13 Years of Abuse & Still Going Strong: The North Face Base Camp Duffel M Review

Years ago, when I was in college, I worked at The North Face (TNF) store in Boulder, Colo. As employees, we had a 50% discount on gear, so naturally, every payday, I would give my entire paycheck back to the company, buying rain jackets, tents, backpacks, and sleeping bags that would last me for years to come.

One of the most useful and bombproof pieces I acquired during that time was my blue, size medium, Base Camp Duffel.

That bag has traveled the world with me. It carried my belongings when I moved to Perth, Australia. It’s been to Costa Rica, Belize, Mexico, Italy, Germany, Iceland, Canada, Japan, Alaska, and all over the lower 48. I’ve watched that bag get dropped out of floatplanes into the ocean. It’s been chucked into luggage carts, strapped atop vehicles, and tossed into pickup beds. I’ve beaten the living hell out of that bag, and it’s still going strong.

So, when I got a brand-new black Base Camp Duffel at a press event with TNF, I was psyched. In the 13 years since I purchased my blue one, the brand has made some minor updates and added small enhancements, while seemingly retaining my favorite design elements. I couldn’t wait to see how the new Base Camp Duffel compared to my old one.

In short: The North Face medium Base Camp Duffel ($150) is a 71L bag made from 1000D recycled polyester with PVC coating. It is an incredibly durable, highly functional duffel bag that’s great for travel, moving, storing gear, and just about anything else you put it up to. It’s water-resistant, tear-resistant, and will last you for many years of hard use. If you’re looking for a rugged travel companion to lug your stuff, look no further.

Compare The North Face Base Camp Duffel with those in GearJunkie’s guide to the Best Duffel Bags.

The North Face Base Camp Duffel Review

The TNF Base Camp Duffel has quite a legacy. It’s been around since 1986, when it was designed for mountaineering expeditions in the Himalayas. The no-frills, minimalist, bomber design has made them a staple among travelers, athletes, and adventurers. They’ve become an iconic piece of luggage that you’ll likely recognize from ski, bike, and climbing films. These duffel bags are everywhere — and for good reason.

Materials

The Base Camp Duffel’s body is made from 1000D polyester with phthalate-free PVC coating. It’s a durable, almost rubbery-feeling material that is both water- and tear-resistant. The boot is made with 840D ballistic nylon with a non-PFC DWR finish. Both the duffel’s body and boot are made using recycled polyester and nylon.

Layout

The magic of the Base Camp Duffel is in its simplicity. It’s just a void to dump stuff in. The lid has a mesh zippered compartment on the underside that’s great for storing small items or things you want to keep separate.

Since I bought my original Base Camp, these duffels now feature a zippered side compartment. I loved this addition, as it gave me a place to store my shoes and dirty clothes away from my clean garments.

Both sides of the bag have a nylon handle stitched on. Two shoulder straps allow for carrying the bag like a backpack or over one shoulder. The main luggage handle can be fastened over those shoulder straps to stow them out of the way when you don’t need them.

Daisy chains along the outside of the pack offer a place to clip carabiners, tie cord, or otherwise fasten things to. The only other feature on the entire duffel is a transparent waterproof sleeve on the top of the lid for a luggage tag.

In the Field: TNF Base Camp Duffel Bags

Let’s be real: If you’ve used one duffel, you’ve kind of used them all. This one fits 71 L of clothing or gear just as easily as any other similarly sized duffel.

Where the Base Camp Duffel stands out is in its durability and longevity. Honestly, the fact that I’ve used my blue Base Camp for almost 13 years without any blowouts, tears, or failures is kind of amazing. I’ve completely stopped worrying about damaging that bag. In fact, at this point, I’m almost curious how long it will take before something finally breaks or a seam finally blows.

However, the only real signs of long-term use my blue Base Camp Duffel is showing are scuff marks that always seem to appear after flights. They’re small black or gray streaks that can usually be buffed out. I think that adds a patina and character to the bag, though, so I don’t bother removing them. The black bag gets these, too, although the black scuff marks show up less.

Will the new Base Camp Duffel last as long as the old one? That remains to be seen (obviously). So far, it seems to be holding up just as well. The stitching and materials appear to be of identical quality in both bags.

When I’m not traveling with it, the Base Camp Duffel compresses like a pancake and stows away easily in a closet. It comes with an included mesh storage sack.

Sizes & Colors

Size-wise, I think the medium (71L) is the perfect all-around duffel. It has enough space to pack for a weekend or a couple of weeks. Side cinch straps compress it when it isn’t full, minimizing unnecessary bulk. Even when it’s stuffed to he gills, the medium will still fit in any overhead carry-on compartment. I’ve been on big planes and small ones, and never had an issue with it being too large.

Base Camp Duffels are also available in sizes XS (31L), S (50L), L (95L), XL (132L), and XXL (150L). My dad owns a size small, and it’s a great gym bag or overnight bag. I also own the XL, and it is so massive I’ve only ever used it when I’m moving houses. To me, the medium size is the most versatile for different uses and trip lengths.

TNF always offers these bags in some cool colors (black is probably the most boring). Check online to see what color schemes are available this season, to see all the options.

The North Face Base Camp Duffel: Who Is It For?

If your travel needs require luggage that’s durable, versatile, and long-lasting, and then the Base Camp duffels should be at the top of your list. They’re time-tested and have become a ubiquitous tool for adventurers worldwide.

My 13-year-old version of this bag is still holding up impressively well. The luggage tag window has started to come unstitched, but beyond that, there’s almost no real signs of wear on the bag.

Shortly after getting the new black Base Camp Duffel, I took both on a trip through Switzerland and France. The two bags performed equally well, which suggests to me that the quality has remained unchanged over the years. Time will surely tell.

I love these bags. They scream adventure. They almost challenge you to beat them up. And they continue to surprise with their durability and longevity.