I think it's a matter of having a big enough screen to visualize and create content and limiting weight. From a 4.5 to a 5.5 inches smartphone the increase in weight is irrelevant for many people and it still fits your pockets, but from a 13 to a 15 inches laptop, the difference can be 1 kg or more. That's how I view it.
Got one actually this is my second one because corner pockets started to show some rubber band type elastic strings. So returned and they gave me another one but same thing is happening with this one just not as bad. It’s a ok book bag maybe they have some type of recall going on with it.
I had a SwissGear 1900 for over 5 years and still looked beautiful and in great condition after several trips, small hikes, and being my day to day backpack. Unfortunately, I no longer have my SwissGear (really sad story) and was thinking of switching into the NorthFace Recon. Seeing as you did a similar transition, and now that you have a couple of years with the backpack, what's your take on the NorthFace Recon? Is it as durable and does it still look nice after all this time? I would really appreciate your input! Regards,
Not waterproof! I've had mine for a year and a half. Wore it during an 80 minute soccer game on the sideline (I coach). Continuous down pour: paperwork and supplies got drenched in all compartments. I suggest a rain cover to be safe. Let it air out: took about 2-3 days to be completely dry.
I'm a big fan of the Recon but don't know that particular Thule very well. Let me know when you're thinking of purchasing and it's not immediately, I'll pick one up for a review.
as someone who hasn't used either one of these but is researching the crap out of what backpack to buy, i would say that if you are in and out of airports a lot (my situation), the surge is a better option. you can carry it three different ways (backpack, top handle, and duffle bag handle on the front pocket), and you can easily access your laptop for tsa in its own separate pocket that opens flat for inspection SEPERATE from the rest of your stuff. this is the biggest difference. they both have lots of padding for laptop protection. the other thing is that instead of having a front pocket that you can slide things in and out of on the recon, the surge has more secure zipper pockets in the front that are closed off. other than that (from what i can tell after watching several reviews on both), there really isn't anything else that is different. both are sturdily built to last (lots of reviewers have said that they're on their 3rd year, etc., with their packs!), AND the best thing is that these backpacks are built for better back support with lots of padding on the back and straps. MAKE SURE YOU BUY FOR YOUR BUILD, the men's version has wider-set straps for broader shoulders that go down straighter, and the women's version has narrower-set straps that go down curvier to better fit the chest area. just my two cents!
Personally, i don't know much about the older north face packs, but i have heard people who are hating the newer models because they aren't built as well? I can't say because i have been looking at the newer ones. i have also heard that people are complaining about some of the north face packs having straps that are "detatched" at the top. I have also seen other brands update their packs with weird fittings at the top of the staps that make it impossible to wear the backpack higher up. Personally, i like to be abe to pull my pack higher, so that is a no for me. I would suggest watching a shit ton of videos, reading the comments, and finding the bag on amazon to read the reviews. Think about how you like to wear your pack, and everything you want to carry in it (DUH, right?). This is ESSENTIAL for me because i carry everything in my pack to be completely hands-free. As for everyday carry, that depends. The surge, recon, and jester all have a floating laptop pocket and a generous organizational pocket. FOR ME, the organizational pocket is everything. I want to put very small personal packing cubes and other small cosmetic bags in there and carry my office in there. That pocket will be my purse, emergency bag, some hygiene and grooming items, a cooler pouch for a sandwich, etc. The larger pocket is for my laptop and office paperwork and books. Here are some more details that i see: Jester: smaller, for shorter people, i'd say. Has a bungee cord on the front good for carrying a pair of shoes or something like that. Recon: 31 liters, carries more, i'd say. Has a stretchy pocket on the front that doesn't have a zipper. I think this is a really good backpack for students with lots of boks to carry. That extra pocket is useful for easy access without zipping and unzipping while in class. Surge: i think it's slightly smaller than the recon, not sure. The biggest difference is the separate laptop pocket that zps all the way down so you can lie the bag flat while it's open for tsa to run your laptop through the scanner without having to remove it from your pack. If they do have to take it out, it's already open, and no one has to dig through your stuf to get to it. There are pockets in the front, but they are zippered. Borealis: bigger version of the jester with a bungee on the front.
I've been using my Surge for 9 years. I'm retiring it to buy this pack. They are both fine backpacks but I'm willing to trade the front section of the surge for more room. I always take my notebook out of my backpack since many of the international airports I usually travel through Asia don't like the notebook still in the bag. If I get even just half the life out of this that I did my surge I'll be a happy buyer.
Here's a 3 YEAR review update! ua-cam.com/video/M4dl5ZpmnTU/v-deo.html
Why are people so obsessed with small screen laptops and large screen smartphones? That's crazy.
I think it's a matter of having a big enough screen to visualize and create content and limiting weight. From a 4.5 to a 5.5 inches smartphone the increase in weight is irrelevant for many people and it still fits your pockets, but from a 13 to a 15 inches laptop, the difference can be 1 kg or more. That's how I view it.
Great review. I've been considering this bag and this has been very helpful towards making that decision. Also love the Star Trek hoodie!
I'm happy to hear the video helped make it so! 🖖🏽
Got one actually this is my second one because corner pockets started to show some rubber band type elastic strings. So returned and they gave me another one but same thing is happening with this one just not as bad. It’s a ok book bag maybe they have some type of recall going on with it.
I'll follow back up and road test - if you've uploaded any pictures feel free to share so I can get a better look.
nice video! picked this backpack up today for my travels.
Is the swissgear used and in good shape?
Which is better recon or router 40L
Is 40 L bigger i size?
