The North Face Base Camp Voyager Duffel (42L): A Tough, Versatile, Weatherproof Bag

Who is This For

Adventurers of all types looking for a one bag solution for a variety of active outings.

Field Testing

Scenario 1

Nordic skiing | 10-30°F | Minneapolis, MN

I’ve been testing The North Face Base Camp Voyager Duffel (42L) over the past month, and it’s been a wonderful all-purpose bag. No matter what I need to do or where I want go, I can fit my gear into the Base Camp Voyager Duffel (42L). Gym clothes, ski gear, or groceries, it holds everything.

I found The North Face Base Camp Voyager Duffel (42L) ideal for Nordic skiing because it’s large enough for all my gear and helps me keep things organized. There was enough room for my boots and ski layers, then I used one end pocket for water and snacks and the other for my waxing supplies. I appreciate having that organization on race days when I need to stash or retrieve items quickly.

An adjustable, removable divider in the main compartment is handy when I want to keep items separate. Grab handles on both ends make it easy for me to pull the bag out of car.

The North Face Base Camp Voyager Duffel (42L) has storable backpack straps, making it easy to carry the bag when my hands are full with my skis and poles. I appreciate the many lash points on the bag that allow me to attach accessories bags or water bottles.

Scenario 2

Weekend trip | Minneapolis, MN

The North Face Base Camp Voyager Duffel (42L) was the ideal size for a recent four-day cabin getaway during a sloppy Minnesota snow melt. It easily held the clothes I needed for the trip, plus an extra pair of shoes, my kit bag, an iPad, and my schedule.  I used one end pocket to stash Cliff bars and a water bottle, and over the course of the trip I ended up using the other end pocket for storing dirty clothes. 

The bag really distinguished itself by holding up to my dog’s abuse. Seamus is 92-pound chocolate lab, and he has a habit of turning my bags into his pillows. He has ruined a few bags in the past, but The North Face Base Camp Voyager Duffel (42L) handled all the drool and grime with ease.

When Seamus leapt into the car, he dragged with him quite a bit of slush, salt, and grit from the dog yard. I was happy to see that the water and dirt just beaded on the bag’s surface. Once I arrived at the cabin The North Face Base Camp Voyager Duffel (42L) cleaned up beautifully with just a wet sponge and a bit of dish soap.

The North Face Base Camp Voyager Duffel (42L) did a great job of keeping the contents of the bag clean and odor-free. 

Scenario 3

Errands and grocery runs | 15-40°F | Minneapolis, MN

I usually walk or bike to the grocery store, and I have found The North Face Base Camp Voyager Duffel (42L) to be surprisingly handy for hauling groceries. 

I always stash an extra tote bag in the end pocket, then deploy the stowable backpack straps. I also put a re-usable ice block in the laptop sleeve to keep my frozen foods cold for the ride home.

Fit

Too small

Slightly small

Fits well

Slightly big

Too big

Materials & Construction

Material/Fabric: The North Face 42L Basecamp Voyager duffel is built from waterproof, 300 denier, recycled, rip-stop polyester with a waterproof TPU laminate. 

The bottom of the duffel is reinforced with 840 denier, recycled nylon with a DWR coating. 

Stitching and zippers are robust. 

It has padded, stowaway shoulder straps, duffel handles, side handles, end pockets, a padded laptop/tablet sleeve, an internal mesh pocket, and stows into its own end pockets. 

Sustainability Creds: Made using recycled materials.

Bottom Line

The North Face 42L Basecamp Voyager duffel is the perfect size for every day use. It is very durable, as well as weather- and dirt-resistant. A variety of handles and straps provide carry options, and several pockets make organization easy. I have many similar bags, but this one stands out for me its functionally and durability.

Specifications

The North Face 42L Basecamp Voyager duffel comes in the following colors: new taupe green, asphalt grey, soapstone tan, shady blue, iron clay, khaki stone, opal frost, and, transcendent grey. Also available in 32L and in 62L.

• Weight: 2 lb, 5 oz
• Price: $150

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Main image and gallery images from The North Face website.