Borealis vs Recon Backpack: Which Pack Reigns Supreme?
Choosing the right backpack can feel like navigating a gear jungle. With so many options, how do you find the perfect companion for your daily adventures? Today, we’re diving deep into a head-to-head showdown, comparing two titans of the backpack world: the North Face Borealis vs Recon backpack.
Both the Borealis and the Recon are popular choices, known for their durability and versatility. But which one comes out on top? We’ll analyze their features, comparing everything from comfort and capacity to organizational prowess and overall value. Get ready to discover which pack best suits your needs.
Whether you’re a student, a hiker, or a daily commuter, this comparison will help you make an informed decision. We’ll break down the key differences and similarities between the North Face Borealis and Recon backpacks. Let’s find out which one deserves a spot on your back!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Borealis | Recon Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 28 Liters | 30 Liters |
| Weight | 2 lbs 7 oz | 2 lbs 8 oz |
| Laptop Compartment | Yes (15-inch) | Yes (15-inch) |
| Tablet Sleeve | Yes | Yes |
| Water Bottle Pockets | Yes (2) | Yes (2) |
| Sternum Strap | Yes | Yes |
| Hip Belt | Yes (Removable) | Yes (Removable) |
| Material | Nylon | Nylon |
| Organization Pockets | Yes | Yes |
| Front Panel Pocket | Yes | Yes |
| Reflective Details | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Capacity
- Borealis: The Borealis typically offers a capacity around 28 liters. This makes it a good size for everyday use, school, or short day trips. However, it might be too small for extended travel or carrying bulky items.
- Recon Backpack: The Recon Backpack usually has a slightly smaller capacity, often around 22 liters. It’s designed for lighter loads and more streamlined carry, making it ideal for urban exploration or shorter outings. It prioritizes a more compact profile.
- Winner: Borealis
Weight
- Borealis: The Borealis, while sturdy, can be slightly heavier due to its more robust construction and additional features. This can be a consideration if weight is a primary concern.
- Recon Backpack: The Recon Backpack is generally lighter due to its more minimalist design and use of lighter materials. This makes it more comfortable for longer periods of wear, particularly when carrying lighter loads.
- Winner: Recon Backpack
Material & Durability
- Borealis: The Borealis often uses durable nylon fabrics, known for their resistance to wear and tear. It’s generally well-suited for everyday use and can withstand moderate abuse.
- Recon Backpack: The Recon Backpack typically uses similar durable materials, often with a focus on abrasion resistance. It’s designed to be tough and withstand the rigors of urban environments and light outdoor use.
- Winner: Tie
Organization & Pockets
- Borealis: The Borealis typically has a well-organized compartment system, including a dedicated laptop sleeve, multiple pockets for smaller items, and often a front organizer pocket. This enhances organization.
- Recon Backpack: The Recon Backpack often features a more streamlined organization, potentially with a laptop sleeve and fewer pockets, emphasizing a cleaner design. Organization is present, but potentially less extensive.
- Winner: Borealis
Comfort & Suspension
- Borealis: The Borealis usually has a more supportive back panel and shoulder straps, often with a padded mesh design for breathability and comfort. It’s designed to carry heavier loads comfortably.
- Recon Backpack: The Recon Backpack typically features a comfortable back panel and shoulder straps, but with a focus on a more streamlined and potentially less heavily padded design. Comfort is still a priority, but with a lighter overall feel.
- Winner: Borealis
Laptop Compartment
- Borealis: The Borealis includes a dedicated, padded laptop sleeve, typically capable of accommodating laptops up to 15 inches. This protects your device during transport.
- Recon Backpack: The Recon Backpack also includes a laptop sleeve, often similarly sized, to protect your laptop. The design may vary slightly, but protection is a key feature.
- Winner: Tie
Aesthetics & Style
- Borealis: The Borealis has a classic backpack design that’s suitable for both school and everyday use. It offers a more versatile look, suitable for a wider range of settings.
- Recon Backpack: The Recon Backpack generally has a more streamlined and minimalist aesthetic. This results in a more modern and urban-focused style.
- Winner: Recon Backpack
Price
- Borealis: The Borealis is generally priced in the mid-range.
- Recon Backpack: The Recon Backpack is generally priced in the same range as the Borealis.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Recon Backpack |
| Weight | Borealis |
| Laptop Protection | Tie |
| Organization | Tie |
| Comfort | Tie |
| Value | Tie |
What They Have in Common:
- Laptop Compartment: Both backpacks feature dedicated, padded compartments designed to safely carry laptops up to 15 inches in size. This ensures your technology is well-protected during commutes or travels.
- Water Bottle Pockets: Each backpack includes two side pockets, perfect for holding water bottles or other hydration solutions, keeping you refreshed and prepared.
- Comfortable Straps: Both models are equipped with padded shoulder straps and a sternum strap to distribute weight evenly, enhancing comfort during extended wear.
- Organization: Both bags have multiple organizational pockets to help you keep your belongings tidy and easy to find, from pens to chargers.
- Durable Materials: Constructed with durable nylon, both backpacks are built to withstand the rigors of daily use and outdoor adventures, ensuring longevity.
- Reflective Elements: Both backpacks incorporate reflective elements for increased visibility in low-light conditions, enhancing safety during nighttime commutes or excursions.
Borealis Vs Recon Backpack Buying Guide
Durability and Materials
Both the North Face Borealis and Recon backpacks are known for their durability, but they achieve it through slightly different means. The Borealis typically utilizes a blend of nylon fabrics, often including a durable 420D nylon for the main body and a 210D nylon for the shoulder straps and bottom panel. This construction provides excellent abrasion resistance and tear strength for daily use. The Recon, on the other hand, frequently incorporates a more rugged 600D polyester, known for its resilience and ability to withstand rough handling. Both backpacks are designed to endure the rigors of everyday life, but the Recon may have a slight edge in pure ruggedness due to its polyester build.
