The North Face Recon Backpack
We're sorry, we are currently out of this product.
Let us notify you when this item is in stock.
Loading...
Description
47 ReviewsThe North Face Recon Backpack
See the New Recon Laptop Backpack
A favorite of students and day hike enthusiasts, this redesigned Recon Backpack from The North Face features a new universal padded sleeve that accommodates most laptop computers and also doubles as a hydration bladder pouch. This design is very similar to other 1,850-cubic-inch backpacks made by The North Face, but the Recon offers a large front mesh pocket that easily expands to accommodate a cycling helmet, making it a superb choice for recreational riders and daily commuters. This backpack also has BackSaver Technology to potentially reduce lower back strain between classes and extended rides. The North Face developed their BackSaver Technology by angling the bottom of the Recon pack to shift the pack weight closer to your back, making this daypack ideal for moderate loads with a large hydration bladder or big campus projects involving a stack of reference material. Like other day packs from The North Face, the Recon offers superior construction with 840-denier Hypalon® reinforcements built to last through an entire academic career and countless trips back to the home office. The backpanel is laminated with molded channels that actually ventilate instead of those other designs that push clammy perspiration up against your skin all day. The hipbelt also tucks away, giving this compact backpack a streamlined profile for overhead bins on trains, planes and buses.
- 420-denier nylon fabric with 840-denier Hypalon® reinforcement areas
- Laminated backpanel design with molded channels for ventilation
- Highly durable #10 YKK® main zipper
- Main compartment features a universal sleeve for a compact laptop computer or hydration system bladder
- Roomy front mesh pocket for external items (rain shell, bike helmet…)
- The North Face BackSaver angled front panel lifts load higher on your torso
- Compact stash pocket on front with water resistant zipper for energy gel and SUV keys
- Small mesh pocket on padded shoulder straps to organize small essentials
- Safe-T whistle included
- Organizer inside front compartment
- Reflective accents for improved visibility, top carry handle for luggage versatility
- Hipbelt tucks away when you don't need it
- Volume: 1,850 cu. in. (30 l.)
- Dimensions: 19 x 13 x 8 in. (48 x 34 x 20 cm.)
- Weight: 2 lbs. 3 oz. (1,000 g.)
47 Reviews - The North Face: Recon Backpack
Write your own Review
Emily James - 2008-08-22Exactly what I need
I will be starting law school in the fall and wanted a backpack that could hold a lot of heavy books and not kill my back. This backpack and its back saving technology works wonderfully. I also like the organizational compartment in the front pocket where there is space for my cell phone, ipod, and pens and pencils. Also, the mesh front is perfect for shoving jackets or other large items into. Overall, I am very happy with my purchase and believe it would work very well for other students who know they will have a large amount of books to carry around
Vicki Watts - 2008-07-29Awesome!
Super backpack! My 14 year old daughter loves it. She is excited about using it this year. Lots of room - Lots of pockets! Great design.
megan - 2008-07-27Great backpack!
I love my backpack and can't wait to use it at college! Wonderful price and fast delivery, highly encourage students or anyone needing a backpack to buy a recon from altrec.
Write Your Own Review
47 Reviews - The North Face: Recon Backpack
Emily James - 2008-08-22Exactly what I need
I will be starting law school in the fall and wanted a backpack that could hold a lot of heavy books and not kill my back. This backpack and its back saving technology works wonderfully. I also like the organizational compartment in the front pocket where there is space for my cell phone, ipod, and pens and pencils. Also, the mesh front is perfect for shoving jackets or other large items into. Overall, I am very happy with my purchase and believe it would work very well for other students who know they will have a large amount of books to carry around
Vicki Watts - 2008-07-29Awesome!
Super backpack! My 14 year old daughter loves it. She is excited about using it this year. Lots of room - Lots of pockets! Great design.
megan - 2008-07-27Great backpack!
I love my backpack and can't wait to use it at college! Wonderful price and fast delivery, highly encourage students or anyone needing a backpack to buy a recon from altrec.
