The North Face Recon vs Borealis - What's the difference?
Shopping for a new North Face backpack? Are you torn between the Recon and Borealis? This North Face Recon vs Borealis backpack comparison is here to help you decide! We will showcase each backpack side by side to see what the real differences are so you can choose the right one for you.
Before we begin, it’s important to note that this comparison is for the 2023 versions of both the North Face Recon and Borealis. The North Face is known for updating their backpack designs every so often, so specific details may be different if you wish to compare older versions of either backpack.
Video Review
Quick Specs
 |
 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Volume | 30 Liters | 28 Liters (Mens) 27 Liters (Womens) |
| Material | Recycled Ripstop Nylon YKK Zippers |
Recycled Ripstop Nylon YKK Zippers |
| Laptop Sleeve | Up to 15" laptop | Up to 15" laptop |
| Front Storage | Stash pocket | Elastic bungee system |
| Bottom Compression Straps | Yes | Yes |
| Sternum Strap | Yes | Yes |
| Waist Belt | Yes | Yes |
| Price |
Men’s vs Women’s North Face Backpacks
The women’s versions are used in this Recon vs Borealis comparison. If you are looking to purchase a men’s North Face backpack, please note that 99% of this comparison will still apply.
The main differences between the men’s and women’s versions are as follows:
Men’s North Face backpacks have larger back panels and wider shoulder straps to accommodate broader shoulders. This is the biggest difference.
The men’s version of the North Face Borealis has a 28-liter carrying capacity while the women’s version is 27 liters. Both the men’s and women’s versions of the Recon are 30 liters.
All of the pockets and compartments have the same configuration in both the men’s and women’s versions.
North Face Recon vs Borealis Side-By-Side
The North Face Recon (left) and Borealis (right)
Carrying Capacity and Size
One difference between the North Face Recon and Borealis is their size and carrying capacity.
The North Face Recon has a carrying capacity of 30 liters, while the Borealis sports a carrying capacity of 28 liters for the men’s version and 27 liters for the women’s version.
A 2-3 liter difference in carrying capacity isn’t all that much, and in our packing tests, we found the difference to be about the size of a 24oz water bottle (or two cans of soda). Most of the extra room on the Recon can be found in the depth of the main compartment (from front to back) when compared to the Borealis.
Is it enough of a size difference for you to notice? Maybe, if you need the most packing room you can get. But for most people, the size difference might not even be noticed, especially when worn.
Pockets and Compartments
Spoiler: The pockets are mostly the same
The choice of pockets and compartments of these backpacks is where things get interesting. Despite their drastically different exteriors, The North Face chooses to use the same exterior pockets, organizer panels, and laptop sleeves with each bag. There really isn’t much difference between the North Face Recon and Borealis when it comes to storage.
The North Face Recon and Borealis are essentially the same backpack with different exterior shells.
Let’s run through the main carry features so you can see what we mean. Both the Recon and Borealis have the same fleece-lined front pocket to store items like sunglasses, phones, and tech you want to prevent from getting scratched up.
The fleece lined pocket on The North Face Recon and Borealis backpacks
Both backpacks have nearly identical front organizer compartments. These compartments have pockets for small items such as pens, phones, and chargers. The North Face also includes a padded, fleece-lined pocket for a small tablet in both.
The laptop sleeves on the North Face Recon and Borealis are also very similar and can both support a laptop up to 15 inches. Both laptop compartments also have hookups for a water bladder, allowing you to turn both into hiking backpacks.
The only difference is that the laptop sleeve on the Borealis sits 3 inches higher than the one on the Recon. As a result, the laptop compartment on the Recon is much deeper, despite being about the same width as the laptop sleeve on the Borealis.
Women’s Recon laptop sleeve: 18'' x 10.6'
Women’s Borealis laptop sleeve: 12.5'' x 11'
The similarities continue with the water bottle pockets. They are the same elastic water bottle pockets and can easily fit larger 32oz bottles, but the difference is that the Recon has compression straps to secure the bottle in place, while the Borealis has bungee compression. And for what it’s worth, it is much easier and faster to adjust the bungee than it is to adjust the compression strap.
Exterior Storage Differences
The real difference between the Recon and Borealis are with their exterior storage designs. The Recon has a stretchy quick-stash pocket while the Borealis has a bungee storage system.
The elastic storage system on the Borealis is made out of small tie-out loops with elastic cord running through them, and The North Face has recently added a clip-on feature that allows you to quickly stash items onto the bungee. It’s best used for attaching large and bulky items to the front of the backpack.
What the bungee is good for:
Quickly tying down a light jacket or sweater
Carrying bulky items like a beach towel or blanket
Securing extra tall items like a light sleeping bag or yoga mat.
What the bungee is not good for:
Attaching smaller items like a book, headphones, hat or gloves
The elastic bungee system is incredibly functional and you can find a million ways to use it. This feature alone makes the North Face Borealis a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile backpack for school, travel or outdoor activities where carrying bulky items is necessary.
The North Face Recon ditches the bungee system for a single stash pocket. Although the pocket is stretchy, it isn’t that large.
If you have a light sweatshirt or jacket - it might fit. Smaller items like a bike lock or a small notebook will fit just fine. But the pocket definitely too small for a pair of shoes, blanket or a bike helmet.
What the stash pocket is good for:
Quickly stashing away smaller items like hats, gloves, books and snacks
You may be able to fit a lightweight compressible jacket
Storing a bike lock if using the Recon for commuting
What the stash pocket is not good for:
The pocket is too small for a bike helmet, blanket, shoes or other larger items
This front stash pocket on the North Face Recon is most useful when you need to put something away quickly and don’t have time to open up a zippered pocket. It’s actually very convenient on busy days.
Another difference on the Recon is the inclusion of daisy chains on the front of the stash pocket which the Borealis doesn’t have. Although the men’s version of the Borealis does include similar daisy chains on the side of the bag, the women’s Borealis includes no daisy chains whatsoever. Both the Recon and Borealis feature a lash tab on the bottom of the front of each bag.
As an aside, if you want to learn more about daisy chains, tie out loops, and lash tabs then make sure to check out our anatomy of a backpack guide where we explain what all of these external attachments are for.
Material and Construction Comparison
When it comes to construction and materials, both the Recon and Borealis are on the same page. The North Face uses the exact same primary materials for both backpacks, and construction quality feels identical.
Both bags use the same water-repellent recycled ripstop nylon and YKK zippers. Specific secondary materials may vary depending on which color you choose, as the North Face may use additional fabrics for different colors.
Since both the Borealis and Recon use the same exact shoulder straps and back panels, both backpacks feel the same when worn. Seriously. Neither backpack edges the other one out in terms of comfort, since the size differences aren’t that great to begin with.
As you can see, most of the differences between the North Face Borealis and Recon are cosmetic. Their important carry, comfort, and construction features are nearly identical.
Which Backpack is Better?
The North Face Recon
The North Face Borealis
Choose the North Face Recon if… you absolutely need a larger backpack for books, binders, clothes and other essential items. At 30 liters, it’s just the right size for a daily backpack without being too bulky. The quick stash pocket in the front is convenient and comes in handy when you are in a rush. Commuters will like that the external pocket on the Recon that can comfortably fit a bike lock.
Choose the North Face Borealis if… you like the idea of the external bungee system to haul around oversized gear like blankets and jackets. This bungee system is great once you start to utilize it since it frees up the main compartment and gives you a ton of more storage space.
