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The North Face Recon Backpack 30L Men's Black $167.99 Delivered @ Amazon AU

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The North Face Recon Backpack 30L Men's Black $167.99 Delivered @ Amazon AUAffiliate
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chickhen on 16/04/2025 - 07:42 amazon.com.au (7204 clicks)
Last edited 16/04/2025 - 09:57 by 1 other user
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I am off to Japan with the family so wanted a new backpack to replace my 10 year old black wolf - was researching and settled on TNF Recon. It's a all rounder EDC carry great for high school kids, professionals who need a 16" suspended laptop sleeve and travellers (though it does not have things like lockable zips or security sleeves for passports etc).

Available in a few colours but the all black is not often on sale.

Other backpacks I were considering were the Osprey Nebula, Fjallraven Raven 20 L or the TNF Borealis (also cheapest at amazon https://www.amazon.com.au/Unisex-Adults-Borealis-Backpack-Bl…)

Not the lowest all time but definitely in the past 12 month it is.

Price History at C CamelCamelCamel.
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Comments

  • danzig440 on 16/04/2025 - 07:46

    Bought the same backpack for a Japan trip aswell from this deal. https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/861533

  • XeKayeM on 16/04/2025 - 07:49

    Purchased the Borealis the other day for around $150 for a trip to Japan later in the year but I like this has the mesh front on it instead of the draw string so I'm going to send the Borealis back once this arrives. Cheers!

    • chickhen on 16/04/2025 - 08:04

      yeah i was eyeing the borealis as it tends to go on sale cheaper but the mesh front seems more handy for me compared to the bungees as i won't be using this for outdoor adventuring as often.

    • 87percent on 16/04/2025 - 08:05
      +1

      Anaconda often have the Borealis for $100ish (that’s the price I got it for in November last year), and yes, it’s an excellent back pack. Recently did a 15km run with it!

      • SmileSydney on 17/04/2025 - 09:07

        $100 only on less popular colourways - never black. I bought an orange one which I didn’t mind for $100. See if u can get a birthday voucher.

    • Tikester on 16/04/2025 - 08:31

      Took my Recon to Tokyo last September - the mesh pocket was so good for stuffing umbrellas/selfie stick/tissues etc

    • eciuj on 16/04/2025 - 11:19
      +1

      I have the Borealis and prefer the draw strings. I use it to secure a jacket or tripod… and also large bags of potato chips. I use the backpack as my work bag and it easily fits by gym gear.

      • quackie on 16/04/2025 - 12:21

        I've had the Borealis for a few years now but only recently started to use the draw strings. So good to be able to just grab the jacket/jumper without having to open up the bag.

        However I've resigned my Borealis to just being a day pack for travel moving forward. Got myself a 44l Moustache (subbrand of Harvest Label) back pack recently from Hands in Japan as my EDC. God there's so much space.

    • SAVE FERRIS on 17/04/2025 - 00:08
      +1

      I decided on the Recon because of the mesh however I did read a review that bungee cords can be added to the Recon later if you still need it. Best of both worlds!!

  • thorpef1 on 16/04/2025 - 08:02
    +9

    For anyone else who is looking for something a bit cheaper, the decathlon NH100/500 are highly regarded also.

    Hiking backpack 30L - NH Arpenaz 100

    Hiking backpack 32L - NH Escape 500

    • Snowman1 on 16/04/2025 - 09:00
      +1

      These seem like really good value! Wasn't aware of this brand before. Thanks!

      • tonester on 16/04/2025 - 10:35
        +2

        pro-tip: always check Decathlon for good cheap outdoor clothing/gear :)

        • Hamlet on 16/04/2025 - 21:54

          Make that sporting gear in general

  • Ozjoey on 16/04/2025 - 08:03

    Comparison Review
    https://youtu.be/3V93Pvzfi_k?si=Ccu3HgRfpaNF0Txw

  • robotfrom1984 on 16/04/2025 - 08:10

    For a slightly smaller bag (26L), I've been using the Vault. I've taken it travelling and I use it quite a bit for work.

  • Broden on 16/04/2025 - 08:23
    +23

    How is a bag worth this much seriously. What makes it cost upwards of $100 to manufacture? Not dissing the deal im just curious how yall justify these prices. It will never be normal to me.

    • 87percent on 16/04/2025 - 08:28
      +21

      What till you see the price of handbags

    • idonteven on 16/04/2025 - 08:29
      +3

      This could be said about literally any product lol. You’ll always have cheap and expensive.

