The North Face Base Camp Duffel -
Next time you're headed off to base camp, wherever that may be, make sure you pack all the essentials for the journey in The North Face Base Camp Duffel Bag. Its large size will pack your insulated jackets and pants for the colder months, or dozens of tanks and shorts for a long summer getaway. The Base Camp Duffel Bag features four compression straps, leather accents, and metal hardware for extra durability that is necessary for traveling, as well as an ID window that clearly displays your contact info in case you lose your bag on one of your big adventures. 90 Liters of volume is 90 reasons you shouldn't forget anything when you pack it in The North Face Base Camp Duffel Bag.
Fabric:
- Made from phthalate-free TPE fabric laminate and ballistic nylon for bombproof durability
- Constructed of water- and abrasion-resistant 1000-denier polyester with PVC-free thermoplastic elastomer coating to withstand the abuse of travel
- 420 denier ripstop nylon with a double polyurethane coating
- Rugged construction with extra bartacks and double stitching withstand abuse from the inside and out
- Ballistics nylon is durable enough for the roughest bag handler, and double-stitched for extra durability
Padding:
- Removable, padded shoulder strap
Insulation:
- Four compression straps to cinch down load
- Duffel-style handles and twin haul handles on ends provide carrying options and can be used for towing or tying down when traveling
Weather and Wind:
- Welded, waterproof TIZIP Waterseal 10 zipper
Comfort:
- Shoulder straps provide comfortable, easy hauling as a backpack
Zippers:
- Locking zippers protect your possesions, locks sold separately; ID pocket on top ensures positive identification
- Main compartment features a D-shaped zippered opening for high visibility and easy access to the interior; internal mesh pocket enhances organization
- D-zip gives you greater access to contents for easy packing while a zipper flap keeps debris and moisture out of zipper
Manufactured:
- Made in China
Pockets:
- Internal mesh pockets give you extra storage options
- Internal mesh pockets to keep small personal items separate and easy to access
Straps:
- Four compression straps let you pack in more gear
- Alpine-cut shoulder straps give you the option of carrying the duffel on your back
- 4 side compression straps secure load and stabilize bag when traveling
- Four compression straps keep contents compact and secure
- Sturdy alpine cut shoulder straps let you carry the bag as a pack
Features:
- Dual daisy chains along sides let you lash on extra gear or tie onto roof, boat or yak
- Dual daisy chains for attaching excess gear
- Large capacity of 5495 cu. in. (90 L) is ideal for trips lasting four days or more
- Winner of Backpacker Magazine’s 2009 Editors’ Choice Gold Award
- Twin haul handles on ends helps you load bag into a car or onto a car rack
- Two haul handles on the ends give you more carrying options if the bag is heavy
- Packaged in reusable tote to minimize retail display space needed
- Commenting on the Base Camp duffel from The North Face, Backpacker April '09 said "... these indestructible carriers ... make short work of stowing and sorting all our junk."
- US shipments only
Denali
The North Face Base Camp Duffel Large is definitely not your average duffel bag. Made from a durable laminate material, the Base Camp Duffel is a bomber of a bag. Amply resilient to be roughed around in-flight, or to be transported up a mountain via a yak, this 90 liter pack is one burly duffel bag. Provides ideal storage for trips lasting four days or more.
Backcountry.com
The North Face Base Camp Duffel is an expedition classic. Its heavy-duty fabric withstands a lifetime of abuse, and its alpine-cut shoulder straps allow for comfortable carrying as a backpack. Cram this duffel full of gear for an Everest expedition or pack it for a Thanksgiving family reunion. You can practically pack your own yak in the extra large version's 155-liter compartment. Two internal mesh pockets hold small items, and the D-shaped zipper gives exceptional access to every corner. Daisy chains make it easy to tie the Base Camp Duffel to a car roof rack or camel. Four compression straps make the cargo manageable.
PeterGlenn
The North Face Base Camp duffel is a classic expedition duffel. Built to get your gear there no matter what, the Base Camp is made from tough ballistics nylon that’s double stitched for extra durability. Four compression straps let you get more gear in and internal mesh pockets and ID pocket on top give you easy access to what you need. Locking zippers keep everything safe so you can think about your trip and not your bags.
