The North Face Router Everyday Laptop Backpack - Daypack, Water Repellent, Laptop Sleeve, Reflective Details, TNF Black/TNF Black-NPF, One Size

Wes VUnited States

Might be the perfect backpack.

Well, this thing is just impressive. I did a bunch of research looking for a new backpack, and had it narrowed down to this one and the High Sierra Fat Boy, which I also have written a review for. I originally went with the Fat Boy, considering it has more liters of space and was about half the price, it seemed like a good value. While that pack can absolutely hold more stuff than it seems it even should, it's just not comfortable. This Recon backpack, in my opinion, is everything you could want out of a pack in this price range - and then some. Allow me to explain... The first thing is the shape of the pack. It is more "tall" than wide, and this is very important. As it gets loaded up, the weight is perfectly distributed and stays "up and down", rather than the pack pushing out and making you feel like you have to work against it to not tip over backwards. Combine this design with the chest and waist straps, and this thing is not going anywhere if you don't want it to - very good for hiking, etc. Next is the comfort, which is top-notch. The straps are nice and thick, but not "squishy", they feel substantial. They are perforated in the top of the shoulder area which is going to allow them to breathe in hot weather. The material over the foam is like a thicker basketball jersey mesh, which is very comfortable and allows you to move around. The back has really well-designed foam "pockets", which have channels to help ventilate the area. Inside the back is some sort of board (assuming plastic), that keeps the shape of the pack intact no matter what's in the main compartment. I have seen a couple other reviews describe this pack as "heavy", and I completely disagree - I think it's this board that might make it seem like it's heavy, but with the pack loaded, this is what helps it keep the weight distributed nice and evenly. It doesn't feel heavy at all on your shoulders. Lastly, the compartments are insanely useful and well-designed. The secondary pouch is particularly impressive, going all the way down to the bottom of the bag and giving plenty of space. The various pockets and compartments within this part can take pretty much whatever you throw in there. The main compartment does not spread out as wide front to back as other packs, but it is very deep and still can swallow up plenty of items. There isn't really a feature on this pack that I don't think is awesome, including the front mesh pouch for quick access and the double bottle holders. This is just simply a well-designed and very comfortable backpack, and well worth the $75. The only slight issue I have with it is that it will definitely not stay upright on its own, and will need to lean on something or of course be hung, but that is really nitpicky anyways. The only other thing to watch out for is that the price varies wildly here on Amazon depending on your color choice, which kind of sucks, but it's not really in their control anyways.

J. TracyUnited States

Plenty of laptop space and padding for daily carry of my 17" gaming laptop. Love it. Go get one

I was looking for an upgrade in size from Lenovo Legion 17" backpack for my gaming laptop and accessories. I found for my daily carry between a couple books, large gaming laptop, and accessories - I was maxing out the size and warping the zippers. I was pleasantly surpised at the 40L space finding there was plenty of room for my 17" laptop (madatory) and the large compartment has plenty of room for Moleskin notebooks, laptop charger, headphone case, and a controller with room spare. Love the color which is very different than my usual black backpacks I've bought for 4 decades. Good style, about right for the money and materials while staying relatively lightweight. Material thickness and padding around the laptop was really important and the best part of this bag in my opinion. Laptop is extremely well insulated and feels very safe. Probably not very versitle in the light brown color but black and grey Im sure is plenty professional but not for me this time around. Solid versalility and functionality is on point. Glad I did my research and quality of materials on Northface doesnt dissapoint. For someone that uses his backpack literally everyday - the Router is perfect. A+ recommendedation and though big - doesnt feel or look that way. Thanks NF

Elle ZenaUnited States

Stop searching, this bag holds everything without acting like it’s a burden

When I bought this, I was in the market looking to find a bigger backpack that I could use while traveling to and from work and vacation. I am genuinely impressed with how many items this backpack can hold. It is even comfortable to wear even while it is full of stuff. The fabric is high quality and durable. After using it consistently for a couple months now, I have not noticed any defects, rips, tears, scuffs, or scratches. I love the design, and the pocket locations are very thoughtfully and strategically placed. It has a padded compartment for a laptop. The straps are adjustable and comfortable when wearing it. I have not had any issues with the zippers. I am a chronic over-packer, especially when I go on vacation, I still had room left over when using it as a carry-on backpack. This backpack was a major upgrade from the one I had previously.

John MiltonUnited States

Nice daypack backpack.

Granted I just purchased this backpack but it seems like it’s one of the highest quality backpacks I’ve purchased. The pocket orientation is certainly the best in memory. The fabric and zippers feel like they’re at least as good & as waterproof as a fancy $350+ bag I had that was priced that much because of its super large size. For most people this may seem fairly large. For a hiking enthusiast this is an adult medium size. And while it can be used for hiking it seems primarily designed for people who like avoiding the use of cars in daily life.