North Face Borealis vs Recon: Which Backpack Reigns?
Choosing the right backpack can feel like navigating a wilderness of options. The North Face, a brand synonymous with adventure, offers a plethora of choices, but two stand out for their popularity and versatility: the Borealis and the Recon.
Both the North Face Borealis and Recon are designed to handle the rigors of daily life, from campus commutes to weekend hikes. They boast impressive features and a reputation for durability, making the decision even tougher. But which one truly comes out on top?
This comparison dives deep into the details, analyzing the features, comfort, and overall value of the North Face Borealis vs Recon. We’ll explore their differences and similarities, helping you determine which backpack is the perfect fit for your needs and lifestyle.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Borealis | Recon |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 28 Liters | 30 Liters |
| Weight | 2 lbs 7 oz (1106g) | 2 lbs 6 oz (1077g) |
| Laptop Compartment | Yes (15-inch) | Yes (15-inch) |
| Tablet Sleeve | Yes | Yes |
| External Water Bottle Pockets | Yes | Yes |
| Sternum Strap | Yes | Yes |
| Hip Belt | Yes (removable) | Yes (removable) |
| Organization Panel | Yes | Yes |
| Materials | Recycled Nylon | Recycled Nylon |
| Front stash pocket | Yes | Yes |
| Reflective Details | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Capacity
- North Face Borealis: Offers a 28-liter capacity, suitable for everyday use and short trips. Provides ample space for a laptop, books, and other essentials. A good balance between size and portability.
- Recon: Boasts a slightly smaller 30-liter capacity, also designed for daily use. This makes it ideal for carrying work, school, and outdoor essentials.
- Winner: Recon
Laptop Compartment
- North Face Borealis: Features a dedicated, padded laptop sleeve that can accommodate laptops up to 15 inches. Offers good protection and easy access.
- Recon: Includes a padded laptop sleeve designed to hold laptops up to 15 inches. Provides secure and organized storage for your device.
- Winner: Tie
Organization
- North Face Borealis: Includes a secondary compartment with internal organization pockets, including a tablet sleeve and pen slots. This helps keep smaller items organized.
- Recon: Provides multiple compartments and pockets, including a front stash pocket and organizational panel. Offers excellent organization for various items.
- Winner: Recon
Comfort (Suspension System)
- North Face Borealis: Equipped with the FlexVent suspension system, featuring custom injection-molded shoulder straps and a padded back panel for comfortable carrying. Suitable for daily use.
- Recon: Also utilizes the FlexVent suspension system, with similar shoulder straps and a padded back panel, designed for all-day comfort.
- Winner: Tie
Durability
- North Face Borealis: Constructed from durable materials, including a 210D nylon ripstop. Offers good resistance to wear and tear.
- Recon: Built with durable and weather-resistant materials, including a 210D nylon ripstop. Provides excellent protection against the elements.
- Winner: Tie
Water Resistance
- North Face Borealis: Offers a degree of water resistance, but is not fully waterproof. Suitable for light rain or splashes.
- Recon: Provides a slightly improved water resistance due to its durable and weather-resistant materials.
- Winner: Recon
External Features
- North Face Borealis: Includes external features such as side water bottle pockets and a sternum strap for added stability.
- Recon: Also features side water bottle pockets, a sternum strap, and reflective elements for visibility.
- Winner: Recon
Weight
- North Face Borealis: Generally lighter in weight, which makes it easier to carry around for extended periods.
- Recon: Slightly heavier due to the additional features and potentially more robust construction.
- Winner: Borealis
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Recon |
| Versatility | Borealis |
| Organization | Recon |
| Hip Belt | Tie |
| Overall 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 device is protected during transport.
- Tablet Sleeve: Both the Borealis and Recon include a separate sleeve for tablets, providing additional protection and organization for your electronics.
- Water Bottle Pockets: Both backpacks have external water bottle pockets on the sides, allowing for easy access to hydration.
- Sternum Strap: Both backpacks feature a sternum strap to help distribute weight and improve stability while carrying a load.
- Hip Belt: Both models come equipped with a hip belt to further aid in weight distribution and enhance comfort, especially during longer trips.
- Organization Panel: Both backpacks provide an organization panel to help keep smaller items like pens, phones, and chargers organized.
North Face Borealis Vs Recon Buying Guide
Comfort and Fit
Both the Borealis and Recon prioritize comfort, but they achieve it through slightly different designs. The Borealis features a FlexVent suspension system with custom injection-molded shoulder straps and a padded back panel designed for all-day wear. It often feels more plush. The Recon, on the other hand, utilizes a more streamlined design with a comfortable back panel and shoulder straps, and it tends to sit closer to the body, which some users prefer for a more athletic feel. Consider your personal preference for a snug or a more relaxed fit when choosing between these two backpacks.
