Lichen backpack product image (primary)
Front-facing backpack with a two-tone face: tan outer panels and a central vertical black panel with a vertical zipper. White embroidered logo near the top and white printed model name near the bottom. Visible side stretch pockets and top carry handle.

The North Face

Lichen Backpack

CA$120.00CAD
In Stock

The North Face Lichen is a rugged daypack designed for commuting and day hikes. It features a FlexVent suspension system with a rounded back panel, padded adjustable straps, and a sternum strap, along with a double main compartment (including a 16-inch laptop sleeve), a front zippered pocket, and side stretch pockets. Measuring 18 x 11 x 8.75 inches (46 x 28 x 22 cm), it is noted by users as a lighter, simpler alternative to the Recon backpack.

Category
Luggage & Bags > Backpacks

Color

BlackTaupe

Size

ONE SIZE

Specifications

A comfortable backpack with FlexVent suspension system, double main compartment, and padded laptop compartment for 16-inch laptops.

FlexVent suspension system for comfort, rounded back panel, rugged fabric, double main compartment with two-way zip closure, dedicated 16'' laptop compartment, front graphic zipped pocket, side pockets, grab handle, adjustable padded straps.

Material
Shell 1: 100% recycled polyester; Shell 2: 100% recycled polyester; Lining and sock: 100% recycled polyester
Gender
male
Age Group
adult
Condition
new
Dimensions
11x8.75x18 in
Category
Luggage & Bags > Backpacks

Additional Attributes

  • FlexVent suspension system
  • rounded back panel
  • rugged fabric
  • double main compartment
  • two-way zip closure
  • 16'' laptop compartment
  • graphic zipped pocket
  • small side pockets
  • grab handle
  • adjustable padded straps

Product Insights

The North Face Lichen Backpack is a lightweight (800g), simplified alternative to the Recon, offering the same 16-inch laptop capacity and ACA-certified FlexVent suspension for all-day comfort, but with tradeoffs: it lacks a frame sheet for drop protection, its laptop sleeve is only accessible via the clamshell main compartment, side pockets cannot fit a 1L Nalgene, and it is sold exclusively in stores and on Amazon without an official North Face page—ideal for commuters prioritizing low weight and ergonomic support over organizational complexity.

Verified claims

Online presence
No official North Face page; sold only in stores and on Amazon.
Buyer feedback
Buyers call it a simplified Recon and express strong interest.
Weight
Weighs 800 g, about 0.5 lb less than the Recon.
Laptop storage
Internal padded 16-inch laptop sleeve, accessible only via main compartment.
Organization
Two-zipper main compartment with front zippered and side mesh pockets.
Positioning
A lightweight, simplified alternative to the Recon with same laptop capacity and FlexVent suspension.
Certification
The FlexVent suspension is certified by the American Chiropractic Association.
Suspension
No rigid frame, articulated straps, rounded back panel, chemise fabric reduce chafing and strain.
Water resistance
Non-PFC DWR restorable by heat; fabric resists mildew when wet.
Pockets
Side pockets hold small items via outer sleeve but cannot fit a 1L Nalgene.
Front pocket
Front zip pocket gives one-handed access to phone or wallet without removing pack.
Main compartment
The double main compartments combine a two-way zip for bottom access with a minimalist interior that reduces clutter and encourages balanced packing.
Laptop compartment
The laptop sleeve sits inside the main compartment, requiring clamshell opening, and lacks published dimensions for thick cases.
Sizing
18 in height, 11 in length; back panel fits torsos up to 6 feet, compact for smaller frames.
Carry comfort
FlexVent suspension (ACA-certified) and 18-inch height reduce fatigue for all-day wear.
DWR maintenance
Low-heat drying restores DWR; polyester's 0.4% moisture regain keeps it mildew-resistant.
Eco-friendly DWR
Non-PFC DWR avoids fluorinated chemicals, reducing environmental impact.
Laptop fit
Fits a 16‑inch laptop with a slim case, despite its compact 18×11″ size.
Internal sleeve design
Laptop access requires opening the main clamshell; no external laptop pocket.
Protection
Padded sleeve, but no frame sheet; less drop protection than framed packs.
Ergonomics
ACA-certified FlexVent suspension and 800g weight, 400g lighter than the Recon.
Material
100% recycled polyester 600-denier with non-PFC DWR, durability equal to virgin polyester.
Urban commuter features
Reflective accents, front quick-access zip, dual bottle pockets with stretch mesh, and internal 16-inch laptop sleeve.
Reflective accents
Reflective accents are woven into the fabric for low-light visibility without snagging.

Product record

Title
Lichen Backpack
Brand
The North Face
Price
120 CAD
Availability
In stock

Image Analysis

3 images
Lichen backpack product image (primary)
01

Product

Front-facing backpack with a two-tone face: tan outer panels and a central vertical black panel with a vertical zipper. White embroidered logo near the top and white printed model name near the bottom. Visible side stretch pockets and top carry handle.

