The North Face Recon Backpack vs The North Face Router Backpack

The main difference between the The North Face Recon Backpack and the The North Face Router Backpack is that the Recon Backpack has Other Features (Women-specific version available) while the Router Backpack does not.

The North Face Recon School Laptop Backpack - Front View
The North Face Router Backpack - Front View
Specs Brand The North Face The North Face
Name Recon Backpack Router Backpack
Category School Commuter
Sub Category Laptop Everyday
Capacity (L) 30L 40L
Dimensions (in) ‎6 x 6 x 2 12.5 x 9 x 21
Weight (lb) 2 2
Fabric 210D recycled nylon ripstop with non-PFC durable water-repellent (non-PFC DWR) finish 210D recycled nylon ripstop with non-PFC durable water-repellent (non-PFC DWR) finish
Color ‎Cone Orange/Tnf Black Meld Grey/Tnf Black
Release Date July 29, 2022 August 15, 2014
Rating 4.8 4.6
Price Under $150 Under $200
General Features Shoulder Straps J shape - adjustable articulated shoulder straps J shape - adjustable padded & articulated shoulder straps
Sternum / Chest Straps Sternum strap with a whistle buckle Sternum strap with a whistle buckle
Hip Belt / Waist Strap Removable waist belt Removable waist belt
Zippers Nylon zipper with U-pull zippers are easy to grab U-pull zippers
Main Compartment Access Normal top two way zip 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, Fleece-lined pocket for sunglasses, phone or keys, durable water bottle pockets, large external D-zip pocket for organization
Internal Compartments Protective dedicated laptop compartment, Front compartment has internal organization with secure-zip pockets and a padded tablet sleeve Large main compartment for books and binders, front compartment has internal organization with secure-zip pockets and a padded tablet sleeve
Water Bottle Yes Yes
Handles Comfortable, padded top grab handle Two grab handles, a padded handle on top of the pack and another handle on front
Business & School Features Laptop Sleeve Padded; 14.75'' x 12'' (37.5 cm x 30.5 cm)
Travel Features Base / Bottom Bottom compression
Hiking / Backpacking Features Back Panel Padded
Other Features Other Features Women-specific version available

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


The North Face's Recon Backpack is a School backpack with Laptop features while The North Face's Router Backpack is a Commuter 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 Router Backpack's capacity is 40L with a size of 12.5 x 9 x 21 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 Meld Grey/Tnf Black.