Storage and Organization
Storage is a key consideration. The Borealis generally offers more overall capacity, often around 28 liters, making it suitable for carrying a wider range of items, including books, a laptop, and extra layers. It typically includes a dedicated laptop compartment and multiple organizational pockets. The Recon, while usually slightly smaller in total volume, is also well-organized, with a dedicated laptop sleeve, a secondary compartment for smaller items, and external pockets for water bottles and other essentials. Both backpacks provide excellent storage options.
Durability and Materials
Both backpacks are built to withstand daily use. The Borealis and Recon are constructed using durable materials, typically including a combination of nylon fabrics. They are both designed to resist wear and tear. The Recon often incorporates a more rugged fabric on the bottom panel, enhancing its durability in high-abrasion areas. This makes it a great choice for rougher environments. Consider how you will use the bag when deciding, but both are durable.
Laptop and Tech Compatibility
Both the Borealis and Recon are designed with tech users in mind. They both include dedicated, padded laptop compartments that can accommodate laptops of various sizes. They also feature pockets for tablets and other electronic devices. The Borealis’ laptop sleeve is often accessible from the main compartment, while the Recon’s laptop sleeve may have separate access. Check the specific dimensions to ensure your devices fit comfortably. Both bags are excellent for students and professionals.
Water Resistance
While neither backpack is fully waterproof, both offer a degree of water resistance. They are both made of water-resistant materials, and the main compartments are generally protected from light rain and splashes. The Borealis and Recon may have some water-resistant coatings on the fabric. For more significant downpours, you might consider using a rain cover. The Borealis may have a slightly better water-resistant construction, but both are comparable.
Price and Value
The price of the Borealis and Recon can fluctuate depending on sales and retailers. Generally, these backpacks are positioned in a similar price range, representing excellent value for their features and build quality. Consider the features that are most important to you when evaluating the value. Both offer great quality for the price point. Think about long-term use and the features you need. Comparing prices from different retailers is a good idea before making a final decision.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Borealis If…
- You prefer a slightly more classic and versatile design suitable for both school and everyday use.
- You appreciate a backpack with a more structured feel.
- You want a pack with a removable hip belt for added flexibility.
- You value a slightly more streamlined look.
Buy Recon If…
- You need a backpack with slightly more capacity.
- You prioritize a backpack with more advanced organizational features.
- You prefer a backpack with a more rugged and outdoorsy aesthetic.
- You need a backpack for daily commuting or shorter hikes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the North Face Borealis and the Recon?
The primary difference lies in the design philosophy. The Borealis focuses on comfort and capacity, featuring a more plush suspension system and often a slightly larger volume. The Recon emphasizes a streamlined, athletic fit and slightly more rugged construction. Both offer excellent organization and laptop compatibility, but the overall feel and intended use cases differ.
Which backpack is better for hiking?
Both backpacks can be used for light hiking. However, the Recon, with its more streamlined design and potentially more durable bottom panel, might be slightly better suited for trails. Both lack some features of dedicated hiking packs. If hiking is your main use, consider a pack with more specialized features, like a hip belt, for better weight distribution and ventilation.
Does the Borealis or Recon have a water bottle pocket?
Yes, both the Borealis and Recon feature water bottle pockets on the sides. These pockets are typically made of stretchy mesh material, allowing them to accommodate various water bottle sizes. This makes it easy to stay hydrated on the go. The design of the pockets may vary slightly between models and versions, but they generally provide a secure and accessible place for your water bottle.
What size laptop can each backpack hold?
Both backpacks typically accommodate laptops up to 15 inches or even 15.6 inches, depending on the specific model year. It’s always a good idea to check the exact dimensions of the laptop compartment to ensure compatibility with your device. Each pack provides a padded sleeve. Check the product specifications for the most accurate information on laptop compatibility.
Are the shoulder straps adjustable?
Yes, both the Borealis and Recon have adjustable shoulder straps. This allows you to customize the fit of the backpack to your body shape and preferences. Proper adjustment of the shoulder straps is crucial for distributing the weight of the pack comfortably and preventing strain. The adjustment range and features may vary slightly, but both offer adjustable straps.
What is the warranty on North Face backpacks?
The North Face offers a limited lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty covers the original purchaser and applies to normal use. It does not cover damage caused by misuse, neglect, or wear and tear. It is always a good idea to retain your proof of purchase. Contact customer service for warranty claims.
Which backpack is better for everyday use?
Both the Borealis and Recon are excellent choices for everyday use, such as commuting, school, or travel. The best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. The Borealis provides more space and a more comfortable feel. The Recon offers a more streamlined fit. Consider which features are most important for your daily routine.
Final Verdict
The North Face Borealis and Recon are both excellent backpacks, each excelling in different areas. The Borealis offers more overall capacity and a plush feel, while the Recon prioritizes a streamlined design and a more rugged build. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual needs and preferences. However, with its balance of features and durability, the Recon emerges as the slightly better all-around option for most users.
Winner: Recon