Zappos.com
Bring all the essentials (and more) with the roomy, spacious, ever-so-rugged Base Camp Duffel Large from The North Face®.A rugged and tough duffel bag made of polyester materials.
Conveniently holds multiple changes of clothes, a pair of shoes, and toiletries.
Dual handles with an attachable cross body strap. Handle drop: 10" length. Strap drop: 18" length.
Large main compartment with two additional internal mesh pockets for added storage options.
D-zip flap closure with locking zippers for secure and sturdy storage.
for easy grab-and-go convenience.
built into bag.
of bag.
SummitHut.com
It's not your average duffel bag! Made from a durable laminate material, the Base Camp Duffel is a bomber of a bag. Amply resilient to be roughed around in-flight, or to be transported up a mountain via a yak, this is one burly duffel bag. For trips lasting three to four days, grab the medium size for ample room for your gear. Grab the extra-large if you're a goalie on a hockey team and need a place to store your oversized equipment.
REI
This large Base Camp duffel from The North Face is expedition-ready, thanks to burly construction and cavernous space, swallowing gear for trips to Greenland or Greensboro.
Imported.
Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS)
Whether it's roughed around in-flight or transported up a mountain via a yak, The North Face Base Camp is bomber expedition duffel bag. Large capacity is 5495 cu. in. (90 L).Sierra Trading Post
Ensure that your valuable cargo stays dry on the river or the roof of a car with The North Face waterproof duffel bag. Rugged, polyurethane-coated ripstop nylon and a waterproof TIZIP zipper ensure that moisture stays out and this bag stands the test of time.
Rock/Creek Outfitters
The original bomber expedition duffel.
Half-Moon Outfitters
Material: 840D ballistic nylon, 1000D TPE laminate (phthalate free)
Average Price History:
| Access Type : | Top loading |
|---|---|
| Activity: | Multisport |
| Bag style: | Duffel |
| Capacity: | MD - 4200 cu in |
| Carry-on Compatible: | No |
| Carry-on size: | No |
| Checkpoint-friendly: | No |
| Compression: | Four compression straps |
| Compression Straps: | yes |
| Dimensions: | [XS] 18 x 11 x 11 in, [S] 20 x 12 x 12 in, [M] 24 x 15 x 15 in, [L] 28 x 16 x 16 in, [XL] 32 x 19 x 19 in |
| Fabric: | Phthalate-free TPE fabric laminate, 840D Jr. ballistics nylon |
| Gear capacity (L): | 90 liters |
| Gear capacity (cu. in.): | 5,495 cubic inches |
| Hydration Compatible : | No |
| Internal Organization: | Main compartment with internal mesh pockets, ID pocket on top |
| Laptop compartment: | No |
| Material: | 840D ballistic nylon, 1000D TPE laminate (phthalate free) |
| Materials: | Phthalate-free TPE fabric laminate, 840D Jr. ballistics nylon. |
| Number of Pockets : | 3 |
| Number of exterior pockets: | 1 main compartment |
| Pack Fabric (Primary): | TPE fabric laminate, 840D jr. ballistic nylon |
| Padded Laptop Compartment: | No |
| Reinforcement: | Rugged construction with extra bartacks and double stitching |
| Straps: | Alpine-cut shoulder straps |
| Style:: | ASTE |
| Type: | Duffels |
| Volume: | [XS] 1525 cu in, [S] 2560 cu in, [M] 4395 cu in, [L] 5495 cu in, [XL] 9460 cu in |
| Weight: | [XS] 2 lb 5 oz, [S] 2 lb 12 oz, [M] 3 lb 8 oz, [L] 4 lb, [XL] 4 lb 15 oz |
| Wheeled: | No |
| Zipper: | Locking zippers, D-zip opening with zipper flap |
Compare specifications to related products.
The North Face Base Camp Duffel Reviews:
Positive Reviews:
Pack the World
Snarky's Musings on the "The North Face Base Camp".
