Just found your channel a couple days ago and I gotta say that I love these reviews you do where you just bang out the important info about the bags in a clear and concise manner. Keep 'em coming!

@DesmondCheng

3 жыл бұрын

thank u so much!

My new Recon just arrived today. I absolutely love it. I have a Borealis Classic, which I find really restrictive in versatility. I like the fact the new Recon has a flatter waterproof botton (great for outdoor work and skiing). The laptop section fits my big laptop nicely AND I can use a water pack in it for skiing. The winner for me is the big middle section that is versatile enough for a few small tools, make up bag, clothes etc. I was wary of rhe front pocket but thinknitsbgoing to be a game changer for me. I have already customised my recon by adding my own elastic/bungee to the daisychain straps across the front. That's what has stopped me getting this bag all along - until I had my light bulb moment and laced some on myself. Is great and even more versatile now. Thanks for your videos, they are great.

@ktmracing3135

6 ай бұрын

May I ask what elastic/bungee you used

Love the colourway on this. Also the bottom straps, would love those on the Borealis and Router

AWESOME REVIEW THX MAN, KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!!!!

You've gained a subscriber. Great reviews.

I love the look of this bag for travel , we you say that a packing cube would fit nicely in the main compartment?? Thanks in advance !! You are one of the best bag reviewers currently 👍🏼👍🏼

Digging the New Recon, the Bottom straps are a Must have on my day packs for holing my Camp Chair on a Hike!!

@DesmondCheng

3 жыл бұрын

yeah im really liking the look fo them now!

Nice and useful review. Thanks

I dig this design due to the straps at the bottom and lesser mesh rugged front as the old one.

great review! Any idea what the small velcro tab at the top of the laptop pocket is for??

Awesome video bro!!! I’m from Vancouver as well. Can’t wait for your comparison video. I’m so stoked that I might have to grab one of the older models of these bags until these launch in the spring.

@DesmondCheng

3 жыл бұрын

oh nice!!! Comparison video coming out this Friday!! Actually I picked this up from a North Face warehouse in Richmond. Let me know if you are interested, I have their contact and they might still have some for u =)

@kevvy22

3 жыл бұрын

@@DesmondCheng Yes Please!! My Instagram is @kevin.josephs

Great video thanks!! I would love to see you do a video about the North Face base camp duffel bag! Keep up the great vids

@DesmondCheng

3 жыл бұрын

thanks! and ill do one if i get my hands on one!

Nice review! Good information and very helpful. You earned a subscription on this!

@DesmondCheng

3 жыл бұрын

thank you much appreciated!

Hey Desy Cheng, great review of this bag! Would love it if you did a review of the Osprey transporter zip. There's not really any good reviews of it out there, and it looks like it could be an awesome edc bag

@DesmondCheng

3 жыл бұрын

thanks! If I can get my hands on one, I'll do one!

Can’t find this bag in that color love the review though very informative

Great to see the bottom straps on this year's model. I bought the retro looking rucksack model just for this feature since it lets a person strap on so many options. I often lash a fishing/camera hip pack to the bottom of my personal item carry-on. I've not yet had an issue with the bag being taller than the airlines like. (buy the hip pack the same color so they notice it less) The width and thickness are most important. I will keep my 2019 recon and rucksack, but I do like that TNF has been thinking. The back pocket does look like the stretch may eventually wear out, but the much bigger fleece padded pocket is a plus.

@BeautifuLakesStreamsBiologists

2 жыл бұрын

Update: if you are considering the older generation of recon and you like the bottom straps of this year's model, you can rig the belt of the older model to loop under the pack and connect with a caribiner to the back. This gives you that ability to strap gear on to the bottom.

Man your reviews are most certainly the best on youtube! I really want this new recon backup now but I can't find it anywhere in Europe. Is it a US specific version that only will be sold over there? :(

@HealingMushroom

2 жыл бұрын

update: I talked to northface and they wont ship it as of now.. A friend from the US sent the backpack over and its fantastic :)

Great review. Thanks!

