this is a seriously sweet duffel, I really like all the sizes. the bag is simple, bombproof, and nearly waterproof. There are no bells and whistles that add unnecessary weight to the bag while empty, and can be carried by shoulder strap, single handed handle, or backpack straps,(my favorite).

A superbly strong and resilient travel bag that resists all elements and serious wear & tear/travel abuse. The bags I have used for trips have maintained both their external and internal fabric despite being tied on yaks & other animals, thrown around on the dirt and on and off airplanes, and subjected to intense weather- snow, sun, and rain. The compression straps combined with the malleable tarapaulin fabric allow you to adjust the bag to your load- whether long and lean, or fat and bulky- very helpful component. It has all the basics, and no extra frills that just add unnecessary weight- just enough to carry it anywhere and tie it down to anything.

If you are like me and constantly pushing the baggage limits, why use luggage that weighs more than it has too. Not only does the lightweight nature of this bag mean you can bring more before the dreaded overage fee is reached, but these are uber bomber durable and water resistant. When it's time to shuttle loads, you can even wear this thing as a backpack. This is the best expedition duffle money can buy, and trust me it will last forever.

I spend a lot of time on the road, and this is my go-to duffel. It's tough, it's light weight, and it's versatile. Sure, it doesn't have wheels, but in my experience wheeled bags are heavy to begin with, meaning you can't bring as much gear. Plus, how much time do you really spend wheeling your bags on a trip? A couple hundred yards to and from the airport parking. It's well worth the extra five to ten pounds you can carry with this bag as opposed to others.

This bag can handle any test you put it up too! Whether it's packing for multiple destinations or carrying a ton of awkward gear this is a great choice. Tons of room and durable you could toss it down a mountain and it wouldn't be phased.

This bag is epic, I use it for everything. I have even strapped it to the top of my car and made into a gear rack. This bag is even comfortable to carry for being a duffel bag

If you can, get the XL bag, then use the compression straps to make it smaller if you need to.

Once you buy this duffel bag you will never need another one again.

You basically cannot break this bag. I have a few different sizes and use them for so many different things. When we are not transporting our gear I use them as storage to keep everything organized.

I suggest buying a bright color, they are easy to find in the luggage checks.

I have this in both the medium and large. I was able to pack everything for a two week trip home to Utah from Germany with most of the gear needed for a back country hiking trip and a ski trip with all of my cloths for the day to day of being home during the holidays. Even after I had to pack all of that back up, they still had room to fit the various gear and gifts I acquired while home. Held up to the delicate handling of international travel as well as to the duties in the back country at base camp. Expensive, but they will last you for a long time. Water proof, wilderness proof, everything proof. I will continue to use these at every opportunity. Great option to stow your gear and luggage.

I have owned 12+ of these bags over the years for extreme back country trips and to have my gear ready for a search and rescue callout. Happy to say that of I had to leave my gear out in a rain storm or snow storm I wouldn't be concerned for my gear at all. By far excellent constructiOn and durable. I just wanted a small one for my gym bag and happily I didn't go wrong and it the perfect size and shape for all my gear and toiletry bag.

Just brought this bag on a recent ski trip,and managed to get two pairs of ski boots,multiple shirts clothing,and medium back pack and various gear into this huge pack!
Awesome that you can also wear as a back pack once fully loaded!
Good to go!

I use one of these as a climbing bag and it totally rocks! When I was setting up a belay (on a shelf at Penetentary wall up Big Cottonwood Canyon) this bag took about a 15 foot fall (not very far but enough to do some damage) with my gear in it and it was only a little dusty at the bottom.

Seriously, res ipsa loquitor on this badboy. Easy to open and close, you decide on the size you want (so no complaining about the size!!!) The backpack straps are amazing and make a world of difference, and the materials are bulletproof! Never have had a problem, and hopefully never will! This is one of those things you need to have if you like having nice things.

he'd buy this one right here, because this bag is BA. this bag don't care what you throw at it. go head, put the base camp duffel out in the snow or rain, it doesn't give a ish. it just carries on with whatever you want it to do. base camp duffel is crazy, drag it through airport security. ew, what's that inside it? dank clothes, climbing rack, uneaten cobras. that's disgusting. TNF base camp duffel don't care.

TNF base camp duffel is a BA.

Here's a cool athlete testimonial vid about the The Base Camp Duffel

http://tnfvideo.com/video/basecamp-duffel-2/

Amazing bag that is absolutely bulletproof. I opted for the large that will definitely be too large for carry-on but is not too big to manage when traveling.

