The North Face  Base Camp Duffel - Medium

I have previously owned the older version of this bag (the one that carry handles AND backpack straps) and I can confirm that the new updates to this bag are fantastic. Yes, the fabric is still bullet-proof but now the design is much more streamlined and you get an additional zip-up compartment on the end of the bag. On the old bag, when the backpack straps were not in use they were all over the place and it would get quite frustrating having to wrangle with all the different straps and handles to get the duffel open. With the new model, that is no longer an issue. The backpack straps double as carry handles and the bag is much easier to open. You also still have carry straps on all 4 sides so this bag is extremely versatile.

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.