I bought this bag in person from the Westheimer REI in Houston. They had a display with stuffed Base Camp bags, so you can see what they look like full.
The red doesn't really look like it does on the website, it's a bit more muted. Perhaps if you oiled it, it would look that saturated.
The expense of this bag is what you would expect from TNF, but it does deliver as a surprisely durable, good looking product. Also surprising: it's fairly simple without a bunch of useless internal pockets nothing you own would ever fit into. I use the internal mesh pocket to hold the duffle's backpack straps.
I would say that there are three things it is missing (that aren't deal breakers):
1. A normal shoulder strap.
2. Taped seams.
3. A water-resistant zipper.
I use this bag for holding camping gear on my motorcycle and sometimes truck. Here's an example of what is in mine right now for an upcoming trip:
1. A 2 person tent with rain fly.
2. A mummy sleeping bag (long enough for a 6'1" male).
3. A small pot and an enamel cup. (dromedary hydration tube, spices, and a jar of coffee crystals stored inside these)
4. A small box of (~36) alkaline batteries.
5. A small LED Lantern.
6. A bag full of four (2-serving) freeze-dried meals plus granola bars.
7. A whisperlite stove and a fuel bottle.
8. A mysterious blue foam sleeping pad (stakes and tent poles rolled inside it).
9. A rolled up 10L Dromedary bag.
10. A tool roll with various camping implements such as knifes, tent goop, flash lights, utensils, fire starters, rock hammer and water tablets.
11. A small inflatable pillow.
12. A sleeping bag liner.
13. A couple of rain ponchos.
14. Probably a few other things I can't think of.
With all that stuff my bag weighs in at around 32 lbs (~14.5 kg).
That fills this bag up to the point where there's still a little room left to stuff a few other things, like toiletries and the like. You could also use that little excess space for light weight dry bags to contain all your gear you want perfectly dry.
That said, this bag does a pretty decent job at being water-resistant, without the annoyance of being a fully submersible dry bag (difficult to open and close). I point the zipper away from driving rain and stuff stays as dry as it needs to be. You can always cover it in a plastic bag if you need it to be 100% for equipment or samples.
This bag has allowed me to free up pannier space for other things which is great. It ties down easy to my bike due to having lots of webbing loops. This also works the other way and you can strap a full dromedary to the top of it.
The zipper is lockable. I run a light weight steel cable through two of the web loops to the lockable zipper, and down to something to lock it to. I use two small, similar keyed locks. One locks the zippers together and to the cable, the other locks the cable to a fixed object. As with anything, if someone wants to steal your stuff, they will, but it gives piece of mind in keeping honest people honest.
I bought this bag in person from the Westheimer REI in Houston. They had a display with stuffed Base Camp bags, so you can see what they look like full.
The red doesn't really look like it does on the website, it's a bit more muted. Perhaps if you oiled it, it would look that saturated.
The expense of this bag is what you would expect from TNF, but it does deliver as a surprisely durable, good looking product. Also surprising: it's fairly simple without a bunch of useless internal pockets nothing you own would ever fit into. I use the internal mesh pocket to hold the duffle's backpack straps.
I would say that there are three things it is missing (that aren't deal breakers):
1. A normal shoulder strap.
2. Taped seams.
3. A water-resistant zipper.
I use this bag for holding camping gear on my motorcycle and sometimes truck. Here's an example of what is in mine right now for an upcoming trip:
1. A 2 person tent with rain fly.
2. A mummy sleeping bag (long enough for a 6'1" male).
3. A small pot and an enamel cup. (dromedary hydration tube, spices, and a jar of coffee crystals stored inside these)
4. A small box of (~36) alkaline batteries.
5. A small LED Lantern.
6. A bag full of four (2-serving) freeze-dried meals plus granola bars.
7. A whisperlite stove and a fuel bottle.
8. A mysterious blue foam sleeping pad (stakes and tent poles rolled inside it).
9. A rolled up 10L Dromedary bag.
10. A tool roll with various camping implements such as knifes, tent goop, flash lights, utensils, fire starters, rock hammer and water tablets.
