The North Face Base Camp Voyager 42L Duffel – Reviewed & Tested

Just how many overnighters can you take one duffel on? Julia took The North Face’s Base Camp Voyager 42L Duffel for a heap of spins and discovered what may well be her new favourite for an overseas trip or a casual adventure.

I’ve forever struggled to find the perfect weekender/overnighter/carry-on/chuck-loose- gear-in-and-hit-the-road bag.

My rotation consisted of a ratty Country Road bag (Year 10 PE steeze, but entirely impractical), a hiking pack (comfy, but unwieldy straps for a carry-on compartment), a misshapen, unbranded duffel I stored ski gear in for years (awkward to carry no matter how you pack it), or a carry-on hard case rolly suitcase (very sleek, very stylish, very terrible for anything other than a smooth airport floor).

So I jumped at the chance to give The North Face Base Camp Voyager 42L Duffel a whirl. I’d seen them around from time to time, often on the back of a fashionable, outdoorsy-looking type, and I’m pleased to say it stacked up. From the airport, to the bush, to the back of the car, this duffel quickly became my new go-to.

Out there testing in the Phillipines

Why am I the right person to do this review?

It’s safe to say I’ve run the gamut of overnight bags – and along the way, I’ve figured out exactly what features actually make a difference when you’re on the move. I get outside for all sorts of reasons, from kayaking trips to car camping, snorkel missions or the odd overseas escape. And I’ve been on the hunt for some time for a casual, multi-purpose bag that can keep up.

All of this to say – I know what I like in a pack/bag, and I’ve got enough misfires under my belt to know a good thing when I sling it over my shoulder.

Loaded up for a good weekend

Quick Specifications

Weight: 1055g
Dimensions: 58.4cm x 37.3cm x 25.9cm
Capacity: 42 litres
Fabric: 300D recycled polyester tarpaulin with non-PFC durable water-repellent finish
Colourways: Black Asphalt-Grey, Taupe Green-TNF Black, Pink Moss-White Dune
(Note: mine is in a sexy Midnight Petrol / Algae Blue, however this is not currently offered as a colourway by The North Face)
RRP: $270

Competitors We’ve Reviewed

Cotopaxi Chumpi 35L Duffel Bag
Patagonia Black Hole Mini MLC 30L Duffel Bag

Design

The Base Camp Voyager 42L is a sleek little unit. It’s got that clean, minimal aesthetic from The North Face but just enough in terms of organisational features to keep things stacked in their right places on a trip – and to stop the contents from becoming a swirling vortex of everything you packed.

My favourite of these is the removable (and movable) divider inside. It affixes with a little set of toggles and can be moved between two positions, planting it either at dead centre or the three quarter mark. It’s a pretty simple feature overall but I’ve found it really does make things easier for different types of trips (I like a centre placement for car camping goods, and a three quarters placement for overseas travel).

Other sections are relatively par for the course in terms of well-designed bags, but no less appreciated – a few external zipped sections including a padded laptop pocket, an internal netted zipped pocket (great for stashing dirty clothes), and an external shoe compartment. My only gripe would be the lack of a simple external water bottle holder – having something like a stretchy mesh on the exterior would go a long way.

Dirty sandal jail

Size

This is one compact little bag! The 42L volume and overall size lands this in carry-on category (although it has been stuffed to the brim and upgraded to checked luggage a few times).

Space-wise, I’ve found it provides just enough room for a week-long(ish) trip, especially in warmer climes – it was perfect for a recent eight day adventure in the Philippines. However I do think I’ll be reaching for something a touch roomier for any trips longer than a few days in a colder destination. The material is pretty forgiving for the old squish ‘n’ zip, but I’ve noticed it’s a bit of a struggle when the bulky fleeces start going in. Thankfully, The North Face offers a few sizes in the same range (I’ve already got my eye on the 62L Base Camp Voyager).

Carry on will be fine unless you overstuff it

Performance

No complaints when it comes to performance – it’s a pretty straightforward bag! It does exactly what I need it to – carry all the things I need comfortably (plus the extras I stressed about packing that I won’t use the entire trip).