@DesmondCheng

Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Keep these coming!

@DesmondCheng

3 жыл бұрын

new video coming on Friday!

glad to see the redesinged recon is able to stand up on its own. i have the 2019 and it falls over

Great Videos Keep it up bro!

@DesmondCheng

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Desy...thank you so much for this video. It has great information in it! I’m sure you don’t have this information yet, but do you know if they will be making a women’s version in this backpack? Also, do you know of any of the color options they may offer, men’s or women’s? I thought maybe you saw other available color options when you were at the sample sale that you got yours at? Also, do you think the price point will be about the same? Thanks so much!

@DesmondCheng

3 жыл бұрын

hi tanya! yes there are other color options! i think i saw womens versions but not 100%.... its been a while... price point should be similar

@arya7927

2 жыл бұрын

why do u need a womens version, lol i see women wearing mens backpacks all the time and tbf most backpacks are gender neutral lol

Are you gonna do a updated review on the bags?

Hey Desy, I have watched all your videos on the North face Bags for the Recon, Surge and Borealis. I was stuck between the all three of them and I had to test them out. 6 to 8 weeks ago I went into a North Face Shop. I spent an hour testing all the bags and the Recon was the winner. I went to the North Face shop and it was in the end of line sale I picked up the last one. Its the Navy Blue and turquoise one. It was £60.00 down from £120.00. I was so happy I got the last one. I currently was an Osprey Nebula user but after using it for two years before the pandemic and seeing what North Face Bags and there benefits I had to change over.

@redcoatphilip

Жыл бұрын

@Hew Jarsols I have OCD along with other mental health issues. OCD is helpful and a hindering. It's useful for things like this.

@AM-mv6ro

Жыл бұрын

Hi how’s the bag ?

@redcoatphilip

Жыл бұрын

@A M Hi, the bag is amazing. It's really good for what I need. I take it to work with me and day to day if I go out. It's worth having.

@cfvgd

Жыл бұрын

thx for the comment. i was looking on the nebula too. going for recon i think

@redcoatphilip

Жыл бұрын

@2manyusarnames no worries about that, I have a few other bags in mind. One is the area pack 3 and there is another one I can not think of right now.

Hey, another great review about the Recon. And i had watched your review about the Surge. What your thoughts about the Router Transit, it is good? Can you do a video. Your video is very good, and in many details that can’t be found in others’.

@DesmondCheng

Жыл бұрын

hey sorry i don thave the router transit, but if i do get it, ill do a video on it!

I have a MacBook Pro 13 inch, an iPhone max and an 11 inch iPad, will this carry all of them along with a binder (1 inch), some notebooks, pencil case and lunchbox?

Hi, thanks a lot. Is the Recon waterproof / of for rain ? (I don't need to throw it in a river or something)

Question...What bag do you use the most as an EDC??

Is possible review a 2021 borealis? I am in dout between them. Greetings from Brazil!

great vid bro

Hey Desy, what’s that super dope rucksack on the left side underneath your 3 cameras? Would love to know what it’s called! Thanks for your great videos!

@DesmondCheng

Жыл бұрын

langly alpha globetrotter!

My favorite North Face backpack ever was the Shirker, a vintage style bag with tons of organization pockets and two straps in front for a skateboard. I got mine around 2010 but then it wore out. Have you ever seen/reviewed that bag?

@DesmondCheng

3 жыл бұрын

Unfortunately I haven't seen/reviewed it! It would be cool if they made a comeback!

@tiffchang6669

3 жыл бұрын

@@DesmondCheng Thanks for your answer!!!

I still love the old one 😊

@jaredharris1970

3 жыл бұрын

I still have the early 00’s version love it and in great shape still

@AS-bq7sc

2 жыл бұрын

Does the old one wear easily at the bottom? That’s the only thing preventing me from buying them, I don’t have a NF near me to check out in store

Hello! My recon has Vans brand on the front pocket zipper. Do you have idea?

