The North Face Recon Backpack ( New 2021) First Impressions and Overview

[@subanne]

I love the bright white/gray on the inside - it's so nice having a light inside so you can see what you have in there!

[@rmkvisions]

It is an amazing feature for sure!

[@jamieslate]

Spot on with the commentary about the outside stretch mesh pockets. This needs to become the new standard!

[@Sophieslazy]

Thank youuu, Sir =D this was super helpful! More than the pictures on the website selling this bg ^^ I think it'll be perfect to go to work everyday with the laptop, my stuff, including some "voluminous" ones and occasional snacks ^^ thanks again!

[@j03yyy]

I see some reviews say they had the shoulder strap broke on them after few days - few months of use

[@wethebest12341]

me too that's what's stopping me from really putting the money into it

[@chenwatch]

Great review. Still valid in July 2023. Thank and cheers.

[@fabiansfoodreviews7215]

Great showing of the product man! Just purchased one 👍🏽

[@rmkvisions]

Glad you like it!

[@truckercai3571]

Only if the north face Logo was black the recon would be perfect!

[@backup9911]

Great video, I will pick this up, thanks

[@secjuly16]

My 2020 shoulder strap started ripping off at the top within months, so it was probably enough of a problem that they made this change to strengthen them.

[@rmkvisions]

Dang, were you loading it quite a bit? That's not that long, hopefully this one is better

[@paulobparaujo]

Had the same problem with the Surge after 1 year. Hope these straps are stronger..

[@reynoldsj]

Great review. Thanks!

[@MadMax-td7tn]

Best review for recon

[@rlfstr]

How have those shoulder straps been holding up?

[@JacReviewsStuff]

Stretchy sternum strap 👍👍

[@marie.s9995]

Great REVIEW! Thank you.👍✨ I'm NOT a big fan of the new zippers though. Nothing beats the heavy duty zippers that they used to have. I wonder why they switched it to that kind of zipper.

[@YeshuasChild2]

Bought mine to tote studio equipment around, very compact but is a unique built that is capable of holding a lot of stuff

[@karlaflorero2215]

Thank you for this review. Can it stand up on it's own or does it topple over?

[@rmkvisions]

It definitely doesn’t stand up on its own - I guess I should’ve mentioned that however that is never really a big deal for me. I just automatically lean my bags up against stuff I guess!

[@jojoachim92]

Hey man, thanks for the review, does it have a hydration port?

[@maxbaez9]

how does the front mesh net hold up over time? like does it just stay loose and saggy over time or does it usually always return to its natural form?

[@rmkvisions]

I’ve never had any problem with the mesh stretching out on any of my packs including this guy. I’ve put quite large items in here and it always tightens right back up I don’t think you’ll have to worry about this.

[@HotSizzleTV_]

I just bought the borealis backpack yesterday “2020” I got it on sale never had an NF pack before I absolutely love it over my REI rucksack 28L I want the recon if it goes on sale I’ll buy it. The one thing I hate about the borealis is the stupid strings.

[@bernardrobertgilbride603]

Check out eastern mountain sports I saw 2021 recon for $79.99. On Sale

[@TischTosh]

High vis lining too. They really thought of everything. Does it compact down well with the straps, I'm 5ft tall EVERYTHING looks too big on me-- I'm just trying to limit the comical....

[@DigitalSamTV]

How about this recon vs the surge?

[@xzshadowzx]

Loved your review man covered everything! Just a few questions: How's it been after several months use? No issues with the strap? Would you say this is also okay for the gym like space wise? - I usually just have a change of clothes, bath towel and water bottle. Is the previous version of this backpack the one without the latch points at the bottom? trying to decide between the 2 different versions >.

[@rmkvisions]

Thank you! Definitely think it will work well for the gym no doubt. Yes that is the previous version. To be honest there is not much a difference between the two! No strap issues at all - Trevor

[@xzshadowzx]

@@rmkvisions Thanks a bunch for the reply :))

[@tonyorteez]

This is the black one and not the asphalt grey one, right? Wasn't sure because of the lighting. Thanks!