Even with all the brilliant reviews, I still need to add my own. These bags are as bomber as it gets. Strap it to the top of a bus, the back of a mule, check it on Delta airlines, etc. etc. I have done it all with this bag for years. The size M works great for expedition gear on non technical trips and for just visiting the rents. Size up for bigger adventures! Just dont let your mule keeper put the leaking jug of kerosene next to it on the saddle! In multi-day downpours, stuff will get wet near the zips so dont expect a dry bag - this is a gorilla tough home for your goods though.

This is an extremely basic duffle, but heavy duty and great for travel or car camping. I love the backpack straps. I recommend.

I bought an extra large TNF Red/Black. It has been in some rough places including a 7 day trip down the Main Salmon. It's not water-proof, but it did keep everything mostly dry. I'm very happy with this purchase.

The North Face Base Camp Duffel is bomber. All Space No Filler.

I wish more people would write down what size they have in their reviews.

On a recent 10 day trip to CO I packed a 42 liter pack inside my Large base camp duffel, and all my backpacking essentials– sleeping bag, filter, hiking shoes, nalgene, stove, camelbak, etc; 5 days of clothes including two warm layers, climbing shoes, harness, some draws and belay devices; and even threw in a couple of books in the internal mesh pocket.

Everything fit fine, airport weighed it in at 40.5 lbs. The straps work wonderful going down flights of stairs to the car. And going from curbside to check-in. Handy little tip: when you are about to check it in cinch the backpack straps all the way down and use the velcro tabs (under the TNF logos) on the straps to hold the excess strap material. You don't need to remove them!

Look forward to using this bag for a very long time.

Okay, so far I have only used this for 3 weekend trips, but it is great! I used this as my carry on bag on a flight and trucked it around Chicago on my back. If you pack it reasonably full, it is surprising how little things shift around - even without packing cubes. I fit in 2 full changes of clothes (long pants/sweaters), 2 pair of shoes, toiletries, a book, and my laptop and accessories and could have fit more!
And the purple color is awesome too!

Fantastic bags... straps in the right places as you can use a single shoulder strap to carry the bag over one shoulder or don the whole thing like a backpack. Construction seems to be very sturdy and the bright yellow color makes the bag easy to find on the luggage carousel. I'm in the Middle East right now and it was super easy to spot my bright yellow bag in a sea of green duffels! I filled up the Large with clothes and it weighed in under 50 lbs... something you would have trouble doing in a roller-bag or regular suitcase. I also got the XL, but it was so HUGE that I decided to bring a second, smaller bag instead of filling up the XL. If you get the XL, expect to pay the airline's extra fees... and if your plan is to get the XL and not stuff it full, you might as well just get the Large... trust me, it's plenty big for a 2-3 week trip (or 6 months in my case)! I'm keeping the XL for road trips though... great for tons of gear!

I have dragged this bag across more terrain than I can describe. It is my expedition bag and has come climbing with me to Mexico, Guatemala, Ecuador, and Chile. I own the medium size and can stuff my peak bag, all my climbing gear, cold weather clothes, snacks, and sleeping bag into this bag. It is tough, water resistant, and practical. I love the interchangeable and adjustable shoulder straps/handles. I usually line it, like my my backpacks, with large plastic bags to protect the contents from water.

Just used this bag on a 15 day trek to West Sikkim in India and it simply performed the way any bag should. Very very durable, fairly easy to carry short distances, and most importantly waterproof. I had zero worries that any of my cloths would get wet on the back of the horse when it started down pouring. Would definitely recommend the extra large for long trips...I didn't pack that much and still it was tight.

If you spend time living out of duffel bags in all types of weather, this bag is for you. I love not having to be worried about weather and wet clothes when I travel. This is great reassurance. I set it down in the snow and never look back. The pack pack straps help to keep your hands free.

I first saw these on Denali when everyone was slogging up Denal.North Face always had them in photos.This bag rocks.I have all my ski mountaineering gear on stand by in this thing.When it's time to do a trip I just grab the bag and go.When I get to the trail head I take what I need for the day.Durable and water proof.

The North Face Base Camp Duffel is the perfect bag for traveling. Fill it up with clothes or gear and you're good to go. The bag consists of one large main compartment with an internal mesh pocket. It has four compression straps to make your load smaller. It has handles on either end making it easy to throw around and backpack straps for easy transport. It also has daisy-chain straps to tie down any accessories. It's extremely durable and water resistant.

I have the large sized duffel (28 x 16 x 16 inches). Not too big, not too small. I haven't found any downsides to the bag yet...except the airlines losing it during travel.

It's big. It's well made. It's good material. It has backpack straps, compression straps to make it more manageable, and burly zippers. This is one of those pieces of equipment where you get the feeling "yeah... this might outlast me."

Excellent bag. On the road a lot. Nothing has phased the bag. Dirt, water, sun, etc. From 4 wheeler to back of pick up to being used as a pillow. Versatile bag.

