Rugged, water resistant and allergic to rips and tears, North Face’s Base Camp duffels are a staple bit of kit for far-flung adventures. Here’s my review of the large duffel, £86.25 from Millets.
Review North Face Base Camp duffel bag
Product description: “The best made even better, the original bomber expedition duffel from The North Face offers the same uncompromised durability with a new and improved feature set. The detachable, alpine-cut, adjustable shoulder straps have been updated for a more ergonomic fit and to combat twisting while new padded side handles which work as both duffel carry handles and haul handles.”
Outward bound: You’ll probably recognise the Base Camp duffel – the North Face’s travel bag is a bit of a classic. I’ve found their tough, water-resistant plastic makes them ideal for keeping gear dry – these babies can cheerfully take years of getting chucked in and out of vans, planes and boats. The bags vary in size from tiny wash bags to big carry-alls, but I like the large-sized duffel – it’s a great all-rounder for travelling. It takes plenty of gear (95 litres, to be exact), and is roomy enough for a weekend’s worth of climbing or camping kit or a week of clothes. It also includes a zippered pocket for stuff you need to grab in a rush. The shoulder straps are padded, and comfy to carry as a backpack as well as to tote as a duffel bag, although if you’re going a fair distance you’d be better swapping to a proper hiking rucksack. My cheerful yellow duffel has been travelling, on climbing weekenders and on sailing trips and looks good as new (the rugged material is wipe-clean, usefully).
Verdict: The large Base Camp duffel is the perfectly-sized all-rounder if you’re after one holdall for lots of different adventures. If you need a weekend bag, the medium duffel will do you proud.