[@alecjwildnz]

What is that laptop sleeve? Looks exactly what I want!

[@rmkvisions]

This was just like a basic $20 laptop sleeve I purchased from Amazon a couple years back I looked and it doesn’t look like it isn’t available anymore however I was just typing laptop sleeve there are tons of options and honestly this one has been great for what I spend

[@noahfeldman4406]

great review, surprised more people haven't done this yet for a pretty popular bag. Are you concerned about having no sleeve for the laptop? A lot of space in there for it to potentially move around no? Also how are the shoulder straps -comfort wise? thanks again

[@rmkvisions]

Shoulder straps are great. Definitely a lot of room in the laptop sleeve I have been putting my laptop in a case just to be a little extra protective but I don’t think you need it! Thank you - Trevor

[@pemarcin7272]

Anyone any feedback on how is Recon's durability over the time? Are the articulated straps durable? How is this mesh pocket? I'm looking for a backpack that will last for some years and the Recon's design looks attractive to me. The only concern is its durability and load resistance. Any feedback will be very welcome, thanks in advance. Also, the Osprey Nebula is mentioned a lot in comments. Is Nebula or other Osprey a better and more durable option?

[@shahjb2763]

Love the review, quick question, does the recon fit underneath a plain seat? Can it be classified as a personal item on a plain so that I don’t have to pay for a carry on.

[@rmkvisions]

Yes it can easily!

[@shahjb2763]

Just as an update, I ended up buying the recon, and just as you said it easily fits under a plane seat. Perfect as a carry on.

[@TischTosh]

Thanks for the review and question. I'm a tiny lady, and I'm srsly looking at this bag. I just hate the loud logo....

[@KeeganCornelison]

@@TischTosh I feel ya on that one. If you sharpie it a couple times, it minimizes it. I use a grey sharpie to dull the bright white.

[@alexandralicht1023]

Would this or the surge be better for someone who carries thick and semi heavy textbooks and other things?

[@rmkvisions]

They are very similar and have the same harness/straps. You can’t go wrong with either!

[@zetaaenea]

great video man, I got just one question about the back panel, does it have the "mini-sleeve" that you can slide into your carry-on bag?

[@jellosci1402]

Hey Trevor, I was just looking for a good backpack for the upcoming 2021 fall semester and stumbled across your video. Great video quality, fantastic audio quality, and awesome content. I subscribed :) (p.s. also interested to know which camera and mic you use)

[@rmkvisions]

This would be a great pick! Fuji XT4, 16-55mm 2.8 and a Hyper X solo mic, thank you for the kind words!!

[@alexandretestoni]

Thanks for the review! What’s the size of Snake Charmer?

[@rmkvisions]

I believe this was a large! And thank you

[@Chris41199]

Do you plan on doing a review on the north face 2021 surge model?

[@rmkvisions]

I do!

[@tombrown732]

What about zippers? YKK? Do they run smooth? Thanks!!

[@laneconner1078]

Wondering if the Recon water bottle pockets on the sides will hold my 64oz stainless double walled water bottle?

[@liionelbooon]

Does the bag feel heavy when empty? The router feels super heavy when empty.

[@ek8652]

This back does not feel heavy at all when empty. The surge does and I returned it. I can only imagine how heavy the router must feel.

[@desireesun]

Hey! Do you think a PS4 can fit inside? Thanks, great review!

[@rmkvisions]

I honestly do believe one will fit. Unfortunately I do not have one to test. Buy an Xbox 360 and Xbox one both fit 👍🏼

[@desireesun]

@@rmkvisions Thank you for going out of your way to check! Subbed :)

[@rmkvisions]

Of course! Thanks 👍🏼

[@BigV424]

So I've been thinking about picking this up, but the shoulder straps really make it hard. Wore last gen's at a local REI and it seemed like it was so small. My intention on this backpack is everyday carry and sub 15mile hikes where you come back at the end and go home. This backpack is lowkey which I like, but maybe little small, I'm not sure. What do you think?