Anonymous - 2008-07-19I really do like this pack
Perfect size. Great for many things.
Anonymous - 2008-07-16great back pack
Roomy, good looking, and easy to use.
Sungkyul Song - 2008-04-23awesome!
the backpack is amazing.. i love it!
also, the shipping was quick and i really appreciate it..
i am goin to use this backpack for a long time and i might even buy another one for my friend!
Anonymous - 2008-03-12Great bag...holds more than it looks like it will.
This bag has proven to be very good. At first when I received it I was concerned because it did not look very big. However, when I started to put my books in it, the bag was much larger than it seemed. I am in law school and I have a lot of huge books as well as my laptop that all fit in the bag. Next time I might opt for a larger bag but this one has worked well so far. I love the pocket for a cell phone on the shoulder strap. It is comfortable as well. The only problem I had was not with the bag but rather the customer service from Altrec. I received a phone call from them stating that there had been a delay with my order and requesting I call them back. When I did the man was very rude and said they cancelled my order because they had not received the bag. I then had to call back to get someone else who resubmitted the order. The bag took a very long time to come and when it did, the Safe-T Whistle that was supposed to come with the bag was missing. The company pretty much said too bad they didn't have any extras despite that their ad said the bag came with one. When I asked them to honor the ad, they never responded.
Katherine G - 2008-02-17Great bag!
It has been quite useful as a backpack for work! It fits my 19" Dell M90 (it is a bit snug, but still fits!) and has the perfect zippered compartments and places for the essentials like a wireless mouse and power cable. It's really comfortable to wear and I look forward to using it as a pack for hiking too. I love it, worth every penny!
Babbar Singh Khalsa - 2008-02-13Very solid all around backpack for college students
After having my Samsonite backpack for four years, it finally broke, and so as a second semester freshman I was in the market for a new backpack. A friend of mine had the Recon and another had the Jester line, and the Recon just felt and looked better. It can easily fit my laptop (Dell XPS 1330 - 13.3 inches), and three to four textbooks (physics, organic, calc...) It provides solid back support and has a lot of pockets to fit everything a college student needs.
J Bear McSqueeze - 2008-01-07Great Pack
Um yeah-Great Pack!! Got it for X-mas and fell in love with it! It's deceptively roomy-it'll have no problem fitting everything I need into it. Durable too! Great for school and hiking!
Kevin Donkor - 2007-12-26Excellent
What can I say about the Recon. The North Face makes the best packs in the world. I am a senior in high school, and I usually carry a lot of books to and from school. After purchasing it, I have fallen in love with it. The straps across the chest, the belt across across the waist, the water bottle storage areas and the laptop compartment together make this pack a phenomenal pack to use. It is worth the price.
Robert Monty - 2007-12-05Great all around pack.
Great all around pack: packs clothes, computer, and lunch for the bike ride to/from work; great for day hiking-easily carries all essentials including backpack stove and cookset for hot meals; great for the gym too. Comfortable to carry all day with a load, plenty of pockets and room for everything. Compression straps really help adjust the pack to job. Sharp looking, durable pack. Altrec had the best price on this pack--closeout colors included the color I wanted.
Janet - 2007-12-04good roomy pack, big enough for all my stuff. but uncomfortable!
I was looking for a backpack that would be able to fit my school textbooks, binders, AND my laptop. A friend recommended the recon so I tried it out. It fits my laptop just perfectly. If it was a bigger laptop it definitely wouldn't have fit. the recon was big enough to fit my school text books and binders, my DELL Inspiron 1521 Notebook (15.4 inch) and even a tiny purse on top of everything. The recon was great for that purpose, but because I'm a small girl, it looks a bit awkward on me. The back of the bag is wide and fits awkwardly to me and again, that is probably because I'm a girl and have more of a smaller back. This book bag is definitely made to fit males rather than females. The book bag is as big as me, maybe even bigger! and the shoulders hurt in the beginning because it had no padding. The shoulder straps are a tad bigger than my shoulders. But Im getting used to them now. Because i was looking for a book bag that would be perfect for school, and partly because I was getting tired to look for a better book bag, I decided to keep it and I am satisfied with my decision. the only con is the shoulder straps. I wish there was more padding on the shoulders. the shoulder straps are stiff and they hurt!
