North Face Recon Backpack [Review]

One of The North Face’s best selling backpacks, the Recon features a roomy 30 liter main compartment and separate padded laptop compartment to keep your expensive tech safe while on the move.

The Recon is best suited for both school and daily tech carry thanks to its organizer panel pocket that can fit everything from pens and calculators to external hard drives and a tablet.

Note: The North Face offers both a Men’s Recon and Women’s Recon. The main difference is in the size and shape of the shoulder straps and back panel but all of the pockets and compartments are the same between the two versions. In this review we are showcasing the women’s Recon which is the one you want to go with if you have smaller shoulders and a shorter torso.

See our North Face Recon vs Borealis comparison for more in-depth info.

Video Review

The Rundown

What we like

• Lots of pockets and compartments for everyday carry.

• Multifunctional: 30 liter main compartment is large enough for a full day of school/work or a weekend trip.

• Men’s and women’s versions means a proper fit regardless of body type.

What we don’t like

• Side compression straps run across the water bottle pockets. It takes a moment to adjust the straps to accommodate different size bottles.

• Tablet sleeve is small. Anything larger than a 10.2” tablet will be too large for this pocket.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 19.3” H x 11.6” W x 7.5” D (women’s)

• Capacity: 30L

• Material: Mix of recycled and non-recycled materials (210D recycled nylon ripstop, 300D heathered polyester ripstop, 600D polyester, DWR finish)

• Weight: 2lbs 9oz

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

Similar Backpacks

Who is this backpack for?

For Students: The North Face Recon is perfect for carrying school items. We recommend it to students who need a lot of organization for smaller school items and also have ample space for larger items like folders, binders, and lunch.

For Work Commuters: The North Face Recon, with its sleek urban design and internal tech organization, is an excellent choice for commuters who need a dependable backpack for their daily commute.

It might not be suitable for Travelers: Although the backpack has a spacious 30-liter main compartment that is ideal for travel packing, it lacks some standard travel features such as lockable zippers, security pockets for items like passports and wallets, and a trolley sleeve to attach the backpack to rolling luggage.

Materials and Construction

The North Face Recon is mostly made of 210D recycled ripstop nylon with a DWR water-repellent finish. What does this mean? The backpack is water-resistant to some extent. Water will roll off of the ripstop nylon but unfortunately the zippers are not water resistant and are an entry point for moisture to sneak in.

Is The North Face Recon waterproof? No.

Will it be okay in the rain? The Recon will be find in a light rain but we wouldn’t trust it walking home during a downpour.

Overall, The North Face Recon feels incredibly solid. This is not a cheap-feeling backpack! The ripstop construction is strong yet lightweight and the YKK zippers are as smooth as butter.

Pockets and Compartments

The North Face Recon backpack consists of three main compartments: the front organizer compartment, the main compartment, and the rear laptop compartment.

The front organizer compartment is where you can find quick access to smaller items like pens, tech chargers, and other essentials. There is also a fleece-lined tablet sleeve in this pocket, but it is on the smaller side. The largest tablet that fits in this pocket is a 10.2-inch iPad, which barely fits without a case (sorry, iPad Pro users).

The main compartment is a large, open space where you can fit 2-3 days of travel packing or a considerable amount of binders, notebooks, and folders - enough for a full day of classes. If you are a student and need to carry more than that, you might need to have a talk with your teachers.

The rear laptop compartment can accommodate a laptop up to 15 inches (the largest we tested was a 15.6-inch laptop, so we cannot confirm if larger laptops will fit). What we like about this compartment is that it offers excellent protection. Not only are the walls padded, but The North Face has also added a false bottom so that the bottom of the laptop is suspended above the bottom of the bag, providing extra protection against bumps and drops.

Another feature of the laptop compartment that isn’t talked about enough is the ability to it for storing a hydration bladder. This small feature allows you to turn The North Face Recon into a full-fledged hiking backpack.

On the front of the backpack there is the iconic front stash pocket. This pocket is stretchy, but not as spacious as you might expect. It is too small to fit a pair of shoes, although sandals might fit. It is also not large enough to store a bicycle helmet (sorry, commuters). However, you can store a lightweight, compressible puffy jacket and smaller items like a baseball cap and over-ear headphones in this pocket.

