North Face Base Camp Duffel Bag

lonewalker

Hey everyone, I’m super new to all this hiking gear stuff and just got excited about the North Face Base Camp Duffel Bag after seeing it recommended for trips. But I’m totally confused about the sizes-there’s the 50L, 71L, 95L, and even bigger ones. For a beginner doing 3-4 day backpacking trips in kinda wet weather (like Pacific Northwest vibes), which one should I go for? Does the smaller one hold a tent, sleeping bag, stove, and clothes okay, or do I need to size up? Also, how does it pack compared to a backpack-can I wear it like one sometimes? Would love if you could break it down for me with what worked for your trips! Thanks a ton! 😊

quietpath

For 3-4 day PNW backpacking (wet, variable loads), skip the 50L-it’s too cramped for a tent (esp. a 2P like Big Agnes Copper Spur), compressed sleeping bag, stove setup, layers, and rain gear. You’ll be jamming stuff in awkwardly, and wet items bulk up fast. Go with the 71L Medium; it swallows all that plus food/reserve space comfortably (I’ve fit ₃₅-40lbs gear in mine for similar Olympic NP loops).

Backpack carry? Yeah, stowable harness works for short hauls (airport to trailhead or camp shuffling), but it’s no internal-frame pack-straps dig on long miles with >25lbs. Use it as duffel primary, backpack secondary. DWR coating sheds rain well, but line with pack liners for submersion. Paired mine with a REI Flash 55 for the actual hike. Solid choice overall.

wildpackjoe

Yeah, 71L nailed it for my 3-day Goat Rocks trips-room for wet boots too. Pro tip: backpack straps chafe after 2 miles loaded, so transfer to a daypack ASAP. Weighs 3.7lbs empty, so factor that base weight hit.

hikerhive

Totally agree on the 71L-mine’s still bombproof after 5 years of PNW abuse. Fresh find: those daisy chains on the sides? Genius for clipping a UCO lantern or wet thermarest at camp. Game-changer for quick setup! Who’s got other hacks? 🚀

FleeceAndFlint

Hack: Use the side compression straps to lash a soaked tarp or groundcloth externally-keeps the main bag dry inside. Worked wonders on my rainy Hoh River trek!

campkitkate

Solid hack on the tarp lash! One more: stuff a trash compactor bag inside as a vapor barrier-zero condensation funk after multi-day damp. Keeps the stink off your base layer. Nailed it on my Enchantments loop. 👍

WildrootWill

Vapor barrier FTW-game-changer for that PNW mildew. Pro move: roll your layers bottom-to-top (base first, shell last) for easy access without unpacking everything. Crushed a soggy 4-day in the Olympics that way. 👍