I am so glad I'm not the only one thinking North Face is making a big mistake always putting the key attachment on the far inner end of the zippered compartment.
Oh man I’m disappointed that the new recon doesn’t stand up… I was really keen on that. The new one looks a bit cooler, but the outer stretch pocket looks less durable than the previous gen. Also a nice thing I’ll miss from the 2019 version is the convenient side access to the right bottle pocket where you could easily stash your mask without needing to take off the backpack. Let’s wait and see how the 2021 version measures up 🤞
I’m in IT as well and have been eyeing the Recon for a few years, but ultimately ended up with a used Synapse 25. Even though I LOVE how much storage it has, it’s a bummer having to spend extra money on pouches and caches. I just spent $50 on a cache for my MacBook Air and it’s frustrating that I even have to spend that much just to use a laptop with this bag (after having to buy another cache when I got the bag for my iPad Pro lol). My biggest requirements are solid water bottle holder for my 24oz Coleman FreeFlow, a non-floppy suspended laptop sleeve, and be able to stand up on it’s own. Have yet to find that perfect bag for me, so I’m sticking with my trusty Tom Bihn for now!
I’ll say that my Synik 30, while I do love it, stays on the shelf most days and my 5.11 Rush 12 gets daily-ed more than any other. Amazing amazing bag. And stands up on its own no problem.
I’m also way more comfortable abusing the Rush. I’m too cautious with the S30. But it is a beautiful bag. I work in an environment where a tactical bag fits in, tho.
Great review, man. I love all the details you included. I just bought my 3rd one last night - solar blue, so maybe it’s a year or two old, but it was a new closeout at around $75 (vs $109 for this year’s model) so why not. Loved my first one, but it served its purpose after a few years of commuter cycling, with laptop and clothes, 20 miles each way. Got the second one in 2019, and it still looks and works great, but I dripped a bunch of blood on it in the hospital a couple years back and thought I better get a clean one for my new job (also an IT guy). So, old one now is a boating bag, new one more respectable. Highly recommend the bag - AND your preview!! One feature I wish they’d add: waterproof bottom to keep internal spills on the inside and rain from soggying up the bottom.
Also, that hip belt - which was padded and recessed in my earlier version - combined with the chest strap did a great job of redistributing the weight so it didn’t all hang on my shoulders for those 20 mile commutes.
*not well-made for the price... very similar to my Borealis... had to compare with less wrinkling on stitches and overall cut and made....mass produced item so if you care to get a descent made one you have to compare and get the best bet for you. It will stand, you just need to stuff and balance out the inside bottom. I placed a unused 2 inch toiletry bag to make it like a "bag shaper" that stays inside the bottom as a bottom stuffer. TNF should've made STIFFER around part of the bottom in order to make it stand without the hassle of playing around stuffing it. I'm personally paranoid about the front pocket where the white logo is. It always goes wrinkly so I'd always try and fix and straighten it out to look smooth but that's just me. Maybe I'm not looking for a backpack? But I am. The construction over the years seem to need serious quality control. The front netting pocket is very prone to getting holes, hence, my brother exchanged to the Surge. I'd be interesting to see the next generation or upgrades and hopefully better quality on these backpacks of THE NORTH FACE. Thanks!*
This is a comment from Japan. The recon is hardly distributed in Japan, and there's little information. Your video is also very helpful with us Japanese. This recon is very cool and functional, but such a high quality stands out a few disadvantages. This's so close.
I have the camo. Love the recon but it’s still missing hip belt pockets. My litus 22L in their sick blue I prefer for most occasions. The straps are thinner and cheaper. The finger loop walking pull tensioners are to long. Your hand is in your pocket lol.
Thanks for comparing the Recon with the Surge! I was deciding between the two, and thankfully I found your video. This video was helpful, thank you! ❤️
I wanted to love the Surge, but something about the aesthetic really threw me off. I also am not in love with the Recon front pouch. I think it might kind of be a downgrade from the old one. I'd like it if the front was flat and solid, no pockets, except for the large felt pocket at the top.
I've a chance to buy this or the older one. Which would you choose? I'm a teacher so I pack a laptop and tablet, usually a book or two, some documents and a water bottle.
That’s a great question. Probably the new one. In all black or woodland camo. The other one just cannot stand up. The frame sheet pushes it right over.
Ugh I still can’t decide. I like the recon’s look much more (especially for college) but the surge has an extra pocket in its main pocket and dividers in its laptop pocket (I have a laptop and iPad), which are so nice.
