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The North Face Base Camp Messenger Bag - 305-2015cu in - 2009 BCS

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Base Camp Messenger Bag - 305-2015cu in
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The North Face Base Camp Messenger Bag comes in practically any size you could need for your around-town adventures. The small and extra-small sizes come with internal organizers to help you sort your cell, music player, pens, sunglasses, and other small items. The medium and large sizes feature internal pockets and padded laptop sleeves. To help with the load, the medium and large Base Camp bags also have padded shoulder straps and removable hip-belts. Burly fabric withstands the worst the city can dish out.

Bottom Line: Whether you're a bike messenger, caffeine-soaked law student, or accidental tourist, this bag comes in the right size for you.

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Rating for this product: 4

Great bag, just not for me

By:
December 16, 2011

I used this bag for an entire semester and it's a great bag. However, I have some back issues and by the end of the semester, by back was killing me. Again, I don't blame the bag, I blame biology (and math, and my computer...you get the idea). I'm sure for slightly lighter loads, it works perfectly well.

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Rating for this product: 4

Bomb Proof

By: Backcountry.com Sponsored Athlete
February 15, 2011

I vowed to ride my bike more this winter, so I needed a bag that could carry my computer/books and stay dry and durable. This was the answer and I have loved it. The strap is strong and thick so it does not dig into my shoulder, but all in all it has been great and the material is solid and resistant to the elements.

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I have the small bag and I have two questions about the straps. 1.

I have the small bag and I have two questions about the straps.
1. The ratchet-type strap that is adjustable is great, but what do I do with the extra length?
2. The waist strap is really long. Is there a way to pack away the waist strap when not in use?

By:
August 16, 2011

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You can trim the extra length and melt the end with a flame to seal it keep it from unraveling.

By:
August 17, 2011

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Rating for this product: 5

Absolutely Awesome!!****

By:
March 20, 2010

With 4 children, and "stuff", my things and their "things" fit and stay organized. I only have one suggestion.... The strap could be a little longer, as I am 5'9", and I wish I could wear this below my hip. It sits just at my hip. Other than that... Go for it! You won't be disappointed with the bag or the price. Thanks Backcountry, again;-)!!!!!

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Write your question here...My son wants this bag for school,

Write your question here...My son wants this bag for school, but is there a place for a water bottle? What size would be best for an 8 year old?

By:
August 5, 2011

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i would personally recommend against this bag for an eight year old for anything other than an airplane carry-on type bag. any application where he is going to be carrying up to 20-30% of his body weight (i.e. school books) he should be wearing a pack that distributes the load evenly (one with 2 shoulder straps). this will help to prevent back problems down the line, as messenger bags, when loaded down, put torsional stress on the neck, shoulders and spine.

if you do choose this bag anyway, go with something that will not allow him to carry more than 25% of his body weight. not knowing his weight i can only guess that he would need a small. although the strap is adjustable on all the packs, the small would limit him to carrying no more than a few books at one time, keeping the weight down. and the small is still big enough to fit anything of the standard 8.5x11" size...

By:
August 6, 2011

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Rating for this product: 3

Versatile and Well Made

By:
April 22, 2011

This bag can be used for a number of things. It could serve as a bike bag, school bag, carry-on bag, sports duffel, laptop/electronics carrier, and much more. I have used it as a bike bag because it has a nice waist clip to keep it secured to your back.

The bag is made out of tough material and will last for a lifetime. It has one big pocket with a laptop compartment and also an organizing pocket for little trinkets.

I would pick it up if your someone who travels or bikes a lot. It's a great size and serves many purposes.

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I was wondering if anyone has the large size, and if it is too

I was wondering if anyone has the large size, and if it is too big? I usually carry my laptop, gym clothes and shoes in my current bag (maybe a few extras). Would the medium be adequate, or should I get a large?

By:
May 15, 2011

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depending on the size of your laptop (Large=17", Medium=15")... but I would go with a large for sure... better than having to leave something behind or over packing a medium...

By:
May 16, 2011

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What are the inside dimensions of the laptop sleeve? I have

What are the inside dimensions of the laptop sleeve? I have a 18.4" monitor and need something that will fit my giant laptop. It's dims are 17.25" x 11.25" x 2".

By:
April 5, 2011

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Hey Greguar,

The Large accommodates a 17" laptop, you can probably make it work at 17.25".

By:
April 8, 2011

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Rating for this product: 4

Cool Bag for wet weather

By:
August 2, 2011

I just got the small in Blitz Blue and this is a really cool looking bag. The small is a great size if you don't plan on carrying a laptop (an ipad definitely). It's big enough to hold a wallet, ipod, glasses, phone, and all kinds of other thing. I did not know this bag was made of some sort of vinyl material. I expected it to be more nylon/canvas type. The bottom is a waterproof nylon but the bag flap is more of a rubbery, waterproof, vinyl. But it's actually a great look. I'm not worried at all about how to carry my stuff in the winter months or in the rain. I know it will be thoroughly protected. It's also got a great padded shoulder strap. If it's missing anything it's a small pocket for a water bottle or something. But of course a water bottle could easily fit inside the pouch. The small is a great everyday sort of bag. I can see myself wearing this with my jeans and khakis an my TNF softshell or fleece. I'm strongly considering buying another one just because of how cool this bag looks.

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What size laptop does the laptop sleeve for the large messenger

What size laptop does the laptop sleeve for the large messenger bag hold?

