Every trip starts with the same question: which daypack gets to come? It has to fit under an airplane seat, carry my camera, water bottle, snacks and rain jacket through a full day of cobblestones, then turn around and handle a mountain trail. After plenty of trial and error, I found the best travel daypack for Europe (and pretty much everywhere else): The North Face Recon.
Chris and I each have one (mine is the women’s version), and we’ve brought them on so many trails that they’re practically part of our hiking outfits. On our recent trip to the Dolomites, we wore our daypacks every single day, from gondola rides to long climbs up to mountain huts, and they never let us down. Here’s what we love about them, how they handle European travel, our crazy adventures and long hiking days, and the one thing I’d change.
Why The North Face Recon Is the Best Travel Daypack for Europe
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The opinions in this post are my own. I bought my own backpack and didn’t receive anything in exchange for this review. (The North Face did send me a few pictures, though!)
I used to travel with a hand-me-down backpack from Chris and came home from every trip with sore shoulders and an aching back. When the straps finally started to tear, I made a list of must-haves for my next daypack: a fit designed for a woman’s frame and my petite size, carry-on friendly, comfortable to wear all day, and room for my camera gear and travel essentials.
The North Face Recon checked every box. Now it’s the best daypack for traveling for both of us: I use the women’s version, and Chris wears the standard size. Here’s my must-have list and how the Recon delivers on each one.
Note * If you are planning a backpacking trip across Europe with everything in one bag, look at a bigger pack. The Recon is built for day trips, not your whole suitcase.
1. Best Women’s Daypack (& a Men’s Version Too)
At 5’2″ to Chris’s 6’4″, we don’t exactly share gear. I needed a daypack built for a smaller frame, and the women’s Recon is the best daypack for petite women I’ve found. The good news? The North Face also makes a standard-size Recon that fits Chris’s tall frame perfectly.
Our packs are just different enough that we never grab the wrong one. I’d love to say his is heavier, but mine is usually loaded with camera gear, so it’s a toss-up.
If you’re shopping for a new daypack, The North Face Recon is the one to beat for women and men.
Related Post: 39 Cool Gift Ideas for Travelers (That They Actually Want!)
2. Fits Carry-On Size Rules for European Flights
At 18.9 x 10.8 x 7.5 inches, the women’s Recon fits easily within standard carry-on limits on most European airlines. When I use it as my personal item, I don’t stuff it full, and it slides under the seat in front of me.
One heads-up: it’s a bit longer than strict personal-item limits. United Airlines allows 9 x 10 x 17 inches, and budget carriers like Ryanair allow only 40 x 30 x 20 cm for a free under-seat bag. If you’re flying a budget airline, pay for the carry-on allowance or plan to check the Recon. For more ways to breeze through airports, check out my frequent flyer travel tips.
Related Post: 10 Super Smart Travel Hacks for Beginners & Experienced Travelers
3. Room for All of Your Travel Essentials
The Recon has pockets and storage galore, so everything I want close at hand on travel days has a spot. Here’s what I pack in mine when I use it as my personal item on flights to Europe.
What’s in My Travel Daypack
- Driver’s License or Passport
- Boarding Pass (paper copy or on my phone)
- Phone and Portable Charger
- Headphones
- Electronics – Ipad, Laptop, Keyboard
- Apple AirTag for tracking (why I never travel without one)
- Cables and Cable Organizer
- Water bottle
- Snacks, ie., Built Puffs
- Travel-size toiletries (shop my Amazon Storefront)
- Hand sanitizer, Kleenex, Wipes
- Prescriptions and other Medications
- Camera equipment
- Travel umbrella
- Waterproof rain cover
Related Post: Underseat Backpack: 21 Essential Items to Pack for International Flights
4. Put to the Test in the Dolomites
Two weeks of hiking in the Dolomites was the ultimate test for our daypacks. Our first hike up to Seceda started dry for about 20 minutes, then the rain and wind rolled in. Our puffy vests, rain jackets, and waterproof daypack covers came straight out of our Recons, and we layered up on the spot. (My gloves, sadly, were back in my suitcase. Lesson learned.)