Janet - 2007-10-29great all around pack; school, travel & hiking
This is a perfect pack for heavy book loads. Great stability and comfort. I did not research this purchase as usual but relied on North Face quality. This product surpassed my expectations. I believe the quality of construction and detail, this pack will last through the last 3 years of heavy high school book loads without overstressing my students back.
Susan Shim - 2007-10-28its absolutely wonderful!!
I ordered this bookbag from altrec and I absolutely love it! It came fast and I'm so glad I ordered from altrec! It fits my labtop and a few books but the best part about it is that it really distributes the weight well and it doesn't feel as heavy. I love the cell phone pocket on the straps and the multiple pockets. I highly recommend this product!
Asuncion - 2007-09-25Love this bag!
I've always had a NorthFace bookbag, but this year I decided not to splurge on a NorthFace. BIG MISTAKE!! After using a $20 bookbag for a week the bag was already falling apart. I decided to buy this bookbag and I am so happy I did. This bag can hold so much and my laptop fits snuggly in the bag. Even though I have two huge textbooks inside the bag doesn't feel so heavy.
This bag is a MUST for any college student!!
Anonymous - 2007-09-24excellent backpack
roomy, lost of compartments, place fro 2 waterbottles, netting for items you want to get to easily. Very comfortable
Satoshi - 2007-09-19Strongly recomend this Backpack.
I feel good even when I put many sizes of stuffs in this backpack. This is due to BackSaver Technology that reduces lower back strain. The size of the backpack is also proper to carry a laptop.
Ben - 2007-09-17Excellent
Ive had this bad for only three weeks and I love it! It has plenty of room for my school books and also a laptop. Its got a place to stash my MP3 player and phone and makes them easily accessible at the same time. This lightweight bag is also great when I'm riding my bike around and when i get off i have a place to put my helmet. I love it!
Carlie Campbell - 2007-09-09I love it!!!!!
I love my back pack. I just started college and i only have classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays so i have to take all of my books both days and it is a very heavy load but with this back pack it is very comfortable. I have had it for three weeks and i can't find one thing that i don't like about it.
Olivia Gosselin - 2007-09-09Great!!!
I'm 13 and I just got this daypack for school. I thought that it would be way to small to fit my 3 inch binder in but it turns out it was perfect. I can fit my binder, 2 books, 5 subject spiral notebook, lunch bag and more...what a great purchase!
Myra - 2007-08-23Great looking and spacious...Altrec offers fast shipping!
My 13 year old daughter loves this bag. She is able to fit three 2 inch binders plus a couple of textbooks and still sprint to class. It is made to carry heavy loads, but it doesn't feel heavy on your back. I always bought her "Lands End" and "LL Bean" backpacks until this year, and I'm glad we switched to this bag. She loves the designated spots for the cell phone and i-pod, plus the extra pockets for her scheduler in the front. I have a feeling this bag will carry her into High School, whereas the prior ones didn't hold up through the school year. Since we personalize her bags, I was unable to return the other ones.
Joe - 2007-08-16Very nice commuter pack
I have owned a North Face Recon for as long as there has been a Recon. I had my last one stolen two weeks ago. I am gong to replace it with a new Recon next payday.
I wish the internal pockets were larger. And Some loops to tie stuff on the outside would be nice as well.
Anonymous - 2007-08-07A perfect backpack!
Great backpack...simple, yet it has everything that one would want/need in a backpack!
Anonymous - 2007-07-26super pack!!
it was exactly what i was hoping it would be, i love all the compartments in it!
Jose Roberto Veliz - 2007-06-03Great overall back pack!!