11. A small inflatable pillow.
12. A sleeping bag liner.
13. A couple of rain ponchos.
14. Probably a few other things I can't think of.
With all that stuff my bag weighs in at around 32 lbs (~14.5 kg).
That fills this bag up to the point where there's still a little room left to stuff a few other things, like toiletries and the like. You could also use that little excess space for light weight dry bags to contain all your gear you want perfectly dry.
That said, this bag does a pretty decent job at being water-resistant, without the annoyance of being a fully submersible dry bag (difficult to open and close). I point the zipper away from driving rain and stuff stays as dry as it needs to be. You can always cover it in a plastic bag if you need it to be 100% for equipment or samples.
This bag has allowed me to free up pannier space for other things which is great. It ties down easy to my bike due to having lots of webbing loops. This also works the other way and you can strap a full dromedary to the top of it.
The zipper is lockable. I run a light weight steel cable through two of the web loops to the lockable zipper, and down to something to lock it to. I use two small, similar keyed locks. One locks the zippers together and to the cable, the other locks the cable to a fixed object. As with anything, if someone wants to steal your stuff, they will, but it gives piece of mind in keeping honest people honest.
The Best Luggage-period!
Really shocked this bag does not have 50+ 5-star reviews. This is a classic piece of equipment that every outdoor person should use.
Now if your use of a duffel bag is to throw in some shorts and towel to take to the gym, than any cheap WallyWorld bag will do.
On the other hand if you need a bag that will withstand being stuffed with boots, tents, climbing equipment, ski equipment, etc. A bag that that can withstand riding in the bed of a pick up in the rain and keep your stuff dry or across gravel roads in west Texas and keep the dust off. A bag that can handle the abuse of airline baggage handlers. A bag that you can lash to a yak, mule, or horse. AND...A bag can do all of that year after year after year. For those who need THAT bag the TNF Base Camp Duffel is the best bag in the business.
This is one tough bag. Stuff it full. Put in big bulky items. Leave it outside your tent all night. Drag it. Drop it. Abuse it. It will take it.
I have had one for 15 years that has seen rough use. It is my luggage of choice for any travel. It has withstood everything I have thrown at it (climbing racks, boots, ice tools, tripods, trekking poles, tons of clothes and other gear ove rthe years) and still is going strong and keeps my gear dry and safe. I added a second one this last summer to have two for those really large gear hauling needs. The changes in 15 years are minimal as this bag was perfected a long time ago.
I find the Large to be an ideal sized bag for a checked item that is big enough to meet most travel needs. For those big gear trips I use two of the Large sized ones. The XL and XXL models would be for those with really big gear (SCUBA and skiers comes to mind). The Medium model is supposed to be carry on sized.
BTW-The yellow one is easier to find items inside of it than the black one. I would imagine the brighter colors will be bet And when your bag hits the carousel at the airport you will know it instantly.
One of the true classics and a 5 star item all the way. The last best way to describe it-buy this and you will still be using it four presidential administrations from now.
Get one.
Now if your use of a duffel bag is to throw in some shorts and towel to take to the gym, than any cheap WallyWorld bag will do.
On the other hand if you need a bag that will withstand being stuffed with boots, tents, climbing equipment, ski equipment, etc. A bag that that can withstand riding in the bed of a pick up in the rain and keep your stuff dry or across gravel roads in west Texas and keep the dust off. A bag that can handle the abuse of airline baggage handlers. A bag that you can lash to a yak, mule, or horse. AND...A bag can do all of that year after year after year. For those who need THAT bag the TNF Base Camp Duffel is the best bag in the business.
This is one tough bag. Stuff it full. Put in big bulky items. Leave it outside your tent all night. Drag it. Drop it. Abuse it. It will take it.
I have had one for 15 years that has seen rough use. It is my luggage of choice for any travel. It has withstood everything I have thrown at it (climbing racks, boots, ice tools, tripods, trekking poles, tons of clothes and other gear ove rthe years) and still is going strong and keeps my gear dry and safe. I added a second one this last summer to have two for those really large gear hauling needs. The changes in 15 years are minimal as this bag was perfected a long time ago.
