Recon 28L Water Repellent Backpack

A nice looking bag that doesn’t feel great – rough

I needed to replace an old "tactical" bag from another company. I researched many and read many reviews and watched many review videos and finally decided on the Recon. I needed a pack with organization features. The build of this pack is second to none, sleek, comfortable to wear, etc. However, the only reason I took one star was the so-called "external organization pockets," the ones where pens and miscellaneous items go. These pockets are best described as internal pockets with external access. A huge frustration is that when I have items in these organization pockets it creates a bulge on upper inside of the pack that is like a bottleneck that makes it difficult to get additional items into the bottom of the pack's main compartment. I carry a portfolio and a book in the main compartment and I like to put my lunch to the bottom of the bag, but the internal bulge created by having the organization pockets full makes it difficult to get additional items into and out of the main compartment. Other than that, the bag is nice.

This does not compare to the QUALITY of the 2020 Surge backpack. I was reading into the modern Surge backpacks and they have changed a lot. They kept the name and the identity of the older Surge bags and relabeled it a Recon for some reason, but comes no where close to the same or better than 2020 Surge. The only flaw of the older version was the shoulder strap design. Other than that if it ain't broke don't fix it. I’m unfortunately returning this and may consider just keeping my old bag and somehow try to fix it. In my opinion massive downgrade. Not sure how or why it’s rated so high.

Anything placed in the main front pocket makes it difficult or impossible to put things in the main compartment.

I got my first one and loved it so much I had to get a 2nd one for my roomie here too. Both of us old but not dead so that sternum strap is really appreciated. The shoulder straps are super comfortable. Haven't used the waist straps as yet. Love the side pockets are not stretchy mesh (I avoid that). Love you can add to the bag via the daisy chains on either side (I like to strap my shopping bags to them). Water resistant for sure, not been out in a downpour to better judge that though. Great size and storage capability. At 67, this bag ought to last rest of my life (but I do wish there was a size smaller )

The recon is probably the best travel companion as far as the northeast Backpack it’s durable stylish and whatever generation you have this backpack, it will give you it’s all and then some highly recommend this backpack best 31 L on the planet!!!