Durability

I’ve never been unhappy with the durability of a piece of TNF gear, and I’m not about to start now. The 300D recycled polyester tarpaulin is tough, and showing nary a scratch even after making its way through multiple airports, being chucked in tuk tuks and the backs of cars, or being plonked down at campsites. The straps especially are holding up well and are showing no signs of wear and tear, even when I’ve had the duffel packed full of heavy bits. 

Heavy duty straps and face material

I’m yet to get caught in a downpour with the duffel, but the non-PFC water-repellent finish feels like it’d keep my things pretty dry. The build gives me the confidence that it’s a good quality piece of gear that’s going to go the distance.

Comfort

The Base Camp Voyager Duffel is overall a decently comfy bag. It comes equipped with two padded backpack straps which tuck away cleanly into an exterior pocket when not in use, and click into a buckle clip when they are. The padded pocket for the laptop doubles as a pleasantly squishy-yet-firm section against your back.

Packaway straps we LOVE

Backpack Straps

Convertible backpack straps aren’t the newest thing in the world – and The North Face certainly aren’t strangers to the design across their duffel range – but boy, do I love them.

With no chest strap or weight bearing on the hips, it’s certainly not going to be a bag you take on a long hike – but it’s surprisingly comfortable to wear when trekking between hostels, wandering through airports, or carrying camping gear down to the car. It was even comfy enough to wear on my back while I journeyed for hours by scooter across Coron Island.

While extra straps could give the bag a touch more utility, I don’t think I’d actually be that keen on them – if I want something with the support of a hiking pack, I’ll take a hiking pack.

Sustainability

The Base Camp Voyager is listed under TNF’s Sustainable collection and is crafted with 300D recycled polyester tarpaulin, coated with a non-PFC DWR (durable water repellent) finish. This one is a huge win for the environment – for those not in the know, PFCs were once an ideal waterproofing solution for gear, until we realised they were forever chemicals which can’t break down and leech into our environment (including waterways).

Overall, The North Face toots a pretty sustainable horn. They’ve made commitments to recycled & responsible materials with a 2025 goal, as well as to reducing single-use plastic packaging, and assisting key suppliers to reduce supply chain greenhouse gas emissions (which stands to have a positive effect on the industry as a whole). They’re got a Good rating from third party website Good On You so we’ll be keen to see even more sustainability and better treatment of workers in the future.

Price

$270 isn’t a small amount to fork out for a bag – but it’s not an eye-watering price, especially for a duffel that is clearly going to last. Considering how much I’ve put the Base Camp Voyager Duffel through, the average cost-per-use already is pretty low, which is always a good sign for money well spent on a piece of gear.

I’d say that this feels well worth the price, and is a quality investment for anyone with a duffel-shaped hole in their life.

Duffel shaped hole in my life: filled

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a bag that punches above its weight in both style and function, The North Face Base Camp Voyager 42L Duffel might just be it. From the clever internal divider to the comfy tuck-away backpack straps and hardy material, it’s handled everything I’ve thrown at it – airports, car camping, island adventures. It’s got just enough space for most low-key adventures & trips, and has very quickly become my go-to (I’ve even upgraded it from gear storage to under the bed for easier access – a badge of honour).

FAQs The North Face Base Camp Voyager 42L Duffel

Is The North Face Base Camp Voyager 42L Duffel suitable for carry-on luggage?

Yes, the 42L capacity and its compact design make it suitable for most airline carry-on requirements, though overpacking it may require it to be checked.

How durable is the Base Camp Voyager 42L Duffel for travel?

Built with tough 300D recycled polyester tarpaulin and a water-repellent finish, this duffel is highly durable and handles airport, car, and outdoor use with ease. Our reviewer barely noticed any wear.

Can the Voyager 42L Duffel be worn as a backpack?

Yes, it features padded, tuck-away backpack straps that make it comfortable to carry on your back for short travel stints or adventures.

What makes the Voyager 42L Duffel a sustainable choice?

It’s made from recycled materials and coated with a non-PFC durable water-repellent finish, making it part of The North Face’s Sustainable collection. The brand itself has big sustainability commitments and scored well in our review.

Is the Base Camp Voyager 42L Duffel worth the price?

At $270, it’s a solid investment for a durable, versatile, and stylish bag. With strong performance and long-term use, its cost-per-use quickly makes it feel worthwhile.