Jester Luxe Backpack vs Recon Backpack: which is safer?
The North Face Jester Luxe Backpack is our pick: better on PFAS and on the overall hazard picture.
Our pick
The North Face
Jester Luxe Backpack
PFAS grade
Overall grade
Verdict
Hazard flags
Material
Confidence
Possiblewater-repellent coating composition (PFAS candidate)
PossibleMicroplastic shedding from synthetic fibers
The North Face
Recon Backpack
PFAS grade
Overall grade
Verdict
Hazard flags
Material
Confidence
Possiblewater-repellent coating degradation and leaching
PossibleVolatile organic compounds (VOCs) from materials and adhesives
PossiblePFAS in water-repellent coating treatment
Where these two actually differ
- We flag DWR coating composition (PFAS candidate) and Microplastic shedding from synthetic fibers on the The North Face and not on the The North Face.
- We flag DWR coating degradation and leaching, Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from materials and adhesives and PFAS in DWR treatment on the The North Face and not on the The North Face.
- The The North Face is Nylon/polyester with durable water-repellent (DWR) coating where the The North Face is nylon/polyester blend with DWR water-resistant treatment, which is most of the difference in these two grades.
- These two are level, close enough that price and fit should decide it rather than our grade.
Both products run through the same public rubric: materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls, plus a beyond-PFAS hazard analysis. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests. How grades work →
More backpacks: see the full ranking