      This bag is neither, it’s extremely good value for a fantastic backpack.

    • Jimothy Wongingtons on 16/04/2025 - 08:44

      This is cheap for a bag , bags get to unreal prices very quickly - and for once, I’m not talking little clear bags of white powder.

    • Telios on 16/04/2025 - 09:04
      +5

      It's funny when you go to Vietnam and can buy the exact bags from TNF for any $10-$20.

      Made in the same factories by the same people with the same logo.

      At least with companies like Osprey you get lifetime warranty and real support.

      All of these other outdoor brands pump and dump cheap plastic single use crap and it's STILL an insanely high mark-up.

      • illusion99 on 16/04/2025 - 09:07
        +1

        I think you can get more use out of this than a single use

      • dtc on 16/04/2025 - 09:39
        +3

        I dont think you can believe the street sellers telling you 'its the exact same bag made in the same factories by the same people'. It probably has a logo that looks the same. No matter how many people claim this, if you read up on how controlling the brand name factories are with production then its impossible for anything other than a minor percentage of products to be 'genuine' or even 'slight defects'.

        that said, if the product is good enough then its good enough. Just dont believe its 'genuine'

        • Telios on 16/04/2025 - 23:51

          TNF factories are in Vietnam

      • reactor-au on 16/04/2025 - 10:00
        +1

        I have a TNF Surge backpack from 2017, it's as perfect as the day I purchased it and I've taken it all over Aus, Europe, UK, Southern Africa.
        I paid about $120 for it back then, now its listed closer to $300!

        With TNF, I'd say the quality depends on the backpack, they have some cheap ones and some really pricey ones.
        I also have an Osprey duffel/backpack from about the same time, haven't used it as much but it's also top notch, I'd say Osprey and TNF are mostly on-par when comparing items in the same price range.

    • p1 ama on 16/04/2025 - 09:28
      +1

      Well how much something is worth depends on what the particular item does for you.

      How much something costs to manufacture is never really all that relevant - e.g. people buy iPhones, eat at restaurants…etc.

      I've bought a good quality Osprey backpack for hiking and it's been really worth the money. Being reliable and functional, better for my back…etc. I've gotten plenty of use out of it.

    • G-rig on 16/04/2025 - 09:41

      Why does anything cost what it costs?
      I think $100 is pretty cheap for a bag, comes down to quality and features. Anything under $200 is normal I would have thought. Maybe go to Kmart and have a look.

      30L is a bit small for an only bag but assume people are taking checked in luggage.

      Would recommend 40-46L for biggest carryon travel backpack (have had an Ospray Porter 46L bag for years, lightweight, plenty of room and can strap it down to look smaller).

      • marcozmitch on 16/04/2025 - 19:18
        -3

        No: unless Elves in the Artic make it, I do not care…

    • marcozmitch on 16/04/2025 - 19:13
      -8

      It is a mad mad world of crazy people, who think if it does not last 500 uses, it is a waste of money…

      • G-rig on 16/04/2025 - 20:10

        Lol why isn't it a deal, because you're fkn tight?

        Nothing wrong with being a cheapskate.
        Just move on, plenty of other Nick nacks and bargains for you on thos site.

    • Hamlet on 16/04/2025 - 21:56

      It's a good use of money if it saves you backache and back surgery?

  • spackbace on 16/04/2025 - 08:27

    We get around with Under Armour backpacks. Comfortable, have enough storage and can be bought for under $70 or so

    • King Steuart on 16/04/2025 - 08:59
      -1

      North Face is a lot more ethical but still pretty ordinary

      • Telios on 16/04/2025 - 09:04
        +3

        TNF haven't been ethical for decades.

      • marcozmitch on 16/04/2025 - 19:15
        -4

        CNBF, practical, quality and cheap is all I care about.

  • idonteven on 16/04/2025 - 08:31
    +1

    I found this bag for about $60 at an outlet in America. That was back in 2019. I use this bag every day for work, on the weekend, hiking and overseas travel.

    Best bag ever. Has never let me down, it’s extremely durable and still looks as good as the day I bought it. If I needed a second one, I wouldn’t hesitate.

  • Mel1764 on 16/04/2025 - 08:38
    +5

    I bought the Patagonia Refugio 26L for $108 + $10 shipping recently for similar reasons and have been enjoying using it, found it is a really good size. Also comes with Patagonia's ironclad guarantee.

