face Recon Review (2 Weeks of Use)

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[@MrLlama999]

“Let’s talk about those zipper pulls” I’m in the right place.

[@PackHacker2]

Welcome home, Mr. Llama 🙂 - Tom

[@angiedyer1511]

100%

[@steviejoe66]

I got this pack after my older Recon was stolen. It's been awesome and I highly recommend it. The versatility it provides means it can be anything from a school pack to a hiking or light travel pack. I live in the Pacific Northwest and we see a lot of rain here - I can confirm that the thicker material on the bottom and sides is basically waterproof, while the lighter nylon seems to have a decent water resistance. A few other things to add: 1) If you pack the bottom of the bag and don't use the compression straps it will stand up. 2) The reflective pieces that go over the laptop compartment zippers can be used as anti theft devices by pushing the zippers and zipper pulls though them 3) Those strap attachment points at the top really are game changers. it makes the straps able to fit in the perfect position on your shoulders and also makes it easier to carry the pack on one arm while grabbing a water bottle from the side or something out of the mesh pouch.

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for your detailed insights 😃 We love hearing how folks use gear! -Eric

[@fakhrurrazi2297]

Same mate.. I'm from Malaysia btw. I will recommend this pack to my colleagues. Really comfortable and i would say it is a decent pack with 80-90% waterproof when u ride ur motorcycle or bicycle

[@samuele5931]

Some questions: 1. The material is as durable as the old one? It looks thinner and less abrasion resistant. 2. Does it look bulkier? Not having a way to compress the top of the bag makes me fear it would look bulky even when almost empty 3. Does it stand on its own? 4. Is it still annoying to access the bottom because the front pocket end at half the backpack leaving under a lot of space that’s hard to access?

[@steviejoe66]

@@samuele5931 1) so far it has held up just as well as the older version. The bottle holders are more durable due to them being made of the same thick waterproof material the bottom of the pack is. 2) I personally don't think it looks too bulky, there are side compression straps that can be used to slim it down some. I frequently use it to just hold a bike lock for short rides around town and it works well for that. 3) it will stand on its own if at least the bottom is packed and the center of mass is somewhat low 4) if the smaller pockets are really stuffed, you do sometimes have to reach around them to acess the bottom of the main compartment. It definitely reduces the volume of the main compartment somewhat as well

[@samuele5931]

@@steviejoe66 thank you! You was very kind to provide me such detailed answer!

[@conde3915]

If any one is wondering I've had this back pack for a while and it feels amazing on the back! Can't say the same of any other back pack I've had.

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for the insight 😃 -Eric

[@Pterygotus]

I have a Recon from around 2008 or so that I used throughout high school and college, and still bring every day to work. Still going strong, though the coating on the bottom of the main compartment is starting to peel off.

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for sharing your insights with us! 😃 It sounds like it was a solid investment. -Eric

[@nellatrab]

Excellent review as always, I purchased this bag because of this review...I always seem to feel North Face bags are just so comfortable and such a great bargain, craftsmanship.

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for watching, Bart! 😃 -Eric

[@requiem1753]

I’ve found that I can eliminate *some* of the straps tending to be all over the place - if you check right above the water bottle pockets, there are two really small loops that you can thread the excess sternum strap through. Doesn’t go as far as to completely get rid of the mess, but it’s something. Great review!

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for checking it out! 😃 -Eric

[@cdyow]

I'll be interested in seeing longer term reviews of this bag. My fear with all of the recycled material products is delamination and peeling. Nice, thorough review, as always.

[@PackHacker2]

Glad you enjoyed the review, Chris! - Austin

[@samuele5931]

It’s nylon so this should not be the case. I fear more that the fabric looks a lot thinner.

[@groberti]

@@samuele5931is it less denier?

[@ek8652]

I agree about the materials being used. My concern is how long it’s gonna last after the two week review. Many people say the straps are not stitched well or durable like the used to be.

[@deathpunchrigby1664]

Do you still use it? How is it after 1yr later?

[@quinnworthington3306]

The biggest problem for me with this bag is that the two smaller pockets are stacked right on top of each other. This means that if you pack them pretty full it infringes a lot on the main compartment at the top but leaves a void at the bottom of the main pocket that's hard to get to if you have anything packed in there. Would have been nice to have a pocket lower down on the bag to make use of that space or a clamshell design for better accessibility.

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for sharing your insights! 😃 -Eric

[@samuele5931]

I agree. This is so annoying…

[@ninoadams45]

This is so true! Feels like it has barely any room in main compartment for anything to be honest.

