The North Face Recon Backpack vs Columbia Unisex Zigzag 27L Backpack

The main difference between the The North Face Recon Backpack and the Columbia Unisex Zigzag 27L Backpack is that the Recon Backpack has Hip Belt / Waist Strap (Removable waist belt) while the Unisex Zigzag 27L Backpack does not.

The North Face Recon School Laptop Backpack - Front View
Columbia Unisex Zigzag 27L Backpack Front View
Specs Brand The North Face Columbia
Name Recon Backpack Unisex Zigzag 27L Backpack
Category School Laptop
Sub Category Laptop School
Capacity (L) 30L 27L
Dimensions (in) ‎6 x 6 x 2 11.81 x 7.87 x 1.97
Weight (lb) 2
Fabric 210D recycled nylon ripstop with non-PFC durable water-repellent (non-PFC DWR) finish 100% Polyester with PU coating
Color ‎Cone Orange/Tnf Black 4 Colors and patterns
Warranty Columbia Limited Lifetime Warranty
Release Date July 29, 2022
Rating 4.8 4.7
Price Under $150 Under $75
General Features Shoulder Straps J shape - adjustable articulated shoulder straps Adjustable shoulder straps
Sternum / Chest Straps Sternum strap with a whistle buckle Sternum strap with rescue whistle
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 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, 2 front zipped pocket and 2 side pocket
Internal Compartments Protective dedicated laptop compartment, Front compartment has internal organization with secure-zip pockets and a padded tablet sleeve Organizational panel
Side Pockets Side pockets can fit water bottle
Water Bottle Yes Yes
Handles Comfortable, padded top grab handle Top grab handle
Loops and Attachments Gear loops
Business & School Features Laptop Sleeve Laptop sleeve fits laptop up to 15"
Organizer Pocket Front organizer pocket
Travel Features Base / Bottom Flat padded bottom panel
Other Features Other Features Women-specific version available

You're currently comparing the Recon Backpack by The North Face against the Unisex Zigzag 27L Backpack by Columbia .


The North Face's Recon Backpack is a School backpack with Laptop features while Columbia 's Unisex Zigzag 27L Backpack is a Laptop backpack with School features.

The The North Face Recon Backpack has a capacity of 30L (liters), weighs 2 pounds and it's dimensions in inches are ‎6 x 6 x 2. It's made of 210D recycled nylon ripstop with non-PFC durable water-repellent (non-PFC DWR) finish and is available in ‎Cone Orange/Tnf Black in comparison the Columbia Unisex Zigzag 27L Backpack's capacity is 27L with a size of 11.81 x 7.87 x 1.97 inches. Constructed from 100% Polyester with PU coating it weighs pounds and is available in 4 Colors and patterns.