The North Face has long been a trusted name in the travel and outdoor gear industry, offering everything from backpacks and shoes to outdoor clothing. While not every product stands out, the Base Camp Duffel has undeniably earned its place as one of the brand’s most popular items.
In this review, we take a closer look at the Base Camp Duffel to understand why it has become such a favorite among travelers worldwide.
Overview and Key Features
The North Face Base Camp Duffel is a versatile bag designed to be carried both traditionally by hand and as a backpack. Equipped with two removable shoulder straps, it offers flexibility in how you carry it. However, unlike a trekking backpack, it lacks features like waist belts and load lifters, which might be a downside for those carrying heavy loads over long distances. It also includes two padded handles, which are handy when you’re navigating long lines at the airport or station.
Inside the duffel, there’s one large compartment and a small zippered pocket on the inner side of the lid. While this simplified design reduces the bag’s weight, it does mean you’ll need packing cubes or other organizational tools to keep your items in order.
The main compartment can be tightened with four compression straps, ensuring your gear stays secure during travel. At the top, there’s a small compartment where you can store smaller items like chargers or snacks, though it won’t hold much if the bag is packed to capacity.
For storage, the Base Camp Duffel comes with a mesh bag, allowing you to pack it away when not in use. However, getting the bag back into the mesh pouch can be tricky, particularly with larger sizes.
Materials and Durability
Constructed from 1000D recycled polyester with a PVC coating, the Base Camp Duffel is built to withstand tough conditions. The material is highly durable, resistant to tearing and piercing, so you don’t have to worry about rough handling by baggage carriers or outdoor adventures. The downside of this sturdy fabric is that it makes the bag somewhat rigid and can be difficult to open.
Despite the heavy-duty material, the Base Camp Duffel is surprisingly light, starting at just 970 grams for the 31L size. It’s not ultralight, but it’s still manageable for most travelers.
Size Options
The North Face Base Camp Duffel comes in six different sizes, catering to different travel needs:
- XS: 31L / 970g (Cabin Size)
- S: 50L / 1195g (Cabin Size)
- M: 71L / 1620g
- L: 95L / 1840g
- XL: 132L / 1965g
- XXL: 150L / 2850g
Best Use
The Base Camp Duffel is designed with travelers and backpackers who are constantly on the go in mind. Its easy-access main compartment makes packing and unpacking quick and efficient, especially when using packing cubes. The water-resistant fabric ensures it holds up in a variety of environments, from urban areas to outdoor settings.
However, it’s not the best choice for long hikes or treks. The shoulder straps are minimal, and the bag becomes uncomfortable fairly quickly when loaded with heavy items. For those looking for a bag to carry over long distances on foot, the Base Camp Duffel may not be the right fit.
The XS and S sizes are perfect for most travelers. They provide enough space for your essentials without becoming too heavy or cumbersome. The M size might be suitable for longer trips, but it could be too large for casual use or short trips. Sizes L and above are ideal for road trips or carrying bulky gear for activities like mountaineering or diving, but they are too big for regular backpack use. For those sizes, a trekking backpack or suitcase might be a better option.
The Base Camp Duffel is also very recognizable, so if discretion is important, this bag might not be the best choice.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely durable and rugged construction
- Water-resistant recycled fabric
- Spacious main compartment
- Effective compression straps for securing items
- Handy carry handles for easy maneuvering
- Lightweight considering its durability
- Cabin-sized options (XS and S) for easy travel
Cons:
- Can become uncomfortable when heavily loaded
- Lack of inner compartments for organization
- Difficult to store in the mesh bag
- Rigid fabric can make the bag hard to open
Should You Buy It?
The North Face Base Camp Duffel is a great option for those who prioritize durability and simplicity. It excels as a rugged travel companion, able to withstand rough handling and various environmental conditions. However, it is better suited for trips where you’re not carrying the bag over long distances on foot.
If you’re more of a light traveler who enjoys trekking or hiking for extended periods, the Base Camp Duffel may not be your ideal choice due to its rigid design and basic shoulder straps. But if your trips involve short hikes, road trips, or traveling through cities, this duffel will serve you well.
Ultimately, the Base Camp Duffel shines in its durability and spaciousness, but it’s not the most comfortable option for all types of travel. If you need a tough, no-fuss bag for storing and transporting your gear, the Base Camp Duffel is worth considering.
