The North Face Base Camp Duffel Bag is an exceptionally durable and spacious gear hauler, perfect for serious adventurers and expedition travelers. Its iconic, rugged construction and thoughtful design ensure your essentials are protected and organized in challenging conditions, while updated features enhance carrying comfort. Be aware that its substantial 95-liter volume is best suited for extended trips or bulky equipment, rather than light daily use.
Iconic Rugged Construction: Crafted from 1000D phthalate-free TPE fabric laminate and 840D Jr. ballistics nylon, reinforced with double stitching and extra bar tacks, providing extreme durability and water-resistance for harsh environments.
Enhanced Carrying Comfort: Features detachable, adjustable, alpine-cut shoulder straps designed for an ergonomic fit that combats twisting, allowing for comfortable backpack-style transport.
Versatile Handling Options: Padded side handles serve both as traditional duffel carry handles and sturdy haul handles for easy loading and maneuvering.
Smart Internal Organization: A main compartment includes a zippered mesh pocket, ideal for organizing smaller items and keeping them accessible.
Dedicated Wet/Dirty Storage: An end-cap zipped compartment is specifically designed to separate wet clothes, dirty gear, or shoes from your clean items.
Quick-Access External Pocket: A side zippered pocket provides convenient storage for quick-access essentials like a phone, wallet, or travel documents.
Weather-Resistant Access: The D-zip opening is protected by a weather-resistant zipper flap, offering broad access to the main compartment while safeguarding contents from the elements.
Secure Identification: A water-resistant ID top pocket ensures your contact information is protected and easily visible.
Exceptional durability for rugged travel and expeditions
High level of water resistance protects contents from moisture
Versatile carrying options, including comfortable backpack straps
Thoughtful organization with dedicated pockets for different gear types
Large 95-liter capacity suitable for extended trips or bulky items
Compression straps help stabilize loads and reduce bulk
Relatively heavy when empty (1.84kg) compared to lighter travel bags
Large size (95 liters) may be too cumbersome for short trips or light packing
The duffel shape can be less structured than a traditional backpack for some items
No external water bottle pocket (common for duffels, but worth noting)
Exceptional durability for rugged travel and expeditions
High level of water resistance protects contents from moisture
Versatile carrying options, including comfortable backpack straps
Thoughtful organization with dedicated pockets for different gear types
Large 95-liter capacity suitable for extended trips or bulky items
Compression straps help stabilize loads and reduce bulk
Relatively heavy when empty (1.84kg) compared to lighter travel bags
Large size (95 liters) may be too cumbersome for short trips or light packing
The duffel shape can be less structured than a traditional backpack for some items
No external water bottle pocket (common for duffels, but worth noting)
This Base Camp Duffel excels in situations demanding high durability and ample storage. Its rugged construction makes it ideal for expedition travel, outdoor adventures, or hauling gear to remote campsites. The water-resistant materials and D-zip flap reliably protect your belongings from rain, snow, and splashes, ensuring your clothes and equipment stay dry.
For packing, the large D-zip opening provides wide access to the main compartment, making it easy to load bulky items like sleeping bags, climbing ropes, or multiple changes of clothes. The internal zippered mesh pocket is perfect for stashing toiletries, headlamps, or other small essentials that you want to keep separate. The dedicated end-cap compartment is a standout feature for keeping dirty hiking boots, wet swim gear, or used laundry isolated, preventing odors and grime from spreading to clean items.
When carrying, the updated alpine-cut shoulder straps distribute weight comfortably when worn as a backpack, a crucial feature when navigating airports, train stations, or uneven terrain. The padded side handles offer alternative carrying methods and are robust enough for two people to haul the bag, or for loading and unloading from vehicles or baggage carousels. The four compression straps allow you to cinches down the load, minimizing shifting contents and making the bag more compact when not fully packed. This duffel is built to withstand rigorous use, making it a dependable companion for any demanding journey.
Setting up your Base Camp Duffel is straightforward:
Attach/Adjust Shoulder Straps: Locate the detachable alpine-cut shoulder straps. Attach them to the D-rings on the top and bottom of the bag. Adjust the strap length to fit your torso comfortably, ensuring the weight is evenly distributed across your shoulders and back if carrying backpack-style.
Load Distribution: When packing, try to distribute weight evenly. Place heavier items towards the bottom and center of the bag to maintain balance and comfort during transport.
Utilize Compression Straps: Once packed, use the four external compression straps to cinch down the load. This helps stabilize contents, reduce the bag's profile, and minimize internal shifting during transit.
This 95-liter duffel is compatible with:
Expedition Travel: Ideal for multi-day treks, mountaineering trips, and expeditions where maximum gear capacity and durability are essential.
Adventure Sports: Perfect for carrying climbing gear, ski boots, wetsuits, or camping equipment.
Long-Term Travel: Suitable for extended vacations or international travel where you need to pack a wide range of clothing and supplies.
Rugged Environments: Designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and rough handling.
To ensure your Base Camp Duffel maintains its performance and longevity:
Cleaning: For general cleaning, wipe the exterior with a damp cloth and mild soap. For tougher dirt, use a soft brush. Do not machine wash or tumble dry, as this can damage the material and coatings.
Drying: Allow the bag to air dry completely, especially after exposure to moisture or cleaning, before storing it. Hang it upside down or in a well-ventilated area to prevent mildew.
Storage: Store the duffel in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight when not in use. Ensure all zippers are closed to prevent dust accumulation.
Zipper Maintenance: Periodically clean zippers of any dirt or grit. A silicone-based zipper lubricant can help maintain smooth operation and weather protection.