A week later, we hiked the full circuit around Tre Cime di Lavaredo: 9.2 miles and 3,407 feet of elevation gain in just under six hours, including one very sketchy rock-slide crossing. Our packs held water, snacks, layers and camera gear the whole way.
Between gondola rides, rifugio stops and long days on trails such as the Adolf Munkel Weg, our Recons came along every step of the way and handled it all.
Related Post: Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike in the Dolomites: Best Trail & Parking Tips
Features to Love About The North Face Recon Backpack
As I travel, hike, or sightsee as a tourist while on vacation, I often wear my North Face Recon backpack all day long. You may find as YOU travel that your daypack becomes your home-away-from-home, so comfort and smart storage matter. Here are the features that make the Recon easy to carry for hours.
5. Suspension System
The Recon’s FlexVent™ suspension system is designed for all-day comfort in both the standard and women’s versions.
A classic reimagined, the Women’s Recon excels as a daypack with its women-specific design, large mesh storage pocket, and daisy-chain attachment points. The FlexVent™ suspension system, sternum strap and removable waist belt make carrying heavier loads a breeze. ~ The North Face
6. Padded & Adjustable Shoulder Straps
Whether I’m hiking all day in Colorado or the Dolomites, the padded straps keep my shoulders happy, even when my pack is loaded with camera gear. They adjust easily to fit my petite frame, so the pack sits right where it should.
7. Padded Back Panel
The padded back panel has air channels that keep air flowing between the pack and your back, which I appreciate on hot travel days and sweaty uphill climbs.
8. Large Middle Section
I use the large middle section for my camera gear, with a padded camera insert to keep everything protected. There’s still plenty of room for snacks, a rain jacket, a small toiletry bag and a waterproof daypack cover, which comes in handy when the rain rolls in.
9. Protected Laptop Section
The laptop compartment is lined with fleece to protect your expensive electronics—it fits up to a 16-inch laptop. Chris carries his laptop here on flights, then swaps it out for a CamelBak reservoir once we start hiking (more on that below).
10. Fleece-Lined Tablet Sleeve
A separate fleece-lined sleeve keeps my iPad from getting scratched by everything else in my pack. It’s easy to slide out on the plane when I want to read, watch a show or map out the next day’s adventure.
11. Lots of Interior & Exterior Pockets
If you love being organized, you’ll love these pockets.
- Exterior pockets: keep hand sanitizer and a compact umbrella handy.
- Interior pockets: keep my pen, notebook, Blistex and snacks organized and easy to find.
- Stretchy side pockets: expand to fit a water bottle and hug it snugly so it doesn’t fall out.
- Fleece-lined top pocket: protects my phone or sunglasses and keeps them within easy reach.
- Front mesh pocket with compression straps: open and stretchy with compression straps on older models (perfect for stashing a rain jacket), and zippered on newer models for extra security.
12. Adjustable Sternum Strap
The adjustable sternum strap can be adjusted for a snug fit, with a sliding track that allows you to move the strap up or down to a spot that fits you best. As a bonus, the buckle doubles as a whistle for emergencies.
13. Adjustable Waist Belt
The waist belt keeps the pack snug against your hips on longer hikes. On newer models, you can remove it by threading the strap back out through the adjusters, which is handy for city days when you don’t need it, but a real pain when you have to rethread it. (It’s also home to my one real complaint about this pack. More on that below.)
14. Lightweight
The women’s Recon weighs just 2 pounds 5.4 ounces empty. That matters when you’re wearing it for 9 miles around Tre Cime in the Dolomites or all day on the cobblestones quaint villages in Europe. As CNN Underscored points out, the best travel backpacks are lightweight, comfortable and made of durable materials. The Recon checks all three.
15. Small Details That Make a Big Difference
These are the little things you don’t notice in the store but appreciate every single travel day.
- Easy-to-grab zipper pulls: no more fumbling for a zipper.
- Interior key clip: keeps keys secure and away from pickpockets.