I love this bag! I am so stoked to use it for traveling. I've heard great things from family and friends. I bought it in red, and it looks amazing!

Designed with expeditions in mind, the Base Camp series of duffel bags are extremely durable and easy to carry. The Base Camp easily lashes to a sled for glacier travel and straps to Jeeps, buses, and even yaks. It has many carrying options and external compression straps for lugging through airports. It is made of durable, highly water-resistant fabric.The North Face Base Camp Duffel wins our SuperTopo Editors' Choice award. It is the top choice or near the top in every category we tested. We love how it carries and how easy it is to pack. While it is in the middle of the review for weight, it is amongst the lightest duffel bag with backpack straps and a D-shaped opening. You can read our full review here http://www.supertopo.com/review/The-North-Face-Base-Camp-Duffel

Africa. Asia. Australia. Old and New Worlds. And no complaints. --If I was president, every newborn in America would be standard-issued a Base Camp duffel.

I used this bag during a trip to central america when I knew that it would be sitting in the back of a pickup truck during rain storms. Kept my stuff clean and dry. Its not dunk proof but it was rain proof (just make sure the flap is over the zipper). Since its designed to keep stuff dry, its prone to keeping moisture in too, maybe re-use a desiccant pack in your bag to keep your gear fresh.

How can you have enough of these? I use them for everything - organization in the back of the truck to travel. Never have gotten into the wheeled variety, these things save weight, and I figure I can always use the exercise right? They last forever, and all sizes see frequent use. Never blown out a zipper in 12 years.

Fantastic bag - bomber, bomber waterproof construction - the medium is the perfect ski trip carry-on. You can fit your boots, layers, gloves, pants, etc with room to compress down to meet carry-on restrictions. Then you have the medium to stuff full for multi-day road trips.

I have had this bag for 3 years now and it has been on countless trips without any problems. It gets a little scuffed but it looks way more legit this way. I really like the compression straps on the sides. It keeps everything settled when the bag is not fully loaded. I will probably buy a medium soon. I would highly recommend these bags if you travel a lot or if you are really hard on your gear.

Since bombproof has described the durability of other pieces on this site, I think the only way to accurately describe it would be saying Nuclear-Apocalypse Proof. This thing is a tank. For me, medium is the perfect fit, but any way you go, this duffel will not disappoint.

This bag is PERFECT! I have it in large, and it fits some serious gear for a big this size. I use it for almost every trip I go on. It's really thick, and water resistant. I love the backpack type straps, so you can use your hands while running through the airport, or unloading you car after or during a trip. It's been to quite a few pretty cool places.

When the nuclear winter comes and Zombies are on the loose I am going to live inside my extra large and bring my large one with me. Guaranteed to be safe and sound. The only thing I don't like is the black with Silver logo. I have a black with a neon yellow logo that is KILLER and I'd like to buy another one but the black now is not my style. I'd like to check out the Patagonia bags as well.

I used this bag during a trip to central america when I knew that it would be sitting in the back of a pickup truck during rain storms. Kept my stuff clean and dry. Its not dunk proof but it was rain proof (just make sure the flap is over the zipper). Since its designed to keep stuff dry, its prone to keeping moisture in too, maybe re-use a desiccant pack in your bag to keep your gear fresh.

Quite expensive for a luxury item, but I love it for cramming all my crap into that I'm not carrying up the mountain or for organizing all my crap when I'm car camping with friends. And it is amazing for travelling. Super tough, unique so its super easy to spot on the carousel and the backpack straps are the best thing since sliced bread: carry a 30 lb bag like its a small backpack. Makes travelling so simple since you dont look like a fool with a rolling bag and aren't stuggling with the awkwardness of a duffel. Highly recommended. Will make life easy!!!

I have this bag in XL, and it is ginormous. My buddies call it my hockey bag, but I know they are secretly envious. I like it because it holds all my gear, including my backpack and trekking poles, so all I need to do for a gear check is to make sure my giant yellow duffel is in the back of my car, and I'm set. Two thumbs up for this big bag...

Bought the red in XL and it came in the mail today. First of all, the bag seems invincible. I think I could put my fridge in there. The backpack straps are the best part of the bag though. I found it cheaper on another site, but decided to stick with BC cause I LOVE the company! Example: I paid for two day shipping through UPS but they didn't deliver it in two days. BC refunded my 15 bucks for shipping.

I have the M and I lived out of it for 3 months while traveling in Asia. Backpack straps are handy, it's a durable bag, and easy to spot. Can be carry on if not full.