[@City-Hiker]

If anyone doesn’t like the new North Face Recon, then new Borealis might be not fit you, too because the new Borealis is actually down graded version of Borealis 2020, and looks smaller. The new Jester version is down graded, too. If you wish to get a versatile backpack for both work and weekend hiking, I believe the Recon is better because I have both of new Recon and Borealis. The Recon come with daisy chain design and also able to add a bungee cord in the front, the Borealis although it is very similar to the Recon, sell for the same pric, If you see the North Face Borealis 2020 version lower than $89, you ‘d better to order the older version

[@samuele5931]

Why downgraded? The lifers are the same AFAIK

[@rebeccafindlay9068]

I have the 2014 version of recon and it’s still doing well though a couple of the buckles have broken. I’m considering replacing it with a new model but disappointed to see the crazy straps haven’t been improved! Strap ends constantly everywhere!!

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for sharing your insights, Rebecca! 😃 -Eric

[@MunroMcLaren]

I just got one and got shock cord to make it like the Borealis, but better because it has the mesh pocket. I’ve had the 28L Patagonia Refugio since 2017. It’s still going strong, but I want a backpack with more pockets and space. I’ll still keep it though.

[@julieeide8265]

Really useful review, still! I was undecided between the Borealis and the Recon. Since I'm much more of a tech-gadget-girl than a big-hiking-gear-girl, the difference between the mesh pocket and the string front really helped me choosing. I love my Patagonia crossbody sling bag for all it's pockets, so this is a positive thing! I'm thinking maybe I could even attach my own elastic on the nylon carabiner strips, on top of the mesh pocket, should it be necessary? Dunno, I'll see. Just ordered it at a good price on a European site. Thank you again!

[@swarnavasarkar4360]

Great review as always! Sad that this newer Recon is still not available on the EU website.

[@PackHacker2]

Hopefully soon 🤞 - Austin

[@Fenyx808]

What an excellent review. Thank you very much.

[@kenxis]

This review was super helpful. You covered everything I wanted to know ty

[@PackHacker2]

We try to be thorough! Thanks for watching 😃 -Eric

[@traveler582]

I was looking at getting this, but I don't like those first two zipper pockets where they are only half pockets, going half way down the bag, I would, unlike you, I would rather have them extend all the way to the bottom, I feel like what they are doing is giving you less room with half pockets...IMHO. Thanks for your review

[@VolleyballLyfe]

Great bag. Straps are a little much, but I used a roll of velcro to cut strap keepers.

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for sharing your insights! 🤙 -Eric

[@jltplease]

Great backpack except the laptop storage was unless. No false bottom, so when you slide your laptop or ipad in, it drops to the ground, and theres no padding on the bottom. I bought it, and that was a big problem. I had to adjust to my natural tendencies, but ended up buying a Osprey Nebula. Almost same exact but with a false bottom laptop sleeve.

[@alexanderpham8535]

Great thorough review. It was exactly what I needed to confirm my purchase! thank you!

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for watching, Alexander! 😃 -Eric

[@MrFrancis313]

Great review, considering this as a replacement for my Samsonite backpack.

[@PackHacker2]

Glad the video was useful to you, Mr. Francis! - Austin

[@Away.Aweigh.A.Way.]

Do you find the water bottle pockets stretch out enough to not take up interior space? I hate when I pack a bag out all the way and then the water bottle pockets become basically useless. Great review!

[@PackHacker2]

Since the pockets are gusseted, the main compartment doesn't restrict them too much when fully packed out, but the size of your water bottle will play a role in this as well. Thanks for watching! - Austin

[@Phamtom_images]

how does this compare to the osprey nebula 32?

[@user-tu5tm6kn6k]

Osprey tropos Can stand on its own and its back panel is super comfortable and didn't sweat your back.

[@PackHacker2]

Yes! The kickstand functionality is great. FYI, we reviewed it here: packhacker.com/travel-gear/osprey/tropos/ - Tom

[@justinramsey9328]

I have the Nebula 34 and it’s far more superior to the new Surge and any 5.11 packs I have as well.

[@MomNamedMe]

@@PackHacker2 19:41

[@Mvrderface]

just received mine, the elastic mesh on top is a bit loose like it has too much fabric. the one in the video is just tight, in a straight line..

[@tronarat]

My Ogio stands on its own loaded or empty

[@brennanbarnwell3857]

Please!! I need to know!! What color is that!! I can’t find it on the website!!

