I went to the store. Spend two hours checking both backpacks and went for surge gray color. In my opinion is way better looking, more spacious and more convenient pockets. Cheers
I was deciding between the two and I think the surge is better because way more space is available. Also, The North Face is having a HUGE SALE on both of these backpacks. Select colors for the Surge are going for $77.40 and select colors for the Recon are going for $59.40. Have a great day y'all.
Surge is fucking 🔥👌😍 just got mine about a week agoooooo I kinda wish it the water pack option like the recon but Surge all the way ....the NF Borealis is a good pack as well 👌😌got it at such a steal for 50$ @ REI it's my first year using NF Packs I'm disappointed @ myself for not looking into NF bags when I was more actively involved in biking /hiking lol so many different pockets it's my bitch that hold everything 😇🤟💯💯
The Recon can be more versatile. My second screen / tablet goes in a cotton sleeve so no need for two built in sleeves. The pocket on the back of the Recon is more convenient and carries more than the two slim pockets on the back of the surge. Go with the surge if you carry even more than a notebook, tablet and phone.
@@user-jy8te4eq5o Yes! I bought it. He really loved it. It looks really good, the materials seem to be of very good quality, the compartments and pockets are very well thought of and super useful. The laptop/iPad/folders compartment is great, very well padded and with that soft fabric to prevent scratches. The only downside my husband found is that the arm straps are a bit narrow and not too cushioned. We recently did a 26+ hour trip, 3 planes and 3 countries (plus 2 toddlers), so we had to move around a lot, and carrying the backpack full, at the end of the day his shoulders were very sore. One important thing to note, is that this was the first time he got to use the backpack, so we're hoping it was still a bit stiff due to it being new... but still. Other than that, this is the perfect backpack.
@@constanzacamposano6152 surge is siiiiick. I got the recon. Bro the surge. After using em, we say surge . It’s more user friendly . Water bottle is fine. And using the surge hiking is better . The pocket for the laptop and iPad come in good for organizing. Those fleece pockets are really functional. The surge is more functional.
After watching every video I could find on the Surge and the Recon, I purchased the Surge in a store yesterday. After getting home with it and transferring my edc items from my 511 MOAB 10 18 liter sling bag, it immediately became obvious that the Surge may not be the bag for me. I don’t carry a laptop but so do carry a 11” IPad Pro. When placing it in the sleeve in the laptop/tablet compartment it reduces the amount of space in the main compartment. I got out my old 15” laptop that I never use anymore and put it in there to see how it would fit. This made the main compartment in the bag even more unusable except for small items. Basically when you put anything in any compartment in the bag, it reduces what you can put in compartments in front of or behind that one. The mesh pockets are basically useless because of the omission of elastic at the top of them. Unless your bag remains upright at all times, anything you put in those mesh pockets is going to fall out. The admin/organization pockets are made for very lightweight items only. I do like the vertical pockets on the front of the bag. I guess I am used to the stiffer, more durable materials the 511 bag is made from. I am tempted to return the Surge and get my $130.00 back but I also feel like I may be able to make it useful for some situations. I feel like this bag is designed for students and what they carry on a daily basis and not for a man that has different edc items like a multi-tool, a usb power bank, a Fuji X100V digital camera, a 11” iPad Pro, a small flashlight, a first aid kit, a pair of gloves, charging cables, etc...
@@ek8652 i ended up keeping the bag. I don’t use it a lot but when I don’t want to look “tactical” it does the job. My initial criticisms of the bag I feel like were overstated. I would recommend it.
@@ek8652 both backpacks have been redesigned since this video was done but I didn’t like the stretchy pocket on the outside of the Recon. I also don’t like bungee cords on the outside of a bag.
Thanks for this very good video. I think that Surge is better for laptop since we can store the charger(especially big charger of gaming laptop) in the same laptop compartment perfectly. However I still hesitate between Router vs Surge I wish to see the great comparing video like you made this.
@@linearpower2086 I did. I ended up getting the Recon and I love it. I carry it every day. I'll likely be putting up my own review within the next month.