I find the Large to be an ideal sized bag for a checked item that is big enough to meet most travel needs. For those big gear trips I use two of the Large sized ones. The XL and XXL models would be for those with really big gear (SCUBA and skiers comes to mind). The Medium model is supposed to be carry on sized.
BTW-The yellow one is easier to find items inside of it than the black one. I would imagine the brighter colors will be bet And when your bag hits the carousel at the airport you will know it instantly.
One of the true classics and a 5 star item all the way. The last best way to describe it-buy this and you will still be using it four presidential administrations from now.
Get one.
Super Strong and mostly waterproof
Simply said... Great duffel.
1) Waterproof (mostly) - I took a garden hose, filled up this duffel and it didn't leak. But the zipper is not water tight, so if you had a heavy rain, you stuff can get damp regardless of the large zipper flaps.
2) Supper durable Cordura fabric - This fabric is a beast, very tough and durable hands down. Buuuuut, see the review from the guy who got a hole in his. The fabric is very tough but very rigid, this causes for pointy and strong crease/points in the material. So if this duffel is creased and that point it made is rubbing against something, you will get some damage to the material. Unlike typical duffel material that will bend and flex when it comes in contact with something, this Cordura material is a little too stiff to always do that.
3) Shoulder straps - It's great that you can take this bag and wear it like a somewhat comfortable backpack. It's actually best when you do that b/c using the two straps over one shoulder like most duffels doesn't work too well.
4) Great for travel and gear - This bag is great to travel with, you can carry it onto any plane, stuff it wherever, sit on it in the airport and not worry about some rain. I love using this bag for rock climbing when there isn't a very long hike in. Just like for traveling it's great that this bag opens wide open to expose all your gear or vacation clothes. No more blind searching for your last pair of clean socks way at the bottom of the top load pack.
All around I love this bag and use it for tons of different things (including carrying my 5 year old niece around the house). It's a beast, it denies most water and has tons of open space that is easily accessible.
1) Waterproof (mostly) - I took a garden hose, filled up this duffel and it didn't leak. But the zipper is not water tight, so if you had a heavy rain, you stuff can get damp regardless of the large zipper flaps.
2) Supper durable Cordura fabric - This fabric is a beast, very tough and durable hands down. Buuuuut, see the review from the guy who got a hole in his. The fabric is very tough but very rigid, this causes for pointy and strong crease/points in the material. So if this duffel is creased and that point it made is rubbing against something, you will get some damage to the material. Unlike typical duffel material that will bend and flex when it comes in contact with something, this Cordura material is a little too stiff to always do that.
3) Shoulder straps - It's great that you can take this bag and wear it like a somewhat comfortable backpack. It's actually best when you do that b/c using the two straps over one shoulder like most duffels doesn't work too well.
4) Great for travel and gear - This bag is great to travel with, you can carry it onto any plane, stuff it wherever, sit on it in the airport and not worry about some rain. I love using this bag for rock climbing when there isn't a very long hike in. Just like for traveling it's great that this bag opens wide open to expose all your gear or vacation clothes. No more blind searching for your last pair of clean socks way at the bottom of the top load pack.
All around I love this bag and use it for tons of different things (including carrying my 5 year old niece around the house). It's a beast, it denies most water and has tons of open space that is easily accessible.
This Bag Is A Beast!
I purchased this bag in mid-October and have already put several thousand kilometers of travel on it. Only a few superficial scuffs from airline baggage handling, but nothing has even left a real scratch on this bag.
It is a tight fit, but I can get my 65L internal frame pack plus everything that I normally lash externally (trekking pole, sleeping bag, etc) inside the Large pack. (Smaller bags fit very easily.) This is very useful when I want to travel by airline and check my bag but don't want to worry about damage to my packing gear. Note though that, while this bag folds down quite well, it would take up way to much space in a pack once you arrive at your destination; you really need a "base camp" (ie. airport locker, hotel, etc) to leave it at while you go out packing.
When using as a standalone bag, I have been unable to completely fill it with a week's worth of gear, clothes, food, etc. It is *that* big.