[@stevedoyel]

TNF Navy

[@gary-gt-tsang]

I couldn't see it on the video but can you use the Flex Vent as a luggage passthrough?

[@MunroMcLaren]

It’s 30L with the mesh pocket that can hold 8L.

[@justkflesh]

Can the front pad sleeve fit 12.9 iPad Pro?

[@Eirikr83]

Couldn't find the info about the orthopaedic certificate. Any hints

[@taylorskyblue9413]

The Recon looks way better than the Surge. Looks sleeker and more sexy. Thanks for the review. Love the Pack Hacker team ❤️

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for watching, Taylor! 😃 -Eric

[@kevinschneider131]

Hei, I have an old North Face Recon and want to upgrade to something that is a little bit more high quality. I actually like the materials and how good they hold up all kinds of usage during more than 10 years already, but I have some major cons like 1. no clam-shell opening, 2. can't stand by itself, 3. water-resistance is not the best, 4. I could use a bit more space, 5. I feel not superb comfortable with it. I have an eye on the Alpaka Elements Travel Backpack and I saw that you also reviewed it, maybe you can give me some opinion if it's worth the upgrade and what could possible be getting worse compared to the Recon? I know there are some packs tested for even more "usability" than the Alpaka but I like the appearance and despite some little bit bigger options from Tortugae, Aer, etc. it still fits into my motorbike top-box (which is a criteria for me) and is at least a bit more lightweight in the XPAC variant. Any opinion on this?

[@Constax]

“2 weeks of use” should be the name of this channel

[@no.9516]

Quality over quantity....buy it and make a video yourself.

[@PackHacker2]

Mohammed, we like to be honest about how long we've tested a product and find that two weeks is enough time to formulate an opinion. Some folks will test for longer; others unbox and give thoughts immediately. - Tom

[@peterock2310]

Which has a better laptop protection? The Borealis or Recon? Or are they equal?

[@ExySmexy]

Borealis it seems

[@pemarcin7272]

How is the Recon's durability? Are the articulated shoulder straps durable? Will these new articulated straps detach from the backpack or the shoulder straps? I am looking for a backpack that will last for some years and the Recon's construction looks attractive to me. The only concern is its durability and load resistance. Any feedback will be very welcome, thanks in advance.

[@steviejoe66]

Been using this pack for a year or so, sometimes with pretty heavy loads (water bottle, textbooks, bike lock, and laptop). One of the shoulder strap attachment points has sort of... unfolded? It's really hard to explain but the stiching allowed it to shift a tiny bit. It still seems to be holding as strong as the other strap though, and I'm sure if the stiching did give way it would be an easy repair

[@Stylist808]

Excellent review, thanks so much!

[@PackHacker2]

You're welcome! 😊 - Austin

[@pizzasaurolophus]

this pack is near perfect, but I hate those sternum straps that slide, they are more likely to break, and slide out of place while using the pack. better, simpler and cheaper design is like on fjallraven and patagonia packs. Once you fit your sternum strap, it never needs to move again, so I don't understand the point of these sliding ones.

[@Vince-ur7oc]

What is the name of that lunch box?

[@ek8652]

Where would a regular size tablet fit? Do I have to put it in the laptop sleeve?

[@leojohnwayne1422]

Why did north face stop making hotshot backpacks?

[@anoopkumar-ri2rh]

when north face will open its online store in india

[@ObjectiveMedia]

Great review guys. Is the strapping removable? 🤔

[@lexismith8206]

I loved your review. Does this backpack hold a lot. On the website, it says that it’s 30 liters. However, I’ve watched many videos online and they claim that this backpack can barely fit anything. Like 2 binders and the main compartment is full.

[@jarwinvandulken4005]

Question. The lunch box cooler bag. Do you have a link? Greetszz

[@abdessamedlak4389]

Hello. thanks for the video was really interesting. I wanted to know which bag bought. Recon, Borealis, borealis classic or surge? THANKS

[@milianamack506]

Are you able to remove the straps towards the bottom?

[@kirstymagnus5268]

Can I fit a 16” MacBook Pro with a thick sleeve

[@MrLuffy9131]

The color schemes are weird like if it is the same one in the pictures yours looks like its darker and mine is lighter (like purplish blue) though it could be the wrong picture on the store

[@MajorChisholm]

Great Thorough Review!!!