    • tonester on 16/04/2025 - 10:32
      +1

      also 30L $119.97

      • 8at8 on 16/04/2025 - 21:30

        I was looking to start a reply on this same bag but you have already started… so I second this :) just got my Refugio 30l (already have Black Hole 24l) for 2-night trips and am loving it.

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 16/04/2025 - 08:46

    Good price but wish they did more with open clamshell designs. Traditional design is so restrictive. Changed to TNF base camp xs as edc bag in January and it’s so much more flexible.

    • Telios on 16/04/2025 - 09:06
      +2

      The Base camps are one of the few TNF bags that I really feel are ahead of most others.

      Design was awesome in the 80s and 90s and has barely needed an update.

      They just moved away from heavy canvas but I beat the crap out of mine with pointy objects and international travel and it's still good.

  • Daabido on 16/04/2025 - 09:22

    My High Sierra backpacks have lasted years.

  • justo316 on 16/04/2025 - 09:23
    +1

    I have one of these in green and orange. It looks wicked. But ultimately I don't think it's a good pack. Shoulder straps are uncomfortable. I had bruises after a long day carrying a decent amount of weight.
    The bag quality feels suspect as well. Mine got retired after a few months.
    Bought an osprey tropos instead. MUCH BETTER. More comfortable. Sturdier. Stands upright!

  • zfind on 16/04/2025 - 09:30

    0.9kg seems good for one bag travel.

  • jv on 16/04/2025 - 09:47

    The North Face Recon Backpack 30L Men's Black $167.99

    😊

  • Rhompa on 16/04/2025 - 10:15
    +1

    I was like.. far out that's gone up, but turns out I page that much for it back when I bought it in 2017! I have used it daily and many OS trips. Still going strong! Highly recommend it for comfort, durability and proportions.
    I got it in grey from Rushfaster. Looks like it's had a version revision. Rushfaster had a video showcasing how much it could fit, I think the fact that he could fit 3 x 6packs of beer EASILY, took the cake.

  • smartProverble on 16/04/2025 - 10:16
    +2

    The AliExpress/ Chinese version is probably like $30 tops

  • Atomik17 on 16/04/2025 - 10:22

    Good bag for EDC. But for heavy carry go osprey.

  • zfind on 16/04/2025 - 10:25

    Bag aficionados, what’s the winner for best value carry-on for onebag travel? TomToc?

    • Mugsy on 16/04/2025 - 20:22

      From what I've read, the TomToc 40L is definitely great value assuming you've got the carry on weight limit to make use of 40L.

      For the Japan trip I have planned but keep delaying, I plan on taking my trusty Kathmandu Contiga 25L backpack (the older design, not the current one). I'm gonna keep to Jetstar's 7kg carry on going there and will buy a large suitcase for checking in gifts to bring back home.

      5yrs or more ago, I wouldn't have considered doing this but in this day and age where I do my web surfing, banking, navigating, communicating, translating, travel organisation, photography, etc, etc, etc… all on my phone, I can really keep weight down and 7kg in the right climates is very much doable.

      • zfind on 16/04/2025 - 23:03

        Nice info, thanks! I agree the Tomtoc seems an all-round winner, but I’m a little weight conscious as I need to bring my CPAP machine which eats a good kilo of weight, sadly. So I have looked at the ULA dragonfly, which also has good reviews. But at over $400 it’s… costly

        • Mugsy on 17/04/2025 - 07:50

          I probably should be bringing a CPAP machine too - lol… haven't used mine in a while as I couldn't get use to it again after coming back from a few holidays.

          But if a CPAP machine is required, I would probably look at the cost of extra carry on weight vs adding check in. In most cases, I've found check in to be cheaper. Of course, that means having to wait to pick up your luggage. If your carry on is already sufficient to include the CPAP (say 10kg carry on that you get with Scoot), then I would go for the TomToc 40L… the L/W/H dimensions are pretty much at the limit of what airlines allow for carry on.

          I've also seen this 45L backpack at kmart that I assume isn't built as well as the TomToc but at $49, it's worth an inspection to see if it'll hold up for what you plan to put it through and if the dimensions meet the airlines' restrictions.

          https://www.kmart.com.au/product/45l-multifunctional-backpac…

          • zfind on 17/04/2025 - 09:30

            @Mugsy: I can’t deal with the zombie feels without my CPAP as much as I wish I didn’t need it! But luckily I’ve found a way to ditch the bulky adapter and run it off my travel adapter, which is good. I like the minimal and efficient feel of avoiding checked in luggage, once I’m operating from a home base (Australia or a longer stay in Europe).

