The North Face Base Camp Duffel Bag

I got the L and had room leftover for a week long trip that required a bunch of excess stuff. The shoulder straps are awesome, even if your bag is heavy you can handle it. If you use it like a backpack I would just be sure to pack heavy stuff accordingly. Super durable too.

My wife and I both purchased medium duffels. Initially we found the bags to be good size and with what appeared to be quality construction. We just returned from our first major trip and experienced two problems. One minor one a little more serious. Minor: the bags zipper closed with a generous large YKK zipper (thank you TNF). The zipper has a cord that runs through it with a plastic tab holding the cord ends together. This makes the zipper easier to grab and provides a longer grip point when pulling the zipper. On the second day of travel the plastic tab broke and the cord fell out of the zipper. I'd suggest TNF use a longer piece of corded material or a flat stitched piece of cloth (like narrow gauge climbing webbing) and do away with the plastic tab that failed. Major: during a layover my wife and I shouldered our bags as backpacks and headed for the next terminal to continue our trip. Within minutes we both started to notice neck fatigue. Within 30 minutes we both had to stop and put our bags down every few minutes thereafter despite making multiple strap adjustments. Our packs were not too heavy by our standards (23lbs and 28lbs).We both examined our packs and came to the same conclusion - the upper attachment points for the shoulder straps are placed very close together on the bag and pinched our necks severely. This is a shame as there is plenty of room along the top of the bag and this problem could have been solved by moving the shoulder strap attachment point out a couple of inches. Otherwise, we agree with all the positive posts for this bag. We really want to love this bag. However our experience was painful enough that, unless my wife can remove and resow the shoulder straps, we'll return them.

I got the bag with the intention of using it outside in crummy weather and to hall a lot around and it's met all my expectations! The price is a little much, but it seems like it's going to last long into the future and take a lot of ware.

We're cave divers, so we have to lug our gear to other countries, and this means packing so we avoid the extra $$ that we normally pay the airline for our checked bags over 50 pounds. Our new NF bags rock, they can protect our expensive gear, yet don't weigh much so we can take all our gear and not worry about having to pay the extra $$ to the airlines!!

Very tough bag. Water-resistant, can handle airports, camping or being strapped to the roof of a car. I use the small for overnight trips, the medium for multi-day, and I have a large but rarely use it because once it's filled it's often too bulky to carry comfortably. I'd recommend an Eagle Creek roller bag if you need something bigger than a medium. My one problem with these bags is that if you use the shoulder/backpack straps as shoulder straps one strap will always slip off. An easy fix, use a double sided Velcro strap to tie the two straps together. With that fix this bag's worth every penny.

I purchased the duffel for a hut ski trip, it works great being hauled in any sort of cargo trailer or rack, keeps things dry and protected, if you need to haul the duffel on your back for any sort of portage or short hike it'll comfortably carry a lot of weight in a stable concise bag, the zippers are really beefy, my only complaint is that the flashy logo could attract undesirable attn.

I first purchased my large NF Duffel in Bright Red in the hope that my luggage would stand out on the airport carousel, no problem there the Yellow or the Red certainly stand out. I was a bit unsure if the bag would stand up to whatever goes on behind those check in desks and down below in the baggage dept, but I was happily surprised when I reached my destination to see not one rip, not one torn zipper only some dirty boot marks, which I wipped off with a rag. I was so please that I bought a Medium for small weekend trips, a small for overnight trips and an XL for those longer trips. My only complaint is that the XL is so huge by the time you fill it you need a Sherpa to carry it.

The large size fits a weeks worth of clothes and a helmet perfectly. Backpack straps free up your hands to carry skis and a boot bag. Should handle years of abuse as checked baggage.

i wish it had wheels. durable and water proof. gets dirty fast.

