The North Face Ruthsac Backpack vs The North Face Recon Backpack

The main difference between the The North Face Ruthsac Backpack and the The North Face Recon Backpack is that the Ruthsac Backpack has Main Compartment Access (Normal top two way zip access) while the Recon Backpack does not.

The North Face Ruthsac Backpack - Front View
The North Face Recon School Laptop Backpack - Front View
Specs Brand The North Face The North Face
Name Ruthsac Backpack Recon Backpack
Category Commuter School
Sub Category Daypack Laptop
Capacity (L) 31.5L 30L
Dimensions (in) 12 x 5.9 x 18.7 ‎6 x 6 x 2
Weight (lb) 2
Fabric 100% recycled polyester twill or heather polyester with non-PFC durable water-repellent finish depending on colorway. 210D recycled nylon ripstop with non-PFC durable water-repellent (non-PFC DWR) finish
Color Brandy Brown/Root Brown ‎Cone Orange/Tnf Black
Release Date July 29, 2022
Rating 4.1 4.8
Price Under $100 Under $150
General Features Shoulder Straps Straight - adjustable padded strap J shape - adjustable articulated shoulder straps
Sternum / Chest Straps Sternum strap with a whistle buckle
Hip Belt / Waist Strap Removable waist belt
Zippers Nylon zipper with string pulls Nylon zipper with U-pull zippers are easy to grab
Main Compartment Access Normal top two way zip access
External Pockets Two external, secure-zip barrel pockets hold water bottles and daily essentials 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,
Internal Compartments Zippered laptop compartment Protective dedicated laptop compartment, Front compartment has internal organization with secure-zip pockets and a padded tablet sleeve
Side Pockets 2 zippered side pockets
Water Bottle Yes Yes
Handles Top grab handle Comfortable, padded top grab handle
Business & School Features Laptop Sleeve Padded
Hiking / Backpacking Features Back Panel Padded back panel
Other Features Other Features Women-specific version available

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


The North Face's Ruthsac Backpack is a Commuter backpack with Daypack features while The North Face's Recon Backpack is a School backpack with Laptop features.

The The North Face Ruthsac Backpack has a capacity of 31.5L (liters), weighs pounds and it's dimensions in inches are 12 x 5.9 x 18.7. It's made of 100% recycled polyester twill or heather polyester with non-PFC durable water-repellent finish depending on colorway. and is available in Brandy Brown/Root Brown in comparison the The North Face Recon Backpack's capacity is 30L with a size of ‎6 x 6 x 2 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 ‎Cone Orange/Tnf Black.