I bought an extra large size right before a trip to Moab Utah and used all 9070 cubic inches of space. Just to give you an idea of how big this bag is, I had a sleeping bag, pad, tent, clothes, cookware/stove, outerwear, my climbing gear (including a rope) my half shell mountain bike helmet and also my full face mountain bike helmet, a frisbee, and a slackline. The bag didn't even flinch under the load, and the zippers stayed solid even when they were under a bit of tension. This bag is going to be pretty heavy when full, but if you can wrestle it up, it carries with the backpack straps pretty well, though not for long distances. Buy one and take a sweet-action trip!

In my 25 years in the airline industry, I have only seen a few bags that could handle the abuse dished out by a rouge baggage handler. This is one of them. I have never in my time seen a damage claim on one of these. In my enviorment, the straps dont shred the duffle is vitually puncture proof and between the heavyduty zippers,velcro closures and strapping, its burst proof. From a baggage handlers point of view, Highly reccommeded!!!

I love this bag. My boyfriend had one I tried to take it from him while we were campin, sadly did not work so I bought myself one. And it is the best thing ever! I tend to over pack whenever i go anywhere and this is the perfect bag for me. On a week long trip i was able to pack all my 10 days of clothes and blanket and pillow in the Large. And still had some room to add the things i "forgot" and had to pick up. Now I am going to see if Southwest will let me bring it on as a Carry on for Thanksgiving.

I'v pulled this bag in a sled up Denali. It was my seat on a mule drawn wagon in Mexico, and a gear bag for climbing trips to Moab. Its also protects my backpack from getting ripped on airplanes everytime I travel. And now most recently it served to transport my personal gear on a 600 mile, three month hiking expedition through the Congo River Basin. It's still in perfect condition except for the blood stains when a Baka Pygmy was cut by a machete and then sat down on my bag.

OK, I have to admit, I am a fiend for all types of bags and packs - especially duffels! I've been using simple cotton types to haul my gym clothes and gear, but they just don't hold up. I recently purchased TWO base camp duffels in the XS small size and I think they are perfect for this use. I can easily fit my gym clothes, shoes, hygiene kit, towel, and clean clothes into the bag (I am really petite, though, so that might be optimistic for some). The material seems VERY durable, and I like the squarish opening as opposed to a horizontal zipper. The XS does not have the single shoulder strap, but rather two backpack-style straps. They can be completely removed if you like. The grab handles on the ends are very convenient too.

Have the Large for traveling with my dive gear. Fits everything great and keeps me honest on weight. Super rugged and comfortable to carry. Everyone who travels with gear needs one. It seems to be indestructible. I love it and would buy it again.

This is the one piece of luggage you can literally take to hell and back. The lifetime warranty on this one is the real deal. Great design and quality materials used makes this an expedition favourite.

I have 2 of these (S & M) and the S is overhead-friendly; the M is not. I use the M for car camping. It holds ALL of my weekend camping gear, including tent, sleeping bag, stove, clothes, sandals, etc. Keeps everything dry as well. I am planning a trip to CR and I'm taking the S (no check bags). I don't need too much gear, just clothing and incidentals which I will carry in my Osprey Talon 22 daypack. This is very high quality gear. You will never need to replace it even though you will be enticed by other gear. The colors are terrific too.

Thought the Large would be the right size for packing our camping gear but the bag came and it's definitely too small. Already ordered the XL and sent the L back. The product seems great - you can tell it's one heck of a durable and tough material. Can't wait to try it out!

I brought this with me on a two week trip to Wales. It kept all of my hiking gear in good shape and reasonably well ordered. It rains quite a bit there and, although I never left the bag in a downpour for extended periods of time, the bag kept my stuff dry. The backpack straps are actually quite comfortable, which surprised me, and made hauling this bag around a lot easier than I thought. The quality of the bag is very apparent after inspection and it held true during my trip. Thumbs up.

I have had these bags for years. You cannot beat them. They are the only bag I will use from traveling to the beach for the weekend to flying out west to go backcountry skiing. I have found that they are the only bag that can withstand flying commercial airlines. I have had many trios where everyone else had something happen to they'er bag and mine came out unscathed cause of the durability.

The medium size of this duffel bag is bigger than I was expecting (good thing). I loaded all my clothes, underwater camera, strobe light, travel fins, snorkel and mask and I still had room for a pair of crock sandals and tennis shoes and a bunch of bermuda shorts and t-shirts. I love the backpack straps. You can adjust them very easily. The material/fabric has some type of plastic finish which protects your stuff from rain and water. The zippers are very sturdy. The only down side is that it has no lateral pockets for small stuff. Although it has a nice mesh compartment inside by the cover flap I wish it had at least one lateral compartment for mp3 player, bottle of water, etc. Other than that, very happy with my purchase. Highly recommended.