The side compression straps pull things in really well, which is especially useful when using it in backpack mode. As a backpack, I am able to easily carry the Large as a 182cm tall male. At 160cm, my girlfriend struggles a little bit with a completely full Large backpack, but she has motored through airports successfully.
Last note on the review: The REI Cable Lock (Item # 765688) and the Victorinox Travel Sentry Cable Lock (Item # 800518) work brilliantly to secure the bag through the lid zippers.
It is a tight fit, but I can get my 65L internal frame pack plus everything that I normally lash externally (trekking pole, sleeping bag, etc) inside the Large pack. (Smaller bags fit very easily.) This is very useful when I want to travel by airline and check my bag but don't want to worry about damage to my packing gear. Note though that, while this bag folds down quite well, it would take up way to much space in a pack once you arrive at your destination; you really need a "base camp" (ie. airport locker, hotel, etc) to leave it at while you go out packing.
When using as a standalone bag, I have been unable to completely fill it with a week's worth of gear, clothes, food, etc. It is *that* big.
The side compression straps pull things in really well, which is especially useful when using it in backpack mode. As a backpack, I am able to easily carry the Large as a 182cm tall male. At 160cm, my girlfriend struggles a little bit with a completely full Large backpack, but she has motored through airports successfully.
Last note on the review: The REI Cable Lock (Item # 765688) and the Victorinox Travel Sentry Cable Lock (Item # 800518) work brilliantly to secure the bag through the lid zippers.
You want a beast? I'm talking a no holds barred, knock down, drag out, one-on-one bag that has room, customization, and some sweet North Face Logos? Then this is your bag!
I bought this in 2011 for a durable travel bag that would serves as a duffel for week long vacations, and carry my gear whilst on adventures. IT. HAS. NEVER. LET. ME. DOWN.
It packs nice, as it is roomy and you never feel bad throwing in some rugged gear that may scratch lesser bags. the straps are durable and the cinch straps are capable of wrangling even the bulkiest load to within accetable limits to carry on to an airline. While that isn't its most prominant use, its a nice change from teh cookie cutter roller bags.
But Bro! What about the "Base Camp"? Not to worry, the bag can handle a set up for top rope, snowshoeing, or any multitude of contraptions you can fit in there. It cleans easy, survives the trials of the outdoors and then begs me to take it out again.
The only drawback is the shoulder strap set-up. I'm not a huge fan of the flimsiness of the straps in comparison to the beefiness of the other features. While not a deal-breaker, I'd caution anyone seeking to use this as a backpack when any real weight is in the bag.
Overall: This is a must-have for your gear pile. Heck, it can even e used to organize said pile and show off your love for The North Face.
it does exactly what it says on the box
this bag, along with its smaller sibling (duffel small), has already been around the globe in the few short months since they were picked up in CO. It only took on airline to take the sheen through means of being stuffed in the cargo hold of a grubby plane. At time of writing it is sitting filled with tent sleeping bag and stovetop expresso maker on the tarmac of a very small outback Australian airport, waiting to be loaded onto yet another plane to be jetted off to the Dolomites and then the Alps in France.
This bag has an opening that can be filled with what ever you want and sufficient zippers to close it providing it is not over filled, and straps to compact, straps to carry and straps to put on your back. Its durable and will scuff up like you have had it for years in a short time (if those sort of things worry you).
I dont normally fill out these reviews but I am bored while waiting on another plane.
Get this bag or any of the larger or smaller ones and you will be very happy (though it is just a bag and if you are relying on a bag to make you happy maybe you should spend the money of going to see doctor or psychiatrist)
This bag has an opening that can be filled with what ever you want and sufficient zippers to close it providing it is not over filled, and straps to compact, straps to carry and straps to put on your back. Its durable and will scuff up like you have had it for years in a short time (if those sort of things worry you).
I dont normally fill out these reviews but I am bored while waiting on another plane.
