Women's Recon Luxe Backpack

I’m so upset to leave this review 💔 my 2016 Recon backpack has lasted me so long and served me so well but the lining was wearing off so I decided to get the redesign - big mistake! First off - who in their right mind would call this a “stand up” design?? This bag NEVER EVER stays up even if I lean it on something - the bottom is almost pointy and the water bottle pocket stops halfway up the bag, meaning that any water bottle will make the whole bag fall lopsided. Second, there are so many details making it obvious NF has cheaped out on the redesign. There are no longer zipper flaps preventing the bag from accidentally opening. The hip strap redesign is straight up uncomfortable - the attachment doesn’t have a supportive web anymore and worst of all, the slot to tuck them in is gone - now you only can fully remove them (time intensive and tedious.) i also didn’t realize how much I use the front buckle until I got this bag-another storage option lost!! Another major factor is in the technology pocket. The whole bottom, half of the pocket has been removed, making the bag even more top heavy and unstable than the original version. I am so sad because I love this bag for work, travel hiking, but I think I need to find a new go to because not only does my back hurt. All my stuff is always falling out because my bag won’t stand up.