north face backpack surge vs recon The - Women's TNF Black this pack is ready for anything the day brings. The North Face Recon Backpack

The hipbelt isnt cushy, but it helps with stability, and the overall shape stays close enough to my back that it doesn't feel unwieldy

Heres how to do it right: Air dry only: Avoid dryers, as heat can damage fabric and compromise zippers

The adjustable strap means you can still wear it comfortably around your waist or crossbody, though the 2L might feel a bit less discreet when worn across the chest compared to its smaller counterpart

It's perfect if you don't carry a ton and want a backpack that gets out of your way

The Best Ultralight Backpacks Full results from testing 16 top products are in our Product Comparison Table and Analysis & Test Results sections