Capacity and Organization
When it comes to capacity and organization, both backpacks offer a good balance for various needs. The Borealis usually has a capacity around 28 liters, providing ample space for everyday essentials and light hiking gear. It typically features a main compartment, a dedicated laptop sleeve, and multiple smaller pockets for organizing items like pens, phones, and water bottles. The Recon backpack also provides a similar capacity, often around 30 liters, but it may offer slightly more sophisticated organizational features, such as more zippered compartments and dedicated pockets for electronics. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific organizational preferences and the volume of items you typically carry.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is a critical factor when choosing a backpack, and both the Borealis and Recon prioritize it. The Borealis often boasts a FlexVent suspension system, featuring custom injection-molded shoulder straps, a padded back panel, and a breathable mesh. This system helps distribute weight evenly and promotes airflow to prevent overheating. The Recon offers a similar level of comfort with its own suspension system, often including a padded back panel, contoured shoulder straps, and a sternum strap for added stability. The fit of both backpacks is generally designed to accommodate a wide range of body types, but it’s always recommended to try them on to ensure a comfortable and secure fit.
Laptop and Tablet Compatibility
Both backpacks are designed with the needs of students and professionals in mind, including dedicated compartments for laptops and tablets. The Borealis typically features a padded laptop sleeve that can accommodate laptops up to 15 inches, along with a separate compartment for a tablet. This ensures that your electronics are protected from bumps and scratches during your daily commute or travels. The Recon also includes a padded laptop sleeve, often with similar size compatibility, and may offer additional organizational features like a fleece-lined pocket for a tablet or smartphone. These features make both backpacks ideal for carrying and protecting your valuable devices.
Water Resistance and Weather Protection
While neither backpack is fully waterproof, both offer a degree of water resistance to protect your belongings from light rain and splashes. The Borealis often features a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish on its fabrics, which helps repel water and prevent it from soaking into the material. The Recon also typically incorporates a DWR finish, providing similar levels of protection. For heavier rain or more extreme weather conditions, it is advisable to use a rain cover, which can be purchased separately for both backpacks. Both offer adequate protection for typical daily use, but a rain cover is recommended for prolonged exposure to wet conditions.
Style and Aesthetics
The style and aesthetics of a backpack are a matter of personal preference, but both the Borealis and Recon offer a range of options to suit different tastes. The Borealis is known for its classic and versatile design, with a clean and streamlined appearance that complements various outfits. It is available in a variety of colors and patterns, allowing you to express your personal style. The Recon backpack also features a stylish design, often with a more technical or rugged aesthetic. It is also available in a wide selection of colors, allowing you to choose a backpack that best reflects your individual preferences and needs. Both backpacks offer a balance of functionality and style.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy borealis If…
- You prefer a slightly lighter backpack.
- You value a more streamlined design.
- You want a backpack with a removable hip belt.
- You prioritize a balance of features for everyday use and light outdoor activities.
Buy recon backpack If…
- You need a slightly larger capacity.
- You desire a backpack with more internal organization.
- You want a pack with a more robust back panel for enhanced support.
- You plan on carrying slightly heavier loads regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Borealis and the Recon backpack?
The primary difference lies in the materials and design focus. The Borealis often uses a 420D nylon blend for durability and a more streamlined aesthetic, while the Recon typically employs a more rugged 600D polyester, emphasizing durability and outdoor functionality. The Recon may include slightly more organizational features.
Which backpack is better for hiking?
Both backpacks are suitable for light to moderate hiking, but the Recon may have a slight edge due to its more durable materials and potentially more rugged design features. However, the Borealis is also capable and comfortable for shorter hikes. Consider the trail conditions and the weight you plan to carry.
How much weight can these backpacks typically carry?
Both the Borealis and Recon can comfortably carry around 20-30 pounds. This depends on the user’s build and the proper adjustment of the shoulder straps and sternum strap. Overloading either pack can lead to discomfort and potential strain. Distribute the weight evenly.
Are these backpacks suitable for travel?
Yes, both backpacks are well-suited for travel. They offer sufficient capacity for carry-on luggage and have dedicated compartments for laptops and other essentials. Their comfortable designs and organizational features make them convenient for navigating airports and exploring new locations.
Do these backpacks have a warranty?
Yes, both the Borealis and Recon backpacks are typically covered by The North Face’s warranty, which protects against defects in materials and workmanship. The specific terms and duration of the warranty may vary, so it’s essential to consult The North Face’s website for details.
How do I clean these backpacks?
Cleaning both backpacks is relatively straightforward. Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Avoid machine washing or using harsh chemicals, which can damage the materials. Allow the backpack to air dry completely before use. Remove any loose debris first.
What are the key features to consider when choosing between these backpacks?
Consider the desired level of durability, organizational needs, comfort preferences, and aesthetic appeal. The Borealis offers a blend of style and everyday functionality, while the Recon prioritizes ruggedness and outdoor suitability. Weigh these factors based on your primary usage.
Final Verdict
The North Face Borealis and Recon backpacks are both excellent choices for everyday use and light outdoor activities. The Borealis offers a versatile design with a focus on comfort and style, while the Recon excels in durability and organizational features. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual needs. If ruggedness and extra organizational features are priorities, the Recon is a slightly better fit.
Winner: Recon Backpack