The North Face Duffel Backpack Is Hiker-approved

For years, I struggled to find a travel bag that worked well in hotel rooms and on hikes—until I was introduced to The North Face Base Camp Voyager Duffel, a dream bag that works for both. After testing it out on a recent fall foliage weekend trip to Ithaca, I fell in love with it, and now, I’m recommending it to all of my friends. Yes, it’s built for the outdoors, but trust me: You don’t need to be a hiker in order to appreciate how great it is.

The North Face Base Camp Voyager Duffel

The North Face Base Camp Voyager looks like a regular duffel bag, which means you won’t scream “tourist” when you’re carrying it through a charming small-town main street or checking into a boutique hotel. When you flip it over and pull out hidden shoulder straps, it turns into a hiking backpack. The bag has a water-repellant finish and held up during an unexpected light rain storm; and even after getting it a little wet, I was surprised to find that my clothes and camera were totally dry.

While it’s great for a weekend roadtrip, I’ve also flown with it a few times, using it as a carry-on bag; it fits perfectly in overhead bins without any struggle. Every detail is thoughtfully designed for active weekends. I appreciated the ventilated side pocket that kept my muddy hiking boots separate from my clean clothes, and the padded laptop sleeve that protected my 13-inch MacBook and notebook. The interior zippered pocket is also perfect for keeping passports, tickets, or snacks easily accessible.

The North Face Base Camp Voyager Duffel

I’ve now traveled with this bag for eight months, including trips to Atlanta and weekend escapes in upstate New York. I can easily fit three days’ worth of clothes, toiletries, a pair of hiking boots, a rain jacket, and still have space for anything else I might pick up on my travels. On my recent visit to Ithaca, I packed everything I needed for three days’ worth of gorge hikes, including layers for unpredictable fall weather, my camera and my notebook (I am a writer, after all).

The North Face Base Camp Voyager Duffel

The reinforced grab handles on the top and sides of the Base Camp Voyager duffel make it easy to toss into a car trunk or pull from an overhead compartment, and the base sits flat whether you’re using it as a duffel or backpack. After months of use and hundreds of miles traveled, I can attest that this bag was built to last—there’s not a single tear, broken zipper, or sign of wear in sight. 

And while I’m totally in love with my North Face Base Camp duffel, it’s not the only duffel backpack on the market. Below are five similar styles from Lululemon, Patagonia, Cotopaxi, and more.

More Duffel Backpacks to Shop:

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 40L

Calpak Terra 26L Duffel Backpack

Away Active Convertible Backpack

Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Backpack

Lululemon 2-in-1 Travel Duffel Backpack

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