Other pockets include two side water bottle pockets and a hidden fleece-lined pocket in the front for storing tech and sunglasses.

Final Thoughts

Ok we will say it, we think this is the best North Face backpack design. It’s not as sporty as the Borealis but keeps its best features. It’s also not as unruly as the Surge and keeps the pockets and compartment to the point and easy to find. Think of the Recon as the goldilocks of North Face backpacks. It’s an urban backpack, an outdoor daybag and secure laptop backpack all in one.

Is it worth the price? Absolutely. 

The only real gripe we have with it is that The North Face makes the Recon seem more water resistant than it really is. But as long as you understand where it’s limits are we can’t recommend this backpack enough.

If you are looking for water resistant backpacks with better protection, check out the backpacks below.

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Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP35 [Review]

The Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP35 could easily be described as the Fort Knox of travel backpacks with its large array of cutting-edge anti-theft features for peace of mind when on the move.

The self-locking zippers are a clear highlight of the design. Each exterior zipper is lockable - from the main compartment to the laptop compartment. Not only can the zippers lock themselves but each zipper can also be used in conjunction with a TSA lock for another level of security. 

Other great anti-theft features include Pacsafe’s own eXomesh slashguard technology which uses built-in stainless steel wire mesh inside the fabric to protect against cuts and slashes. The zippers are also puncture-resistant to safe-guard against tampering. A single RFID-safe pocket in the front pocket gives you a great spot to stash a passport or credit cards.

Packing the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP35 is a breeze thanks to it’s 3-way zipper design that gives you wide-open access to the main compartment. In all, you’ll get 35 liters of packing room which we found to be more than enough for a 2-4 day trip.

The shoe compartment can be found on the bottom of the backpack and it’s one of the largest shoe compartments we have tested yet. You can easily fit a pair of men’s size 12 running shoes  with room to spare. This compartment is also lockable for peace of mind.

After all is said and done Pacsafe has really outdone itself with this backpack. The anti-theft features alone are above and beyond other travel bags. And the overall design is very solid - from the shoe compartment to the wide open main compartment for easy packing - the Pacsafe EXP35 gets the job done.

What we like

• 3-way zipper design makes the main compartment super easy to pack

• Massive bottom compartment is great for larger shoes or laundry

• Amazing array of anti-theft features including self-locking zippers and slash-proof fabric.

• Made with water resistant recycled fabric

What we don’t like

• Anti-theft zippers take a moment to get used to.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 20.5” (H) x 9.8” (W) x 7.9” (D)

• Capacity: 35L

• Materials: Water resistant 750D recycled polyester, recycled polyester lining

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 16”

• Tablet Sleeve: None

Where to buy

Similar Backpacks

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King Kong EDGE35 [Review]

The King Kong EDGE35 is a versatile backpack that can be used for workouts, travel and daily carry thanks to its 35 liter capacity and clamshell style main compartment that makes loading the backpack a breeze. This main compartment is large enough to fit multiple changes of clothes and bulkier items like boxing gloves and other workout gear. The EDGE35 even includes a large bottom shoe compartment for sneakers or dirty laundry.

For daily carry, the King Kong EDGE35 features a large 17” padded laptop compartment and a front admin compartment with plenty of pockets for organizing smaller essentials. The side Fidlock magnetic buckle straps allow you to compress the backpack down for a slimmer profile on days you want to keep it light.

Construction-wise, the King Kong EDGE35 is an absolute beast with beefy zippers and a heavy-weight fabric construction. This definitely feels like a backpack that you can toss around without worrying about the integrity of the construction. Of course, this rugged construction comes at the cost of weight - the King Kong EDGE35 weights a total of 4lbs when empty.

When it comes to the overall design we are impressed the King Kong EDGE35. The 35 liter capacity makes it a great option for gym goers who carry bulky workout kits like shoes, boxing gloves, pads and weight lifting belts. The fact that this backpack opens like a suitcase for easy packing is easily one of the highlights of the EDGE35’s design and its wide variety of pockets and compartments makes it a great choice for anyone looking for a one-bag solution for workouts, travel and daily laptop carry.