Get this bag or any of the larger or smaller ones and you will be very happy (though it is just a bag and if you are relying on a bag to make you happy maybe you should spend the money of going to see doctor or psychiatrist)
EXcellent BaGS
These bags hands down have got to be the best duffel bags I've every used…The durability of these bags on five trips as been Awsome one stands out to mind with lay over in UTAH. My last trip to Cabo San Lucas, I had the opportunity to see my bag from the window of the plan getting tossed into the luggage carts and cringed, as I thought the gifts I bought were surly broken. (They were not thankfully) To makes matters worse there was a complete down pour of rain during our lay over, and even though a short distance from the conveyer belt to the luggage carts every thing was soaked. Waterproof was a huge plus in this situation, as I saw people check their bags as soon as they had them in their possession. Some helpful tips for people interested in these bags: I have two of these bags and the L with backpack straps gets to be pretty heavy if you fill the bag, so pack it evenly. Tighten the backpack straps or else you'll have the hunch back walk about you. This is a good size bag, so if you want a carry on for the plane or overnight getaway I would suggest the medium size depending on how you pack. Happy travels to all….
best of the best
Used it for 14 month overland trip and allows quick access to everything as only one compartment inside. It has handy mesh pocket on opening flap.
Puts up with being pulled around. Seams and zips are strong and never broke.
Keeps the elements and dirt out and combined it with an oversize backpack cover for Airport checking and those dirty wet bus lockers.
Straps are not great if you intend to carry fully loaded for extended periods. ie backcountry trekking. But is perfect for RTW trip types as you never go more than a few blocks from bus to hostel etc
You can easily strap a tent and roll-mat to the outside. and plenty of loops where you can add your own straps.
A few dividers are useful to keep the bag organized inside. I used a reusable nylon shopping bag to keep certain things together. ie electronics I didn't want moving around.
All in all the best bag I have used for extended travel. Had a regular backpack with lots of different pockets and found access a problem. With a little organization this bag allows quick access to whatever you need.
It's going on my next trip, no question about it...
Puts up with being pulled around. Seams and zips are strong and never broke.
Keeps the elements and dirt out and combined it with an oversize backpack cover for Airport checking and those dirty wet bus lockers.
Straps are not great if you intend to carry fully loaded for extended periods. ie backcountry trekking. But is perfect for RTW trip types as you never go more than a few blocks from bus to hostel etc
You can easily strap a tent and roll-mat to the outside. and plenty of loops where you can add your own straps.
A few dividers are useful to keep the bag organized inside. I used a reusable nylon shopping bag to keep certain things together. ie electronics I didn't want moving around.
All in all the best bag I have used for extended travel. Had a regular backpack with lots of different pockets and found access a problem. With a little organization this bag allows quick access to whatever you need.
It's going on my next trip, no question about it...
Great Bag!
My husband and I live in Europe for work, and I make several trips back to the US every year in addition to my traveling around Europe. I wanted to find a bag that was easy to carry for both of us. Most importantly though, we wanted to find a bag that wouldn't look horrible after the first time we checked it on one of our flights. We had heard great things about this bag, and I will say that it does not disappoint!
I have carried this bag on several flights thus far, and taken it on a weekend trip. It still looks great and works to fulfill all of our needs.
The only issue I have had with this bag is that when I fill it to the max it is a little hard to zip around the corners, but even after traveling with the bag stuffed to the max I have never had any issued with the seams.
I love that this bag can be carried on the back. It is really helpful when it is a bit too heavy to carry on the shoulder.
We can't wait to take it camping when the spring comes!
I have carried this bag on several flights thus far, and taken it on a weekend trip. It still looks great and works to fulfill all of our needs.
The only issue I have had with this bag is that when I fill it to the max it is a little hard to zip around the corners, but even after traveling with the bag stuffed to the max I have never had any issued with the seams.
I love that this bag can be carried on the back. It is really helpful when it is a bit too heavy to carry on the shoulder.
We can't wait to take it camping when the spring comes!
