North Face Base Camp Voyager 42L Duffel Bag Reviews

Review #1

Video Summary

Source: Sumeru

In this video, I review the North Face Base Camp Voyager 42L duffel bag, and break down what’s awesome about it, what’s a bit annoying, and who it’s really for.

I’ve been using it for about 5 months at this point and here are my thoughts…

The Good

• It’s a great carry-on size because at 42L, it’s just under the 45L limit, so you should be all clear for flights.

• Looks and feels quality: The design is slick, especially that black-on-black logo, and the materials feel really well put together.

• Tons of pockets:

    ◦ There’s a top pocket for small stuff, and a side one that’s perfect for your phone or wallet since it’s easy to reach.

    ◦ It has a cool bottom compartment for shoes or even wet clothes, which is super handy.

    ◦ There’s also a dedicated laptop pocket on the side, making security checks a breeze.

    ◦ Inside, there’s a mesh pocket for all your little odds and ends, like your wallet and phone, so they don’t get lost.

• Smart organization: It features a movable divider inside that can split the bag into 1/4 and 3/4 sections or half-and-half, which helps give a soft bag some structure and keeps things organized.

• Thoughtful details:

    ◦ Those little elastic holders on the backpack straps are great because they stop the straps from flapping around, keeping everything neat.

    ◦ The backpack straps can tuck away into a cover, so you never lose them and can easily convert it into a regular duffel.

    ◦ There are daisy chains on the straps and elsewhere to hang extra gear, like reflectors or a name tag.

    ◦ It has handles on all four sides, making it super easy to grab from overhead bins or a car, no matter its orientation.

    ◦ The hand strap restraint uses a hook-and-loop system that lies flat, which is way more comfortable against your back than snaps.

The Not So Good

• Awkward strap placement: The backpack straps are attached to the duffel bag’s cover. So, when you try to open the bag while the straps are clipped, they kind of get in the way.

• Durability concern: Since the backpack straps are attached to the cover, if you have a really heavy bag and pull on them, it puts stress on the zipper and seams where they attach. The reviewer worries this might make the bag break faster over time, though they haven’t used it long enough to confirm.

Who This Bag is For

• It’s awesome for anyone wanting a nice, compact carry-on.

• You might even be able to get away with using it as a personal item if you wear it as a backpack.

• It’s ideal for traveling for two to three days or as that extra personal item if your main carry-on is already pretty big.

• It fits a surprising amount of stuff without feeling bulky, unlike a roller bag.

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Review #2

Video Summary

Source: Lena on Earth

This video is a review of The North Face Base Camp Voyager 42L duffel bag, and the person giving the review is super enthusiastic about it.

She hasn’t actually used it yet, but her friend has the 32L version and loves it, and the reviewer really liked it when she saw it in person.

She bought the 42L version to fit more stuff and use it for more occasions.

What Makes this Bag Cool

• Two Ways to Carry: You can easily switch between carrying it as a duffel bag or a backpack. The backpack straps are hidden inside the bag, so it’s simple to pull them out or tuck them away.

• Perfect for Air Travel: The main reason the reviewer bought it was for plane trips. It’s designed to be a normal carry-on size, which means you can avoid paying extra for checked luggage and won’t have to wait at baggage claim. Plus, airlines often don’t check backpacks as closely.

• Not for Long Hauls: While it’s great for short travels by plane, the backpack mode doesn’t offer any back support. So, if it’s fully loaded, or if you have a computer inside, it might not be super comfortable to carry around for hours, and it’s definitely not meant for hiking.

• Lots of Pockets & Organization:

    ◦ There’s a special sleeve for your computer on the back where the backpack straps are, though it’s not super big – a computer with a case might not fit.

    ◦ You’ll find a bunch of small pockets all around the bag for easy access to things like keys, passports, or other small items without having to open the main compartment.

    ◦ There’s a small pocket on the side under the handle.

    ◦ A pretty big pocket at the bottom (when carried as a backpack) is perfect for shoes, socks, or even toiletries, with little nets inside.

    ◦ A smaller pocket at the top is good for small items, but not big enough for shoes.

    ◦ The main compartment itself is pretty big (it’s 42 liters!) and has a divider you can use to organize your clothes, plus a net at the top. You can fit a lot, especially if you roll your clothes.

• Looks & Feel: It’s all black and super clean-looking. The material is really soft and it’s quite light for its size. There are three logos in total (front, back, and bottom), and their visibility depends on whether you’re carrying it as a duffel or a backpack.

Overall, the reviewer highly recommends it as a practical bag for short trips.