[@safarimanism]

Hi Trevor, funny question maybe , but I like the sound of the mic you are using. Which mic do you use?

[@rmkvisions]

Hyperx Solocast!

[@johan5212]

Thanks Trevor for another excellent review! How does the Recon compare to the Mountain Hardware Camp 4 28 L Pack in your view - which one do you prefer?

[@rmkvisions]

I think for everyday carry I like the north face a tad more. The material on the Camp 24 is great and different which is fun. The Osprey Nebula is by far my favorite of the three however.

[@KennySonnyBoy]

I’ve used both. Overall recon might be better for most people. However, the camp 28 is great as a EDC that you can use for the gym with its really big compartment. What I like about the camp is it’s front pockets is as deep as the main compartment.

[@marclawhorne]

Another fantastic review! You do an outstanding job presenting the features and benefits in a clear informative way. I watched your great review on the Osprey Nebula from last year and wondered if it was still your favorite pack? If you could only buy either the Nebula or the Recon, what would you choose? Sounds like you can't go wrong either way. Any additional insight on the comparison would be welcome. Thanks so much!

[@rmkvisions]

You are right, you really can’t go wrong with either Pack. I think the Osprey is probably still my go to however this new recon is awesome and I’ve been using it every day. I do really appreciate the added stretch pouch! Thank you for the kind words!

[@NekoWaifu]

You wouldn’t recommend this bag for hiking? That would imply it’s not good for travel either? I’m hoping I can make a compartment for a camera too

[@boazsides]

I am (1-3days) hiking with the Borealis for 3 years already, these backpacks can go hiking for sure

[@rmkvisions]

No I think this would be a great bag for travel. All I meant was that there are dedicated hiking bags that I believe to be better. Most have a decided suspension system for longer hikes and beefier hip belts which also help. Doesn’t mean you can’t hike with this bag. I have carried a camera in here with a padded camera cube

[@boazsides]

@@rmkvisions Since I didn't have small hiking backpack, I took the borealis for travel and short hiking and it is doing the job but you right about what you are saying. do you have any feedback about the ongoing use of the Recon shoulder straps? Any Idea if TNF are gonna do another designs for 2022?

[@AlexMartinez-bl6pl]

How tall are you? I just need a reference for how big it will look on me

[@rmkvisions]

5,9.5

[@AlexMartinez-bl6pl]

@@rmkvisions okay, thanks!

[@randallboo5814]

What are your thoughts on the Surge, Recon & Vault? (Latest editions)

[@rmkvisions]

Only had hands on the surge and recon. Love them both. Very similar but the Surge is what most people tend to go with!

[@randallboo5814]

@@rmkvisions Do you mean the latest version of the surge?

[@rmkvisions]

I do. I like the layout of the new one a little bit better than the old one

[@randallboo5814]

@@rmkvisions Cool! Thanks for your input

[@jasonnowwhat5041]

If laptop storage is a priority, which bag are you grabbing for edc between this and the Osprey Nebula?

[@rmkvisions]

Osprey Nebula 👍🏼

[@jasonnowwhat5041]

@@rmkvisions thanks man

[@scottluebke5012]

I had the redesigned Surge for a week before returning it, and the new Recon is essentially the same exact bag except it has the pouch on the front instead of the pockets. IMO, the black material used on the water bottle pouches snd bottom of the bag looks incredibly cheap, although I’m sure it’s very durable. There is also a real lack of organization for people that need it. For instance, the inside of the main compartment has no organization. Assault bags have this and it’s an excellent addition. Why not on Recon? This is a perfect place to add a couple more pockets. The admin section is very high and the bag gets top heavy if you prefer to stand your bag up, which I do, which then causes it to roll over on its front. I’m sure Recon is a great bag but I found some shortcomings with the Surge which will carry over to the Recon. I have a 2008 Recon I used for rucking and the thing is bomb proof.

[@scottgoller8549]

I had the surge also and returned it. To me the zippers were way too small!!

[@justinramsey9328]

I have the Surge and it just collects dust. The Osprey Nebula is where it’s at. The best bag by far!