I love this back pack. I have a Dell 6000 Inspiron laptop that's 15.4 inches and it fits great inside my backpack plus I still have room for books. The plus side is that I don't even feel the laptop when I commute by bike. It has great pockets for all your stuff. And another thing a love about it is the zippers because I tend to wear out a backpack real fast because of all the things I carry but this zipper seems like it’s going to hold up. This bag is also great for hikes. I did a lot of research before I bought this backpack I looked at various other one but this one beat them all. It's a little pricy bu I really love this back pack and how many people can say that?
Sarah - 2007-05-29Great Pack
I got this pack about three months ago and I love it. It's very well made and still looks brand new after three months of use. It's got lots of pockets to keep your stuff organized and the straps are well cushioned so it doesn't dig into your shoulders even if you have heavy stuff in it. My cell phone doesn't really fit well in the cell phone pocket on the shoulder strap, but that pocket great for a small Mp3 player.
The only downside is that the way the two main compartments are set up, if you have something bulky in one, it makes it hard to put much in the other.
Anthony C. - 2007-04-17The lightest, most spacious backpack ever.
I bought many backpacks before this--Nike, Jansport, etc. Although the Jansport Airlift was fun, it didn't get the job done. Although the Nike Air bubbles were really bubbly, they were not right for me. Both bags were uncomfortable when loaded even with the stupid air straps. But this, this Recon bag is ridiculous. So comfy, so efficient, so stylish. It fit's my laptop and and my charger, my wallet, two Gatordes on the side, all of my books, and so much more free space inside. Really good for daytrips or just school.
GJ Mac - 2007-04-09I love this ruck
I have owned several different types of backpacks similar to this one, but the North Face Recon is the 'shizit'. There are many small pockets, inside of pockets, that actually HOLD what they are supposed to. There is even one compartment for sunglasses, and one for a cell-phone. The main compartment has held laptops, forcefins, a weekends amount of clothes. If you are looking for a great day pack, book pack, or carry-on ruck this is it. Happy trails.
Dennis - 2006-12-07The backpack
I just wanted to say that I attended Suny Plattsburgh state university, which is located at the upper ends of the Adirondack Mountains. i am confident in saying this backpack is the best backpack i have ever own. i have taken my backpack everyday to the library, also this backpack accompanies me while i trek the numerous high peaks that the great Adirondack mountains have to offer. but i would like to take this time to describe the safety whistle feature as being the #1 most satisfying part of this product. Me Dennis Sullivan and my companion Ryan Helmblod are found on numerous occasions communicating across campus traffic on a day to day basis. i think this is a wonderful product and everyone should purchase a North Face: Recon Backpack
Kris C - 2006-11-10Excellent Backpack
This is probably the best backpack I've ever owned. Comfortable, good for holding my laptop, binder, a few books, and that's just the main compartment! Highly recommended backpack.
Mike - 2006-10-13Great for carring laptop
It is great for carrying my laptop computer. It is roomy and great looking. Nice backpack.
Adam Leary - 2006-10-10Recon Pack
I love this pack, I have an older version but it very durable. alot of compartments water holders on both sides, straps are very thick,comfortable and durable. I would recommend this
Anonymous - 2006-09-15Good Stuff!!!!
Good Stuff!!!!
Anonymous - 2004-07-15The Recon backpack really lived up to its reputati
After considerable research, I recently purchased a North Face recon backpack from Altrec. I wanted a pack that I could take with me on my motorcycle as an alternative to saddlebags. I received my pack within two days of placing my order and was impressed by the overall appearance and quality of the pack. It easily handled all of my gear and fit comfortably and securely even at highway speeds. Altrec had the best price I have seen so far and free shipping.
Terry - 2004-06-17Great Daypack
This is a really good pack, I bought if as a general purpose travel pack. Everything my wife and I may want to take will fit, snorkel gear, extra jacket, towels, books, and room enough for snacks. This will be a fine carry-on, and will fit right under a table in a restaurant. If you are looking for a general purpose shoulder pack - you found it.