[@PackHacker2]

🤙🤙🤙

[@jacqueline03_]

Is the difference between the mens and the women's version of the Recon very noticeable? I'm really loving the Recon but I'm having struggles finding the women's version in my country. Asking this because on the review on the site I think the mens version was tested by a woman too

[@stormbytes]

Great review for the bag. What's that watch you're wearing?

[@potatouser12345]

I'm trying to find a way to have this backpack slide on the handle of a carry on bag and stay sturdy. There are the chest straps but it doesn't come tight to the carry on bag handles. Any pointers?

[@relentlesspike979]

Maybe a review of TNF Borealis Classic? It would be awesome like always

[@PackHacker2]

Here’s our review of the Borealis Backpack packhacker.com/travel-gear/the-north-face/borealis-backpack/ 😃 -Eric

[@relentlesspike979]

@@PackHacker2 I saw that but, there's a version of borealis called "borealis classic" that I just got last week and i was hoping to know your opinion on it, anyway, this was an amazing review like always and I ordered it couple of days ago, to bad that I have to wait 3 weeks to get here in EU. Amazing work!

[@williamching4214]

Is there a NF Recon 2021 and 2022 model already released? Abit confused on how to determine different NF model back packs

[@t0astface]

There is, this review is for the 2021/2022 version.

[@catchacoolbreeze]

What other backpacks stand on their own? That's so hard to find!

[@nicholasg.3585]

Check out the Osprey Tropos!

[@Anythingandeverything1111]

The weight of the items in the admin pouch make the pack fold in and pinch into the main compartment. That is so annoying

[@PackHacker2]

Is there a bag you think does it better? 🧐 -Eric

[@Anythingandeverything1111]

@@PackHacker2 my favorite main compartment bag is the Oakley Blade 30. The only concern for me on that bag is the quality!

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for sharing, Mohammad 😃 -Eric

[@samuele5931]

@@PackHacker2yea, Wenger Synergy has stiffer materials and goes all the way down. Other wenger bags generally do better

[@boazsides]

Hi great review! two questions: What was the name of the backpack you mentioned on 3:17? Do you have any idea if TNF gonna release other versions of the Recon & Borealis on 2022 and if yes, when?

[@PackHacker2]

GORUCK GR2! packhacker.com/travel-gear/goruck/gr2/

[@billyjames6407]

Great technical review!!

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for watching, Billy! 😃 -Eric

[@daltonramsey9585]

Love the look of the bag but don’t like the organization of the bag. Might return mine tomorrow. The tablet sleeve isn’t big enough for my s6 lite, which is a bummer.

[@PackHacker2]

What bag will you go for instead? 🧐 -Eric

[@daltonramsey9585]

@@PackHacker2 I didn’t necessarily NEED another bag so I might not replace it but if I do get another one it will probably be the mystery ranch rip ruck.

[@PackHacker2]

Good call 😃 -Eric

[@daltonramsey9585]

@@PackHacker2 so I actually decided to give it a shot. I liked the aesthetic of the bag and I was able to get the things I wanted organized decently well in the bag. I took the tag off and committed to it. Then I noticed that there was some poor stitching on the elastic part of the water bottle pocket so I did end up returning it. I have several bags and didn’t end up replacing it with a laptop bag. I got a Mountainsmith lumbar day pack which has been on my wish list for a long time.

[@alexiscastro8257]

Can u review the north face surge please

[@PackHacker2]

Check the review here! packhacker.com/travel-gear/the-north-face/surge/

[@HowDoULikeMyMustache]

Are Rebecca and Nathan still part of Packhacker? What have they been up to?

[@GnoME08]

Do these come with the big daisy chains?

[@davidausterman5915]

Great review but you just caused me to order one of these. It was that or an Osprey Daylite Plus. This one looks like it has more hidey-holes for better organization. Plus, I have an Osprey pack already. Also, is that a HeroClip hanging off the back? Cheers.

[@PackHacker2]

Yupp, that’s a HeroClip! I take it you are familiar with them? -Eric

[@davidausterman5915]

@@PackHacker2 Yes, I have a medium Hero. I love it. Also loving the new Recon!

[@mpk_666]

I hope surge 22 is on the way. Thanks team

[@PackHacker2]

🤜💥🤛

[@abhishekajay9729]

What's the carabiner clip at 7:55?

[@City-Hiker]

May I ask if possible manually add a bungee on the daisy chain?

[@osvaldor4298]

You can

[@City-Hiker]

@@osvaldor4298 :Thanks. I bought this backpack and added a bungee cord on it, and it looks more sporty.