Thanks for the video! I have a 5 year old recon bag and unfortunately faded a bit. Do you know when this bag will be available? Do you think this is better than the 30l version of the Thule subterra?

@DesmondCheng

3 жыл бұрын

hey hey! someone from North Face told me it should be out hopefully within the next couple weeks! Fingers crossed! Unfortunately I have not used the subterra, so I can't really say but I know that I really dislike bags that have a side opening for your laptop. It's really inconvenient and I've gotten rid of all the bags I have that had the side opening!

Will water get trapped in the front mesh compartment?

How big of the laptop can North face Recon hold? Because I have a 17'3 inch gaming laptop.

I’m looking at my packed recon I got 7 years ago and it’s sitting upright just perfectly

Great review! I bought a navy one.

@DesmondCheng

2 жыл бұрын

nice!

....hi, is there an update on the Resistor?

How is the laptop pocket? Is it suspended or a false bottom?

The good news: The updated Recon will FINALLY stand up. The bad news, the new bottle holders and stash pocket look inferior to the current model. I'm torn as to whether I'll try the new recon, or just figure out some life hack to make my current Recon stand upright... So far a 18cm x26cm x14cm tupperware shoved into the bottom of the bag is helping it stand upright.

@user-qs3yq6nq9m

3 жыл бұрын

I really like the new design. The water bottle holders are way more durable, my old recon had holes. The mesh front pocket isn’t the best but it looks way cleaner mainly because the compression straps are off to the side.

How different is the women recon design from recon design?

@Desy Cheng thanks for this nice video :-) Do you know when the new Recon backpack will be available for purchase ?

@DesmondCheng

3 жыл бұрын

i wish i knew but i dont!

@masterx7435

3 жыл бұрын

@@DesmondCheng thanks for your feedback

Great review! Do you think the water bottle pockets are able to hold a 32 oz nalgene? It seems like it’d be a tight fit. Also is the laptop pocket raised from the bottom so it won’t hit the ground?

@DesmondCheng

3 жыл бұрын

unfortunately i dont have a nalgene to test it with. I just tried with a thicker coffee mug and it seem to fit. Yes the laptop pocket is suspended at the bottom. Not a lot, but enough!

@shilobailey4177

2 жыл бұрын

I can fit my 36 oz yeti bottle

Hi man, give us an update of the latest borealis, sure a lot of people like it

@tommy6357

2 жыл бұрын

I'm thinking to get the new 2021 borealis. But there are no reviews out. Do you know if it's good?

I just bought the north face borealis, maybe you can make a review video about that bag

@DesmondCheng

Жыл бұрын

if i get my hands on one i will!

Hey Desy, thanks for the vid. I dig your hat. Where'd you pick that puppy up?

@DesmondCheng

3 жыл бұрын

thanks! got it from a north face sample sale!

@DesmondCheng

3 жыл бұрын

actually. sorry this hat i got it from Winners, which is kind of like TJ MAxx or ROSS lol

@BwellsTrumpetBasics

3 жыл бұрын

@@DesmondCheng haha - sweet find!

for a month, i couldn't make decision which the north face backpack i want it. I decided to go with the recon, perfect size and I think I made a good choice to go with it.

Hi, how much weight this 2021 Recon?

Not able to find out this colour combinations

Will it stand up with a heavy laptop inside?

How is the Recon's durability? Are the articulated shoulder straps durable? Will these new articulated straps detach from the backpack or the shoulder straps? I am looking for a backpack that will last for some years and the Recon's construction looks attractive to me. The only concern is its durability and load resistance. Any feedback will be very welcome, thanks in advance.

@DesmondCheng

Жыл бұрын

the shoulder straps are not the most comfortable unfortunately. The bag is nice, but the straps suck. Very stiff. Osprey has better straps!

Hello hep !!!!but is there this new version somewhere available \Thank u

@DesmondCheng

3 жыл бұрын

not out yet! soon hopefully!

Even the angle of the water bottle pocket is opposite that it should be. When you lay the bag on its back the angle wants to dump the bottle out lol.