I was on the fence about buying this new version of it bc of the water bottle holder. It looked like it didn’t stretch but it clearly does so thank you!
It would be fun if I really take this channel seriously, but not sure it makes sense with the various other things I'm doing in life. I don't see becoming a monetized UA-camr. Just for fun.
Thanks for the review. I have a 5.11 RUSH 12 and it's brilliant, great organisation. But I'm looking into either the Surge or Recon. Does the Recon have many benefits over the RUSH 12? I guess bottle holders and decent laptop compartment are two obvious ones! Cheers.
Yes! The Rush 12 has incredible organization, which is why I have always gone back to that bag. Ever other bag I've had has lacked in organization compared to it. I work in an environment where a tactical bag fits right in, but if I were a student or worked in a typical office, I'd probably go with a more civilian looking bag, maybe the Recon, actually. Benefits over the Rush? Definitely much lighter. IMO, the civilian aesthetic is very nice. Straps are super comfortable. Has water bottle holders whereas Rush does not. The Recon has a water proof bottom. With my Rush, I have to be aware of where I set it down, especially since I end up in work areas with fluids and oil and lots of dirt.
I think so. It's a good sized bag. Because it's a half zip bag, it can be a little weird stuffing things like a lunchbox into the bottom. I have a Bentoheaven lunch bag and I really had to shove it down there. But that's kind of normal with most bags.
Thanks for the review. I was looking at the surge but this has now caught my eye. I’m with you on the elastic in the pouch being a possible place for failure long term. Id love to see it as an elastic+magnitized. Maybe in a future version. 🤞🏻
Hey great review I just bought a new designed recon and I was wondering if my yeti would fit in the pocket now I feel more sure about it! What size yeti do you have? I have a 36oz is that the same size as yours?
The Yeti bottle I have is pretty big. I haven't seen a "regular" Yeti bottle bigger than this, but maybe there is one. Mine fits really well. Very impressed with the water bottle holders.
For college, either is great. If you carry two laptops or a laptop and a tablet, you might appreciate the additional storage sleeve in the laptop compartment that the Surge has. If it were me, I'd go with the Recon for college. IMO, the Surge is a bit too big. But if you have a ton of books, maybe that's ideal.
@@Intechrity I’ll be carrying a 13 macbook and my iPad 11inch. I really like the surges dividers but I agree it does seem a bit bloated. Wish the recon had that sleeve too but I suppose I can just get a padded case for my iPad. Thank you!
That's actually a really creative idea. You could do it. Not sure how well it would work. This isn't the perfect bag for someone who travels a lot because it doesn't have those little goodies.
Interesting how straps feels different for different people. My Rush 12 v2 straps don't fit all that great, although they're comfortable. Almost like they are too wide and want to slide off my shoulders.
I am so glad I'm not the only one thinking North Face is making a big mistake always putting the key attachment on the far inner end of the zippered compartment.
Glad someone else noticed this!
Oh man I’m disappointed that the new recon doesn’t stand up… I was really keen on that. The new one looks a bit cooler, but the outer stretch pocket looks less durable than the previous gen. Also a nice thing I’ll miss from the 2019 version is the convenient side access to the right bottle pocket where you could easily stash your mask without needing to take off the backpack. Let’s wait and see how the 2021 version measures up 🤞
I’m in IT as well and have been eyeing the Recon for a few years, but ultimately ended up with a used Synapse 25. Even though I LOVE how much storage it has, it’s a bummer having to spend extra money on pouches and caches. I just spent $50 on a cache for my MacBook Air and it’s frustrating that I even have to spend that much just to use a laptop with this bag (after having to buy another cache when I got the bag for my iPad Pro lol). My biggest requirements are solid water bottle holder for my 24oz Coleman FreeFlow, a non-floppy suspended laptop sleeve, and be able to stand up on it’s own. Have yet to find that perfect bag for me, so I’m sticking with my trusty Tom Bihn for now!
I’ll say that my Synik 30, while I do love it, stays on the shelf most days and my 5.11 Rush 12 gets daily-ed more than any other. Amazing amazing bag. And stands up on its own no problem.
@@Intechrity Saw that in another comment. I’ll check it out!
I’m also way more comfortable abusing the Rush. I’m too cautious with the S30. But it is a beautiful bag. I work in an environment where a tactical bag fits in, tho.
I was the dude who needed this video but months later
halo. saya punya laptop ukuran 38.1x28.5cm apakah bisa muat ke dalam tempat laptopnya? thank you
I love your passion for the backpack! I was trying to find a good backpack and this really sealed the deal for me! Great video! :)
Glad it was helpful!