@@linearpower2086 BOREALIS IS a great pack 👌 love it / also has the water bag option that's when I dropped my camelbaks lol I was recently gifted the surge it's fucking great 👍 I jus love the multiple pockets I get lost sometimes lolol still getting used to NF bags 🎒
I love review on this northface backpack.But i have swissgear 5358 smartscan backpack.If had to one of the northface backpack it would be the recon it is close to my Swiss 5358.
The Recon and Borealis have the same exact 15" laptop compartment and it's really solid. I highly recommend it and a 15.6" will fit fine. The Surge and Router is similar just expanded (see video). You can't go wrong with any of these it just comes down to your personal style choice.
I was going for the Surge but after watching this video i went for the Recon. And i’m happy with it, thanks for the review.
I went to the store. Spend two hours checking both backpacks and went for surge gray color. In my opinion is way better looking, more spacious and more convenient pockets. Cheers
I was deciding between the two and I think the surge is better because way more space is available. Also, The North Face is having a HUGE SALE on both of these backpacks. Select colors for the Surge are going for $77.40 and select colors for the Recon are going for $59.40. Have a great day y'all.
Yes I went and got the surge. Its a superb backpack. I like more space as well.
Surge is fucking 🔥👌😍 just got mine about a week agoooooo I kinda wish it the water pack option like the recon but Surge all the way ....the NF Borealis is a good pack as well 👌😌got it at such a steal for 50$ @ REI it's my first year using NF Packs I'm disappointed @ myself for not looking into NF bags when I was more actively involved in biking /hiking lol so many different pockets it's my bitch that hold everything 😇🤟💯💯
The Recon can be more versatile. My second screen / tablet goes in a cotton sleeve so no need for two built in sleeves. The pocket on the back of the Recon is more convenient and carries more than the two slim pockets on the back of the surge. Go with the surge if you carry even more than a notebook, tablet and phone.
This was a great review! I was struggling to decide which one to buy for my husband, so your video was perfect... went for the Surge. Thank you!
Glad we could help!
Did you buy Surge? How was it?
@@user-jy8te4eq5o Yes! I bought it. He really loved it. It looks really good, the materials seem to be of very good quality, the compartments and pockets are very well thought of and super useful. The laptop/iPad/folders compartment is great, very well padded and with that soft fabric to prevent scratches. The only downside my husband found is that the arm straps are a bit narrow and not too cushioned. We recently did a 26+ hour trip, 3 planes and 3 countries (plus 2 toddlers), so we had to move around a lot, and carrying the backpack full, at the end of the day his shoulders were very sore. One important thing to note, is that this was the first time he got to use the backpack, so we're hoping it was still a bit stiff due to it being new... but still. Other than that, this is the perfect backpack.
@@constanzacamposano6152 surge is siiiiick. I got the recon. Bro the surge. After using em, we say surge . It’s more user friendly . Water bottle is fine. And using the surge hiking is better . The pocket for the laptop and iPad come in good for organizing. Those fleece pockets are really functional. The surge is more functional.
After watching every video I could find on the Surge and the Recon, I purchased the Surge in a store yesterday. After getting home with it and transferring my edc items from my 511 MOAB 10 18 liter sling bag, it immediately became obvious that the Surge may not be the bag for me. I don’t carry a laptop but so do carry a 11” IPad Pro. When placing it in the sleeve in the laptop/tablet compartment it reduces the amount of space in the main compartment. I got out my old 15” laptop that I never use anymore and put it in there to see how it would fit. This made the main compartment in the bag even more unusable except for small items. Basically when you put anything in any compartment in the bag, it reduces what you can put in compartments in front of or behind that one. The mesh pockets are basically useless because of the omission of elastic at the top of them. Unless your bag remains upright at all times, anything you put in those mesh pockets is going to fall out. The admin/organization pockets are made for very lightweight items only. I do like the vertical pockets on the front of the bag. I guess I am used to the stiffer, more durable materials the 511 bag is made from. I am tempted to return the Surge and get my $130.00 back but I also feel like I may be able to make it useful for some situations. I feel like this bag is designed for students and what they carry on a daily basis and not for a man that has different edc items like a multi-tool, a usb power bank, a Fuji X100V digital camera, a 11” iPad Pro, a small flashlight, a first aid kit, a pair of gloves, charging cables, etc...
This seems like my similar situation. What did you end up doing? I’m thinking if I don’t go northface, I might go 511 lv18.