@DesmondCheng

3 жыл бұрын

yeah hopefully north face is holding back on launching so they can make revisions to these bags!

Love the black with a splash of yellow but can’t find that version of it anywhere 😕

@DesmondCheng

2 жыл бұрын

yeah the one i had was a pre production model

Does it have a false bottom and or good protection to protect a laptop if the bag is dropped?

@DesmondCheng

Жыл бұрын

yes the laptop is suspended!

They should keep old features like the tuck away waist strap so it’s always there when u need it what if u remove straps and forget where u put them in the house

@DesmondCheng

3 жыл бұрын

i agree!

@cfvgd

Жыл бұрын

plenty of storage in the bag to store them aint it? :p

@jaredharris1970

Жыл бұрын

@@cfvgd but they would take up space I’d rather keep them out of the bag lol

What colo is this can't find it

weird.... the water bottle pockets seem to have differing sizes? I've watched other reviews of the Recon 2021- the water bottle pockets at PackHackers' video were taller than the compression straps, while in OutdoorWorkshop's they were about the same height as the straps. Wonder why it's like that. Edit: just watched GeorgeDefined's review, the pockets were taller than the straps

Where did you get the new surge and recon from?

@DesmondCheng

3 жыл бұрын

North Face Sample Sale here in Vancouver!

Do you have a US link for this back pack?

@DesmondCheng

3 жыл бұрын

its not released yet, so no!

Great review! But two months on and still this bag isn't available. Any idea when it's coming?

@mwlivingstoncolorado

3 жыл бұрын

Wondering same thing.

@DesmondCheng

3 жыл бұрын

no, but someone found another leak on reddit and it seems like they are making changes to the version i got!

@mrnngld

3 жыл бұрын

@@DesmondCheng Would you be able to link that reddit post?

@wojciechbryczek2345

3 жыл бұрын

@@DesmondCheng can you please share the reddit post - thanks!

@81springbrook96

3 жыл бұрын

@@DesmondCheng do how did u get your's? haha

How big of a bottle can the side pocket fit?

@DesmondCheng

Жыл бұрын

good question. i dont think a 32oz will fit.. so maybe just like a Swell standard size, which is about 17oz

What version do you like more, the new version or the old version? And do you still don’t know when the new version comes out?

@user-qs3yq6nq9m

3 жыл бұрын

I LOVEE THE NEW VERSION i got mine from Amazon just search north face recon they have both old and the new style up. I really thought the new recon wasn’t going to be as good but is so much better the side pockets are way more durable and do stretch, the front mesh pocket is a bit bigger and looks so much nicer, the compression straps look way better on the newer model I’m really happy with the newer model I use it for school

Those bottom compression straps are a return. They used to be on the 2001 recons.

@DesmondCheng

Жыл бұрын

good to know!

Do you know something about new borealis?

@DesmondCheng

3 жыл бұрын

Unfortunately I don't remember if it got revamped or not to the same degree as the Recon/Surge. I did see it though!

Doesn’t the old surge have expansion clips on the side? I notice I can hardly fit a old thinkpad (aka the best- thiccpads) a folder or two and binder) Also I hate the fleese lining! Not longevity friendly mm :/

@joshtree8298

2 жыл бұрын

Wtf yours has it! I just got a surge at the store and mine doesn’t have that :( The new ones do?? Or only certain colors?

@DesmondCheng

2 жыл бұрын

the old surge has compression straps on the side, but thats about it!

@DesmondCheng

2 жыл бұрын

@@joshtree8298 the one i have is the pre-production model!

9/5.

is the capacity 30L, same as the previous versions?

@DesmondCheng

3 жыл бұрын

yeah its roughly the same size!

Why Northface website doesn't offer exact the same color as yours

I just got this backpack today and my water bottle pockets are deeper. The pocket comes up much higher so the compression strap actually goes over the top of the pocket.

@justo316

3 ай бұрын

And...2yrs later, I'm looking for something new. Mine doesn't like standing up which annoys me.