I think the Borealis 2020 is better than the current new Borealis and Recon.
I am thinking to return the Recon and buy the older 2020 version Recon.
Great review, man. I love all the details you included. I just bought my 3rd one last night - solar blue, so maybe it’s a year or two old, but it was a new closeout at around $75 (vs $109 for this year’s model) so why not. Loved my first one, but it served its purpose after a few years of commuter cycling, with laptop and clothes, 20 miles each way. Got the second one in 2019, and it still looks and works great, but I dripped a bunch of blood on it in the hospital a couple years back and thought I better get a clean one for my new job (also an IT guy). So, old one now is a boating bag, new one more respectable. Highly recommend the bag - AND your preview!! One feature I wish they’d add: waterproof bottom to keep internal spills on the inside and rain from soggying up the bottom.
Also, that hip belt - which was padded and recessed in my earlier version - combined with the chest strap did a great job of redistributing the weight so it didn’t all hang on my shoulders for those 20 mile commutes.
hi. nice review. please post an updated video regarding the elastic at the front!
Wonderful video! Very thorough. Just a little too still please shake the camera once in a while so it looks less robotic. Thanks
*not well-made for the price... very similar to my Borealis... had to compare with less wrinkling on stitches and overall cut and made....mass produced item so if you care to get a descent made one you have to compare and get the best bet for you. It will stand, you just need to stuff and balance out the inside bottom. I placed a unused 2 inch toiletry bag to make it like a "bag shaper" that stays inside the bottom as a bottom stuffer. TNF should've made STIFFER around part of the bottom in order to make it stand without the hassle of playing around stuffing it. I'm personally paranoid about the front pocket where the white logo is. It always goes wrinkly so I'd always try and fix and straighten it out to look smooth but that's just me. Maybe I'm not looking for a backpack? But I am. The construction over the years seem to need serious quality control. The front netting pocket is very prone to getting holes, hence, my brother exchanged to the Surge. I'd be interesting to see the next generation or upgrades and hopefully better quality on these backpacks of THE NORTH FACE. Thanks!*
Hopefully the quality issues are an outlier. I’m a Tom Bihn guy now. Quality is off the charts.
It was compressed tho. Maybe it would stand up on its own if you loosen the compression straps
I don't think it would stand up. It'd have to be packed very full to stand up. The framesheet really pushes it over.
This is a comment from Japan. The recon is hardly distributed in Japan, and there's little information. Your video is also very helpful with us Japanese.
This recon is very cool and functional, but such a high quality stands out a few disadvantages. This's so close.
Thanks for sharing!
I have the camo. Love the recon but it’s still missing hip belt pockets. My litus 22L in their sick blue I prefer for most occasions. The straps are thinner and cheaper. The finger loop walking pull tensioners are to long. Your hand is in your pocket lol.
The camo colorway is dope. I also like it.
Thanks for comparing the Recon with the Surge! I was deciding between the two, and thankfully I found your video. This video was helpful, thank you! ❤️
I wanted to love the Surge, but something about the aesthetic really threw me off. I also am not in love with the Recon front pouch. I think it might kind of be a downgrade from the old one. I'd like it if the front was flat and solid, no pockets, except for the large felt pocket at the top.
Is this review done by Owen Wilson?
Lol. I appreciate that.
where is made from?
It doesn't stand up on its own though, is the laptop suspended off the bottom?
Laptop compartment is very much suspended. One of the best laptop compartments I've seen.
Great video. Thanks for the review
I've a chance to buy this or the older one. Which would you choose? I'm a teacher so I pack a laptop and tablet, usually a book or two, some documents and a water bottle.
Get the old one since it can stand on its own
That’s a great question. Probably the new one. In all black or woodland camo. The other one just cannot stand up. The frame sheet pushes it right over.
you’re right on. looking for a review of this bag, only found one. yours helped a lot! you’re the man. thanks!
Glad I could help!
Great review
Thanks. Someone had to do it. The bigger reviewers are coming out now with theirs.
Ugh I still can’t decide. I like the recon’s look much more (especially for college) but the surge has an extra pocket in its main pocket and dividers in its laptop pocket (I have a laptop and iPad), which are so nice.
I went with the Surge specifically for the divider in the laptop sleeve. I personally value functionality over everything else.
The Surge laptop compartment is amazing. IDK why TNF didn't use the same for the Recon and Borealis.
