The North Face Recon Backpack vs The North Face Youth Mini Explorer Backpack

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

The North Face Recon School Laptop Backpack - Front View
The North Face Mini Explorer Backpack - Front View
Specs Brand The North Face The North Face
Name Recon Backpack Youth Mini Explorer Backpack
Category School School
Sub Category Laptop Daypack
Capacity (L) 30L 10L
Dimensions (in) ‎6 x 6 x 2 8.875 x 5.5 x 11.875
Weight (lb) 2 0.25
Fabric 210D recycled nylon ripstop with non-PFC durable water-repellent (non-PFC DWR) finish 600D recycled polyester with non-PFC Durable Water-Repellent (DWR) finish
Color ‎Cone Orange/Tnf Black Acoustic Blue Triangle Camo Print/Acoustic Blue
Release Date July 29, 2022
Rating 4.8 4.6
Price Under $150 Under $50
General Features Shoulder Straps J shape - adjustable articulated shoulder straps Straight - adjustable padded strap
Sternum / Chest Straps Sternum strap with a whistle buckle Hook-&-loop sternum straps
Hip Belt / Waist Strap Removable waist belt
Water Proof / Water Resistant Water-Repellent
Zippers Nylon zipper with U-pull zippers are easy to grab Nylon zipper with metal pulls
Main Compartment Access Normal top zipped flap 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, Metal snap pockets on the front, 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 2 slip in side pockets
Water Bottle Yes Yes
Handles Comfortable, padded top grab handle Top grab nylon handle
Hiking / Backpacking Features Back Panel Padded
Youtube Video Youtube Video Link https://youtu.be/i1XfoxGmwQQ
Other Features Other Features Women-specific version available

You're currently comparing the Recon Backpack by The North Face against the Youth Mini Explorer Backpack by The North Face.


The North Face's Recon Backpack is a School backpack with Laptop features while The North Face's Youth Mini Explorer Backpack is a School backpack with Daypack 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 Youth Mini Explorer Backpack's capacity is 10L with a size of 8.875 x 5.5 x 11.875 inches. Constructed from 600D recycled polyester with non-PFC Durable Water-Repellent (DWR) finish it weighs 0.25 pounds and is available in Acoustic Blue Triangle Camo Print/Acoustic Blue.