- 360° reflectivity: reflective strips on the front, back and sides help you stay visible at night.
- Padded top grab handle: handy for hoisting your pack onto a train, into an overhead bin, or through airport security.
- Daisy-chain attachment points (newer models): clip on extra gear, like a carabiner or water shoes.
- Self-standing design (newer models): the pack stands upright on its own, so it doesn’t topple over at the gate, on a train, or under a café table.
How I Use My Daypack for Traveling & Hiking
Features look great on paper, but the real test is how a daypack works on the road. From airport security lines to mountain trails, here’s how I use my Recon on every trip, plus a few tricks that make it the best daypack for traveling.
16. Travel Hands-Free
A backpack keeps my hands free, and that makes a huge difference when I travel. I can roll my carry-on through the airport, hang on to a railing on a crowded train, or grab my camera the moment I spot the perfect shot, all without juggling a tote or shoulder bag.
17. Stash the Best Carry-On Daypack Under the Seat
You have plenty of options for a personal item, from totes to crossbody bags. I choose a backpack every time because it holds more, it’s easier on my shoulders, and everything I need during the flight stays at my feet. Pack it smart (not stuffed), and it slides under the seat in front of you so you can keep your snacks, headphones and iPad within reach.
Related Post: Help! What Should I Bring on Long Haul Flights to Pass the Time?
18. Carry My Camera Gear
I’m a hobby photographer, and I usually travel with just one or two lenses. Serious photographers who carry three or four lenses (plus the extra weight) are better off with a dedicated camera backpack. For my setup, though, the Recon is perfect. I add a padded camera insert to the main compartment, and I still have room for my other travel essentials.
Camera Gear Basics
Keep your camera handy—beautiful moments pop up everywhere. What’s in my camera bag? Check out my favorite photography equipment.
- No DSLR? Your iPhone works too — the best camera is the one you have with you.
- Camera body — Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III (grab-and-go) or Canon EOS Rebel SL3 (if you want to learn manual mode).
- Lens — Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM (“Nifty Fifty”) is inexpensive, sharp, and great for portraits.
- Camera Clip — The Peak Design Clip attaches to a backpack strap so the camera isn’t hanging off your neck all day.
- Small Tripod — The GorillaPod has flexible legs that wrap around railings or branches, no need to haul a full tripod.
- Wireless Remote — A wireless remote lets you be hands-free.
The camera insert has two removable, fleece-lined dividers that you can rearrange to fit your camera body and lenses. It’s made of anti-static material with thick padding and extra water resistance, so my gear stays protected on the trail and in the overhead bin.
Recommended Gear: Shop the padded camera insert on Amazon.
19. Attach the Peak Design Camera Clip
My Peak Design capture clip is one of my favorite hiking hacks. It attaches right to the Recon’s padded shoulder strap at whatever height works best, and then locks my camera into place. No more camera bouncing around my neck, and when I spot the perfect shot, I just pop it off, snap, and clip it back on.
It’s hands-free hiking with my camera always within reach, as you can see in the photo above.
Recommended Gear: Shop Peak Design Capture Clip on Amazon
20. Pack a CamelBak Hydration Reservoir
This one might sound a little strange, but hear me out. On travel days, Chris’s Recon carries his laptop in the padded laptop section. Once we land, that same section holds a 3-liter CamelBak hydration reservoir with a self-sealing bite valve, and his travel pack transforms into a hiking pack.
The padding keeps the water cooler, and if the reservoir ever leaks, the laptop sleeve keeps the rest of the pack dry. Add snacks and a couple of extra water bottles, and we’re set for a full day of sightseeing or hiking.
Recommended Gear: Shop the 3-liter CamelBak hydration reservoir on Amazon
Is The North Face Recon Worth The Investment?
The Recon runs around $125 at full price, and it’s often on sale for less. That’s in line with other quality daypacks from brands like Osprey and Patagonia.
Is it worth it? For me, absolutely. I’ve carried mine for years through airports, European cities, and mountain trails, and it’s still going strong. When a daypack holds your passport, camera and everything you need for the day, it’s worth paying a little more for comfort, organization and durability.