I have had this bag since 1996, I traveled from UNH to my home in the Bahamas and wanted a bag that stood out on the baggage carousel (RED). I love this bag because i can throw it in the bow of my boat and it has stood up to the salt air and keeps my gear dry or load it up with ski gear. I just ordered a XL in green, i should have gotten another L instead (huge). You cant beat this service.

I bought this bag for lugging my ski boots, quick trips to LA, grocery-getting, dirty laundry toting, you-name-it. It has the most durable skin, and it's the perfect size for me (I got the small, which is the best size for those boots, and some light gear).

Great bags! I have the small and medium and they've gone through many airports and second-world trips without a scratch. Note that even empty, they're heavier than the typical (non-waterproof) duffel, but these bags really keep your stuff dry while sitting on the tarmac or the baggage cart in the rain. Can wear them as a backpack or use the sholder strap or handles. Very sturdy.

This is the 3rd The North Face Duffel bag I have purchased. They are awesome! You can easily spot them in baggage claim. The contents are protected from thieves when you wear it like a backpack on your way to the hostel abroad. They can take plenty of abuse.

This bag saved me! I teach snowboarding (and other outdoor sports) and I now travel back and forth between Vail CO and Burlington VT. I had a normal backpack material EMS duffel bag that got a huge hole in it after my first trip. I could have lost some very expensive gear. This bag however is perfect. I downsized and got a Lg and its a great size, it really expands to hold everything. The quality is ideal for airline travel as well as carting it around campsites. The backpack straps give me more hands to pull my snowboard bag and other gear through the airport. My boyfriend convinced me to get this bag after he traveled the world competing in Nordic events (his is like 10 years old and looks almost like my new one, maybe a little dirtier). Now i plan to live out of this bag and surf next summer! Don't even think about not having at least one of these bags!

You can't kill this bag - Seems to last forever - Great The North Face quality - The medium size is the right size for city life - not too big nor too small

We used this bag on a 14 day trip to Bhutan, including a 9 day Jhomolhari trek. From the baggage handling in various airports to being toted daily on the back of a horse, this bag held up well. All our contents were dry and well cared for. The durable construction of the bag ensures that we will be able to use for our future trekking adventures.

I got this duffle to climb Mt Kilimanjaro and it was amazing! It protected my belongings from every type of weather including rain, snow, and dust storms. I even had walking sticks packed in the bag which would have punctured any other bag, but did not even make a mark in this one. The only problems I had was that a rodent ate through one of the lanyard things on the zippers.

Great Duffel - tough, durable and waterproof. I left it outside during a snow storm with my clean clothes and some electronics inside. Everything was dry, even though the outside was wet and muddy. I like the shoulder straps that allow the pack to be carried on my back. It's expensive, but will outlive other duffels by years. Only drawback is the zippers. They are not sealed and in heavy rain would probably let water inside. Good Investment.

Love this duffel. I purchased Three Sizes Med, Large, and X Large. Are you Car camping or traveling to a place where you just aren't sure of your of first world amenities then this is the bag for you. The downside to the bag is the book reads like the cover. These are nice bags and people notice them. So keep you eye on your bag because its liable to get up and walk away from you. The durability rocks and the environment and the weather stays out. Strap it onto the roof of your car or throw it into the trunk, travel the world (its a heavier bag). Throw what ever gear you want into it. It will get there on your back or someone else's when you get tired. Bottom Line: Expensive yes, durability and functionality superb, heavy, yes.

I LOVE these bags. They stand out at airport baggage claims, they are light so you can pack more stuff, super strong and also like ease of getting locks on and sliding your business card in for baggage tags. Buy them - get lots of comments. I brought the set.

I bought this as a gift for a friend who works in Wildland Fires. He used it to hold all his fire gear and took it with him on all the fires. The bag has stood up to a lot of abuse and is still in excellent condition. The shoulder straps are great for carrying such a large bag. The daisy chains on the outside were useful for attaching items he needed handy. He absolutely loves this bag and got a lot of his Wildland buddies to purchase one as well.

