North Face Base Camp Duffel (XXL 150L) review
© Images by Hiatus.Design
Cost
★★★★☆
Performance
★★★★★
Overall Score
★★★★☆
Overall Score ★★★★☆
Verdict: Built to withstand the harshest travel conditions while providing enormous capacity for those hauling serious loads, the North Face XXL Base Camp Duffel is a heavyweight in the world of expedition-ready gear.
Constructed from burly 1000D recycled polyester with a PVC coating and an 840D recycled ballistic nylon base, this duffel is designed for resilience. Its materials are treated with a PFC-free durable water-repellent finish, making it water-resistant and tough enough to endure repeated handling, scuffs, and exposure to wet conditions during expeditions or extended travel. Reinforced seams, double stitching, and reinforcements around high-stress areas help the bag maintain its shape and integrity under heavy loads.
With a humongous 150 litres of space, the XXL Base Camp Duffel is one of the largest travel bags on the market. The main compartment is accessed through a wide D-zip opening with a protective flap, making it easy to load and unload even bulky items. Inside, a mesh zippered pocket under the lid allows for some level of organisation, while an additional mesh sleeve at one end of the duffel is handy for separating smaller gear or stashing the detachable shoulder straps when they’re not in use. Four external compression straps help tame the bag when it’s packed to the brim, keeping contents secure and reducing bulk during transit.
Carrying options include two padded side handles for lifting and manoeuvring, as well as detachable alpine-style shoulder straps that convert the duffel into a makeshift backpack. While these straps aren’t designed for long-distance comfort, they offer flexibility when you need both hands free for other gear. The bag’s shape and reinforced base help it stay upright when partially packed, which is particularly useful in field environments or campsites.
Durability is where the Base Camp Duffel shines. Designed to survive everything from baggage handling to overland expeditions, it takes rough treatment in stride. The heavy-duty materials shrug off abrasion and resist tearing, while the weather-resistant coating helps protect contents from rain or snow, though the bag is not fully waterproof. Over time, it proves itself as a reliable hauler for climbers, adventurers, and travellers needing maximum capacity without fear of the bag giving out.
The North Face XXL Base Camp Duffel is a serious workhorse for serious missions. Its combination of rugged build, huge volume, and expedition-grade reliability makes it a go-to for anyone needing to transport a mountain of kit in a bag designed to last for years of demanding use.
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When I rowed across the Atlantic in 2017, I wore these with the Vivobarefoot Ultra III aqua shoes listed below and had nice, dry feet even when it’s cold (and it does get cold at night when you first start in Europe).
Nowadays, I still use the same pair for mountain biking, riding my motorbike (to keep my feet dry), but not for hiking as they cause my feet to sweat excessively when walking in them (they’re really good at retaining warmth but not very breathable given they’re designed to keep your feet dry).