If you want to save, watch for sales around Amazon Prime Days, Black Friday, and the end of summer.
What I’d Change About The North Face Recon Backpack
No daypack is perfect, and the Recon has two things I’d change.
The dangling waist belt straps. There’s no place to tuck the waist belt away when I’m not using it, so the straps just hang down and look sloppy, even when I buckle them together. On a trail it’s no big deal, but walking through a European city, it’s not a great look. I’m not the only one who’s noticed. Pack Hacker’s review of the Recon points out that the straps don’t have keepers to hold the extra slack. On newer models, you can remove the waist belt for city days (just be ready to rethread it later).
Bring back the open stretchy front pocket. My older Recon has an open, stretchy mesh compartment on the front with compression straps. I can stuff a rain jacket or fleece in it in seconds without unzipping a thing. Newer models switched to a zippered mesh pocket. It’s more secure, sure, but I miss the quick grab-and-stuff convenience.
These are small annoyances, not deal-breakers. I’d still buy the Recon again in a heartbeat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The North Face Recon a good backpack for traveling in Europe?
Yes. The Recon is comfortable enough to wear all day, organized enough for travel days, and tough enough for hiking. It fits easily within standard carry-on limits on most European airlines, and it works as a personal item if you don’t overstuff it.
What’s the difference between the women’s and standard Recon?
Both hold about 30 liters and share the same main features. The women’s version is shaped for a woman’s frame, with a fit that works better for shorter torsos and narrower shoulders.
Does The North Face Recon fit under an airplane seat?
Usually, yes, as long as you don’t stuff it full. The women’s Recon measures 18.9 x 10.8 x 7.5 inches, which is a little longer than some personal-item limits, so check your airline’s rules. On strict budget carriers, pay for a carry-on allowance.
What size personal item is allowed on European flights?
It varies by airline. Ryanair and Wizz Air allow a free under-seat bag up to 40 x 30 x 20 cm, easyJet allows 45 x 36 x 20 cm, and British Airways allows 40 x 30 x 15 cm. Always check your airline’s current rules before you fly to avoid extra baggage fees.
Can the Recon fit a laptop?
Yes. The Recon has a padded, fleece-lined laptop compartment that fits up to a 16-inch laptop, plus a separate fleece-lined tablet sleeve.
Can I use the Recon as a camera bag?
Yes, for a hobby photographer’s setup. I add a padded camera insert to the main compartment for my camera body and one or two lenses, and I still have room for my travel essentials.
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Grab Your Recon & Just Wander More
I went from coming home with sore shoulders to carrying my Recon through airports, cobblestone streets, and Dolomites trails without a second thought. For me, it’s the best travel daypack for Europe and pretty much everywhere else, and Chris would say the same about his.
Whether you’re shopping for yourself or looking for a gift for the traveler in your life, the women’s and standard Recon are hard to beat. Pack it smart, wear it all day, and go make some memories. Now that your daypack is sorted, make sure nothing else gets left behind. Grab my free International Travel Checklist and pack for your next trip like a pro.
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As an avid backpacker, I can appreciate this post! Very thorough and seems like a great pack!
Thank you, I will check it out, going to Europe has always been my dream!
Great post! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for sharing. I’m still using my husbands hand me down backpacks and the straps are way too wide for me too.
Hmmm, Christmas idea?
The North Face Recon Backpack sounds like the perfect solution to fitting all your travel necessities while traveling. I also prefer to use a backpack instead of a purse. Love this one!
I love finding out about new pieces of gear. This makes me excited. Thanks!
That backpack looks super functional! Thanks!
Seems like the perfect backpack! I love when there’s enough space to safely fit all the camera equipment!
I honestly didn’t know you could buy camera gear separators for any backpack! I have a backpack specifically for camera gear but it doesn’t leave room for much else. I’ll have to check this out!
I’m heading to Norway next summer! This would be perfect for my trip. Thanks for sharing all the great info about it.
