The North Face Recon

Bottom line

The North Face Recon is one of the best packs we evaluated in terms of versatility, with features that are equally suited for campers, students and commuters. The only downsides are subjective; some say its ergonomically correct back panel is a little too stiff, while others say stuffing the outer pockets makes filling the main storage compartment problematic. Some simply wish the Recon were a little larger.

Performance

Perfect for school or camping. Owners put the 1,830-cubic-inch North Face Recon to a wide variety of uses, from camping to toting a laptop and schoolbooks. The bag has four pockets, plus a compartment for a laptop or hydration pack. There are organizers in the secondary storage compartment, two mesh water bottle pockets and a zippered mesh pocket inside the main compartment that users say is perfect for holding your wallet, snacks or emergency gear if you're out in the woods. The laptop/hydration sleeve holds a 15-inch laptop or a hydration bladder, and the backpack has a hydration port for the bladder hose.

Comfort

Chiropractors endorse it. The North Face Recon is one of nine North Face backpacks that receives a 2010 endorsement from the American Chiropractors Association for superior ergonomic features. "It's so comfortable even when loaded down," writes a user who purchased the Recon for use while traveling.

Other reviewers appreciate the back cushioning. Kid testers recruited by Good Housekeeping magazine weren't as generous; they like the Recon overall, but some said the back pad was a little too stiff. (It's not clear how old the kids were.) A few adult owners agree about the stiffness, but praise for this pack's comfort is almost unanimous.

Durability

Built to last; lifetime warranty. The North Face Recon performs very well in Good Housekeeping magazine's 2008 tests for durability. Most owners second this, saying this pack is strong and durable enough to hold up to heavy use at school or work. Several owners point out the buckles and zippers are particularly well made.

Andrew Fong, writing for SkatterTech.com, describes the pack's stitching as "fine" but says he can't find any signs of double-stitching, which would give better durability. He likes the heavier-duty fabric on the bottom of the pack and says the zippers are built to last.