@@ek8652 i ended up keeping the bag. I don’t use it a lot but when I don’t want to look “tactical” it does the job. My initial criticisms of the bag I feel like were overstated. I would recommend it.
@@The_Essential_Light would you recommend it over the recon?
@@ek8652 both backpacks have been redesigned since this video was done but I didn’t like the stretchy pocket on the outside of the Recon. I also don’t like bungee cords on the outside of a bag.
Love how you broke down it down to side by side comparison, not just specs. Are the big main compartments the same size?
Thanks! The main compartment is slightly larger on the Surge at 31 liters while the Recon has a 30 liter main compartment.
@@Backpackies awesome thanks! I didn't know if the 31 liters was considered all around or the just the main compartment
great review, you went into every little detail and know that people care about!
Very good comparison video!
Glad you enjoyed it
Is the weight difference very noticeable between the two? Weight after 12 hour day could become noticeable
I just bought recon it ticks all the boxes and fills all my needs.🇨🇦🚲🥰
I just got the surge just about a week ago fucking love it 😀
@@oscarc.rivera3450 how is it for college?
Hello where can I get the recon exactly like yours?? I can not find it
Please do a video on the women’s Pivoter 🙏
I have a Jester so I think if I'm going for a second bag, the Surge feels like a much bigger and different bag than what I already have.
this a 10 of 10 video, regards!
I just got me a Surge,and I Love it!👌
Thanks for this very good video. I think that Surge is better for laptop since we can store the charger(especially big charger of gaming laptop) in the same laptop compartment perfectly. However I still hesitate between Router vs Surge I wish to see the great comparing video like you made this.
Damn. I'm still split.
Did you ever figure out?
@@linearpower2086 I did. I ended up getting the Recon and I love it. I carry it every day. I'll likely be putting up my own review within the next month.
That’s great I was looking around for a second one for camping hiking etc and already have a borealis so I was leaning more recon anyway
@@linearpower2086 BOREALIS IS a great pack 👌 love it / also has the water bag option that's when I dropped my camelbaks lol I was recently gifted the surge it's fucking great 👍 I jus love the multiple pockets I get lost sometimes lolol still getting used to NF bags 🎒
@@ballwizz23 Where’s your review?
Hoping to get the Recon soon.
Very very nice and clear video!
Very nice channel. Please do upload more often!
Like the surge. You dont need a hydration bladder for hiking. You can use
A normal water bottle
Recon. Still have the 2008 recon and it is still alive.
Still alive as in still holding up well or on its way out?
I love review on this northface backpack.But i have swissgear 5358 smartscan backpack.If had to one of the northface backpack it would be the recon it is close to my Swiss 5358.
Great review.
This was almost a fantastic review comparison. No mention as to their weights and over all measurements in a comparison video?
What's the best north face bag for a 15.6 inch laptop?
The Recon and Borealis have the same exact 15" laptop compartment and it's really solid. I highly recommend it and a 15.6" will fit fine.
The Surge and Router is similar just expanded (see video). You can't go wrong with any of these it just comes down to your personal style choice.
Do either of these stand up on their own?
No! They both have curved bottoms and will tip over when set on the ground. The only one we have tested with a flat bottom is the Jester.
Surge vs Borealis? 🙂
The women Recon is all sold out so I got the men’s, I hope that it fits alright considering the fact that i’m a 5’2 15 year old women lol
Surge. I'm a big dude so tiny backpack won't look good in me 😂. Surge definitely.
Possible 17” laptop to fit in Recon?
I believe a 17" laptop will be too large for the laptop compartment.
Do both bags come with rain cover?
Neither backpacks come with a rain cover
Great Video!!!!!!
very helpful video, thanks!
still can't decide. I want both. Why couldn't they just create the ultimate backpack that combined these features hahahaha
Good point! lol
It's very nice,but I need no more bags,too many bags I have,Everki,Tumi,Arc',Samsonites,too many
saya hanya bisa bilang , wow...
👍❤️👍
i have an issue.. i bought both.. ;)
Recon due to being smaller...
8:13 "I'm really curious" HAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAH
Lol, chicks no need more than 25L... 30L looks stupid on them.
Like a robot trying really hard to sound human.
Why do you talk like a robot?
I like the way she talks.