The North Face  Recon Pack

I got this pack from a different store, just because it had a better color and slightly cheaper. but since I like REi so much, Ill make a reveiw here. I use this for school and traveling around the city, for that its fine. I carry about 11 pounds of books and other school stuff. It carries fine, I dont get any strap cutting into my body, its great. Ive also used it for downhill skiing and XC skiing. It carried all I needed, and still had some room. for XC-skiing I had to roll up my outer shell, and put it in the bottom compression straps (like a sleeping bag). The only con would be that this model is not as good as the older one just because of one feature. Even though its personaly prference, If there is a waist strap, I prefer to have a woder one with some padding. this new version uses a 1inch strap, while the old one has a 1.5 inch strap with some pads. it a matter of personal preference though.

I bought a Recon over 4 years ago and about a month ago the zipper on the small front area of the bag broke and I was unable to close it. I took the bag to the REI store and the gave me a store credit for the bag and I bought a new one.[...] Anyways, this is a great backpack. Comfortable, very adjustable and takes a beating. My old one was run over, thrown in a lake and left in the back of my truck during spring break for a week. It was used and abused and after washing it in the washing machine it looked almost new. The only problem I had was the zipper breaking, but that kind of stuff happens. Can't wait to start using my new pack soon.

I bought this pack to serve as a day pack for hiking and to carry my personal stuff day-to-day. It works great for both purposes. I wish it had just a bit more capacity, but no problems for an otherwise medium sized day-pack. I did a hike/climb (The Tooth - Snoqualmie Pass area) that required a full change of clothes including a few layers and a jacket, some climbing gear, water and food...and it worked out just fine. It was able to fit REI Ultralite waterproof pants and jacket, North Face Hyvent Triclimate jacket (inner layer), Camelbak water bottle, trekking poles, radios, food, extra water bottles, camera, beanie, gaiters, extra socks, extra pants ...didn't quite fit my harness, so I hooked that to the outside of it.

I purchased this backpack about 4 years ago from REI in Northridge. A couple days later, the pull string broke on one of the side mesh pockets, so I returned it for a new Recon. The second Recon has lasted ever since. I have used it for school, hiking, day trips, and even snowboarding. I love the hydration pouch and the front mesh pocket is great for putting gloves or rain gear in. This is my everyday backpack and is big enough (and sturdy enough) to carry around a laptop. The added whistle to the sternum strap is a great addition and I think everyone should start using these! :) I would recommend this backpack to anyone! - Derek

I haven't had a backpack this size for 20 years (opting for a fanny pack for day hikes). I bought this for wearing on my motorcycle and it is great! Sure, for the bike I had to take off the waist straps and wouldn't put a water bottle in side pockets (better safe than sending off water bottle projectiles). The pack is spacious, has every imaginable pocket and is very simple for quick loading. Works really well in the wind at top speeds -- no drag in this design. I've also started using it for day hikes and it is great on the trail: it is comfortable, fits a water pouch no problem. Couldn't be happier.

As a grad student, I needed to buy something tough enough to lug around all my books and papers, while being able to protect my ever present laptop and variety of accessories (cables, mouse, ethernet cords, cd's, ipod, etc). In short the Recon has done it all in 10 different countries in the past year and a half and never faltered. A solid performer for daily use for a student or a day pack for hiking.

Love this bag. Lots of room, disperses weight evenly making it easy on the back. I lead hunting/camping expeditions all over the country and it easily holds a fleece, outhershell, moccasins, coupla chamges of socks, 2-3 days food supply and plenty of ammo without being too bulky. Outer straps secure an extra pair of hiking books and two Nalgene bottles and inside is a space for a camelbak bladder and hose. Throw a 'biner or two on there and secure your compass or GPS lanyard, flashlights or anything else you might want easy access to. All in all very sturdy, functional and tough. Buy one!

i have had this pack for two months now and have taken it out on 6 hikes around the East Bay and Marin County. I've found this pack to be perfect for these hikes. Among other items, I carry three water bottles (one for me, and two for my dog), and the weight is distributed great. Although the hip belt is not padded, I don't have any discomfort during or after my hike...and there is a sternum strap for additional comfort. The only drawback, for me at least, is how warm it gets on back and shoulders due to the padding, but that is the price for comfort with this pack (plus, I sweat) Overall, it does exactly what I bought it for...Also, good quality (as you usually find with NOrth Face)...and I am rough with my gear.

Overall this is a good pack, however its geared more towards students than hikers. It has a decent amount of room, but the pockets aren't well thought out. There isn't any suspension so don't overload it or it gets uncomfortable. The good thing about this pack is the fabric itself is extremely durable. I've slid down many hills and it has never ripped. It also repels water very well. However, the seam where the shoulder strap meets the top of the bag ripped after a couple months of use. Luckily, its not a load bearing seam so its still usable. Also, I would like to see deeper side mesh pockets. Water bottles fall out of them too easily when you bend over. It a decent pack, but for the price, there are better packs out there.

I have been using this pack as my school backpack, taken it for short hiking trips, and had it glued to my back all over Europe. The front mesh pocket has been extremely useful, and the main compartment has plenty of room for most occasions for me. My main complaint is the almost worthless waist strap, it really gets in the way more in more cases than it is useful. The shoulder straps are pretty comfortable, but in the Texas heat my shoulders and back can really heat up under all of the padding. The straps on the bottom are sometimes useful, and I usually roll my rain jacket and stow it down there for sudden downpours on my ride to school. All things considered, I would definitely recommend it to someone who needs it for a wide variety of tasks, it has served me well so far.