The North Face Surge vs. North Face Recon
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
The North Face Surge
| Capacity | 31 L |
| Weight | 1.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 51×31×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 89% |
| Price | $140 |
Feature by feature
| The North Face Surge | Feature | North Face Recon |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | 4 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| front | Passport | front |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 210D recycled nylon ripstop with non-PFC durable water-repellent (non-PFC DWR) finish | 210D recycled nylon ripstop with non-PFC durable water-repellent (non-PFC DWR) finish |
North Face Recon
| Capacity | 30 L |
| Weight | 1.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 49×30×19 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $110 |
Key differences between the The North Face Surge and North Face Recon
- Compression straps: 2 on the The North Face Surge; 4 on the North Face Recon.
Both have: passport pocket, backpack straps, hip belt, sternum strap, laptop sleeve, built-in organizer, water bottle pockets, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 169 accept both. 0 accept only the The North Face Surge, and 4 accept only the North Face Recon.
Only the North Face Recon fits
Air Niugini, Belavia, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways.
The North Face Surge vs. North Face Recon: which should you pack?
The The North Face Surge carries 1L more than the North Face Recon (31L vs. 30L), while the North Face Recon is the lighter pack at 1.2kg (vs. 1.3kg). For carry-on flexibility, the North Face Recon fits 92% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the The North Face Surge; if you want to travel lighter, the North Face Recon is the better call.