North Face Recon (2021) vs North Face Borealis - What’s the Difference?

In this video we will be comparing The North Face Borealis (2021) and the North Face Recon. Both a decent amount of space, a solid build quality, plenty of organization and comfortable harness systems, but there are some slight differences that might make one better than the other depending on your needs.

Which of these do you prefer? What are your favorite bags from popular brands?

Music: “The Nexus Riddim” - Konrad OldMoney

#minimaltravel #onebagtravel #whatsinmybag

Exterior - 1:00
Straps and back panel - 1:48
Main compartment - 2:19
Quick access pockets - 2:44
Wearing the bags - 5:12
Laptop Compartment - 5:59
Pricing & Alternatives - 8:22

Other videos to check out:

Items featured in bag:

Follow Us Below to Stay Up to Date with All of Our Latest Updates

[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. 🤷‍♂️

[City-Hiker]

I believe the Recon is more technical and better than the Borealis.
Here are the 5 reasons I go for Recon, but not the Borealis.:
1. The Recon offer free to add the bungee cord, and the Borealis bungee cord is not removable nor replaceable, that’s the main reason I got for the Recon.
2. The Recon offer side compression strap, the Borealis doesn’t have such features.
3. The daisy chain and front mesh pockets offer you clipping things and putting small stuffs like gloves, USB cable. The Borealis doesn’t come with the daisy chain.
4. The Recon design is better fit for commuters and office employees carrying stuffs go to work. If you use for hiking, you can add the bungee cord to the front anytime. If you don’t use the bungee cord, you can remove it anytime.
5. The Recon water bottle pockets are deeper than the Borealis. If you put a water bottle of more than 20oz big to the Borealis water pocket, it will fall out easily although it offer a bungee cord to hold it, but if you put into the Recon, the pocket is deep enough for the bottle.

Again, one thing that I would like to emphasize is that you can buy a short bungee cord to put into the ring on the side for your Recon Backpack, so you could better hold your tripods or selfie.

Although I am not professional, I made a video clip to show you how it looks like after adding a bungee cord. If you’d like to see it, you can look at my short clip.

[Ro.T]

Gave a like for the walking shots of the backpack. Helped me visualize the backpack being on. Thanks

[allieglcw]

i have both of these bags (got recon in 8th grade, borealis in 9th) but personally i prefer the borealis because i found it can fit my big binders for school better!

[BaptisteLegrand]

I just spent 1hr in the store, thoroughly comparing the Surge, the Recon and the Borealis. I brought my 16" laptop and pretty much everything I usually have with me when I travel, and spent a lot of time testing if/how it fits in each model.

Although I liked its webbin, I found the Borealis to be just a little bit too small for my needs, so I discarded it pretty quickly.

Now the Surge was the one I was initially interested in, but astonishingly, although it's supposed slightly be larger than the Recon, I found the laptop was a bit too tight, and overall, for some reason I can explain, I had the distinct impression the Surge was smaller than the Recon. Can't explain why, and that's something I could only realize by comparing the too.

The Recon, in the other hand, felt perfect for my needs capacity-wise. I was a bit afraid of the laptop sleeve going all the way down but honestly it's very acceptable : if really I'm bothered by it I'll add some extra padding in the bottom (a rolled t-shirt or a pair of socks or something). It was a deal breaker on paper, but turns out it's actually ok.

I love the fact the side water bottle pockets have compression straps : it's a huge plus.

Admin pocket, again for some reason it works better for me than the Surge, so another win for the Recon.

After ample reflexion, I decided the Recon outer mesh pouch was better for me than the Surge two zipped pouches. But I suppose it would be different for everyone.

So as you can guess I bought the Recon, I'm very happy with it, and what I'll do is by some cheap elastic nylon cordage and some clips, and i'll add my own webbing, the same as the Borealis, on my Recon, and I'll then have the best backpack I could wish for in this price range and given my needs. Definitely feels like a win.

[anahdnwn]

Thank you for the video! I was trying to choose between the Borealis and the Jester (decided Borealis because the Jester didn’t have a computer slot) and now I am thinking of the Recon instead! I really like the color scheme for the Recon, and it is technically a better looking version of the Borealis. I do wish the computer slot had more padding (my school supplies computers so it’s not really for personal relief) but still, it would be nice.

[nellatrab]

I laced a bungee cord on the Recon through the daisy chains...works good and have now both benefits!

[rlfstr]

I assume North Face also adds the front mesh pocket capacity to the Recon's overall capacity which is why the main compartment is actually smaller than the Borealis. Who knows though.

[Kerry_kit_slayer]

Very helpful, thanks. I'm going with the Recon to replace my worn out Jester (over 10 years old).

[clairem]

Great video - informative without lots of waffle! Helped me to choose which to buy for my high school son (went with Borealis - want as much laptop protection as possible!).
NB one thing I saw mentioned on another review of the borealis is that the front bungee cord can easily be detached if wanted - I thought that was good to know for people who might not like the look of bungee in everyday use and/or are concerned that it might get easily damaged if used everyday at school. Waist strap is also detachable.

[ev]

As always, great video! Thanks for this! 😊

Recon seems to be the better choice. Loved the layout, if the daisy chain is a little thinner, I think it would look way better. Hope you could do a detailed review for the recon. I would love to see it fully packed for travel to have a better view of its capacity. ☺️

[TheHYEGUY]

The Recon seems better at holding a large 40oz hydroflask in the side pocket. Is that the case?

[HotSizzleTV_]

I have both of these the older model, they are the same only difference is one borealis I can put a jacket or hoodie on the back vs the recon I can put my game controller or some snacks in the back.

[kevinschneider]

Could you give a quick heads up on North Face Recon VS Alpaka Elements Travel? I have the Recon and think about upgrading - main reasons: more quality materials and look, clamshell opening for easier loading during travels, a bit more space, comfort of wearing, better waterproofed.
Anything that would be a „downgrade“ in your opinion or make the north face much better value for money? I love the aesthetics of the Alpaka but the price difference is quite a bit and the Recon did a solid job for over 10 years.

[ΞενοςΑγγελος]

I've seen the laptop sleeve is meant to fit a 15" screen device. Is there any leftover space for it to do a 17" if one stuffs it hard enough?

[mchgw]

great video & comparison, helps a lot!

[mimicc]

Are the side pocket bungees on the borealis adjustable? I want to make it loose

[sherwinjayco]

Hey danny, thanks for the comparison. It helps a lot, I like the colors of both. But is that color grey on the both tnf? Thanks 😊

[AmitKumar-invo]

Just bought Borealis, for hiking. The water hose (from hydration bladder) goes through the top loop of shoulder strap but still has a long length loosely/awkwardly hanging. Any ideas to secure it more?

Is the small loop in chest strap for 🖊️ or 🕶️?

[WindCZ]

I bought recon and its 10/10 backpack for my light use.