The North Face has some of the most popular backpack styles out there, but two of their bestsellers are the Recon and the Jester. These backpacks have a lot of similarities – they’re both campus-friendly packs designed for students and commuters. But they also have some key differences that may make one better suited for your needs.
In this post, we’ll break down the Recon Vs. Jester debate so you can decide which North Face backpack is the right pick for you. Let’s dive in!
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Recon | Jester |
| Capacity | 30L | 26-28L |
| Laptop Sleeve | Yes, fits 15″ laptops | Yes, fits smaller laptops |
| Tablet Sleeve | No | Yes, floating sleeve |
| Water Bottle Pockets | Yes, two external pockets | No, just side elastic bands |
| Suspension | FlexVent with sternum strap & waist belt | FlexVent with sternum strap |
| Style | More minimal, earth tones | Brighter, bolder colors |
| Price | $$ | $$ |
An Overview Of The North Face Recon And Jester
First, let’s look at an overview of each backpack:
North Face Recon
The North Face Recon is one of the most beloved and well-reviewed backpacks out there. It’s a classic 30-liter pack that’s been popular for years as a sturdy, comfortable, and stylish commuting and traveling companion.
Some key features and specs:
- 30-liter capacity
- FlexVent suspension system provides padded mesh back panel and shoulder straps
- Padded laptop sleeve fits most 15″ laptops
- Front organizational compartment for quick access to essentials
- Two extended mesh water bottle pockets
- Bungee cord across front for extra storage
- sternum strap and waist belt for added support
The Recon comes in a wide variety of color combos to fit anyone’s style. It’s a tried-and-true backpack perfect for school, commuting, travel, and everyday use.
North Face Jester
The Jester is another excellent 26-28 liter pack from North Face designed with students and commuters in mind. It’s streamlined and spacious while still offering comfort and organization.
Here are the Jester’s notable features and specs:
- 26-28 liter capacity
- FlexVent suspension system with padded back panel and shoulder straps
- Large main compartment with padded laptop sleeve
- Floating padded tablet sleeve in main compartment
- Secondary compartment for organization
- Front accessory pocket with organizer
- Two side water bottle pockets
- Reflective bike-light loop
- Sternum strap and removable hip belt
With its spacious but compact design, the Jester is great for lugging textbooks and gear around campus or to work. It comes in a wide range of fun colorways too.
Also Read: Differences Between Conway And Banks And Pacific Rink Hockey Bags.
Comparing Features And Performance
Now that we’ve introduced both backpacks, let’s compare them across some key categories:
Storage and Organization
The Recon offers 5 liters more capacity at 30 liters total. But the Jester still packs in plenty of space into its 28 liters. Both have room for binders, laptops, books, lunch, and other daily essentials.
In terms of organization, they’re pretty evenly matched with multiple compartments and pockets. The Recon has dedicated water bottle pockets while the Jester opts for an inner floating tablet sleeve instead.
Winner: Draw – both great on storage and organization. Comes down to your exact carrying needs.
Comfort
You can’t go wrong comfort-wise with either the Recon or the Jester. Both use North Face’s padded FlexVent suspension system on the shoulder straps and back panel. This provides airflow and cushy support when trekking around with heavy loads.
The Recon gets bonus points for including both a sternum strap and a removable waist belt to dial in the fit. But the Jester has thick, cozy shoulder straps and a touch more padding on the back panel.
Winner: Draw – FlexVent system makes both exceptionally comfortable.
Durability
Made with durable fabric blends, these packs can take a beating. Both North Face backpacks use abrasion-resistant materials on the base and high-wear areas. And you can tell the craftsmanship is top-notch.
The Jester’s aesthetics may skew a bit more casual and playful. But it still uses rugged materials so it won’t fall apart with daily use.
Overall, both the Recon and Jester score highly when it comes to durability. Just take care of your pack and it’ll last for years.
Winner: Draw – both very durable and well-constructed.
Style
Of course, you want your backpack to look good whether you’re biking to class or grabbing a plane overseas. Both the Recon and Jester come in a wide selection of color combinations to fit your personal taste.
The Recon leans more traditional with muted, earthy color combos like black, taupe, gray, olive, etc. The Jester has more bold, bright colorways – think Electric Lime Green or Cosmic Blue.
Both have classic backpack silhouettes with outdoor tech features. So it really comes down to your own personal style preferences.
Winner: Draw – tons of color combos for both. Just pick your favorite!
Price
You’ll typically find the Recon and Jester at the same price point around $99. So cost isn’t really a differentiating factor.
North Face backpacks are considered worthwhile investments since they last so long. The prices stay consistent year after year as well.
Winner: Draw – price is identical for both.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
With 26-28 liters of capacity, the Jester is a great size for college. It has room for textbooks, notebooks, laptop, and more. The main compartment is nice and spacious while still being compact enough not to feel bulky.
Yes, the Borealis is a 28-liter pack so it is slightly larger than the 26-liter Jester. The Borealis is another nice college backpack option with its large capacity and laptop sleeve. But the Jester remains more streamlined and has some different features like the floating tablet sleeve.
Some of the best North Face backpacks include the Recon, Jester, and Borealis for college students and commuters. The Surge is an excellent pick for travelers who need 33 liters of storage. The Router is a top choice for outdoor adventures and hiking.
Yes, the Jester is one of the best college backpacks out there. It has room for all your books and gear in a comfortable, durable package. Key features like the laptop sleeve, tablet sleeve, and front organizer pocket make it super functional for campus life.
Also Read: Is Wiley X Saint Better Than Valor?
The Verdict: Jester Vs. Recon
At the end of the day, you can’t go wrong with either of these awesome North Face backpacks. But here are some conclusions to help you decide:
The Recon is the backpack for you if:
- You need a bit more storage capacity
- You prefer minimal, earthy style and colors
- You value having both a sternum strap and waist belt
- You carry a 15″ laptop (fits better than Jester)
The Jester is the better choice if:
- You like bold, bright colorways
- You carry a smaller tablet or laptop
- You want maximum organization with the floating tablet sleeve
- You prefer the streamlined look and feel
Hope this rundown of the Recon Vs. Jester comparison helps you pick the perfect new backpack! Let us know if you have any other questions.