What we like

• Sleek design that looks great as a gym or travel backpack.

• Plenty of pockets for organizing gym items and clothing inside the main compartment

• Side water bottle pockets hide away when not in use for a cleaner look.

• Clamshell main compartment for easy packing/unpacking.

What we don’t like

• Compression straps work great for managing the backpack size but unfortunately you have to undo these buckles to get into the main compartment.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 19.7” H x 12.6” W x 8.7” D

• Capacity: 35L

• Materials: 1000D Nylon, YKK Zippers

• Weight: 4 lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 17”

• Shoe compartment

Where to buy

Similar Backpacks

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Targus Work+ Expandable Daypack 32L

The Targus Work+ Expandable Daypack offers a one-bag solution for work, school, gym and travel thanks to a creative design made to adapt to different situations.

The main compartment opens wide with a near-clamshell zipper design that gives you access to multiple pockets for daily organization. In the rear you’ll find a separate padded laptop compartment for devices up to 16-inches while a large bottom compartment for shoes or laundry allows you to separate the yucky from your daily carry.

Targus also adds some clever travel features into the Work+ design such as lockable zippers in the main and laptop compartments and side and front handles for easy grabbing when using overhead compartments on planes and trains. Another great travel feature is the trolley sleeve in the back panel so that you can attach the Work+ to your rolling luggage.

As for gripes, there is no secondary padded sleeve for a tablet. Also, your main organizer pockets for pens and smaller items is located in the back of the main compartment which makes these items a little cumbersome to reach when the main compartment is packed full. We would have liked to have seen a separate compartment altogether for these organizer pockets. But these are just minor complaints amongst an overwhelmingly positive impression of such a thoughtfully designed and versatile backpack.

Truth be told there are a lot of features on the Targus Work+ Expandable Daypack that just work. Targus includes a good variety of pockets throughout the backpack both internally and externally. Our favorite is the sneaky front panel pocket that stays relatively hidden. 

The side water bottle pockets are also a slam dunk since they are made of incredibly stretchy material and can fit larger bottles. We were able to fit in a 32L Nalgene bottle and a Blender Bottle with and they stayed nice and snug inside the pockets.

What we like

• Awesome expandable design that gives you a roomy bag when you need it and a slimmer bag on light days.

• Great travel features that makes life easy on trips (luggage sleeve, handles, lockable zippers)

• Stretchy water bottle pockets can fit larger bottles (like a 32oz Nalgene)

• Sleek design that would look great at as a daily work backpack

What we don’t like

• No secondary padded sleeve for tablet

• Organizer pockets are in the back of the main compartment making them a little cumbersome to access when the bag is fully packed. We wish there was a separate organizer/admin compartment.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 20.46” (H) x 12.9” (W) x 7.67” (D)

• Capacity: 32L (when expanded)

• Weight: 2.64lbs

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 16”

• Tablet Sleeve: None

Where to buy

Similar Backpacks

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North Face Surge Backpack

The North Face Surge is the brand’s premier commuter backpack now updated to fit more of life’s daily carry. This backpack is fairly large with a 31 liter main compartment and separate “mobile office” compartment that fits a laptop, tablet and documents. We also found that this mobile office compartment can hold up to two laptops - making the Surge a good choice for a dual laptop backpack.

When it comes to organization of daily essentials, the Surge is easily best in class. Along with an entire organizer compartment filled with smaller pockets, the Surge also includes two front zippered pockets for even more organization for your gear.

Note: The North Face face offers the men’s Surge and women’s Surge so that you can find the perfect fit. The women’s Surge is better suited for those with slimmer shoulders and shorter torsos.

What we like

• Maximum organization - Lots of pockets for tech and smaller items

• Laptop compartment is great for stashing a laptop (or two), tablet and documents.

• Light colored internal lining makes finding items inside the backpack quick and easy.