[@BobbiPhantom]

Can you do the 2021 Borealis backpack too? Green/Orange

[@rmkvisions]

I will definitely try I don’t know if I can promise a color though haha

[@marniee.d.5511]

Hi can you please post the affiliate link? I cant find this backpack in the Australian website.

[@AQuestioner]

Is there an update on the quality of the shoulder straps?

[@justxyp]

I have one of my own and the shoulder pads feel good. It’s a great bag honestly

[@pcigroot]

I still have an OG limited edition recon and I feel like it smwas never done right again

[@Chris41199]

Between the recon and surge, which do you think is better for college / travel?

[@rmkvisions]

They are both great packs, I am using the Recon for everyday work and it is amazing. I have not got my hands on the new surge yet but I loved my old one. I don't think you can go wrong with either, but the Recon is doing everything I need and more! - Trevor

[@Chris41199]

Thanks, I was on the fence between the two on what would be better.

[@nancywheeler8359]

Great review 👍. If you have had the previous version , do you think it’s a significant upgrade?

[@rmkvisions]

I do not think it is a significant upgrade necessarily but I do think it is an upgrade! - Trevor

[@tigre5241]

waterproof? thank you

[@rmkvisions]

No not many bags are water proof. It is pretty water resistant but I wouldn’t leave it in heavy rain

[@tigre5241]

@@rmkvisions thank you so much

[@Chris41199]

If you had to choose between the surge or osprey nebula for comfort and organization which would you prefer?

[@rmkvisions]

Nebula

[@scottgoller8549]

Definitely the Nebula..I have both and would recommend the nebula over the surge

[@christopherlegarda5164]

Does it have a false bottom for your laptop?

[@rmkvisions]

Yes it does!

[@BrianMiller1973]

How do you think this would hold up (durability) for a frequent flyer? Employer provided bag is uncomfortable after carrying throughout the day.

[@rmkvisions]

I think this would be just fine. My favorite travel or edc backpack every is the Tom Bihn Synik 30. It is by far the best backpack I have used and every Tom Bihn products durability is unmatched

[@cw3extreme]

North Face Recon vs Mountain Hardwear Camp 4 28??

[@rmkvisions]

I like them both for different reasons! They’re both amazing for EDC/School or Work. I’d do a head to head but I moved the Camp on to a good friend

[@julianelson7910]

Would a 32oz nalgene (pretty wide bottle) fit in the side water bottle pocket?

[@rmkvisions]

Yes it does easily

[@akmccutcheon153]

which laptop sleeve is that

[@rmkvisions]

It was just a basic one off of Amazon I think I got it for like 15 bucks I tried to look up my purchase but it was a long time ago and it doesn’t seem to be listed anymore

[@akmccutcheon153]

@@rmkvisions thanks for trying and responding

[@justinlary9978]

Do you think it would be able to fit a laptop, a 2.5 inch binder and a yeti rectangle lunch box?

[@rmkvisions]

100% it will!

[@sebastiansalazar6195]

Hi does anybody know if my Dell g15 5510 fits in the laptop compartment? I would like to make sure of this before bying it If anybody know highly appreciated

[@lopey5035]

I was thinking of getting a good backpack for when I do some hiking in the North East. Why don't you think it's a good bag for hiking? Any recommendations for a good day hiking backpack?

[@rmkvisions]

I think the Osprey Talon 22 is one of the best al around day hiking packs you can get. Along with the Mystery Ranch Coulee 25 the REI Tral 25 is great deal if you need something a little cheaper

[@lopey5035]

@@rmkvisions I think the Talon 22 is the one for me. Thanks bro.

[@rmkvisions]

Of course! I picked up the new Talon and plan on using it this weekend for my first 14er of the year Saturday! Glad I could be a help I don’t think you’ll be disappointed

[@scottgoller8549]

How often do you switch bags for your EDC??