Andrew - 2004-05-31Great Weekend Pack!!!
I bought this bag on sale to use as a bag for work and some weekend trips but I never thought I would use it for a long 4 day hike. Until my other pack ripped while sliding down a rock wall. This pack held up amazingly through the rain and a few long hikes (2-6 days). I will never buy another bag again.
Anonymous - 2004-03-05Good purchase!
I just want to say that this bag has met every expectation that I have for a day pack. I had the original North Face Borealis bag that came out four years ago. When it died on me, I could not find any bag that could replace it both in design and functionality. I ended waiting for another year for a bag that would be worth buying.
You will not be disappointed! This bag is nicely designed and is spacious with pockets in the right places. I wish the North Face Logo was a little smaller but that's just me. Otherwise, a perfect buy for those who need a daypack for different things: school, hiking, weekend trips, etc. Buy it!
JoEy ViNcC - 2004-01-02Perfect
I started high school in september and i wanted the perfect schoolbag. I got a swiss army bag- too bulky- a targus bag- to humungous- and 2 jansports- both fell apart- but what i realized at school was that the trend was small north face packs but i did not want anything small because of the large amount of books. I asked for the bag for xmas and i received a Recon. I absolutely love it- it is deceiving- it is small but holds millions of books and then the straps hold the bag in so the remaining space is held in.
Anonymous - 2002-08-19This bag will knock the bejeezus out of you!
An amazing pack that defies expectation. I filled it with textbooks on the first day of classes and it miraculosly performed extremely well under 25 lbs. of books! It's almost like a magic trick that you can fit a day's worth of books and supplies and it doesn't feel bulky at all. Just buy it, it's an amazing value for such a versatile and durable bag.
Molly Wheatley - 2007-11-07above average pack
I would say for the most part this back pack is great. I am a college student so I walk a lot all over campus. This pack is comfortable to wear even with loaded. The chest and waist buckle even out the weight. The only bad thing I would say is the large pocket could be a little larger. But all and all a great pack with pockets for your every need.
Brad Murray - 2007-11-01good pack, make sure it's big enough first
I bought this pack thinking that it would hold my dell 17 inch inspiron laptop. I was told that it does and so I gave it a shot. The word "fits" I guess can be interpreted several different ways: if you mean that you can cram it in the bag and then almost break the zipper when trying to zip it up, then yeah it fits. But if you have a slightly smaller laptop it would fit great (my buddie's does and it's a dell 15.4 inch). The quality is great though - what you have no doubt come to expect from North Face.
panchero - 2004-08-25perfect school pack
Excellent pack for books/laptop/whatever else you need, but no exactly designed as a "real" daypack. If your looking for a pack for school/work, this one is great. Not for the trail though.
Deni - 2007-10-27Nice but too small in some respects
Very nice backpack, but really too small for someone who has alot of books and should probably go with the Northface Heckler, if they want more space..my only concern is if the Recon is water resistant, as it doesnt say it is DWR like the Heckler does. The problem we have had in the past with other brands, is that all their papers and books got sopping wet whenever it rained. That is a big problem!!All backpacks should be water resistant or waterproof!
Anonymous - 2007-09-10Not enough room for my books.
I wanted to use this primarily for a laptop backpack because of the seperate sleeve. However the Recon has enough room for about two or three of my classes. When I want to go and study, I prefer to have more room for the rest of my class materials. The organizer pockets are nice, but almost every backpack has them.
Anonymous - 2007-02-01Great features, but not for me
I bought this pack because it had all the features I was looking for. Unfortunately the fit just wasn't right for my body. The bottom of the pack hit my back in an uncomfortable way, and the waist belt wasn't as padded as I wanted. It's a great backpack, but just wasn't right for me.
Eric - 2007-06-01Disappointing Quality
The plastic piece on my strap broke as I was tightening my pack (1 month old). The pack wasn't overloaded so I assume there was a defect in the plastic component (otherwise I'm stronger than a juiced up gorilla). Disappointing given the price tag and supposed quality