The North Face Recon Laptop Backpack

Great Backpack for traveling
February 29, 2012

Purchased the Reacon Backpack for traveling. Works great as a carry on. It's so comfortable even when loaded down. We travel to Mexico at least 2x's a year and the Reacon works perfect for all of our personal belongings that we don't like to pack. Love it!!

I wish I had one of these in high school
January 07, 2012

I love this backpack. its got all the pockets and it super comfortable. do your self a favor and get one. Right now I am using this for the gym, but would use it for anything else!

Very satisfied with purchase
January 04, 2012

I bought this b-pack after checking it out at the north face store but obviously purchased it at Altrec for the generous savings. The bag is made of high quality material and has a lot of compartments to store away different items. The front and side mesh compartments are great for water. The zippers might be tricky to unzip at first but once you get used to it, you'll appreciate the flap that covers the zipper line. There is also a laptop compartment to protect your prized item. Also, the support and cushion for your back are awesome. Overall, a great purchase!

Love it
December 29, 2011

I can put everything in it, all my books, water bottle, snack and even my make up bag ;). I can wear it everywhere too. I wear it to school, hiking and short road trip. Very convenience :)

The north face Recon backpack
December 07, 2011

I bought this back pack right before school started in August. The shipping was fast and efficient! Just what I needed! I've only had the back pack for about 4 months now but i use it for EVERYTHING and it holds up great! Its has three main chambers which make it extremely convenient. Including the front chamber is netted and open which makes it easy to put stuff in there and take it out. I recommend this product 100%!

great
November 01, 2011

this is a great bag for dayhikes as well as a great bag for books and laptops if you really must. two mesh side pockets for water bottles as well as anything else you might need to fit. the mesh back pocket is great for things that you need quickly.

fills my needs
October 17, 2011

I use the backpack as a camera bag. It's built to carry heavy loads securely. Tried several camera bags but this fills the need better. It carries equipment needed for any outdoor shoot. Plus my tripod

Great backpack!
September 17, 2011

I used this backpack to pack all my essentials for a week camping trip on an island in Alaska. The pockets and compartments allowed me to stay organized and it held everything I needed. Loved the colors too.

1st time purchase
August 11, 2011

After reviewing the specifications of all the Northface backpacks, I chose the recon for my daughter. The other packs she has used before never held up and always needed to be replaced. A friend of hers recommended the Northface and I can tell the quality difference already. The zippers are heavy duty, the space is great for her laptop and the extra set of clothes she takes to school each day for soccer practice. The price was higher than I expected to pay but I am hoping it lasts a long time and the cost will pay off. The only negative thing I could say is that, except for black, she wasn't thrilled with the color choices.

backpack
July 30, 2011

I ve bought this for my friends son as a present he's very happy with it very comfy backpack, the one the owner wanted great value for its price thank you!

Good for packing a lot of stuff
July 22, 2011

I really enjoyed being able to stuff a lot of items inside it without being too heavy. Also seems very durable. It might be priced a bit too high, but otherwise it's great for travel.

July 13, 2011

I was looking for the perfect bag for starting college and knew I wanted a North Face and also knew I'd be on Altrec because I buy all my North Face and Columbia jackets and gear from here. After reading tons of reviews on several different bags, I settled on the Recon. When I finally received it I immediately started using it to break it in for college. I must say I was nervous about the size, it didn't look as big as people hyped it up to be... However, I put my laptop, two pairs of shoes, a weekends worth of clothes, a big makeup bag, laptop charger, phone charger, hair straightener, and all sorts of other small weekend necessities inside. The bag just keeps on growing! Now, I have put my laptop, three 1 inch binders, all three of my textbooks (larger than average-Chemistry, and math and Psychology), other school supplies, two planners, and four supplemental reading books inside the bag for school and still have room to spare. The outside waterbottle holders are great. I put an umbrella on one side, just in case, and my waterbottle fits great in the other. I haven't had anything to put in the front mesh pocket yet, but think a pair of sandals, or shorts and a tee shirt would fit nicely. I am 5'1" and 108 lbs. and the bag fits me very comfortably. Lots of cushioning on my back and all the weight of the contents has yet to put any strain on my back. It actually feels good to wear the bag, as crazy as that sounds. I'm thrilled with my purchase and have no doubt that the quality and durability of North Face will get me through all five-six years of college that I need it for with tons of medical books and supplies. Thank you North Face for quality products and thank you Altrec for great prices! (:

Highly recommended
June 26, 2011

I got this bag because my work laptop is too heavy to carry over the shoulder any longer. My sister has this bag and loves it too. The bag actually fits my 17" laptop. There's not lots of room to spare, but it actually fits. When on my back it is so comfortable and soft. I love all the compartments and the two bottle holders on the side. Thee bag is spacious but not big and unmanageable. I would have given this bag Excellent for durability but the little loop at the top of the bag that you can use to pick it up with is not as sturdy in my hand as I want it to be with a heavy laptop in it. I highly suggest this bag!