[@rmkvisions]

To be honest, I have been so busy and almost never leave my house without my camera anymore for my photography job. It used the same pack for awhile now. The recon and the atom Bihn Pilot for small EDC. I used to change my bags a ton as I was going through a lot of products for review however that’s not really the case anymore

[@scottgoller8549]

@@rmkvisions Good deal thanks for the reply and love your channel!

[@Chris41199]

Is the new recon waterproof or water resistant? This is one of my main important features that I would like my backpack to have so I was just curious.

[@rmkvisions]

It is water resistant, no pack is waterproof with out saying it is and often very rare - Trevor

[@Chris41199]

@@rmkvisions ok thank you.

[@sharawi39]

would it be able to fit an 15.6" laptop?

[@rmkvisions]

Yes it does

[@justinramsey9328]

I’ve seen conflicting statements about the laptop compartment being suspended. You say it is and other reviews say it’s not. I have my Recon coming in the mail soon so I’ll see what the truth is. 😉

[@lumingze13]

How is it?

[@star-lord3079]

Can the backup stand on?

[@rmkvisions]

It cannot unfortunately

[@star-lord3079]

@@rmkvisions official site say yes... FEATURES Large main compartment for books and binders Bottom compression Front compartment has internal organization with secure-zip pockets and a padded tablet sleeve Webbing daisy chain offers lash points Removable waist belt Dedicated, highly protective laptop compartment U-pull zippers are easy to grab Two durable, external water bottle pockets can easily double as multi-use pockets with quick-draw smartphone access on one side External, fleece-lined pocket for sunglasses, phone or keys 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 Sternum strap with whistle buckle External stretch-mesh pocket Comfortable, padded top handle Two side compression webbing straps 360-degree reflectivity Stand-up design

[@drtaler]

Thanks for the review Trevor. If you had to choose one bag to combine minimal EDC, extended EDC and one bag travel - which would you choose? 2021 Recon, 2019 Nebula, GR1? Something else maybe? Thanks!

[@rmkvisions]

Never GR1 I think it’s an awful edc bag. I like goruck as a company but It lacks way too many things, organization, comfort However it is great for The durability and the work. I think the nebulizer for this pack is great for most people EDC!

[@City-Hiker]

If they make this for shorter and wider, it will be great. I bought the Recon and returned it because the compartment is very small. I believe the older version, North Face Pivoter is better than this one if you are looking for a backpack for commuting and weekend day hiking

[@seihaklilo]

How did you make the decision between recon 2021 vs surge 2021 model?

[@rmkvisions]

One was in stock and one wasn’t haha! I plan to get my hands on the Surge to review as well. I think they’re both great packs but I’d like to see the few differences

[@seihaklilo]

@@rmkvisions haha, good answer! I was interested in the surge, but didn't realized the recon. Yeah, keep us posted! 👍

[@captaind757]

Do a borealis review

[@EyewitnessHistoryChannel]

The Borealis is effectively the same bag except has elastic straps that could hold bigger items such as a cycling helmet. The recon could be modifiable with such straps though.

[@andrewc07]

How do you remove the waist strap?

[@saltycelery2045]

Idk about removing the waist strap, however I tightened it to enough that it hugs the back of the bag. This gets it out of the way enough that it doesn’t bother me, hope you could use this if you haven’t found a solution.

[@alecjwildnz]

Any thoughts on the Recon vs the Osprey Apogee/ similar from the 24/7? Would this be your go-to recommendation for an EDC commuter/tech bag?

[@paulfogarty7724]

I think those shoulder straps are okay. The one's on the Router are awfull though. The padded part halves in width where it attaches to the bag and there is a little strip on webbing extending from the padded part and forking off to the bag. Sometime if the load pulls too much on that strip, it pulls right out of the bag ( it only extends inside the bag by about 1 cm ) . If it pulls out of the padded strap it causes the stitching to open revealing the foam inside the shoulder strap. An unusually terrible design from TNF.

[@sbre88]

Will this be an upgrade coming from the AER Flight Pack 2?

[@roybodin7301]

If it's 100 USD then it shouldn't be more than 150 AUS but guess what... It's 220 AUD... Does North Face not like Aussies?