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 just recently traveled to Cancun and packed in this to avoid the check in fee (cause I'm petty and refuse to pay for me and my luggage to fly!) Anywho, it made it through with no questions asked! Fit perfectly in the overhead compartment and looked stylish through it all! I actually saw another person with the same exact bag but in black as I was walking on the plane and complimented him! It's the perfect duffle/backpack! I leave on another trip soon and can not wait to take it again!! So durable, roomy, and comfortable to wear!

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.

Perfect size for weekend trips - toss in the plane, back of the truck, or on your back. Good design. Was put off a little by the lack of typical hand straps...but it is actually nice to NOT have the additional straps. The four handles placed around the edges are perfect for this size bag. Different than other duffles - and definitely a nicer change.

Great bag, durable and solid construction. It would be 5 stars if you could tuck the backpack straps out of the way. they tend to catch if you're loading the bag on the roof of your truck or the back seats. And, if you pull them taut to stay out of the way, you can't get in the bag.

Okay, a duffel that looks like a life raft and straps on like a backpack? It's a tad outlandish, yet functional. It's tough, waterproof and unique and will probably last about 175 years from the looks of it. In fact, from the look of it, it might stop bullets... but I wouldn't test out that theory. It holds a lot of stuff too. If you're going to own something, you might as well own something that puts a little more adventure in your life.

Not your average duffel bag as it uses back pack straps instead of the single end to end strap. It would be nice if those straps could be adjusted long enough to sling the straps over the opposite shoulder, but its short to the point its a bit awkward to strap it on the same shoulder the duffel would hang. Seeing as I bought this as a primary bag for travel, it does interfere with my carry on backpack I always have on me. As for quality, its absolutely solid. I can see this bag lasting a very long time.

Durable, reliable, looks great. My only issue is that the material gets really stiff in the cold, making the zippers hard to work on the top flap.

Awesome quality, size, durability and the backpack straps option is awesome. Just wish it has more compartments or pockets.

I bought two mediums figuring 144 liters would be plenty of space. One bag for carry on and the other to check. Here's the problem with the new design: there are no straps to carry the bag at your side; and it would have been awkward to carry the bag by holding onto the straps sewn into the bags sides; even more awkward to hand carry the bag using the backpack straps. The lack of the hand straps becomes a problem when you have two bags and you're already wearing one as a pack and need to hand carry the other. Solution: I returned the two bags to REI and bought (after doing some searching) the old version of the bag off Google shopping. The designers were not thinking when they made that design change. It's kind of similar to how Patagonia's Black Hole duffel lacks the ability to lock the zippers together - an important feature if you check a bag when flying. I do like the end compartment on the new version. It's good for stowing boots or wet stuff. The older version is one large compartment only. I would recommend but only the older version. Two stars