The North Face Women's Recon Luxe Backpack One Size Black

This bag checked more boxes than others on features I like for a do all pack.The laptop compartment is great and decently padded. It has a semi ridged frame that I think should help as well and helps the bag keep it's shape when storing or setting it down. It has its own zipper and compartment for the laptop which I love.Jacket and blanket straps are a must for me when camping or hiking and these are great with built in strap management.It's kind of annoying that there's no slack management on the rest of the adjustable straps. Straps are hanging all over the place.The waist strap is kind of an after thought, but it's there and functional which I like because mine is usually not in use. They just don't have any way to stow it built in.The bottle pockets ... MoreThis bag checked more boxes than others on features I like for a do all pack.The laptop compartment is great and decently padded. It has a semi ridged frame that I think should help as well and helps the bag keep it's shape when storing or setting it down. It has its own zipper and compartment for the laptop which I love.Jacket and blanket straps are a must for me when camping or hiking and these are great with built in strap management.It's kind of annoying that there's no slack management on the rest of the adjustable straps. Straps are hanging all over the place.The waist strap is kind of an after thought, but it's there and functional which I like because mine is usually not in use. They just don't have any way to stow it built in.The bottle pockets are nice and deep, except they cut into the interior of the bag so with a full sized bottle it's harder to fit more things in the main pocket. it does make the bag nice and streamlined, but at a cost.I'm not going to be one of the people who knocks the capacity of the bag when it's listed in description, but this bag is just a hair smaller than what I would have liked, but I've managed just fine.Major materials seem nice. I love the rubber material on the bottom in case you have to set the bag down on wet surfaces. Can be dried and cleaned easily so as not to get the user wet. Shoulder straps attachments are somewhat thin, but if the material holds up, should be good.Over all a good do all pack that's been comfortable to wear having fun and convenient to use for my work. I'd probably buy it again regardless of some flaws because of the features it DOES have. Most of the problems I've described can be fixed with cheap aftermarket solutions although I wish I didn't need to. Been a great pack so far.

I bought this to replace my current Jester backpack, which I’ve had since 9th grade and I’m in medical school now. All of this is to say my 2009 jester was accommodating of all the school I’ve gone through at this point space wise but this recon is extremely disappointing! It was supposed to be larger than the Jester and simply wasn’t, idk the compartments don’t enlarge side ways and if you fill the big compartment you can’t put anything in the 2nd zip. The liter description is very misleading because it makes it seem as if you can fit more in it than you can. For context I put my laptop, normal sized iPad, spiral textbook, 3 inch text book, and a collapsible laptop stand and after zipping it, the seams were streeessed. If you only use a laptop, small iPad and a ... MoreI bought this to replace my current Jester backpack, which I’ve had since 9th grade and I’m in medical school now. All of this is to say my 2009 jester was accommodating of all the school I’ve gone through at this point space wise but this recon is extremely disappointing! It was supposed to be larger than the Jester and simply wasn’t, idk the compartments don’t enlarge side ways and if you fill the big compartment you can’t put anything in the 2nd zip. The liter description is very misleading because it makes it seem as if you can fit more in it than you can. For context I put my laptop, normal sized iPad, spiral textbook, 3 inch text book, and a collapsible laptop stand and after zipping it, the seams were streeessed. If you only use a laptop, small iPad and a small spiral notebook this backpack is for you. If not, don’t waste your money. Idk when northface gave up the laxity of fabric and spacious backpacks but I’m going to have to find another brand that accommodates my needs.

Let me start off by saying I LOVE this pack. Probably the best backpack I have ever purchased. High quality stitching, zippers, and interior/exterior fabric. I was looking for a pack that could do it all (everyday carry, laptop sleeve, travel/day pack, hiking compatible, hydration reservoir compatible, comfortable shoulder straps, hip belt, chest buckle, good amount of interior and exterior pockets). It even has sleeping pad straps on the bottom which I don’t know if I’ll ever use for that purpose, but I like to strap in my sandals down there.This bag achieves all of it. The water bottle pockets are great fabric and construction. Fits a 32 oz Nalgene perfectly and snug. There is a secret pocket with fleece lining that prevents rattling of items which is a feature ... MoreLet me start off by saying I LOVE this pack. Probably the best backpack I have ever purchased. High quality stitching, zippers, and interior/exterior fabric. I was looking for a pack that could do it all (everyday carry, laptop sleeve, travel/day pack, hiking compatible, hydration reservoir compatible, comfortable shoulder straps, hip belt, chest buckle, good amount of interior and exterior pockets). It even has sleeping pad straps on the bottom which I don’t know if I’ll ever use for that purpose, but I like to strap in my sandals down there.This bag achieves all of it. The water bottle pockets are great fabric and construction. Fits a 32 oz Nalgene perfectly and snug. There is a secret pocket with fleece lining that prevents rattling of items which is a feature I love. The stretchy pocket on the exterior is amazing. I love it. Probably my favorite feature. Laptop sleeve is strong, sturdy, and soft at the same time. The zippers glide with ease and never get caught/stuck.Now the only CON… I wish the middle compartment had some pockets… but it’s okay, I’ll live with it. Also, sometimes it’s hard to find the zippers due to them being black and them getting lost in items I have in the side pockets.I previously had the REI Trail 25 and it was maybe half as good as this bag. This bag was only about $20 more. North Face will take my money any day after buying this bag. Highly recommend!