North Face Recon Backpack Review

The North Face Recon is one of the staple backpacks seen on school campuses around the country and with good reason. The fact that you see the same design selling year after year is a testament to how well thought-out it is. With it's large capacity, ergonomics, and durable construction, the Recon makes an excellent city bag, particularly if you commute by bicycle.

NOTE: Sorry that the video cut out early. I tried uploading several times and it still stops at the same spot. I just wanted to mention that the clasp on the sternum strap also has an integral whistle. A nice little feature that I wish all backpacks had.




The North Face Recon features:
- 2015 in³ (33 liters) Capacity
- 9x13x8 (48 cm x 34.5 cm x 20 cm)
- 2 lbs 2 oz (965 g)
- Composed of 420D nylon and 1680D Ballistics
- Airmesh back panel
- Dual stretch side water bottle pockets
- Large front mesh drop pocket
- Large main compartment with padded laptop sleeve (fits up to 15 laptops)
- Hydration compatible
- Reflective hits
- Small stash pocket with water-resistant zip
- Stretch-woven accessory pocket on shoulder strap
- Safe-T whistle on sternum strap
- Waist Belt (Can be stowed away!!!) (NOT IN THE CURRENT VERSION OF THE RECON)
- MSRP: $100.00, available at various retailers for approx. $80-90

Things I would change:
- Use an elastic opening for the side mesh pockets instead of a bungee cord drawstring
- Add zippers to the interior pockets for better item separation




NOTE:
If you're looking for the original version of the Recon (like the one in the video), Young's Backpacking in Berkeley, California has a whole stock of them for $75 + shipping.
You can reach them at:

Young's Backpacking
2508 Telegraph Ave
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 548-7463
youngsbackpacking@sbcglobal.net

Tell'em Norm sent you:)


This video was shot with a Canon G9 on loan.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• north
• face
• recon
• backpack
• review
• travel
• backpacking
• hiking
• camping
• bicycling
• city
• commute
• laptop
• deuter
• futura
• school
• campus

[jcjx91]

Hey Norm! Does Young's Backpacking still sell this exact model(which like you said is the original) or are they out now and selling the newer models of the recon?

[jumpthemap]

@jcjx91

Yup,

just give them a call.

The contact info is in the details section underneath the video.

Tell'em I said HI:)

[AppleIcedXTea]

I was wondering if anyone had an opinion on either the recon or the surge? I'm torn between the two :/ I like all the organization pockets the surge has, but the recon is more compact and cheaper. (p.s I'm a high school junior right now, but I'm planning on using it for college too! :)

[beguie]

@beguie nvm i just read it in the info section

[beguie]

what did you find out by accident?? what a cliffhanger.. lol

[jainaxoxo1]

Great review, it was very helpful.

Thanks

[kingBaREY]

nice watch

[sobabypleasedontgo]

The small pocket on the strap is actually for a knife.

[thinkofmybaby]

what actual year was this version made? and what is the color?

[Pimclick]

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[mick1316591]

@mick1316591 Or maybe mine is the 2009 version.