The North Face Borealis Backpack vs The North Face Recon Backpack

The main difference between the The North Face Borealis Backpack and the The North Face Recon Backpack is that the Borealis Backpack has Main Compartment Access (Normal zipped access) while the Recon Backpack does not.

The North Face Borealis Backpack Front View
The North Face Recon School Laptop Backpack - Front View
Specs Brand The North Face The North Face
Name Borealis Backpack Recon Backpack
Category Laptop School
Sub Category School Laptop
Capacity (L) 28L 30L
Dimensions (in) 19.75 x 13.25 x 9.75 ‎6 x 6 x 2
Weight (lb) 2 2
Fabric 600D Polyester Toile, 500D Nylon Oxford Slub, 420D Nylon, 210D Cordura® Nylon Ripstop, Polyester Jacquard Camo 210D recycled nylon ripstop with non-PFC durable water-repellent (non-PFC DWR) finish
Color 30+ colors and patterns ‎Cone Orange/Tnf Black
Warranty The North Face Lifetime Warranty
Release Date December 11, 2013 July 29, 2022
Rating 4.8 4.8
Price Under $100 Under $150
General Features Shoulder Straps Flexible yoke built from custom injection-molded shoulder straps J shape - adjustable articulated shoulder straps
Sternum / Chest Straps Sternum strap with whistle buckle Sternum strap with a whistle buckle
Hip Belt / Waist Strap Removable waist belt Removable waist belt
Zippers Nylon zipper with U-pull zippers are easy to grab
Main Compartment Access Normal zipped access
External Pockets 1 zipped front pocket and 2 side pockets Fleece-lined pocket for sunglasses, phone or keys. Two durable, external water bottle pockets can easily double as multi-use pockets with quick-draw smartphone access on one side. Two side compression webbing straps. Bottom compression. Webbing daisy chain offers lash points, stretch-mesh pocket,
Internal Compartments Protective dedicated laptop compartment, Front compartment has internal organization with secure-zip pockets and a padded tablet sleeve
Side Pockets Side pockets can fit water bottle
Water Bottle Yes Yes
Handles Padded top grab handle Comfortable, padded top grab handle
Loops and Attachments Front elastic bungee system, fleece-lined pocket for sunglasses
Business & School Features Laptop Sleeve Dedicated, highly protective laptop compartment
Tablet Sleeve Padded tablet sleeve
Organizer Pocket Front utility pocket with organizer
Travel Features Carry-on Size Compliant Padded mesh back and breathable lumbar panel
Hiking / Backpacking Features Reflective Safety Strips 360-degree reflective accents
Other Features Other Features Women-specific version available

You're currently comparing the Borealis Backpack by The North Face against the Recon Backpack by The North Face.


The North Face 's Borealis Backpack is a Laptop backpack with School features while The North Face's Recon Backpack is a School backpack with Laptop features.

The The North Face Borealis Backpack has a capacity of 28L (liters), weighs 2 pounds and it's dimensions in inches are 19.75 x 13.25 x 9.75. It's made of 600D Polyester Toile, 500D Nylon Oxford Slub, 420D Nylon, 210D Cordura® Nylon Ripstop, Polyester Jacquard Camo and is available in 30+ colors and patterns in comparison the The North Face Recon Backpack's capacity is 30L with a size of ‎6 x 6 x 2 inches. Constructed from 210D recycled nylon ripstop with non-PFC durable water-repellent (non-PFC DWR) finish it weighs 2 pounds and is available in ‎Cone Orange/Tnf Black.