Customer Reviews The North Face Recon

Overall, the design is great for a school/commuter bag, but the flimsy nylon material would call for a price drop in my experienced opinion. I wouldn't recommend this for the trail. I have an old NF book pack from '95...it was a good bag, I carried it everywhere in high school and part of college and I bought the new Recon based off of my old bag. I'm disappointed in the nylon materials used for the body of the pack, especially for the price. The materials feel cheap, thin and flimsy...I can only hope it stands up to abuse better than I suspect it will. On the positive notes, the Recon is designed well for a good school/commuter bag, I wouldn't wear this on the trail...I have more technical packs for serious adventures. The organizer panel is nice...lots of slots, even a few padded squarish ones for your electronics. The organizer in my bag is a medium gray with red accents...the lighter color helps make items more viable. (I bought the "bittersweet brown" color). The outside pocket on the front is a great stash pocket...they say it will fit a bike helmet...I don't bike but will stash my stethoscope and a light jacket in there. "The North Face" logo is embroidered at the bottom, while the pack's name is screen printed off to the side. There are two loops directly below the logo...which I find pretty much useless on a school pack (but love them on technical packs). There's also an additional zippered pocket just above the large mesh one on the front...its medium size is good for snacks or a headlamp and other small tools. The inside is roomy enough. Forget it if you're trying to bring your laptop AND 2 inch binder along with a couple text books...the pack isn't deep enough. Although my 2 inch binder and medium sized texts seem to fit fine. There's an internal sleeve/pocket for a water bladder or laptop...my 17 inch can fit ok. The zippers are quality. Easy to open and close although the protective zipper flaps get in the way often. 2 mesh side pockets fit a regular nalgene bottle easily. Shoulder straps are ergonomic and made with a thin but dense foam. I was wearing a strapless top my first day with the pack and the straps chaffed my skin. The sternum strap IS adjustable. There is a stretchy pocket on your left shoulder which is too small for my sun glasses but would fit an ipod or cell phone nicely. Two elastic bands cross the shoulder straps as well...I guess you could clip your keys here or loop sunglasses under them. Back panel feels nice with its contoured mesh fabric. The hip belt is basically worthless, it's thin and cheap and would offer no support for the pack at all...I removed them completely. Compression straps at the sides and bottom, which I find extremely useful. The side straps are attached to some funky rubberized material, I wonder when/if it will rip.

Great backpack for grad school. I carry my laptop, notebooks, water bottle, etc. every day and it is very comfortable and spacious. Seems very strong and durable and has straps that can be worn around the waist and chest which make it even more comfortable. I like that there are two water bottle pockets on either side, and I like all the smaller compartments and pockets for keeping things organized.

I have had this book bag for almost a year, it has gotten me through pre-nursing, my first quarter of nursing school, and I expect it to carry me through and onto whatever other adventures lie ahead! I love how you can cinch down the bottom and side of the bag for a close fit to your back - this makes it very comfortable when you have a lot of stuff in your bag, and keeps your load more stable! I am 5' 4" and 130# woman and I think this bag fits me well. The cup holders are perfect. Overall, worth the money!

Superb product, perfect for airline carry on, and living out of for many days. Very well made, good spaces for organization, and attractive to boot. Zappos price was significantly below local sporting outlets. Highly recommend this product and Zappos.

I love this backpack! I am a college student, and I carry my 15-inch Mac, a planner, my Nook, and a couple textbooks and a notebook at any given time. This backpack handles all of that and then some, without looking overly bulky. This bag combines a fun look with a lot of function, without that "Oh look at the girl with the huge backpack" thing going on. It is also going to serve as a great carry-on when I go visit my parents.

This is a good backpack. It seems well-made, well-designed, and really tough. The blue color was nice and deep. I got this for my husband, a science professor, but it was not quite right for him. He wanted something for biking to school with books and a laptop, as well as for travel (plane carryons, hiking, etc). This bag was a bit too youthful in style, geary and pockety, also surprisingly heavy, and the back was a bit stiff for biking. He treats his backpacks pretty well, so we will be returning this for something lighter and more minimalist.