[@NathanDailo]

Hi Tom, whats the Lunchpack you're using?

[@PackHacker2]

Hi Nathan! That's the Able Carry Able Cooler. I'll drop a link below. - Austin packhacker.com/travel-gear/able-carry/the-able-cooler/

[@NathanDailo]

@@PackHacker2 Thank you!

[@ILiveForTheSummers]

i noticed that the front mesh part in the women's version is narrower. anybody know if it has the same capacity as this one?

[@steviejoe66]

I believe the women's pack as a whole is narrower and thus has less capacity.

[@hectormf99]

Do you think this could be used in a week long trip or is it too small for it?

[@PackHacker2]

If you pack right, of course! But for most uses, it’s a bit small for a week’s trip. -Eric

[@sanp8141]

Is it water resistant or water proof ?

[@KM41867]

Water repellent

[@itsTJSlays]

Is this bag for hiking as well?

[@steviejoe66]

In my experience it works well for dayhikes.

[@jgarcia2680]

What NF backpack would you recommend for everyday use for work ? I need something not too big but something to carry all my work supplies and lunch

[@tikzworld]

Kaban

[@City-Hiker]

Borealis 2020 or Recon 2021.

[@stevedoyel]

Surge?

[@adityashankert]

would you suggest recon or PD travel backpack 30L?

[@PackHacker2]

Hey there! They are both solid bags, but they are suited to different needs. The PD Travel Backpack 30L offers a lot more space even though the claimed capacity for the recon is 30L as well. At the end of the day, it depends on which suites your needs best. - Austin

[@Albertoabrian]

Why my waist strap just a little short 😅

[@iv8976]

What do you suggest to do about the excess straps? I plan on using it for office commute

[@PackHacker2]

You can buy strap keepers separately. Tom Bihn has some good ones. packhacker.com/travel-gear/tom-bihn/strap-keepers/ - Austin

[@iv8976]

@@PackHacker2 awesome thank you!

[@HerculesBoi]

i really waited 13 minutes for him to finally open the backpack...

[@slump45]

I have a router transit and I just want a small backpack with a suspended laptop sleeve for my 16 inch mbp and the smallest one that has that is the surge, otherwise this one would’ve been perfect 😔

[@PackHacker2]

So close, but yet, so far 😢 -Eric

[@brennanbarnwell3857]

Hey. How did you get that color for the bag. I still can’t find that dark shade of blue??

[@City-Hiker]

This color is actually the navy blue color. The color under the light looks brighter, so you might thought it is a different color. The same like the black color. Under the light, the black color looks like a grey, but it is actually black.

[@brennanbarnwell3857]

@@City-Hiker thanks

[@steviejoe66]

Some colors seem to not be available online. I bought mine in-store and got a dark forest green with orange accents (daisy chain and zipper cords)

[@joseluishernandezceballos3538]

Best review…

[@PackHacker2]

That's what we go for, José. Thanks! - Tom

[@diorocks5858]

nightmare bag straps catch into everything

[@EyewitnessHistoryChannel]

Cut them to fit you, the excess strap is only to accommodate different body types and tightness (to the necessary extent).

[@Stormbrise]

Scrappy mess, you can make your own elastic keepers. Yeah it would be nice to have a perfect bag with all the things when you buy it, but then the price goes up. The important thing to me though is that bag stands up on its own. I bought a bag I hate, it is too big, just because I wanted a hidden pocket, I bought it when I was carrying books, laptop and iPad. I got a different laptop bag, narrow briefcase style with a shoulder strap. So I carry my sling and that bag daily. So the other larger one, I will probably sell it online. I bought it because of all the hype in the planner community about it. I love the colors of your water flasks. I am thinking of just saving my money now to get the bag I want, since I will be out of the university setting soon. I do love my Cotopaxi bag I use for traveling back and forth to the US. Since I am a short legged petite size pants, I have to buy a lot of my clothes there. I live in a country where I guess the women are giants and have small booties. Let’s just leave it that.

[@mikewhite7462]

Gen Z-approved clothing giant The North Face is offering customers 20% off if they take a racial inclusion course

[@gracehill2863]

I bought the new Recon backpack and the laptop compartment wasn’t big enough 🥲(my old recon had plenty of space.) Does a 17 inch laptop fit? Also, does a wide 32 oz hydroflask or water bottle fit? Thank you so much for your helpful review!