The North Face RECON vs BOREALIS Explained in 5 Minutes

🎒 MORE NORTH FACE VIDEOS
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✍️ ITEMS SHOWN IN VIDEO
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The North Face Recon vs Borealis: It’s Simple

What if we told you these backpacks were more alike than they are different? Choosing between the two is as simple as taking a look at their carrying capacity and external storage designs.

The North Face Recon features 30 liters of storage with a stretchy quick-stash pocket that’s perfect for quickly putting away smaller items like gloves, a book or bike lock. On the other hand the Borealis gives you a little bit less internal storage at 27 liters (or 28 liters for the men’s Borealis) but features a super-useful bungee storage system that allows for attachment of larger items like a jacket, blanket or shoes.

Note: In this video we compare the womens Recon to the womens Borealis. We point out any differences to the mens versions in the video.

Which Backpack is Better?

Choose the North Face Recon if… you need a larger backpack for books, binders, clothes and other essential items. At 30 liters, it’s just the right size for a daily backpack without being too bulky. The quick stash pocket in the front is convenient and comes in handy when you are in a rush. Commuters will like that the external pocket on the Recon that can comfortably fit a bike lock.

Choose the North Face Borealis if… you like the idea of the external bungee system to haul around oversized gear like blankets and jackets. This bungee system is great once you start to utilize it since it frees up the main compartment and gives you a ton of more storage space.

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IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES
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Free Products
At Backpackies, we may sometimes receive free products from brands to consider adding to our buying guides and reviews. However, what we choose to showcase is at our discretion and our opinions are our own. Our goal has always been to help our audience find the perfect backpack for their specific needs and we strive to keep our opinions and recommendations honest based on that goal.

[_ltmh]

the borealis laptop compartment is 3 inches off the bottom to elevate the laptop from drops, its an intentional design to prevent laptop damage which makes a lot of sense to not have it flat to bottom of the bag. not a flaw of the bag.

[KID_CHAMELEON]

I bought the Borealis last week and after a couple of days of use I decided I wanted to try out the Recon to see if the extra 2L was worth it and figured I could always add bungee straps so I'd have both the pocket and a bungee system. Now I know TNF claims the Recon is bigger by 2 liters but comparing them side by side, the Borealis actually seems to be the bigger of the two. It is definitely wider and more of a rectangular shape where the Recon has more rounded corners giving more of an oval shape. I packed both bags with the exact same gear to test. (4 pairs of socks, 4 pairs of boxer shorts, 4 polo shirts, a pair of jeans, and a hooded sweatshirt. The Borealis definitely felt roomier and felt like it had more room to pack another couple shirts or a small jacket. Even viewing the two side by side when full, the Recon appeared to be completely packed, whereas the Borealis appeared to be able to fit more. I'm honestly really questioning if someone at TNF made a mistake with the specs listed and the Borealis is actually the bigger of the two. I highly doubt they would make a mistake like this but after seeing them side by side in person, I think I'm going to stick with the Borealis. It really does feel bigger overall. 🤷‍♂️

[katecarl]

The Borealis provides a shelf to keep a laptop off the floor of the pack, protecting it from damage. Not an odd design by North Face, an excellent design!

[slicktype]

What an absolute killer comparison video. No fills, just thrills! Gangstah! Thank

[barriewylde]

I love my Recon it just does it all for me.The stretch pocket works great for me.And I really like your reviews.Thanks

[francescocarpagnano]

The Recon has also two daisychains on the sides of the stash pocket, so theoretically you can pass a bungee cord trough them and have both.

[nathanjamesbaker]

I have both of these packs. I prefer the Borealis for day hiking and the Recon for everyday urban use.

[City-Hiker]

You can add a bungee cord on the daisy chain of the Recon, so you can use the mesh pocket and bungee.

Many hiking backpacks add a bungee on the daisy chain. Such as Raven Skule 28, New Balance Concept One Adventure Backpack are good examples.

The newer Borealis version, bungee is not replaceable. Once you broke the bungee, you can’t replace it. Recon doesn’t need to be worry.

[ajinreji]

Your video is so good. Both the content and the video quality. I think I will go with the Recon, cuz I feel like Recon looks better than Borealis, on the other hand Borealis is more bulky in appearance. Thanks

great video, thank you sm!! i love backpacks and i love your channel, i just ordered the recon ❤️

[gxaxw]

I have been following this channel, and a lot of your videos help me in decision making when I buy bags. Thanks to you now I have Borealis and Osprey Porter+Daylite!

[JeepsCafe]

Went with the Recon, it is the proper backpack for scootin through the streets of downtown Toronto and hiking through the woods. Again, excellent review and comparison video.

[Unlimited]

Very helpful. Love these comparison videos to help with reducing research time when shopping.

[jeff-phbc]

Excellent video. Really helpful for choosing between the two backpacks!

[JeepsCafe]

Thank you for this vid, it helped me decide which backpack is more suitable for my needs. Excellent review!

[mtbgeologist]

This video actually made me buy the Recon over the Borealis for the "flaw" you mentioned regarding the false bottom of the laptop compartments. I have a 17" laptop, so the larger compartment accommodates my laptop so that it is not pushing the corners at all.

The laptop compartment in the Borealis makes a lot of sense... how many times you have forgot about your precious laptop and dropped the backpack on the floor?

[strawberrymochiiz]

I like the borealis laptop compartment is 3" higher. I carry an expensive work laptop every day and making sure it's safe is a higher priority. On some of my other backpacks I've been then down a little to quickly onlyntk hear my laptop hittingnthe ground 😂

[styledliving]

I'd prefer a sub <2lbs backpack with less padding in the pack itself and a single large compartment. I'll accept a dedicated hybrid laptop/hydration pack sleeve, but I need more room to store bulky stuff. it looks like these backpacks are more for business professionals than students with an active lifestyle

[MunroMcLaren]

I do wish the second compartment in the Borealis went all the way down to the bottom for more space.