I had a SwissGear 1900 for over 5 years and still looked beautiful and in great condition after several trips, small hikes, and being my day to day backpack. Unfortunately, I no longer have my SwissGear (really sad story) and was thinking of switching into the NorthFace Recon. Seeing as you did a similar transition, and now that you have a couple of years with the backpack, what's your take on the NorthFace Recon? Is it as durable and does it still look nice after all this time? I would really appreciate your input! Regards,
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@@foXnoMad Ofcourse!
Great review! Do you think it could carry gym gear; shoes, shirt, shorts. (sorry I know you get a lot of these kinds fo questions lol)
Thanks! You could definitely use this for a basic gym bag.
Until now. This is my hand carry bag 😅
Is it waterproof? I won't definietly go to pool with it, I need it protect my books and laptop from rain.
I would say it's waterproof but the way the zippers are stitched and the material make it very water resistant. It can definitely handle a downpour.
@@foXnoMad Thank you for your response!
Not waterproof! I've had mine for a year and a half. Wore it during an 80 minute soccer game on the sideline (I coach). Continuous down pour: paperwork and supplies got drenched in all compartments. I suggest a rain cover to be safe. Let it air out: took about 2-3 days to be completely dry.
The North Face Recon vs Thule Crossover Backpack 32L ¿Which of the two are better?
please recommend
Which 32L specifically? They have a few it looks like... (417, Crossover, Knit Cap bundle).
yes The North Face Recon vs Thule Crossover please recommend
I'm a big fan of the Recon but don't know that particular Thule very well. Let me know when you're thinking of purchasing and it's not immediately, I'll pick one up for a review.
Does this bag pill the back of shirts (pill as in wear down the shirt with the bag’s scratchy mesh on the padding)
I've not had that issue, the mesh doesn't tangle on shirts that I noticed.
Can a 15.6" laptop fits on the laptop sleeve?thanks
Yes, I can fit my 15 inch Macbook Pro no problem.
Have you ever tried the north face surge? If so, what’s your opinion between this two models as a carry on backpack?
I haven't but I'll get one and let you know :)
as someone who hasn't used either one of these but is researching the crap out of what backpack to buy, i would say that if you are in and out of airports a lot (my situation), the surge is a better option. you can carry it three different ways (backpack, top handle, and duffle bag handle on the front pocket), and you can easily access your laptop for tsa in its own separate pocket that opens flat for inspection SEPERATE from the rest of your stuff. this is the biggest difference. they both have lots of padding for laptop protection. the other thing is that instead of having a front pocket that you can slide things in and out of on the recon, the surge has more secure zipper pockets in the front that are closed off. other than that (from what i can tell after watching several reviews on both), there really isn't anything else that is different. both are sturdily built to last (lots of reviewers have said that they're on their 3rd year, etc., with their packs!), AND the best thing is that these backpacks are built for better back support with lots of padding on the back and straps. MAKE SURE YOU BUY FOR YOUR BUILD, the men's version has wider-set straps for broader shoulders that go down straighter, and the women's version has narrower-set straps that go down curvier to better fit the chest area. just my two cents!
What north face backpack do you think is the best for everyday carry, and do you prefer the older models with the thinner straps or newer models?
Personally, i don't know much about the older north face packs, but i have heard people who are hating the newer models because they aren't built as well? I can't say because i have been looking at the newer ones. i have also heard that people are complaining about some of the north face packs having straps that are "detatched" at the top. I have also seen other brands update their packs with weird fittings at the top of the staps that make it impossible to wear the backpack higher up. Personally, i like to be abe to pull my pack higher, so that is a no for me. I would suggest watching a shit ton of videos, reading the comments, and finding the bag on amazon to read the reviews. Think about how you like to wear your pack, and everything you want to carry in it (DUH, right?). This is ESSENTIAL for me because i carry everything in my pack to be completely hands-free.
As for everyday carry, that depends. The surge, recon, and jester all have a floating laptop pocket and a generous organizational pocket. FOR ME, the organizational pocket is everything. I want to put very small personal packing cubes and other small cosmetic bags in there and carry my office in there. That pocket will be my purse, emergency bag, some hygiene and grooming items, a cooler pouch for a sandwich, etc. The larger pocket is for my laptop and office paperwork and books. Here are some more details that i see:
Jester: smaller, for shorter people, i'd say. Has a bungee cord on the front good for carrying a pair of shoes or something like that.
Recon: 31 liters, carries more, i'd say. Has a stretchy pocket on the front that doesn't have a zipper. I think this is a really good backpack for students with lots of boks to carry. That extra pocket is useful for easy access without zipping and unzipping while in class.
Surge: i think it's slightly smaller than the recon, not sure. The biggest difference is the separate laptop pocket that zps all the way down so you can lie the bag flat while it's open for tsa to run your laptop through the scanner without having to remove it from your pack. If they do have to take it out, it's already open, and no one has to dig through your stuf to get to it. There are pockets in the front, but they are zippered.
Borealis: bigger version of the jester with a bungee on the front.
I've been using my Surge for 9 years. I'm retiring it to buy this pack. They are both fine backpacks but I'm willing to trade the front section of the surge for more room. I always take my notebook out of my backpack since many of the international airports I usually travel through Asia don't like the notebook still in the bag. If I get even just half the life out of this that I did my surge I'll be a happy buyer.
Can it carry a jerry can? (Gas canister)
I haven't tried but I'd say if it's the standard size I'm thinking of, it wouldn't fit in this bag.
Damn that crackling noise 😫 if only it wasn't like twice as loud as your voice!