The North Face Groundwork Backpack vs The North Face Recon Backpack

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

The North Face Groundwork Backpack Front View
The North Face Recon School Laptop Backpack - Front View
Specs Brand The North Face The North Face
Name Groundwork Backpack Recon Backpack
Category Laptop School
Sub Category Everyday Laptop
Capacity (L) 30L
Dimensions (in) 21.3 x 15.51 x 3.54 ‎6 x 6 x 2
Weight (lb) 2
Fabric 600D Polyester 210D recycled nylon ripstop with non-PFC durable water-repellent (non-PFC DWR) finish
Color 2 colors and patterns ‎Cone Orange/Tnf Black
Warranty The North Face Lifetime Warranty
Release Date July 29, 2022
Rating 5.0 4.8
Price Under $200 Under $150
General Features Shoulder Straps Padded 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
Zippers Nylon zipper with U-pull zippers are easy to grab
Main Compartment Access Normal zipped access
External Pockets 1 front zipped 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 Top grab handle Comfortable, padded top grab handle
Loops and Attachments Elastic cord
Business & School Features Laptop Sleeve Laptop sleeve fits laptop up to 15"
Hiking / Backpacking Features Back Panel Padded mesh back panel
Other Features Other Features Women-specific version available

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


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

The The North Face Groundwork Backpack has a capacity of (liters), weighs pounds and it's dimensions in inches are 21.3 x 15.51 x 3.54. It's made of 600D Polyester and is available in 2 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.