Same++
How’d you remove the waist belt?
It's really easy. You just slip the ends of the straps right out of the buckle.
6:15 Bruh... are you wearing any clothes? lmaoo
hahah we can see his shorts at some point just close to his skin color.
Hahahaha. Yes!
I was on the fence about buying this new version of it bc of the water bottle holder. It looked like it didn’t stretch but it clearly does so thank you!
Stellar water bottle holders.
Hahaha, shout out to my boy George Define! Good video. I carry the 2015 recon looking for something new. Thanks for the walk through.
The old Recon is a true legend. Still got my 2008, now serves as a rucking bag.
Great review, I needed this, hope to see more from a tech perspective, keep it up
It would be fun if I really take this channel seriously, but not sure it makes sense with the various other things I'm doing in life. I don't see becoming a monetized UA-camr. Just for fun.
needed this review! thanks!
Thanks for the review. I have a 5.11 RUSH 12 and it's brilliant, great organisation. But I'm looking into either the Surge or Recon. Does the Recon have many benefits over the RUSH 12? I guess bottle holders and decent laptop compartment are two obvious ones! Cheers.
Yes! The Rush 12 has incredible organization, which is why I have always gone back to that bag. Ever other bag I've had has lacked in organization compared to it. I work in an environment where a tactical bag fits right in, but if I were a student or worked in a typical office, I'd probably go with a more civilian looking bag, maybe the Recon, actually.
Benefits over the Rush? Definitely much lighter. IMO, the civilian aesthetic is very nice. Straps are super comfortable. Has water bottle holders whereas Rush does not. The Recon has a water proof bottom. With my Rush, I have to be aware of where I set it down, especially since I end up in work areas with fluids and oil and lots of dirt.
How do you feel about the zippers? They felt cheap to me. I returned my 2021 Recon, but wasn't sure if the iffy quality was just on my pack.
The #8 or #10’s, whatever they were, were fine. The smaller ones were really small. Seemed too small. Couldn’t just grab and rib it open.
Do you think this could fit a laptop, 2.5 inch binder and a yeti rectangle lunch box?
I think so. It's a good sized bag. Because it's a half zip bag, it can be a little weird stuffing things like a lunchbox into the bottom. I have a Bentoheaven lunch bag and I really had to shove it down there. But that's kind of normal with most bags.
Where did you buy this redesigned recon? I can't find it anywhere!
REI. They always have them in stock in the store.
Thanks for the review. I was looking at the surge but this has now caught my eye. I’m with you on the elastic in the pouch being a possible place for failure long term. Id love to see it as an elastic+magnitized. Maybe in a future version. 🤞🏻
How is the quality of the shoulder straps?
They seem legit. Very thin, in a good way.
Hey great review I just bought a new designed recon and I was wondering if my yeti would fit in the pocket now I feel more sure about it! What size yeti do you have? I have a 36oz is that the same size as yours?
The Yeti bottle I have is pretty big. I haven't seen a "regular" Yeti bottle bigger than this, but maybe there is one. Mine fits really well. Very impressed with the water bottle holders.
I’m a college student would u recommend the surge or the recon? I got the surge and I might exchange
For college, either is great. If you carry two laptops or a laptop and a tablet, you might appreciate the additional storage sleeve in the laptop compartment that the Surge has. If it were me, I'd go with the Recon for college. IMO, the Surge is a bit too big. But if you have a ton of books, maybe that's ideal.
@@Intechrity I’ll be carrying a 13 macbook and my iPad 11inch. I really like the surges dividers but I agree it does seem a bit bloated. Wish the recon had that sleeve too but I suppose I can just get a padded case for my iPad. Thank you!
Do you think the waist belt would also work as a trolley strap?
That's actually a really creative idea. You could do it. Not sure how well it would work. This isn't the perfect bag for someone who travels a lot because it doesn't have those little goodies.
Love the enthusiasm‼️
Hi, what bag organizer do you use?
I found the shoulder straps extremely uncomfortable, good to know it works for some folk!
Interesting how straps feels different for different people. My Rush 12 v2 straps don't fit all that great, although they're comfortable. Almost like they are too wide and want to slide off my shoulders.
Is there a way to take off the waist belts without cutting them?
Yup. It can be removed in a minute. Very easy. No need to cut anything. I took mine off right away.
Thanks for the review bro, realy helpfull
Which north face is small or medium for everyday use for work and travel.
This video definitely helps. Do post a follow up if your end up keeping it after a few months or why you decided to return it..