What we don’t like

• No side compression straps

• Great for school or business casual but a little too sporty to be used in professional work settings. There are more mature backpacks out there for both men and women.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 20” H x 12” W x 7” D

• Capacity: 31L

• Material: 210D recycled nylon ripstop, 600D polyester, non-PFC DWR finish, YKK Zippers

• Weight: 2 lb 12 oz

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

Similar Backpacks

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Lo & Sons The Hakuba

The Hakuba by Lo & Sons is a gym, travel and commuting backpack designed to be as versatile as you are. One special feature of the Hakuba is its removable insert that can be adjusted as needed to increase the space inside the main compartment. A mesh divider on the insert allows you to keep the bottom compartment divided for shoes and laundry or you can roll the divider up to take advantage of the full 35.5 liter main compartment.

When it comes to pockets, the Hakuba gives you plenty of organization throughout. Quick-access pockets on the top of the bag are real life savers when traveling and the zippered side pockets give you storage for water bottles on work out days and discreetly stay in place for a more streamlined look at the office.

What we like

• Clever removable insert allows you to adjust main compartment storage as needed

• Stylish minimalist design

• Bottom compartment is perfect for shoes or dirty laundry

• Discreet side water bottle pockets that stay out of the way when not in use

What we DON’T like

• Curved bottom won’t allow the Hakuba to stand straight up without toppling over when placed on the ground

• Steep price - the Lo & Sons Hakuba retails for $275

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 21.5"H x 13"W x 7.75"D

• Capacity: 35.5L

• Material: 600D Recycled Poly, water resistant zippers, memory foam shoulder straps

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15” laptop

Where to buy

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Able Carry Max Backpack

Able Carry departs from their smaller daypacks and offers their first larger multi-function bag for work, play and travel with the Max backpack.

As a clamshell backpack, the Max offers a generous 30 liter main compartment that can be used for anything from workout days to multi-day travel. The admin compartment located behind the main compartment gives you the convenience of a mobile office by featuring a large 17” laptop sleeve and plenty of pockets for pens, paperwork and tech accessories.

If you serious about finding one bag to rule them all then we definitely recommend taking a closer look at the Able Carry Max backpack.

What we like

• Large clamshell main compartment allows for easy packing and unpacking. Comes in handy on travel and gym days!

• Hidden water bottle pocket keeps the outside of the bag looking streamlined and our drinking bottles clean.

• Cordura bottom, ripstop lining and nylon webbing makes the bag feel like great quality both inside and out.

What we DON’T like

• We would love to see a secondary padded sleeve for a tablet.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 20.5"H x 12.5"W x 8"D

• Capacity: 30L

• Material: XPAC Shell, 1000D Cordura Nylon, 420D Ripstop Nylon

• Weight: 3.79lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 17”

Where to buy

Similar Backpacks

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Knack Pack Series 2

The Knack Series 2 expandable backpack is the newest update to the best selling Knack Pack - a daily backpack that expands into an ultra-functional travel pack.

With the Series 2, Knack has managed to keep the best parts of the original Knack Pack and add killer features such as more internal organization, improved security and a brand new streamlined look.

What sets the Knack Pack Series 2 apart from other hybrid bags is that it doesn’t compromise on daily carry features. Inside you’ll find a generous main compartment that is separate from the travel compartment, a new front internal organizer compartment and separate laptop compartment. We love how the expandable travel compartment is out of the way until you need it.

What we like

• Top-notch materials like the full grain napa leather give this backpack a premium, and dare we say luxurious, feel.

• For an expandable backpack the Knack Series 2 is surprisingly lightweight. When compressed, it’s about the size of a regular 24L daily backpack with little extra bulk.

• Amazing pocket variety for both everyday and travel items. The daily main compartment is separate from the expandable travel compartment for a true convertible backpack experience.

What we DON’T like

• We love the hidden side water pocket but unfortunately you will be limited to only storing slimmer bottles. Wider bottles, like a 32oz Nalgene bottle or larger Yeti tumbler, will not fit.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 19"H x 12"W x 4.5"D (unexpanded)

• Capacity: 24L-35L

• Material: Water resistant 420D Nylon or Polyester Ottoman Fabric. Full grain Napa leather touch points.