This is a spacious backpack with great support/padding for the back and shoulders. It has all the right compartments you'd think you would need/want in a daily carrier. My typical use is daily and I'm carrying some notebooks, clipboard, a book or two, cell, pens, zip drive, calculator, and other minor accessories. I also keep a water bottle in one of the side pockets. I haven't yet made use of the laptop pouch. I like what I have experienced so far and I would definitely make this purchase all over again.

Perfect backpack. It also has a padded compartment for your laptop. Plenty of room for lots of books.

I purchased this backpack for my brother before he left for college because I knew he needed a sturdy and reliable bag for the next four years. He loves it so far, and takes it with him everywhere, not just to class. It even offers added protection for his laptop when he travels.

This is a great bag. It is built strong and it distributes weight correctly so even a full bag will not hurt your back. The added straps work great for motorcycles, or biking. In my opinion, it is the best looking North Face bag.

I only wish the laptop sleeve had more padding. Other than that, it is a comfortable, spacious, good-looking backpack.

This is a great backpack. It is very stylish and and does what it is supposed to do. It is water proof to a certain degree. Quality North Face product. The Price may be a little on the high side but it is worth it. I had my last TNF back pack since junior year HS and I am now a senior in college. The video talks about a pocket on the strap but the newer models that are currently being shipped do not have such pocket. I love the laptop space! This is a great product.

The backpack was exactly what my son wanted. Excellent quality at a great price.

Very well made, looks nice. Does not look like a "mart" brand backpack. Should last my son a very long time. He loves it. Not only that but only took two days to get it. Now that is service.

This is the 2nd backpack from the North Face Rincon Series. My husband loved the first and loves this new one, that has a thicker, stronger back padding and some other new features. The reflectors on the back are great and the new division of the first zipper compartment. Zappos has once more performed a major customer service and upgraded the shipping, so that we had the backpack the very next day delivered! Wow, outstanding. Even my non-shopping husband was impressed about the great service. We will definitely be future customers.

Love this backpack! I bought mine last summer and have used it almost every day since for school and travel. Even after a year it looks almost brand new. It doesn't get dirty and it isn't wearing out at all. I've been very impressed with how well it has held up considering I use it a lot. It is definitely worth the money if you are looking for a backpack to use for a few years. It is a great size too, it will hold my full size laptop along with a few books. The side water bottle holders are also great and the small front zipper compartment holds my cell phone. Best backpack I've ever owned!

Absolutely love this bag. I use it for work, day trips, long trips, etc. So many pockets to put all your goodies.

Love the quality and color of this bag! Enough room for when I travel and want to keep the essentials handy...and it's super stylish! And I love shopping at zappos.com. Thanks for the amazing customer service!

I love this bag! I use it as a diaper bag, overnight bag and even sometimes haul my laptop and office work. Very sturdy, versatile and stylish, great buy!

I bought this bag because I was going back to school and needed a big enough bag for a laptop. It is a great bag! Totally worth the price and I recommend this to anyone!

Great backpack. Looks good, feels good. Seems like good workmanship, too.

Purchased this one after other name brand only lasted 1 year before the bottom started to get little holes and fray. The bottom was not reinforced but it looked so much cooler then the suede bottom that gets all dirty! Anyway. This backpack is all black, which I think looks very smart and the bottom is a thicker, coated material, not fabric, that will not get destroyed after one year of use. That's expensive for a backpack might be much for some but it is hydration ready, can carry a full size bike helmet or lunch, or power cord in outer pocket and is great as a Euro day pack for travel as well. It is very well made and although the zippers are plastic, they are sturdy and thick making the outer pockets waterproof, perfect for cell phone and wallet. I love this backpack! Which I wasn't a senior and will continue to use it for all sorts of stuff!

I love this book-bag. Its comfortable and doesn't hurt my back. I'm very happy with my purchase!

The backpack is great! I had been using Jester for about 3 years and wanted to switch to something with more pockets and compartments. Compared to Jester, it has many many more compartments and the back support is a lot better. I carry around my books on campus and the weight of the backpack really makes difference on my back after a long day. Also the material seems to be better at repelling water than my previous backpack. I would recommend this backpack especially to those in college!

Love this bag. Just used it on trip to Costa Rica. Great travel bag. Lots of different pouches, slots, and compartments. Highly recommended.