So the bag in an overall sense is great. Couple things I noticed however- Biggest thing is that TNF is really skimping on the handles of the duffel. I have a Large Black Base Camp that is 3 years old and I noticed that it appears to be much more rugged than the new ones. The handles are twice as thick and thus twice as unlikely to break on a long haul. I also noticed that it appears to be thinner material all around, not near as thick as my older bag. This is Def something that TNF needs to address. The reason we buy TNF is for Sheer Rugged Durability!!

I now have three of these bags - a small red, an XL black and yellow. They certainly look the business, each (even small) loaded to 50lb, do not appear to stress the seams / handles etc. Rucksack straps very useful, can actually carry two at once this way, one on each shoulder. Despite the rugged construction and appearance, the baggage handlers have still managed to beat up the two XL bags - one which has a small puncture on underneath (and multiple quite marked scuffs - after only two plane journeys)! I have two other 10 year plus in age, Eagle Creek cargo duffel bags which whilst not as cool to look at nor versatile to load, do not have any puncture marks etc... hence dropped point. The puncture wound to the underside of my black duffel, could be I think due to bag having been thrown / slammed down on corner of pointed surface? Still, I assume this has happened to my other Eagle Creek bags in their much longer life span. There is a plastic liner, which has meant the contents couldn't spill out, though it means somehow I'll have to attempt a repair.... possibly with some Gorilla Duct tape?

I purchased both the XL and L version of the North face base camp duffel. I was very confident going into this trip that I had made a wise decision in purchasing these bags. I just returned from my trip andI must say I am disappointed. On the return trip home my XL bag came out of the baggage claim with a hole on one side and my L bag even though still intact, is showing the same wear and tear as the XL. This is the return trip of the bags' maiden voyage. I am embarassed to say that I have purchased bags for less than a quater of the price and they lasted longer. (In fact I used one on this trip.) Simply... disappointing.

I'm using the medium size on the back of my motorcycle. The material is waterproof but the bag itself isn't because of the zipper. It is a tough and functional bag. Highly recommendable.

Duffel works exactly as advertised. Work as a public health official on deployments and it has become useful as equipment bag. Serves as both duffel and backpack for gear and all-weather clothing for week long deployment.

One of the best pieces of luggage I've ever had. Ordered the large which has been perfect for short and long trips. The backpack straps make this duffel truly easy to cart around. Especially when someone tells you the ferry is 5 min down the road, and 40 min later you still can't see it!

Great bag: water tight, durable, easy to load and carry. Sets the Standard

I love it! I do lots of traveling, and this duffel is great! You can see it from far away.

I was searching for a duffel that was huge. I was going on a long trip and pretty much needed all of my gear to fit into one bag. I decided to go with the XL. It's was perfect.

I now am the proud owner of two of these duffel bags. I bought the last one in 1999 and since then it has been on 5 continents, hauled through snow, mud and pouring rain. My friends borrow it all the time and I myself have used it on 30+ travels around the world without the fabric or the zippers ever giving up on me - It's still going strong.

This is just what I need for a motorcycle trip up here from Tennessee where the bike is. As cheap as e-bay so it was a good deal. Thanks.

I bought this XL North Face bag and I have to admit it is a bit bigger than the Large. Since I travel quite a bit I still think it is worth all the pennies. This bag is incredibly reliable. At first I was somewhat skeptical about the price. Than I realize that it is a Lifetime warranty and plus the bag looks great. Overall, if you don't travel a lot I would recommend you to get the Large. You should always try them on at a local store before purchasing.

I've been reading about this duffel forever, and finally laid down the bucks for one of my own. I have zero regrets-- it's worth every penny. The Small size is absolutely perfect for traveling on the airplane with. I could stuff it full and still fit fit in the overhead. The straps fit the shoulders almost as comfy as a full on backpack- totally versatile for international travel. Additionally, the zipper is solid (even when stuffed full). I've tested in both rain and blowing sand- and it kept my stuff protected better than any other bag I've ever owned. I'd like another one in a larger size- would definitely recommend the small one for it's versatility.