            I’ll dig into the Tomtoc a little deeper! Thanks

            • Mugsy on 17/04/2025 - 11:00

              @zfind: Good luck with the TomToc research. I found reviews on Youtube to be the most useful for gauging if the TomToc 40L was suitable for my uses.

              If I had 10kg carry on, I probably would have bought the TomToc already for my travels. There's just bugger all around that price point.

    • FocusRider on 17/04/2025 - 08:42

      DB journey Hugger

      • zfind on 17/04/2025 - 09:31

        Shall investigate!

        Edit: quite cool. I balked at the price but on conversion it’s about the same as the ULA dragonfly, but heavier. Looks sturdy though, I like it.

    • afie on 17/04/2025 - 09:19

      Patagonia MLC - stands for Maximum Legal Carryon
      https://www.paddypallin.com.au/patagonia-black-hole-mlc-45l-…

      Mine is 8 years old, had a lot of use and still looks good.

      • zfind on 17/04/2025 - 09:31

        I like the concept and that it doesn’t have the usual in-your-face Pat logo. But 1.64kg is pretty high when you’re operating off 7kg total.

  • tonester on 16/04/2025 - 10:27
    +1

    for everyday use and travelling - as opposed to hiking - i prefer canvas (rather than nylon/polyester/Dyneema) backpacks, such as the Macpac AzTec ones currently on clearance (22-23L $55.20-$71.20)

    • kiitos on 16/04/2025 - 22:49

      I have one of their older canvas day packs, it's good, though heavier than nylon etc.

  • inamberclad on 16/04/2025 - 10:38

    Enjoy JP op. Don't forget to do your online Japan arrival/immigration procedures so it saves a bit of time

  • wizzlesticks on 16/04/2025 - 11:02

    People need to consider their environmental decisions when purchasing from a company that uses 100% plastics (petroleum derived) products in their entire range.

  • JUSTIN9295 on 16/04/2025 - 11:24

    I was fortunate enough to score a Macpac Kahuna 20L for $10 and a Macpac Torlese 65L $50 from BCF clearance bin. I will be using both for our Japan trip next month 😄

  • laudalashun on 16/04/2025 - 11:44

    The only thing I wish this had was a mesh for the back. Hiking for few hours with this pack and it gets super sweaty in the back, not much airflow.

  • Supercool on 16/04/2025 - 13:06

    Having had both this and the Nebula long term, I suggest the Nebula.

    • Hwooter on 16/04/2025 - 13:10

      Could you share your thoughts on why?

      • Supercool on 16/04/2025 - 13:22

        Better harness and compartments (watch YT reviews). Nebula going for 6 years now. Used the Recon for ~5 years before that. Elastics are more durable on this Nebula.

  • tonester on 16/04/2025 - 13:55

    Not the lowest all time but definitely in the past 12 month it is.

    only for black :)

  • Ender Wiggin on 16/04/2025 - 17:04

    I just got back from 7 weeks around the world, used a $12 backpack (Camel Mountain) thats a decade old - was fine.

  • bigpoppa on 16/04/2025 - 17:11
    -2

    yeah nah I'll pass on the murica fuk ya. I don't want to support a terrorist nation

  • SAVE FERRIS on 16/04/2025 - 21:07

    I bought this for my last Japan trip too!

  • Jamesfromoz on 16/04/2025 - 21:48

    I love my ULA Dragonfly. Replaced my recon although it costs a fair bit more.

    • Telios on 16/04/2025 - 23:54

      That's an understatement.

      Probably $400 for one now if not more.

  • afie on 17/04/2025 - 09:21

    Why not something made in Australia by a company with a long history of making high quality equipment from durable materials?
    https://oneplanet.au/category/packs-and-bags/day-packs/

    • HeyPapito on 17/04/2025 - 12:44

      more expensive because made in australia, harder to flex or sell later because not a popular recognised brand /s

    • G-rig on 17/04/2025 - 12:57

      They are fine if you want a hiking backpack and you'd see that brand at any good camping/hiking store.

      Canvas is pretty heavy, but most nerds would want a backpack for a laptop or something.

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