North Face Recon backpack - upgrading my everyday bag

Gear Review

Upgrading My Everyday Bag

Adidas Foundations V vs North Face Recon vs Borealis

3

Bags Compared

$39

Recon Outlet Price

$100

Recon Retail Value

Table of Contents

• ① First Impressions
• ② Value & Pricing
• ③ Feature Comparison
• ④ What's Next

Section I

First Impressions

I was looking for a better bag for work and travel and initially considered the North Face Borealis Backpack. While comparing options, I came across the North Face Recon Backpack and after digging into the differences, decided the Recon was the better fit.

Almost immediately, I noticed the extra attention to detail. The organization, structure, and overall design of the Recon made my Adidas Foundations V Backpack feel more limited by comparison. The biggest advantage of the Recon is its more rigid structure, which helps the bag hold its shape while still offering plenty of storage.

The Adidas bag is no slouch though. Its thinner materials and flexible frame make it feel slightly bulkier once packed, but it works well as a gym bag for clothes and shoes.

Section II

Value & Pricing

To be fair, these bags are not really in the same category aside from price. I paid just $39 for the Recon during an outlet sale, while the Adidas cost $27. Normally, the Recon retails for $100, and it definitely looks and feels like a premium bag at that price point.

Section III

Feature Comparison

Feature	North Face Recon	North Face Borealis	Adidas Foundations V
Typical Retail Price	~$100	~$115	~$40
Capacity	~30L	~28L	~33L (varies by model)
Laptop Compartment	Yes (up to ~15–16")	Yes (up to ~15")	Yes
Structure	Rigid, structured design	Medium structure	Soft, flexible
External Storage	Large front mesh stash pocket	Elastic bungee storage system	Basic front pocket
Organization	Multiple internal pockets	Moderate organization	Minimal organization
Suspension System	FlexVent padded system	FlexVent padded system	Basic padded straps
Intended Use	Commuting, school, travel	Commuting, school, outdoor use	Gym, casual use
Weight	~2.7 lb	~2.5 lb	~1–1.5 lb

Recon Details

The Recon offers about 30 liters of capacity, slightly more than the Borealis' 28 liters, and typically includes a dedicated laptop compartment and more internal organization. There also appear to be variations on the Recon in addition to sizes; some other models of Recon have a different top half pocket organizer section than the model I purchased.

Section IV

What's Next

Bag Reassignments

• → Adidas Foundations V — Repurposed as a home filing cabinet for personal documents
• → Nautica Bag — Likely donated to a charity bin; still in excellent condition

3 bags reviewed · 1 clear winner · The North Face Recon at $39 outlet is hard to beat