The North Face  Base Camp Duffel - Large

Some complaints about this bag is that it's missing two handle straps that allow you to carry the bag like a conventional duffel bag. I have both versions of this bag and loaded them up. I was expecting the newer bag to preform poorly, however, the side handle balances out the load better than when it had the two straps that went over the bag (sorry if this is confusing). If you're thinking about this bag, try to load it up in the store with the bags they use for backpacking backpacks. Overall, I really like the design of this bag. The removal of the handle straps makes the bag more streamlined and simple. I'm happy!

I bought this bag 10 days ago, took it on one flight, and it already has a rip in it! Poor quality! I bought it to easily carry around as I like the look of the bag and the idea of using it as a backpack in lieu of a shoulder strap for a duffel bag. It is just not made well. It gets scuffles and black marks easily and obviously the quality is not there if it cannot even make it through one US flight without ripping. Poor quality for a company like The North Face.

I got this bag to backpack with, when I say backpack I mean like from the train to the hotel, not to have on my back for hours upon hours. It is awesome. It is really light and the main compartment is really roomy, I fit a weeks worth of clothes and my snowboard, camera and climbing gear in it with no problem, the synch straps on the outside are awesome for a water bottle attachment and really easy to store a tripod as well. The only problem I have really found is the straps on top make it hard to open the bag when it is full but with a little patience it is not bad, just adjust them to be bigger first. The bag has also proven to be waterproof and a little bit flame resistant, please don't ask how. I will probably be using for at least 10 years. Totally worth the investment.

Got the large black duffel. Bought it with my REI 20% off member discount and was still pretty expensive. Was really excited to get this bag as I had been wanting to get this bag for awhile but it cost so much for a duffel I wasn't sure I could justify it. The bag is really well made. Took it on a basic camping trip. Had enough room for everything. Was disappointed there weren't more pockets or hidden compartments for stuff. Was also expecting the shoulder straps to hide away. They get in the way when trying to open the main compartment. For such an expensive bag I was expecting more. It is a pretty basic duffel. I might return it. Seems like you are paying more for the name on the bag versus the actual product. I'd give it 2 1/2 stars. It really is a quality made duffel but can't justify the price even with my discount.

This bag is huge. I cannot even fathom carrying the XL. A friend in her 20s was able to completely fit in this bag; it fits everything you could need for a trip. Even if you put a ton of weight in it, the backpack straps make it possible to carry and not feel heavy. The only downside to this bag is that when carried as a backpack, it's a little to big. i would want the straps a little more durable and for the bag to be able to sit higher on my back. As a 5'10" woman, the bag hits my legs slightly when I walk with it as a backpack. Overall, I love it. May order a medium soon.

I have used Base Camp Duffels for many years. In 2015 they changed the straps and handles so they are nowhere near as functional or versatile as they previously were. They used to have two loops, one front and one back, that joined on top in the middle to make a main carry handle in the center, so you could carry the duffel like a suitcase. This is now completely gone. They added grab loops to the front and back near the top, but there were, and still are, better, bigger grab loops on each side. These better side grab loops render the new smaller front and back grab loops useless. It is a pretty stupid modification. On the previous versions, the carry handles, which are now gone, could easily be joined so that they hold the shoulder straps, when not in use, on top the top of the bag so they don't flop around and get in the way. Now the shoulder straps flop around and get in the way. They can be removed completely, but both removing and reattaching takes a lot more time. It used to be very convenient to be able to switch between the two modes of carrying the bag in a few seconds. This change is also pretty stupid. They ruined the backpack straps as well. The previous version of the duffel had backpack straps, which were generously long enough on both the top and the bottom so that one could position the shoulder pads on just about anyone's shoulders weather the bag was completely full or mostly empty. This is extremely important on any duffel bag with shoulder straps. Now only the bottom has a generous amount of adjustment. The top end is so short it allows less than three inches of adjustment. If the bag is very full, and the person carrying the bag has a 42 inch chest, the shoulder straps won't rest in the right place. This greatly reduces this bag's usability for long or difficult portages. One minor improvement is the addition of an end pocket on one side, but I would gladly trade this in to get the straps back they way they were. The material and zippers seem to be as good as they always were. All in all, bad move, The North Face! You should know better. I suggest people look at Marmot duffel bags. I sure will from now on.

So I was going to get the medium but for the small difference in price the extra room was worth it. Have not used it for actual camping yet, traveling for summer & currently use it to store the heavier winter gear. Love the gray/map designed. Very durable, not sure how the white will wash if dirty but it is more for car camping any ways. If you are undecided on a size for this bag just get the bigger one I am glad I did.

This bag is easy to carry because of the backpack straps that come with it. It is truly waterproof from what use I've gotten out of it in a limited manner. I had it on the bed of my truck in the rain and nothing got wet. The one complaint I have with this bag is the zippers. The zippers are very rigid and get caught a lot for some reason. Other than that, I'll be using this as a large travel bag until it gives me problems.

This is a great, hard-wearing, water-repellent bag. I bought it for packing gear and clothes for trekking. It's good for that purpose, if somewhat heavy due to the tough fabric. The red color shows dirt and stuffing quite easily. It comes with shoulder straps, but I wish it also had a central reinforced handle like my Patagonia duffle; the two side handles are not comfortable to carry when the bag is full.

Bought this for a two week camping trip that I had to fly with my gear. Held up remarkably well, no TSA damage other than a black mark on a red area. I like the backpack straps but it made it difficult to handle my daypack too. A long shoulder strap would be handy. Also the current straps get in the way when trying to get in the bag, it doesn't appear they can be removed and tucked away when not needed.