North Face Recon vs Surge Comparison (2021 Version) - What's the difference?
If you are on the hunt for a versatile backpack for work, school or travel then you may have already considered the North Face Recon and North Face Surge. But what’s the difference between the two?
In this North Face Recon vs Surge backpack comparison we will explore the differences so you can choose the best backpack for your needs.
If you are interested in other North Face backpacks make sure to check out our other comparisons:
Note: The North Face is known for updating their backpack designs every so often. This comparison is of the 2019-2020 versions of both the North Face Recon and Surge.
Quick Specs
 |
 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Volume | 30 Liters | 31 Liters |
| Material | 600D Polyester 500D Nylon Cordura Nylon Ripstop |
600D Polyester 500D Nylon Cordura Nylon Ripstop |
| Laptop Sleeve | Up to 15" laptop | Up to 15" laptop |
| Weight | 2lbs 7.7oz | 3lbs 2.8oz |
| Front Storage | Stash pocket | Two vertical zippered pockets |
| Price | Check the latest price on Amazon | Check the latest price on Amazon |
Video Review
Mens vs Womens North Face Backpacks
The Recon and Surge backpacks used for this comparison are the women’s versions. 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 versions will weigh slightly more than the women’s versions. For example, the Women’s Surge weighs 3lbs 2.1 oz while the Men’s Surge weighs 3lbs 2.8 oz.
Both the men’s and women’s version of the Recon are 30 liters and both versions of the Surge are 31 liters.
All pockets and compartments are exactly the same in both the men’s and women’s version.
North Face Recon vs Surge Side-By-Side
Carrying Capacity and Size
On paper there doesn’t seem to be much of a difference in size between the Recon (30 liters) and Surge (31 liters) but side-by-side you can see that the Surge is the larger of the two.
The larger profile on the Surge is due to its slightly larger main compartment, larger laptop compartment, and two front pockets that give the Surge an overall larger footprint when compared to the Recon.
Pockets and Compartments
Where these two backpacks differ the most is in their choice of pockets and compartments.
Let’s start with the front-facing pockets.
The North Face Recon has an open stash pocket for quick access to items. The pocket itself isn’t very large - so oversized items like a yoga mat or a pair of sneakers will not fit but it works great for quickly putting away items like a large pair of headphones or a bike lock. The stash pocket on Recon is about 9.5-inches deep.
The North Face Surge has a completely different front design and features two vertical zippered pockets. These pockets overlap each other so that one is on top of the other. This means that you can store items in both pockets simultaneously.
The pocket on the left is lined with fleece and measures to about 7.5-inches wide (horizontally) at it’s widest point. The right side pocket is not lined with fleece but it is the larger pocket coming in at 9-inches at it’s widest point.
Another difference that the Surge features is a front grab handle. This handle is great on travel days because it allows the Surge to be used as a carry on backpack since it’s easy to grab from an overhead compartment. This handle also comes in handy when grabbing your backpack from the trunk of a car.
The similarities between the North Face Recon and Surge start at the pockets on the top of the backpack. Both bags feature a fleece-lined pocket for things like sunglasses or a phone.
Behind the fleece lined pocket, both backpacks feature an organizer compartment with lots of pockets for pens, phones and other small items.
The main difference between the Recon and Surge organizer compartments is that the Recon features a tablet pocket in this compartment and the Surge does not. The tablet pocket on the Surge can easily fit an 11-inch iPad Pro.
The North Face Recon has a tablet pocket on the front and the Surge does not
On the Surge - this entire organizer compartment is actually smaller than the one the Recon and I found that a regular sized iPad can just about fit on its side. But is there is no tablet protection so store a tablet here at your own risk.
Now let’s take a closer look at the main compartments.
The Recon features one large open 30-liter main compartment while the Surge features a 31-liter main compartment with a slim zip pocket against it’s back. This is a smaller pocket that is great for stashing smaller items you want to keep safe like a wallet, phone or other valuables.
Recon vs Surge Laptop Compartment
Both the Recon and Surge have robust suspended 15-inch laptop compartments that do a great job at keeping your laptop safe. Where they differ is in overall size.
Much like The North Face Borealis, the North Face Recon features a single padded laptop compartment while the North Face Surge offers a larger divided compartment with a slip pocket.
The laptop compartment on the Surge has a slip pocket on the divider itself that can comfortably fit an 11-inch iPad Pro. So instead storing your tablet on the front of the bag like the Recon, you can instead keep you tablet in the rear compartment with your laptop. This divider pocket can also comfortably store your laptop charger and cables.
The laptop compartment on the Surge is large enough for two laptops if needed.
The other side of the laptop divider can fit anything you need to keep flat like paperwork, a binder or large textbook. We were surprised to find that the Surge can also fit an additional laptop in this compartment which is great for anyone looking for dual laptop backpack.
We were able to comfortably fit both a 13” Macbook Pro and a 15.6” Acer PC laptop inside the Surge’s laptop compartment.
Turn your Recon into a hiking backpack with its secret hydration bladder loop
Another small yet important difference between the Recon and Surge is that the Recon includes a velcro loop attachment for a hydration bladder and the Surge does not. This allows you to turn the Recon’s laptop compartment into a hydration pocket if you were to ever go hiking.
Comfort and Fit details
When it comes to comfort and fit features there is very little difference between the Recon and Surge in terms of how they feel when worn. The only real difference is that the Surge is slightly heavier since it’s the larger backpack of the two.
But both the Surge and Recon feature the same Flex Vent back panels and we can honestly say both bags feel the same against your back.
They also feature the same adjustable sternum strap and removable waist belt.
Where these backpacks do differ slightly is in the top of the shoulder straps. The North Face Recon features Flexvent shoulder straps with cutouts on the foam to help with airflow. The North Face Surge has solid foam shoulder straps.
Which Backpack is Better?
The North Face Recon
The North Face Surge
Choose the North Face Recon if… you want a reliable backpack that can be used for work, school or the occasional outdoor adventure. Although smaller than the Surge, it still has plenty of room in its large 30-liter main compartment. We also like the front organizer compartment a lot better on the Recon since it includes a tablet pocket and is larger overall. And let’s not forget about the hidden hydration bladder loop that can turn the laptop compartment into a hydration pocket if you ever want to take the Recon on a hike.
Choose the North Face Surge if… you need a workhorse that can be used for school, work or even travel. The North Face Surge also make an incredible tech backpack thanks to its larger laptop compartment, multiple fleece lined pockets and great organization. The Surge’s 31-liter main compartment and front grab handle also make it great for those who need a versatile backpack that can also be used for travel.