• Weight: 3lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

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Stitch Traveler

Originally made for golf enthusiasts on the move, the Stitch Traveler is a versatile travel backpack that is more than meets the eye. The main compartment is large enough to store a change of clothes (or two if you pack light) for an easy transition from work to play without skipping a beat. And the rear compartment if filled with pockets for the daily grind such as a 15” padded laptop sleeve, document sleeve and smaller pockets for essentials.

One neat feature that Stitch offers is a customizable metal initials ingot that is attached to the front of the bag for a one of a kind bag that can be used for work, workouts, golf and weekend travel.

What we like

• Laptop and organizer compartment in the back is excellent. Plenty of pockets for daily essentials.

• 3-side zipper entry makes loading and unloading the backpack easy.

• Makes a great work-to-golf or work and gym backpack. Allows you to keep your daily items separate from a change of clothes.

What we don’t like

• Main compartment is just one open compartment with little organization. We wish there were more pockets on the inside of the main compartment to separate travel items (socks, toiletries, shoes, laundry)

• Missed opportunity to include a dirty laundry/shoe compartment.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 21” H x 12 W" x 8.25" D

• Materials:  Water and stain resistant ballistic nylon and YKK zippers

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

• 2-in-1 backpack to duffle design

Where to buy

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Shieldon Travel Carry-On Backpack

Shieldon offer a feature-packed yet affordable travel bag with their Travel Carry-On Backpack.

For those who travel with lots of tech, Shieldon makes plenty room for items like a laptop, tablet and accessories. The backpack features a generous 17” laptop compartment plus an entire front organizer pocket for easy-access to small items like external hard drives or a keyboard.

The main compartment is expandable from 23 liters to 38 liters which allows you to turn this carry-on backpack into a daily backpack by just compressing the main compartment zipper.

To get a hands-on look check out our Shieldon Travel Carry-On Backpack review.

What we like

• Expandable main compartment - use as a daybag or travel backpack.

• Includes a heavy plastic toiletries pocket to keep things like bottles of shampoo or body wash away from the rest of your stuff.

• Really affordable - Shieldon does a great job at adding features usually only found in more expensive carry on bags.

What we don’t like

• Internal mesh pockets feel a little cheap and it’s questionable if they will hold up over time.

• Only the front panel is made out of coated water resistant material.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 17.7” H x 11.5 W" x 6.3" D

• Weight: 12.8 oz.

• Volume: 23-38L (expandable)

• Materials:  Polyester with PVC coated water resistant fabric on the front

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 17”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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Chrome Summoner Backpack

The Chrome Modal is all about smart carry by providing easy access to your essentials while you are on the move. Just like the larger Chrome Macheto, the Modal’s main compartment is made of up of a dual organizer system that allows for separation of items.

Even when the main compartment is zippered shut, each section is easily accessible from the outside. The front compartment can be accessed from the front like a duffel bag while the back compartment that holds your laptop can be accessed from the top of the bag.

What we like

• Really sleek modern design that gives you easy access to virtually every pocket and organizer inside the bag.

• Dual internal organizational compartments keeps things neat and separate inside the main compartment.

What we don’t like

• No external water bottle pockets.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 19.5” H x 13” W x 8.5” D

• Capacity: 32L

• Materials: Polyester/600D Twill melange fabric

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

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Aer Travel Pack 2

The Aer Travel Pack 2 is a comprehensive travel backpack that is perfect for one bag travel. Its roomy main compartment opens up like a suitcase for instant access to multiple days worth of clothing and personal items. Organizing your daily essentials has never been easier thanks to the Travel Pack’s front panel organizer, separate laptop compartment and smaller pockets for quick access items.

What we like

• Lots of accessible pockets which are perfect for organizing smaller items.

• Incredibly durable ballistic nylon feels rugged enough to withstand years of heavy use. Zippers also feel high quality.

• We love the addition of a separate shoe/dirty clothes pocket.

