The North Face Recon Backpack vs The North Face Groundwork Backpack

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

The North Face Recon School Laptop Backpack - Front View
The North Face Groundwork Backpack Front View
Specs Brand The North Face The North Face
Name Recon Backpack Groundwork Backpack
Category School Laptop
Sub Category Laptop Everyday
Capacity (L) 30L
Dimensions (in) ‎6 x 6 x 2 21.3 x 15.51 x 3.54
Weight (lb) 2
Fabric 210D recycled nylon ripstop with non-PFC durable water-repellent (non-PFC DWR) finish 600D Polyester
Color ‎Cone Orange/Tnf Black 2 colors and patterns
Warranty The North Face Lifetime Warranty
Release Date July 29, 2022
Rating 4.8 5.0
Price Under $150 Under $200
General Features Shoulder Straps J shape - adjustable articulated shoulder straps Padded shoulder straps
Sternum / Chest Straps Sternum strap with a whistle buckle Sternum strap with 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 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 front zipped pocket and 2 side pockets
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 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 Recon Backpack by The North Face against the Groundwork Backpack by The North Face.


The North Face's Recon Backpack is a School backpack with Laptop features while The North Face's Groundwork Backpack is a Laptop backpack with Everyday 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 Groundwork Backpack's capacity is with a size of 21.3 x 15.51 x 3.54 inches. Constructed from 600D Polyester it weighs pounds and is available in 2 colors and patterns.