By:
February 1, 2011

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According to The North Face website, the Large has a 17" laptop sleeve, the Medium has a 15" laptop sleeve. :)

By:
February 22, 2011

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Rating for this product: 5

Great for

By:
September 17, 2011

I got this for my 8th grade son, he carries a LOT of books to school and this bag handles them all and a whole lot more. Great quality, he carried his last NF backpack for 3 years and it is still in great shape, I expect the same quality results from the messenger bag.
Initially, I thought it was going to be too large for a 13 year old,but at 5'7" and still growing, it seems to be a good fit.

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is this bag waterproof?

is this bag waterproof?

By:
June 20, 2010

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Yes....

By:
June 20, 2010

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Rating for this product: 5

2 hurricanes and it's better than ever.

By:
September 7, 2011

I got this bag when I started Grad School. Wanted something to lug around all the books and my laptop and lab gear. Not only does this carry everything, with room to spare, but it's really comfortable. The shoulder strap doesn't look that thick, but whatever it's made out of is fantastic. Super comfortable to carry a fully loaded bag all around campus and the city.

What I wasn't expecting the first two weeks of school was two hurricanes back to back. After trudging through subways and across the city in torrential downpours I was a little scared of what had happened to my stuff. Not a drop if water inside. Laptop, books, papers . . . all bone dry. And of course theres not a scratch on it from the normal wear and tear of getting it caught on train doors, shoving it under the seat in lecture, etc.

Really a fantastic bag. Plus it looks really cool!

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Does the inside of this bag have dividers, or is it all one big

Does the inside of this bag have dividers, or is it all one big pocket?

By:
April 29, 2009

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It has one main pocket with organizers and a laptop sleeve, no dividers though.

By:
April 29, 2009

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Rating for this product: 4

Indestructable

By:
May 6, 2009

Have owned Patagonia's Half Mass, various Timbuk2 bags, as well as a couple Crumplers. TNF has outlasted them all. Great in wet commutes, and big enough for a padded laptop case as well as office clothes and lunch. Quality is good and the warranty is unbeatable.

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2 Comments Last Comment: September 24, 2009 by:

By:
September 24, 2009

by cross band I meant hip-belt

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By:
September 24, 2009

Wanted to say I have also tried Timbuk2, Seal line, Chrome, Ortlieb, and Knog among others. The reason this bags beats them all is comfort and sizing. The cross band is really a waistband (like Knog) so it takes all the extra weight off your shoulders on AND off the bike. I'm a girl with a petite-ish frame and the M fits perfectly vs other bags dwarfing me! The dimensions make it seem like it carries a bit less than the Timbuk2 med but this is not the case at all. Finally a comfortable roomy bag perfect for my laptop AND books without seeming oversized.

P.S.Unlike another reviewer's experience my bag looks identical to the photo above-in Bomber Blue.

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Does any one know if this has the same chest strap as the original

Does any one know if this has the same chest strap as the original North Face Base Camp Messenger Bag? without that this bag would be mostly useless to me.

By:
March 22, 2009

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I quote north face's website "Removable hipbelt can attach across waist or chest (sizes M and L)" hope this helps

By:
March 22, 2009

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Rating for this product: 4

North Face Base Camp Messenger Bag

By:
November 29, 2010

I purchased this as a gift and it was very well received. The recipient is a teacher and was looking for something to carry her papers to grade as well as her laptop in. She thought the messenger bag would be perfect and it was! Thank you so much!

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Rating for this product: 2

more details needed

By:
May 14, 2009

your actual base camp bag does not match the online picture and description. very disappointed

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Rating for this product: 4

Great BIG bag

By:
May 3, 2009

Great bag, but too big for me. I was looking for an attache-sized messenger bag, and this was too roomy. BUT thanks to backcountry.com's outstanding service I had the Medium size (1098cu in) in just a few days and it's perfect. Waterproof, comfortable, enough organizer pockets without going overboard. Amazing deal for the price. If you need an attache size, get the M.

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Rating for this product: 4

Cool color

By:
April 1, 2010

The pop pink is a fun color.

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Change me.

Out of Stock

Item: TNF3870

2009 Model No Longer Available

We have a lot more Slings & Messenger Bags than that

Slings & Messenger Bags

Research other out-of-stock versions:

Great bag, just not for me

4 star rating

By: debbie.wea1582395 December 16, 2011

I used this bag for an entire semester and it's a great bag. However, I have some back issues and by the end of the semester, by back was killing me. more...

Bomb Proof

4 star rating

By: Tyson Bolduc February 15, 2011

I vowed to ride my bike more this winter, so I needed a bag that could carry my computer/books and stay dry and durable. This was the answer and I have more...

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Material:
pthalate-free TPE coated tarpaulin 
Dimensions:
(xs) 8 x 9.5 x 3.5 in, (s) 10 x 11.5 x 4.5 in, (m) 13.5 x 15 x 5 in, (l) 14.5 x 18 x 6 in 
Volume:
(xs) 305 cu in, (s) 549 cu in, (m) 1098 cu in, (l) 2014 cu in 
Laptop Size:
(medium) 14.5 in, (large) 17 in 
Shoulder Strap:
yes, adjustable 
Pockets:
interior 
Weight:
(xs) 14 oz, (s) 1 lb 3 oz, (m) 2 lbs, (l) 2 lb 8 oz 
Recommended Use:
commuting, brick-hauling, door-stopping 
Manufacturer Warranty:
lifetime