This duffel bag is as indestructible as it is huge. For fun, I literally put my friend inside of it (willingly) to demonstrate just how big it is. Despite its size, however, it is still fairly easy to tote around. The backpack straps make it a cinch to get this thing from the baggage carousel to wherever you're going, and the bag's construction is durable to stand up to the worst TSA can throw at you. I highly recommend this huge, yet versatile bag.

You really can't go wrong with these North Face bags. I've been ride around London (UK) every day with The North Face messenger bag for a couple of years now. I needed a new kit bag for traveling so decided to go for a large duffel from the same range. The bag works well as a duffel/kit bag and also has 2 shoulder straps allowing it to be carried like a back-pack. A mate of mine has had the medium-sized Base Camp Duffel (my large one is really very large) for 8 years now. He's taken it all over the world and it's done him proud. Highly recommended. A North Face classic.

Awesome, all the gear in one place. Sturdy, and easy to use. I can fit all my stuff in one place.

I recently purchased two of the XL bags. Needless to say that these bags are huge and very well constructed. One XL bag was more than enough for a 2 week trip and as always, with The North Face, quality is never an issue.

I needed something water-resistant to haul my sailing gear that was large enough for two sets of foul-weather gear and clothing for a few days. This works perfectly. All of my stuff fits and after tightening down the side straps is easy to carry.

Im completely satisfied with this duffel. It's beautiful, spacious and very accommodating. Thanks!

I am a US Contractor providing security for US personal in Iraq. I travel to and from the United States fairly regularly with a lot of gear, and my North Face bags which I have purchased from this site have held up great, it also helps that they were for a good price as well. From some where in Iraq. Thanks Joe

Thought the large duffel would be large enough, but I was very wrong. In fact, the XL I purchase a couple days later wasn't that big, either. However, the XL did work and worked quite well. I used it and an average-sized daypack for a week-long bicycle trip. This is a really great bag and as soon as I return my large I'll have no regrets. Can't wait to use it again.

I go to Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia and frequently travel to school from Chicago. I own the large bag and just barely make the weight requirements on the flight. Nothing is worse than paying for an overweight bag on top of the plane ticket. If you travel domestically don’t buy the extra-large, or be prepared to pay at the airport.

Great bag for any kind of travel. I purchased the XL and couldn't be happier with the size, durability, and sweet look. I especially found the backpack straps helpful for hauling this huge duffel around, something you don't find on other bags of this size. Overall an outstanding product, exactly what I expected from TNF.

What makes this bag different and better is the high quality it is made of and first of all this features that enables you to carry it like a bag pack. Have 30 kilos on the back and not on one shoulder just makes the difference.

I have two of these bags in size medium. I'm able to pack plenty of gear in them, including ski boots, mountaineering boots, clothing, climbing rack, etc. They're easy to spot in baggage claim, and they're incredibly durable. And, with the backpack straps, I'm able to carry one on my front and one on my back to haul lots of gear to the hotel/rental car. Get 'em. They're great!

I bought the bag to go teach a class in the middle of Chesapeake Bay in February. Everything got wet on the boat ride over, everything except the contents of my duffle.

Use the extra large ones for gear being pulled on a trailer behind snowmachines. Gear is nice and dry! Great service from Backcountry as well.

When you spend an arm and a leg for quality adventure gear, you certainly want to ensure that it arrives safe and sound at some far-flung destination. The North Face Base Camp Duffel will make that happen. Functional, no-nonsense design makes this tough-as-nails duffel the choice of pros, so you know that it works for week-long adventurers like us too. Sure, there are other brands on the market, but like Gore-Tex, you can either buy the real thing or something that is close, but no cigar. The North Face Base Camp Duffle wins the top shelf prize every time!