Hey Desy, Can this bag house a 16 inch MacBook Pro?

@DesmondCheng

Жыл бұрын

yes!

@pathareakshay

Жыл бұрын

@@DesmondCheng Thanks!

Wait, if you can’t get it now how did you get this one?

@DesmondCheng

3 жыл бұрын

picked them up at a north face sample sale here =)

Really weird but I think your Recon is a little different. The other ones I’ve seen online all have taller water bottle pockets that go past the compression strap on the side.

@DesmondCheng

Жыл бұрын

yeah the one i have is a pre-production model one!

Where did you get this?

@DesmondCheng

3 жыл бұрын

From North Face! But FYI the Surge has finally made it on the REI website!!!

In other reviews, the water bottle pockets are taller.

Is this backpack out yet? Anyone has the link?

@DesmondCheng

2 жыл бұрын

yes its out! www.thenorthface.com/shop/recon-nf0a52sh-en-ca?variationId=GCC

North face nails everything but the water bottle pocket

I wish they made a bigger version like add five more liters

@DesmondCheng

3 жыл бұрын

North Face Router is larger!

@jaredharris1970

3 жыл бұрын

@@DesmondCheng but I love the recon it’s my favorite go to bag for everything lol I use it for work, play , vacation play meaning day trips to beach my bag be bulging lol I use that bag more than the others I have because the older it gets the more comfortable it feels on my back lol

@DesmondCheng

3 жыл бұрын

@@jaredharris1970 =)

1) as a city commuter the straps at the bottom make no fucking sense to me. my old north face bag had them up top and i loved it. there will be many times where you must simply place your bag on the floor, and even the idea of placing your strapped jacket or yoga mat on the subway floor would make anyone think of drinking a bottle of sanitizer. 2) i hate the rubber-ish side pockets for the same reasons you mentioned, yet north face decided decided to go full stupid and put them on almost all of their bags 3) although i can't see it the straps look pieced together, and worse yet at the point where it meets the bag. it doesn't look like it will last if you carry heavy loads 4) the logo is a bit much for me but not a deal breaker

@DesmondCheng

2 жыл бұрын

yeah some of the changes they made to this bag suck, but some are good =)

For some reason, NF backpack designers don't really get it. Not sure why they're doing partial upgrades. Lol. 😂 Great REVIEW!! ⭐

"your water bottle pocket sides out"

@DesmondCheng

2 жыл бұрын

lol i know i messed up there!

Better, more modern design. A TNF bag that ACTUALLY stands on its own. A more solid water bottle pockets. I was going to order this ASAP after watching the video. But after seeing how they made the shoulder straps the same like those on the Router and Surge, I may just stick to my older 2019 Recon.

@DesmondCheng

3 жыл бұрын

The 2019 Recon is amazing!!!

@user-qs3yq6nq9m

3 жыл бұрын

The straps are SO comfortable and look nicer. I thought I wasn’t going to like the backpack as much as my older recon but I honestly think it’s even better

Stash pocket looks like it'll get loose and baggy.

@DesmondCheng

3 жыл бұрын

yes, only time will tell! i havent been using the recon very much and that front stash area, but ill try using it a bit more and do a follow up =)

@mitchelebora6286

Жыл бұрын

@@DesmondCheng How is that front stash area holding?

terrible the last recon hope now its better .last bag loose straps catching into everything nightmare to live with

I really want a recon, but the front pocket of this generation seems kinda floppy. I feel like it will look saggy over time. Last years models was attached to the side straps.

@DesmondCheng

3 жыл бұрын

yeah im concerned it would get stretched out as well!

It's a no for me... disappointed looks more of a tech backpack to me, should of kept it the same style that's a year ago or even 2 years ago... with small tweaks.

@user-qs3yq6nq9m

3 жыл бұрын

It looks really bad in this video but I ordered a black recon and it is really nice it looks way better than my older recon in my opinion

im not trying to roast you or anything, but you say "actually" a LOT.