Norway sounds amazing. Hope that backpack suggestions helps.
This post couldn’t have come at a better time. I am planning to visit Europe next year, and I am looking for a backpack I can fit lots of stuff in. This one looks great! Thanks for sharing.
I hope you love it.
I wish I read this post before our 3 weeks in Europe this summer. Very detailed and helpful post. Seems like a good choice. Thanks for the recommendation.
This backpack looks really great. However, I use backpacks only for day tours since I hate to carry all my stuff. But also as a carry-on, this backpack should be great. Well, North Face is a popular brand for a reason, can’t argue with that!
I had been looking for a sustainable travel backpack for a while. This post is literally a revolutionary for me.
I own far too many backpacks. Each seems to have its own strengths and weaknesses. So I keep checking out new recommendations like this. I carry a lot in my backpack so need somethign like this where things are accessible and the backpack is strong enough to carry it all. But doesn’t add weight for just the backpack. I love the idea of an external fleece pocket! And I am going to be checking out that camera insert.
Such a great travel backpack! Not only for hiking, but think it would make a great carry-on or exploring new destinations where I need to bring my camera.
I love a lightweight and durable backpack that doubles as a personal travel bag. And this one seems perfect for Europe.
When we travel, we try to just bring carry-on luggage to avoid the hassle of checked bags (and the risk of them getting delayed or lost!). Bringing a backpack as a personal item rather than a handbag is a great idea to maximize the amount of space you have to work with.
That backpack looks very comfortable, I’m going to look into getting one for my travels. Great post, thanks for sharing!
I love traveling with backpacks too. I just might give this one a try. I like that its made for women. My husband and I have a similar height discrepancy. 5’4″ and 6’4″ 🙂
This is such a helpful post! I never have luck finding good travel backpacks, so definitely saving this post.
So important to choose the right backpack while traveling – don’t need to add extra soreness when it’s unnecessary. Thank you for sharing.
I have heard a lot about this brand actually. I think I will be buying one now for my husband.
My backpack is getting pretty run down, so I’ve actually been looking for a new one. Thanks for putting this one on my radar. It seems really great!
The North Face Recon backpack looks like an amazing backpack choice for travel purpose and built for women. It had padded shoulder straps, laptop section, and several compartments for carrying camera parts, snacks and other travel essentials. I indeed looks like a “home away from home”.
Thanks so much for breaking it down, this was just what I needed.
As a non-backpacker person this post helped me a lot ? Thanks for sharing
I wish I found this post earlier! It would’ve been so helpful in deciding what backpack to buy for my trip to Korea. I actually ended up buying a north face backpack which was so handy to use as a carry-on bag. I’ll be sure to pass along this information for my friends asking recommendations for a back pack!
So great to read such a detailed and thorough review of this backpack, this is exactly what you hope to find when you google backpack reviews!! I love that it’s specifically made for smaller frames as well, very well thought out in a world of super thick straps.
The North face is a great company and I have always use their packs for backpacking. I’m sure this is a great day pack too. Thanks for all the extra info on it.
I’m more of a hobby photographer too so this also looks like it would be a great choice for me!
I totally agree about the sizing. Having a pack that fits your body (rather than a big backpack designed for blokes) makes such a difference. It’s great you found one that works so well for you.
wow! i can totally see why it’s priced higher. I checked and am glad to see it’s available online in India as well!
I love that this backpack is fully adjustable. I am quite small and too often I have had backpacks that are uncomfortable because they are simply too big. I am with you on the camelback too. Great for hiking!
The North Face Recon has so many design features that I never considered for a backpack. Since we always travel with laptops a good laptop section is important. And lots of pockets means everything will have its own place. A good choice when it is time to replace our current backpacks.
Been looking for a new travel bag for months!! This is exactly what I needed to see.
I’m a travel bag collector and felt so intimidated by the North Face line since there are so many options so thanks for helping me whittle down this choice!
I know how difficult it is to buy a perfect backpack. Great post. Very helpful.
Great post, thanks! I like how do you wear your camera. Good advise!