Amazing Backpack!
May 17, 2011

This backpack is the most awesome and amazing backpack I have ever worn! I wish I had bought it 2 years ago when I started college. The laptop pocket is perfect and secures my laptop well. The straps really hold the pack snug to my body and distribute the weight of all my engineering books perfectly. I am almost 6 foot tall and thin, and it really fits well. I am even going to buckle all the straps as I walk around campus! I just can't believe how good it feels to wear it fully loaded with my books and water bottles. The outside pocket even holds my raincoat. Do not hesitate to buy this pack! You will love it! It will save your back and shoulders from terrible aches and pains.

Nice backpack
March 23, 2011

Really good product, I like it so much. Perfect for carry everything you need. Nice colours and very good price. Great quality and durability is guaranteed.

Great backpack
February 17, 2011

The backpack is great for everyday use. It has a lot of pockets and it is great for a 15" laptop. It is durable and it is not heavy at all. The price is a bit high, but it is worth paying it. I do not regret buying this backpack at all.

Everything I was Looking For
February 04, 2011

I've only had this pack for a few weeks now, so I can't give you the scope over the long-haul, but I'm diggin it so far. For me it was the perfect combination of size, efficiency, & durability. It's not HUGE, but certainly big enough for use as a school pack, or weekend pack. The large front pocket has tons of extra pouches/pockets, which come in handy. I am a GA at a larger college, and am constantly loading my bag with books, clothes, pens, pencils, netbook, etc. with no problem of running out of space. I would definitely recommend this product to a friend, the only downfall is that since this is my first North Face pack, I can't really compare it to any of the others.

Awesome
February 04, 2011

Man this bag just rocks.. If u have a lot of books or just taking it to work this is the bag for you!!! And of course Altrec's price and customer service can not be beat

Great School Backpack
January 30, 2011

I needed a new backpack going into a university. The first year without a good back pack that could feel good, hold all of my stuff, and hold up to day to day use was essential. The requirements for me were 1) a small zippered pouch on outside top of back (cell phone, wallet, pencils. 2) two mesh pouches on the outside that could hold my 32 oz nalgene bottle 3) have two zippered compartments that could hold books and work uniforms/jackets. 4) a laptop pouch that did not sit on the bottom of the bag. I knew TNF had a great rep for quality material. I went through the Hot Shot, Big Shot, Surge, Recon, Sweeper, and Borealis. It really came down the Recon and Surge. I was concerned the pockets were too small. I loved the small, yet deep, pocket on the outside top of the pack. The hip strap can be tucked away but its there. The large outside mesh pack can easily be used for my helmet, work shoes, or anything quick. My two nalgene waterbottles can be tightly cinched. The laptop compartment is padded and stops about 2 inches before the bottom. the main compartment can hold two larger books, a notebook, and possible a jacket in the upper 6 inches of the pack. The second compartment is as deep as the first so u could really stuff somethin down there if needed. It also has pencil,cellphone pouches, and a zippered pouch good for holding flash cards. The straps are comfy and "ACA" approved lol

love this backpack
January 12, 2011

I was searching for a durable backpack, spacious enough to jam in enough clothes for weekend trips. I found this pack last year and love it. Not only does it fit my clothes, but I am able to fit a lot of extras in the outside pockets. When I am not using it for weekends, I am able to use it for work. I liked this pack so much that I just purchased 2 additional ones for my sons this Christmas. The quality is such that I think they will be around for a long time! I plan using this on some hiking trips in the spring.

I'm on a Recon mission.
January 11, 2011

Superb piece of equipment for school, work or a day hike. At first I found the pack a bit smaller then expected. But I quickly found that with all the compartments inside the pack I had space to spare. It's a very well thought out and put together pack. A small package with alot of versatility. I'm very happy with my Recon.

The fruit of much research :)
January 03, 2011

This backpack is, in itself, and all around, awesome! It has a secure and sturdy feel when I carry it. It makes the load feel weightless with its cushioned straps and backsaver technology (which I learned from a review that northface simply designed the load area to have a certain slant as to move whatever you're carrying closer to the back, to ease strain off your lower back.) It's so well cushioned; I use the back squishy area as a stress ball in class sometimes. The laptop slip has pretty neat supportive cushions to protect the laptop from even coming close to being crushed or damaged by a drop. (The laptop is elevated about three inches from the bottom of the backpack.) But more importantly, as I will constantly be bashing this backpack here and there, throwing it wherever I go, jamming all sorts of goodies (big thick textbooks) in it, I know that this backpack was a good investment. I am sure I will be keeping it for years to come. This thing is hardy. It also has all the compartments a semi-organized person could want plus some cool add-ons. Did I mention it has a whistle attached to the chest-strap? The only thing I wished it had was an extra horizontal compartment near the bottom front to store charger cords and other such stringy/easily tangled wires. (The surge has it, but I didn't like the zipper design in the front, afraid I'd leave it open and all my goods will come spilling out, plus the recon is better priced, so I chose this one!) Happy shopping and choose what's right for you and your needs!

