Recon 24L Backpack

This backpack is so cute and I absolutely adore the colors! The zippers are rose gold, and the North Face logo is sort of shimmery and pink. It is definitely very cute but, wow, I didn't realize how small 24L is! I'm a teacher and it really isn't functional for the stuff I need to bring back and forth every day. I can fit three single-subject notebooks, a 1-inch binder, a thin laptop, and not much else. 10/10 for aesthetics, and there are nice smaller pockets and tall waterbottle holders which is great, but I would not recommend it if you have a lot to carry. I wish I would have returned it.

I purchased this pack for travel. I have a Camelback pack that is still in great shape after 17+ years but wanted a change. I wanted to get the women's Borealis, but the reviews & dimensions made it sound like it would not fit my 15" laptop. I believe the men's Borealis could fit it. I think NF should rethink the design to make the laptop area a bit higher on the women's Borealis. This pack is heavier than my Camelback, which was a concern, but this is likely due to the laptop compartment. I got it for the sections with pockets, as are similar to my Camelback. I can't attest to it being top heavy, as don't plan to over stuff the pocket area. While the pocket area does not go all the way down, it does go more than halfway. Many reviews make it sound like it is very short. The weight is the only part I am not thrilled with, but the separate laptop compartment is a plus. It feels a bit stiff. This is also likely due to the laptop compartment and back padding. I like the front pouch. I can see using that to put my jacket or neck pillow in when flying.