The North Face Recon Backpack vs The North Face Borealis Laptop Tote Backpack

The main difference between the The North Face Recon Backpack and the The North Face Borealis Laptop Tote Backpack is that the Recon Backpack has Sternum / Chest Straps (Sternum strap with a whistle buckle) while the Borealis Laptop Tote Backpack does not.

The North Face Recon School Laptop Backpack - Front View
The North Face Borealis Laptop Tote Backpack Front View
Specs Brand The North Face The North Face
Name Recon Backpack Borealis Laptop Tote Backpack
Category School Womens
Sub Category Laptop Laptop
Capacity (L) 30L 22L
Dimensions (in) ‎6 x 6 x 2 18.5 x 5.7 x 16.5
Weight (lb) 2 1.0
Fabric 210D recycled nylon ripstop with non-PFC durable water-repellent (non-PFC DWR) finish 210D Recycled Nylon Ripstop
Color ‎Cone Orange/Tnf Black 7 colors and patterns
Warranty The North Face Lifetime Warranty
Release Date July 29, 2022
Rating 4.8 4.6
Price Under $150 Under $100
General Features Shoulder Straps J shape - adjustable articulated shoulder straps Adjustable shoulder straps
Sternum / Chest Straps 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 Top 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, 1 zipped front 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 Comfortable, padded top grab handle
Loops and Attachments Side elastic cords
Convertible Yes
Business & School Features Laptop Sleeve Laptop sleeve fits laptop up to 13"
Tablet Sleeve Tablet sleeve
Other Features Other Features Women-specific version available

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


The North Face's Recon Backpack is a School backpack with Laptop features while The North Face's Borealis Laptop Tote Backpack is a Womens backpack with Laptop 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 The North Face Borealis Laptop Tote Backpack's capacity is 22L with a size of 18.5 x 5.7 x 16.5 inches. Constructed from 210D Recycled Nylon Ripstop it weighs 1.0 pounds and is available in 7 colors and patterns.