What we don’t like

• Main compartment doesn’t include any tie down straps or mesh dividers to keep clothing and items from spilling out when opening. If you plan on using packing cubes than this shouldn’t be an issue.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 21.5” H x 13.5” W x 8.5” D

• Capacity: 33L

• Materials: 1680D Cordura® ballistic nylon

• Weight: 3.7 lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15.6”

Where to buy

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eBags Professional Weekender Backpack

The eBags Professional Weekender is a larger travel version of the everyday eBags Professional Slim. Changes to the design include a larger carrying capacity, more organizer pockets and a Travel Sentry approved laptop compartment that is TSA-friendly.

The bag is considered a convertible thanks to its stowable shoulder straps that can be tucked away as needed. Size-wise, the eBags Professional Weekender is small enough to fit in overhead storage bins on smaller domestic airlines.

What we like

• Tons of useful organizers and pockets. Great for organizing work, tech and personal items.

• Has a TSA-friendly laptop compartment and a separate pocket for a tablet.

• Perfect for extra large laptops - can fit a laptop up to 18-inches.

What we don’t like

• The bag is not versatile - its size and weight keeps it strictly a travel bag. As a daypack or daily carry bag, it’s simply too bulky and heavy.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 21” H x 14” W x 8” D

• Capacity: 31.9L

• Weight: 3lbs 7oz

• Materials: 840D & 900D Twisted Polyester

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 18”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

Similar Backpacks

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Briggs & Riley Large Cargo Backpack

As one of the brand’s largest work backpacks, the Briggs & Riley Large Cargo Backpack is made for busy work commuters and business travelers who need to carry their business essentials while still looking clean and professional. The Large Cargo backpack functions as a portable office thanks to its dedicated file sleeves, laptop compartment and smart organizers for smaller items.

The Briggs & Riley @work Cargo backpacks come in two sizes, the 33 liter Large Cargo backpack and the smaller 27.3 liter Medium Cargo backpack.

What we like

• Backpack has enough room to pack for an overnight stay plus business essentials.

• Exceptional materials and construction. Looks and feels high quality.

What we don’t like

• No key lanyard to attach keys. Small complaint but worth noting.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 19” H x 15” W x 8” D

• Capacity: 33L

• Weight: 3.2 lbs

• Material: 1600D Ballistic Nylon with leather accents

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 17”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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Dakine Network II Backpack

The Dakine Network II is a thoughtfully designed laptop backpack that allows you to bring your work wherever you roam thanks to its TSA-friendly laptop compartment, document sleeve and roomy main compartment.

What makes the Network II stand out from other laptop backpacks is its focus on organizing accessories. Inside the backpack you’ll find pockets for headphones, cords and power bricks. In addition to the TSA-friendly laptop compartment there is also an additional fleece-lined tablet sleeve on the front of the backpack for easy access while on the move.

What we like

• Tons of organizer pockets for your tech and personal items. If you needs lots of compartments, then this backpack is for you.

• Backpack materials feels quality and rugged enough for daily use.

• Dedicated front tablet pocket is perfect for anyone looking for a tablet backpack.

What we don’t like

• Shoulder straps are on the thin side and can get uncomfortable when fully loaded.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 19” H x 13” W x 9” D

• Capacity: 31L

• Materials: 600D Polyester

• Weight: 1 lbs 8 oz

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

Similar Backpacks

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Patagonia Black Hole 32L Backpack

Born out of the popular Patagonia Black Hole duffel back, Patagonia’s Black Hole backpacks are available in a few different styles and sizes:

• Patagonia 25L Backpack

• Patagonia 32L Backpack

• Patagonia 45L Convertible Backpack

The 30 liter version is the mid-size option for anyone who needs a roomy backpack for a busy day of school, work or sightseeing. The Black Hole 30 liter features a padded sleeve for a laptop, front stash pocket for smaller electronics like headphones or a power bank and a large main compartment for everything from text books to a change of clothes.

What we like

• Incredibly versatile. Large enough to be used for school, commuting, gym or light travel.

• Deep side water bottle pockets. Water bottles, umbrellas and other items won’t fall out when on the move.