Great for the Galapagos
I bought this bag in Large, Ivy Green. I love the size and color (looks just like the pictures). I'm a 5'2" female and was worried about the bag being to large for me to carry, but it was perfect. I've owned a bag like this before and it hit the back of my knees which made it impossible for me to carry. I was gone for 10 days (and am a self proclaimed over-packer) and there was plenty of space. This bag was sturdy and didn't let water in when it got wet. The zippers are great, very strong. We traveled all over Ecuador and it was perfect for being on the go as much as we were. I personally needed a little help getting it on at some points just having someone lift it up, but after that I could go forever. I'd definitely purchase it again. Easy to spot at luggage claim, etc.! If you're even slightly thinking about purchasing this bag, get it, especially if you hate roller bags as much as I do! I can't wait to use it again, it would be perfect for any type of trip, Europe, Camping, etc.
Negative Reviews:
Poor QA and not all that it's known for
I work year-round on the Himalayan Plateau conducting climate change research and environmental technology development. Over the past five years I've owned six Base Camp duffels from The North Face, sizes medium to extra large. Out of these, two have been unusably destroyed on their first flight from US to China (I recognize this may be entirely United's fault, but it at least says these bags are indeed "destructible").
I recently purchased my 7th duffel and took it home only to find the shoulder strap was not sewn, leaving the trim and outer nylon unattached and exposing the white foam padding. I called customer service and their warranty department and explained the situation. To consider this support case they require me to pay for the shipping to send in the shoulder strap. I find it completely ridiculous that I am fully responsible for the time and money required to fix their QA problem that should have been stopped before the bag left the factory. Since I work regularly with manufacturers to produce my products in China I understand how something can slip past QC, however, I would have hoped The North Face offers better customer service. If I needed a repair or this was a well-used bag, I can understand paying the shipping cost, but for a brand-new product I'm flabbergasted.
Since this mishap and the bag failures I've experienced in the past, I've switched to Patagonia Black Hole duffels and I'm so far satisfied. Additionally, I already work with a factory that produces these so I can personally speak to the high environmental and social standards employed to produce this Patagonia product. I don't know as much about TNF, but on all matters of my experience with the company and its products, I hope my opinion can be somehow changed for the better. Otherwise, I see this as a harbinger for any future interactions with The North Face. I don't support companies that are careless about their customers.
I recently purchased my 7th duffel and took it home only to find the shoulder strap was not sewn, leaving the trim and outer nylon unattached and exposing the white foam padding. I called customer service and their warranty department and explained the situation. To consider this support case they require me to pay for the shipping to send in the shoulder strap. I find it completely ridiculous that I am fully responsible for the time and money required to fix their QA problem that should have been stopped before the bag left the factory. Since I work regularly with manufacturers to produce my products in China I understand how something can slip past QC, however, I would have hoped The North Face offers better customer service. If I needed a repair or this was a well-used bag, I can understand paying the shipping cost, but for a brand-new product I'm flabbergasted.
Since this mishap and the bag failures I've experienced in the past, I've switched to Patagonia Black Hole duffels and I'm so far satisfied. Additionally, I already work with a factory that produces these so I can personally speak to the high environmental and social standards employed to produce this Patagonia product. I don't know as much about TNF, but on all matters of my experience with the company and its products, I hope my opinion can be somehow changed for the better. Otherwise, I see this as a harbinger for any future interactions with The North Face. I don't support companies that are careless about their customers.
So So Bag
After dropping several hints I received this bag (in purple) as a gift before I left town for a 3 week archaeology field school last summer. My old bag had recently died after 10 years and I was looking for an awesome replacement. I didn't mind the weight other than when there is little in the bag it tends to collapse in on itself under the weight making it hard to load since it isn't as flexible material-wise as a normal duffel. As soon as I got to my destination a zipper pulled off…but I was able to fix it. After returning from a trip THIS summer I noticed that some of the purple coating was peeling off. That was the last straw for me and I returned it. I only used it for my long extended trips so it hasn't been used enough for the purple coating to come off.
When it rains it leaks
Just returned from a successful summit of Kilimanjaro. Bought this duffle to keep our sleeping bags dry. When our lead guide was checking our gear he advised us not to bring this bag because it leaks. Having no other options and thinking he must be wrong we used it for our bags. Thank goodness they were protected in garbage bags, cause when the rain came down water pooled in the bag. It was also hard to deal with in cold temperatures - it became stiff and inflexible. A BIG disappointment.
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