  • Overall shapeUpright rectangular backpack with rounded top and slightly tapered sides; front-facing view showing full front panels and base.
    1 regionx 0.08 · y 0.02 · w 0.84 · h 0.96 (high)
  • Top carry handleCurved slim handle at the top center in black material stitched into the top seam.
    1 regionx 0.43 · y 0.01 · w 0.14 · h 0.06 (high)
  • Upper logo embroideryWhite embroidered text and half-dome logo reading 'THE NORTH FACE' located on the upper front panel.
    1 regionx 0.35 · y 0.10 · w 0.30 · h 0.12 (high)
  • Central front panelVertical black panel running from near the top to the base with a centered vertical zipper and a narrow stitched zipper channel.
    1 regionx 0.32 · y 0.20 · w 0.36 · h 0.68 (high)
  • Central zipper pull and cordsBlack zipper pull on the central zipper with a black cord and small patterned cord accents visible near the top of the zipper.
    1 regionx 0.47 · y 0.30 · w 0.06 · h 0.18 (high)
  • Side stretch pocketsTan-colored mesh or stretch pockets integrated into each side panel, beginning above the base and open at the top.
    2 regionsx 0.02 · y 0.48 · w 0.18 · h 0.30 (high); x 0.80 · y 0.48 · w 0.18 · h 0.30 (high)
  • Base constructionBlack reinforced base panel wrapping up slightly onto the front lower corners.
    1 regionx 0.28 · y 0.78 · w 0.44 · h 0.18 (high)
  • Model name textPrinted white text near the bottom center reading 'LICHEN'.
    1 regionx 0.40 · y 0.86 · w 0.20 · h 0.06 (high)
  • Left-side zipper pulls clusterMultiple black zipper pulls with knotted cord ends visible at the upper left side seam, hanging outside the main body.
    1 regionx 0.02 · y 0.20 · w 0.18 · h 0.26 (high)
  • Material textureMatte woven fabric for the tan panels and a smoother, slightly sheen synthetic fabric for the black panel and base.
    1 regionx 0.12 · y 0.12 · w 0.76 · h 0.80 (high)

Other

Studio product shot on a uniform light gray background with soft shadow under the backpack; centered framing and even lighting.

  • Background and stagingEven light gray seamless background with no props; product centered in frame.
  • ShadowSoft diffuse shadow visible beneath the backpack indicating overhead studio lighting.
    1 regionx 0.20 · y 0.90 · w 0.60 · h 0.06 (medium)
  • Image crop and framingComplete front of the backpack is visible and fully within the image with slight margin on all sides.

Colors

tan· main body panels#B29D85black· central front panel and base#0E0D0Ewhite· logo and model name text
Lichen backpack product image 2
02

Product

Rear view of a two-shoulder-strap backpack showing padded back panel, twin padded shoulder straps with a sternum-strap buckle, side water bottle pocket, and reinforced base.

  • Overall shapeRectangular-vertical backpack body with rounded top and a structured reinforced base, viewed from the rear showing both shoulder straps and back panel.
    1 regionx 0.08 · y 0.03 · w 0.84 · h 0.94 (high)
  • Back paddingVertical segmented padded back panel in black with horizontal stitched channels providing cushioning along the central rear face.
    1 regionx 0.41 · y 0.18 · w 0.28 · h 0.64 (high)
  • Shoulder strapsTwo wide padded shoulder straps with tan outer fabric and black edge binding; straps curve inward toward the top and taper slightly toward the bottom.
    1 regionx 0.45 · y 0.05 · w 0.36 · h 0.85 (high)
  • Sternum strap and buckleAdjustable sternum strap with a black plastic quick-release buckle connecting the two shoulder straps near chest level.
    1 regionx 0.59 · y 0.64 · w 0.20 · h 0.14 (high)
  • Lower strap adjustersBlack nylon webbing with black plastic ladder adjusters at the lower ends of the shoulder straps, visible near the base.
    1 regionx 0.58 · y 0.80 · w 0.33 · h 0.16 (high)
  • Top carry handlePadded fabric carry handle at the top center with black underside and tan outer portion.
    1 regionx 0.40 · y 0.01 · w 0.20 · h 0.08 (medium)
  • Side pocketRight-side (left in image) mesh or textured tan side pocket with an elasticized top and a small black rectangular strap or tab near its upper edge.
    1 regionx 0.03 · y 0.50 · w 0.27 · h 0.38 (high)
  • Reinforced baseBottom panel is a darker black/charcoal reinforced material wrapping slightly up the sides.
    1 regionx 0.05 · y 0.85 · w 0.86 · h 0.14 (high)
  • Vertical strap label textFLEXVENT
    1 regionx 0.52 · y 0.30 · w 0.06 · h 0.38 (high)
  • Logo on strapTHE NORTH FACE
    1 regionx 0.66 · y 0.26 · w 0.10 · h 0.07 (high)

Other

Studio product shot on a neutral light gray background with soft shadow under the backpack and even, diffused lighting from the front-left.