Woman's Recon Northface BAckpack
October 29, 2010

Great quality! I espcially like the extra spine support because of what the backpack is going to be used for and that is books to carry back and forth to class. I only wich they would have had more of a choice of colors in this style.

Great Backpack, period.
May 17, 2010

This backpack is a great work of engineering and designed for whatever you do if it is riding a bike, mountain climbing, or even just carrying you books to class. This backpack is suitable for all of these things. I use it when I'm on the water on a waverunner heading to work, or to carry my books and laptop at school. It can be a large backpack and fit lots of things in it, or compress itself and be a nice small backpack. I love this backpack and recommend it out of all of The North Face day - pack series.

Great everyday need backpack
May 08, 2010

Large pockets for all sorts of storage possibilities. Love the reflective tape on the backpack because of the fact that I ride my bike and all the clip has a built in whistle

Love It
March 30, 2010

Love it. We have had periods of heavy rain here in the north east recently and this backpack is keeping my books and laptop safe and completely dry! Fits my 15.5 inch Dell XPS1530 no problem in the pouch. Awesome fit and very comfortable no matter how many textbooks I put in it.

North Face Recon Labtop bookbag
March 13, 2010

Great bookbag for labtop and minor amounts of daily items. Nice padding for labtop also.

great service and backpack!
February 28, 2010

My sister has been trying to convince me to buy this backpack and I am so glad I finally did. I bought it to carry around my books for school because my other one was hurting my back. the recon is so supportive i forget how much I stuff in it. After ordering my backpack I received an email saying my color was out of stock. When I called to replace my order the person was super friendly and upgraded my shipping for free. Best backpack ever!

great design for this grad student bike-commuter
February 26, 2010

Although the specs say 1850 cubic inches, I don't think that's including the useful expandable mesh pouch on the front--great for my bike helmet (while standing on the bus,)and for a jacket or rain pants (on those days where it just might...). I also like the interior organization, the shoulder strap fit (I'm 5'10"), and the sizable relective patches on the back. The stretch pockets on the sides fit a full size nalgene too. The only negatives are that with it fully loaded with books, and if you fill up the sunglasses pouch as well as the internal organizer smaller pouches, it's hard to make use of the depth of the secondary pouch. I also wish one of the two side mesh pouches were solid so I could keep those items I want to find quickly and easily safe: like my bike lights and keys--without worrying about them falling out. Otherwise this is a sweet school/commuter pack--I'm pleased.

Great backpack
February 23, 2010

This backpack can hold a lot, but it does stick out far from your back as it's fairly small. I packed all I needed for a long weekend in it just fine.

Cool color, great design
February 10, 2010

Very functional and good looking

I'm in love!
January 30, 2010

I got this back pack in lime green and what I thought was white (it's actually a light grey) and I love it! I'm a petite girl and normally backpacks pull awkwardly on my shoulders but this doesn't at all. This bag is perfect for all my big grad school books and for my laptop and it's very well padded.

perfect for school
January 06, 2010

Fits all of my school books and looks cool!

Great backpack
January 03, 2010

Great for school.

Solid everyday backpack.
December 24, 2009

Love the compartments. Perfect weekender bag - holds my books and laptop comfortably. The thick straps also give my shoulders and back good support.

Amazing backpack
December 21, 2009

I love this back pack. It has a lot of space, so plenty of stuff can fit in easily. The design is also very nice. I use it daily and I cannot imagine to be without it whenever I am going out (work, trip, shopping).

Good backpack
December 21, 2009

It's nicely constructed, has a decent amount of room, there are a few things I don't like about it. I wish the chest strap were removable. It could have just a bit more room. With that said I don't use it as laptop bag.

so great
December 15, 2009

I am very satisfied with this bag. It is pretty and strong. I will not worry about bringing my laptop. There are lots of pockets. So nice!

Great backpack
December 03, 2009

I like this backpack a lot. It perfectly fit my Sony Vaio 15.4". It shipped fast and packed really nice to prevent the damage. I will definitely shop again at Altrec.

great deal with an awesome bag!
October 29, 2009

i bought this backpack for my boyfriend and he just loves it! having a laptop case over your regular backpack really helps huge amount especially for him who's always on the go and would just slid everything on his bag. absolute great bag and reasonable price.