The North Face Base Camp Duffel

Great Bag, Perfect for Travel
We have been looking for some time for a good bag for travel, particularly international travel that might involve trains, boats, and buses. We needed a bag that wouldn't be a huge backpacker's backpack, but would be easily carried around. After much debate, we purchased the small base camp duffel rather than the medium. We were searching near and far for something that would size as a carry-on, be durable, have straps for carrying since roller bags aren't good for cobblestone and regular duffels don't distribute weight well. We haven't really used the bags yet, but I think they're going to be perfect--they're super light, they have the waterproofing coating on the inside in case we get stuck in a rain storm, and the straps are nicely padded, but can also be tucked inside/removed if we were ever to want to check the bags and not have the straps out and getting caught in baggage belts. The small is surprisingly large, and I think we can each pack (lightly) and comfortably for a two-week warm weather trip. Clearly, if you're using the bag for technical purposes or gear carrying, a small won't take you as far, but it would be a great size for a day of climbing or a smaller bit of gear. They are also a nice size for a weekend trip. So psyched we purchased these--we'll be using them forever.

Great Duffel!
What a great duffel bag! The base camp duffel is very large and durable. You fit all you stuff in for long camping trip. Great is also that is pretty much water proof and has a small pocket in the top (for documents etc.). This duffel will last forever and I can highly recommend it.

Bomber Duffel
This is by far the best duffel bag on the market. Keeps your gear dry when in the back of a truck driving snowboarding in a blizzard. Will likely last a decade. Backpack straps are very comfortable. Only con is people will be asking you "where can I get one?" when walking through the airport.

The BEST duffel bag ever...
I own a bunch of expedition-quality duffel bags from several manufacturers, but the North Face Base Camp Duffels are the ones I use by far the most often. I own this bag in both large and XL sizes, and I've taken them on outings all over the world. Skiing, climbing, kayaking, traveling - this bag can do it all. It's made out of the toughest materials, with YKK zippers and a waterproof tear-resistant polyester/nylon shell. The zippers aren't waterproof, like a dry bag, but they hold up well to rain, and the rest of the bag is completely sealed. Carrying options include end handles, regular top handles and removable padded backpack straps. If you need to carry the bag for more than a few yards, the backpack straps are a great help. The top has a C-shaped opening, which makes it very easy to access the bag. I have had one of these bags fall off of the back of a truck going 35 miles an hour, with no damage to the bag except for some scuffing. They are truly the toughest bags I own. I expect these bags to last a lifetime.

Best Duffel/Backpack
Bought 2 medium duffels - one for my 13-yr old son and one for my friend. just the perfect size for a weekend getaway. They love it. Great quality, speedy shipping.