  • Background and surfaceUniform light gray background and flat surface; subtle soft shadow cast below and slightly to the left of the backpack.
  • Shot compositionThree-quarter rear view composition showing the right rear quarter of the backpack more prominently; product centered with headroom at top.
    1 regionx 0.08 · y 0.03 · w 0.84 · h 0.94 (high)
  • Lighting qualityEven, diffused studio lighting with minimal specular highlights and soft falloff; details and textures are clearly visible.

Colors

tan khaki· main fabric#B39E8Ablack· back padding#1D1C21black· strap edging and buckles#110D0Dcharcoal black· bottom reinforcement#141214light tan· side pocket#C4B19D
Lichen backpack product image 3
03

Product

Partial right-side closeup of a tan fabric backpack showing two open zip compartments, internal organizer pockets including a mesh pocket, black zipper pulls, and a padded black top carry handle.

  • Main visible compartmentsTwo vertical zippered compartments are open; the nearer compartment has a wide U-shaped opening with a visible inner organizer, the rear compartment is partially open showing plain lining and an inner sleeve.
    1 regionx 0.18 · y 0.06 · w 0.64 · h 0.78 (high)
  • Internal mesh pocketA tan-beige mesh organizer pocket is sewn into the front interior of the nearer compartment; the mesh has a grid texture and elasticized top edge.
    1 regionx 0.20 · y 0.33 · w 0.34 · h 0.28 (high)
  • Interior zip pocketSmall horizontal zip pocket with a matching tan zipper and black metal pull is visible above the mesh pocket inside the nearer compartment.
    1 regionx 0.20 · y 0.22 · w 0.22 · h 0.12 (high)
  • Zipper hardware and pullsExposed black metal zipper sliders with black corded pulls featuring knotted ends; sliders appear glossy and contrast with fabric.
    2 regionsx 0.30 · y 0.58 · w 0.15 · h 0.22 (high); x 0.48 · y 0.58 · w 0.10 · h 0.20 (high)
  • Top carry handleShort padded top carry handle with a black outer surface and visible stitching, set into the top seam between the two main compartments.
    1 regionx 0.64 · y 0.02 · w 0.20 · h 0.18 (high)
  • Exterior pocket and trimFront exterior has a horizontal open pocket with a narrow black trim tab at its opening and reinforced stitching along the pocket edge.
    1 regionx 0.40 · y 0.72 · w 0.50 · h 0.22 (high)
  • Fabric textureOuter fabric is a tightly woven, slightly textured tan textile with a visible diagonal weave pattern and a matte finish.
    1 regionx 0.22 · y 0.10 · w 0.50 · h 0.80 (high)

Other

Studio product shot cropped at the left and top, on a uniform light gray background with soft studio lighting and minimal shadows.

  • Background and lightingNeutral light gray seamless background with even soft lighting that minimizes harsh shadows and highlights product texture.
  • Shot compositionClose-up crop showing the right-front quarter of the backpack at a slight downward angle; left edge of the pack is cropped out of frame.
    1 regionx 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 1.00 (medium)
  • Image qualityHigh-resolution commercial image with clear detail and sharp focus on fabric and hardware.

Colors

tan beige· outer fabric#BBA48Cdark tan· interior lining#937C65beige mesh· mesh pocketblack· zippers and pulls#1B0C03dark gray· side panel#393634

Reddit Insights

2 threads · r/backpacks

Reddit users find the North Face Lichen backpack intriguing but are confused by its lack of online presence; those who have seen it in stores compare it favorably to the Recon, appreciating its simpler, lighter design.

neutral sentiment100% match

The discussions express curiosity and mild frustration over missing information, but no strong positive or negative sentiment.

Themes

Mystery of missing online presencenegative
Comparison to North Face Reconmixed
Features and designneutral

Use Cases

  • Day hikes and commuting
  • Everyday carry similar to North Face Recon but lighter

Watch Out For

mediumExtremely limited online presence makes pre-purchase research difficult.
mediumPossibly only available in select stores or Amazon, not on official North Face website.

Compared To

vs North Face Recon

Users view the Lichen as a smaller, lighter, and simpler version of the Recon, lacking a separate laptop compartment and having fewer zipper layers, which some find preferable.

Source Threads

  • Discussion on the mystery of the Lichen's online presence

    yes, i too have noticed the absence of the Lichen online. Its available in a store, in my city. I came across it and also noticed a complete lack of online presence too... No official North Face online store that i can find, nor is it on any particular reviews website, including YouTube, which i find strange.

    u/Forest_gnomesView thread →

  • Comparison to Recon and lack of online reviews

    It's a shame because it seems exactly what I'm after, a slightly smaller and lighter Recon, with no separate laptop storage. (I don't usually carry my laptop around in my bag, so found the extra pocket space and zippers on my recon as a waste of space and uneeded extra weight.) plus i always find the 3 layers of zippers really over the top and confusing. So much easier to grab what i want when there are only 2 zipper layers on the top.

    u/Forest_gnomesView thread →

Provenance

Merchant Link
https://www.simons.ca/en/men-accessories/bags/backpacks/lichen-backpack--4386-26302?colourId=23
Updated