What we don’t like

• Although the TPU coated fabric is advertised as water resistant, the zippers and bottom panel are not. Water can sneak into the backpack if you set your backpack down during a heavy rain downpour.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 22” H x 10.5” W x 6.75” D

• Materials: 330D Recycled Polyester Ripstop, TPU-film laminate, water repellent DWR finish

• Weight: 1 lbs 12.6 oz

• Capacity: 32L

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

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Dakine Campus Backpack

The Dakine Campus is a backpack designed for busy students who need a large and reliable backpack to get them through long days on campus. The main compartment is large enough to hold textbooks, binders and even includes a padded sleeve for your laptop.

Plenty of organizers and pockets on the outside of the pack allow for storage of small items like pens and water bottles while the insulated cooler pocket on the front of the backpack keeps your lunch fresh throughout the day.

Note: The Dakine Campus backpacks comes in two sizes; 33 liters and a smaller 25 liter version. The specs here are for the 33 liter Dakine Campus backpack.

What we like

• Very large main compartment is perfect for large textbooks, notebooks and binders.

• Insulated cooler pocket is a nice feature. Allows you to carry cold drinks and snacks.

What we don’t like

• Front organizer pocket is shallow and doesn’t hold as much as we would like it too.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 21” H x 14” W x 11” D

• Capacity: 33L

• Materials: 600D Polyester

• Weight: 2 lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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Tumi Ursula T-Pass Backpack

Tumi offers a true women’s business travel backpack with their Tumi Voyageur Ursula T-Pass backpack. This backpack is perfect for anyone who loves the look and functionality of the Tumi Voyageur Carson but want better travel features such as a TSA friendly laptop compartment, a roomier main compartment and larger pockets.

What we like

• Perfect size for frequent travels who want to bring 1-2 days of essentials.

• TSA checkpoint friendly T-Pass laptop compartment that lays flat.

• Exceptional materials and construction. Looks and feels high quality.

What we don’t like

• No side water bottle pockets. Zip side pockets aren’t stretchy and limit the size water bottles it can hold.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 16.5” H x 12.75” W x 7.25” D

• Material: Nylon with leather accents

• Weight: 2.65lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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OGIO Renegade RSS Backpack

The Renegade RSS is OGIO’s best selling laptop backpack thanks to its clever features that make tech carry a breeze.

One thing you’ll notice about the Renegade RSS is that it’s full of pockets and compartments that are lined and padded for items such as tablets, cameras and other electronics. The backpack gets its name from its RSS (Reactive Suspension System) laptop compartment that protects your laptop from bumps and drops. You also get a crush proof lined pocket for small things like sunglasses, point-and-shoot cameras or accessories. These features and more is why the OGIO Renegade RSS is one our favorite tech carry backpacks.

What we like

• RSS laptop sleeve protects expensive laptops from bumps and falls

• Tons of soft-lined pockets for other electronics like tablets, cameras and accessories.

What we don’t like

• Lacks real side water bottle pockets which seems like a simple thing to get wrong.

• Shoulder straps don’t extend far enough to comfortably fit big and tall people.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 19.5” H x 14” W x 10.5” D

• Capacity: 29.5L

• Material: 600D Polyester Pindot

• Weight: 3.5lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15” and some thinner 17” laptops

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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JanSport Right Pack Backpack

The JanSport Right Pack is the bag that started it all. Before daypacks were common, students would carry their books in their hands. It wasn’t until the 1970’s where students began using JanSport hiking backpacks as school bags. This led JanSport to introduce the Right Pack, one of the world’s first lightweight nylon daypacks.

Little has changed since the original Right Pack design. JanSport did a great job at keeping the Right Pack’s classic silhouette as well as all of its small details such as a suede bottom and matching zipper pulls. Today you’ll find a couple of modern upgrades such as a laptop sleeve in the main compartment and a utility pocket with an organizer for small daily items.

What we like

• Iconic heritage design that doesn’t go out of style

• Roomy main compartment that is perfect for lugging around a day’s worth of school books and gear.

What we don’t like

• Like many older brands who have outsourced production, quality isn’t what it used to be despite the heritage design.

• No side pockets for water bottles

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 18” H x 13” W x 8.5” D

• Capacity: 31L

• Material: 915D Cordura & Leather Suede Bottom

• Weight: 1 lb 4 oz

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

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