The Ultimate Duffel Bag Guide
Finding the best duffel bag for your next adventure can be a difficult task in a saturated market. Here, we guide you on exactly which elements are most important to look for when purchasing a duffel bag. We also answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this style of bag.
What is a duffel bag?
A duffel bag is a soft travel bag that typically comes in a cylindrical or rectangular shape. It is traditionally made from thick, high-quality fabric, such as canvas, nylon or polyester
A duffel bag offers roomy, flexible storage for your personal belongings and travel gear. Most duffels feature carry handles and a shoulder strap for handheld and hands-free hauling.
Why is a duffel bag called a duffel bag?
The duffel bag is named after the town that originally made this thick cloth,
the town of Duffel in Belgium.
What is a duffel bag used for?
Duffel bags are versatile, making them suitable for a wide range of trips and activities. Duffel bags are commonly used as travel bags, with smaller designs for short trips and larger styles for long-haul adventures.
Military personnel and outdoor explorers favour duffel bags for their durability, flexible storage for bulky items and weather-resistance.
However, duffel bags aren't just for big adventures and expeditions. Many people use them as an everyday bag for carrying gym and sports gear, or for transporting belongings from one place to another.
Is a duffel bag better than a suitcase?
There's no right or wrong answer to which bag is better. Whether a duffel bag is better than a suitcase depends on what you are using it for.
A duffel bag is a great choice for short trips and everyday situations that require lightweight, flexible and easy storage. A suitcase tends to be better for long trips and checked baggage, as it offers more packing space and protection for your belongings.
What makes The North Face Duffels unique?
Choosing the right duffel bag that meets your packing and travel needs can feel overwhelming.
Here are some of the key features of The North Face duffels to help narrow down your decision.
Durability and sustainability
Our durable duffel bags feature tough materials, like recycled polyester and nylon, for reinforced strength and sustainability. Choosing a hard-wearing, long-lasting duffel is a sustainable choice as it will serve you for many years and adventures to come. These resilient materials support your bag to endure rugged conditions and demanding activities.
Weather resistance
Designed to endure the elements, our duffels use water-repellent fabrics and protective finishes to keep your gear dry in rain, snow and unpredictable outdoor conditions.
Smart construction
Reinforced stitching, heavy-duty seams and high-quality hardware give you peace of mind that your bag can withstand active adventures and rough handling.
Functional organisation
Internal compartments, mesh pockets, and zippered compartments help keep your belongings organised and easy to access.
Iconic style
Our duffels combine iconic style with modern functionality, defined by our classic The North Face branding, bold colours and recognisable shapes.
Comfortable carrying and easy storage
Adjustable strap systems and flexible carry options let you carry your belongings comfortably in our lightweight designs. Each duffel design can be stored away easily without taking up lots of space.
What size Duffle Bag do i need?
As with all types of bags, different sizes suit different occasions, activities and personal preferences. Here are The North Face duffel bag sizes explained:
Base Camp Duffel - Extra Small XS: 31 Litres
Base Camp Duffel - Extra Small XS: 31 Litres
Best for: carrying daily essentials, walking, day trips, gym sessions
Base Camp Duffel - Small: 50 Litres
Base Camp Duffel - Small: 50 Litres
Best for: training and sports gear, hand luggage, overnight stays, weekend getaways
Base Camp Duffel - Medium: 71 Litre
Base Camp Duffel - Medium: 71 Litre
Best for: multi-day trips, hiking and outdoor adventures, camping
Base Camp Duffel - Large: 95 Litres
Base Camp Duffel - Large: 95 Litres
Best for: week-long trips, expeditions, carrying bigger adventure equipment
Base Camp Duffel - Extra Large: 132 Litres
Base Camp Duffel - Extra Large: 132 Litres
Best for: long trips, winter travel with bulky gear and clothing, packing for two people
Travel smoothly with a rolling duffel bag
Rolling duffel bags with wheels and collapsible handles are some of the best duffel bags for travel. Rolling duffel bags come with the advantage of being easily manoeuvred through train stations, busy airports and other bustling places such as hotels and holiday resorts.
What is the best rolling duffel bag?
Our bags are made from premium fabrics such as tough nylon and polyester, which make them durable and long-lasting. Our Base Camp Voyager Roller 29" wheeled duffel bag is one of the hardest-wearing on the market. Crafted from durable, lightweight recycled polyester tarpaulin with a rock-solid chassis, it's as tough as it is practical.
The Base Camp Duffel for every adventure
Our Base Camp Duffel bags come in an array of sizes to suit everyone’s needs, from those exploring a new city to those adventurous individuals looking for a bag fit for the challenge of transporting their goods on extreme expeditions.
What size Base Camp Duffel should I get?
The right duffel bag size for you depends on your packing style and what you're using it for. Our Base Camp Duffel bag comes in a range of sizes, from XS to XXL.
Here is our Base Camp Duffle size guide to help you decide:
For short trips and light travel
The Extra Small Sized Base Camp Duffel bag is ideal for short, one or two-night stays, and can be used as cabin baggage on most aeroplanes. Available in a choice of five colours and small enough to easily be carried on your back in the style of a backpack, this versatile item is water repellent, lightweight and can hold up to 31 litres of goods.
For long trips and heavy loads
Our Biggest Base Camp Duffel bag comes in size XXL and can hold up to 150 litres. It’s available in yellow, black or red. Complete with ergonomic shoulder straps, this item can be readily adjusted and worn as a backpack, making it versatile while allowing you to carry a great quantity of your belongings wherever you go. Bags of this size are great for longer stays of a couple of weeks or more, or for carrying and storing larger, bulkier items.
For everything in between
If you are looking for something in between these two sizes, The North Face also stocks a great quantity of medium and large duffel bags for any occasion.
Is the Base Camp Duffel waterproof?
The Base Camp Duffel bag is water-resistant, not waterproof. There is a difference between water-resistant and waterproof. The Base Camp Duffel range features a Durable Water Repellent finish, which provides protection from light moisture and fabric saturation. That means it is suitable for outdoor exploring and wet conditions, but isn't impervious to water.
How do you carry
The North Face Base Camp Duffel?
OurOur Base Camp Duffel bags feature ergonomic, padded shoulder straps, so you can carry them on your back in the style of a backpack. Alternatively, you can carry them by your side with the carry handles. There’s even a shoulder strap on most sizes.
Carrying your duffel bag on your back like a backpack is a great idea in urban areas. It can be more comfortable to carry your bag like this, distributing the weight across your back rather than just in your arm(s). It also protects your belongings from pickpockets, as the fastenings lie securely against your back.
With several things to consider before investing in a new bag, you may want to browse our full duffel bag collection online before committing to buying the style you need. Use the handy filters to narrow your search by size, features and more.