This is a perfect transit bag/luggage. I was able to ram almost 18kg of stuff on my trip to Bangkok 😂. I tried using it in a mountain climbing and it didn't fail. However, it was hot on my back which is understandable because it isn't for climbing.
@EDG Nope,it was strong and sturdy and almost perfect. Since,I live in a tropical country, mountains here are hot and humid,so my back was sweating. The bag itself and the straps were super comfortable during the 2-day climb. I can't believe that I was able to pack a tent in this bag 🤩
@@Stanly450 ah ok, that’s so cool! Glad to know it packs well, I really enjoyed it too. Have you used any other similar packs? Like the Cotopaxi allpa?
@EDG I have used a lot of backpacks for hiking and climbing,and traveling. This specific bag is the only bag I have that can be opened as a luggage/ clamshell. The brand Cotopaxi is probably not available here in my country.
@@Stanly450 very cool! The Patagonia MLC mini is also a good choice. It’s similar to this bag but it has a hip strap! That’s too bad about the Cotopaxi, that’s also a great one for hiking
Great video, very helpful! Gained a subscriber for sure :) I like to bring my dslr and an extra 2 lenses, some other small accessories, etc, when I travel - would that change your recommendation at all? I keep going back and forth - I'm also considering the daypack and then getting another duffel/small carryon.
Thanks so much! Sorry for the late response, Hope I'm not too late. I like that daypack/duffel combo as well, so I would go with that. The larger one is good for one-bag travel, but I understand needing more than 35L. What duffel are you looking into?
Hi, I feel ya! No lie I’ve been on the fence about the Cotopaxi Allpa 35 and 28 for like 3 years. But every time it’s in my cart, I can’t pull the trigger because no bottle pocket and it has super bright colors only now. This north face is like a more professional version of that, and it’s pretty dope. Unless you like the Allpa for the outdoors with that hip strap.
Hi Kevin, thanks for the question. It's hard to compare because they have very different uses. The North face looks nicer in my option, and is geared towards travel/outdoors. The Herschel Kaslo Tech is geared towards the office, tech , and everyday carry. So it depends what your use is. But! If you're liking the vibe of the Herschel, I'd look into Aer's packs instead....they are similar but look nicer IMO and better quality. Thanks, lemme know if you have any more questions.
Thank you for the video. I've watched this video like 10 times since August 😂Couldn't decide on the size and color this whole time. Drove to REI many times to check out the 35 L in black/white (the only color they carry in store). Checked out TNF store twice in a different state and they never had it. Finally ordered a 26L on Thanksgiving and it arrived today. The TNF black/black colorway is my favorite but it disappeared from the whole internet like 2 weeks ago for whatever reason.
@@EDG @EDG I haven't used it yet but I really like how it looks on me so far. I got the TNF black/white colorway. Although it is the most basic color combination, I was worried it would be too loud due to the color contrast and noticeable branding. It is actually not that bad in person. I am not an expert on backpacks. Like you said in the video, I wish the 26 L had the luggage pass through and side handles. I also wish it was a bit bigger like 28 or 30 L. Also don't like the chest strap dangling. But none of those are dealbreakers to me and it is a good-looking backpack with good quality. I've seen people have issues with stitching on theirs. Luckily, mine looks fine and TNF CS is great. Originally I wanted to get the 35 L mainly for daily use and sometimes travel. I tried on the 35 L in-store twice and found it to be too big and heavy for daily use. Not the heaviest bag but prob won't fit under the seat. Both sizes have less room than my current daypack, so getting the 35 L won't let me carry more stuff. I don't have many things to carry in my backpack anymore so decided to get the 26 L as my new everyday backpack.
@@fendercs smart choice! glad you're enjoying it! and thanks for commenting on the video, it helps alot. These were for sure one of my favorite backpacks this year, and its an option thats available to alot of people and within budget.
Thank you for your video too. I always came back to see what it looked like on you 😂 I hope that part could be longer and show what it looked like on you from the front. Another reason I didn't buy the 35 L is I hope there will be a Gen2 after they hear ppl's feedback. I will def buy it if there is a Gen2 that's better.
Thank you for the video. Just ordered mine (35L)! I want it for 4-6 days one bag carry-on. I was on the fence between this one and the Base Camp Duffle Voyager 42L. I leaned 90% on the Duffle but I've tried it in the store and the laptop space was softer than I expected. I'll miss the extra pocket just for shoes but I think I made the right choice. I think this one will be much more comfortable too as a daypack. It is a shame that in my country is only available in black, though. I don't understand why.
Great to hear! Yes, it's a tough choice for sure. The laptop sleeve in this pack is very sturdy and protective. Let me know if you find the straps a bit uncomfortable like I did. What country are you in? Surprising that other colors aren't offered...maybe they are just sold out?
@@EDG I'm based in Barcelona, which is a relatively large city in Europe and I'm afraid it is only offered in black. Despite Patagonia's website practice of simply deleting the option from the website when they run out of a color, TNF tends to mark it as sold out. Another thing that surprised me a bit, is that it's only available online, they told me at store. More non-sense I guess. I've also tried to see in person both Patagonia's Black Hole MLC 45L and Mini 30L and they ran out of stock every-fucking-where. It is almost impossible to get one unless you're willing to buy the Shrub Green colour (which I personally don't like at all). I'll keep you posted about the straps!
Ah , totally get it. That is very annoying. The shrub green Patagonia is also ugly hah. I did a review on the Mini MLC 30L is you haven't seen it already! Maybe it'll help get more bags, just kidding. @@jordindie
i was not expecting that ending lol. for only $30 you get a substantially better bag IMO... ~10 more liters of volume, handles on both sides, full opening of main compartment.
yea I feel that, they're close. I could have made my choice a bit more clear in the video though, because I took into account the bag landscape as a whole. To me, the 26L is better than most 26ish sized everyday bags and at a good price. The 35L, while only $30, is much more average, becuase 35L puts it in competition with almost all one bag travel bags out there, with a bunch of fancy features. So the North Face 35L just doesn't stand out as much in the category it's in.
@@EDG ah ok i see. I wanted the TomToc for $80 to be honest but I think it's a little too large to get on a Spirit flight and not get bothered about paying for a carry on. I usually only bring a small-ish duffel as a personal item. This bag (35L) caught my eye at REI so I looked for a review
@@EDGI just picked it up for $118 at rei. 35L was minimum for me for one bag and also to open it up all the way. For the price idk if it can be beat, I love it. The tomtoc is value king still but this color and material are awesome
Do you think the dimensions on the North Face website are accurate? In the photos on the website, the 35L travel pack sure looked thicker than 6.3 inches to me. Hoping to use it for some airlines that limit your carryon to 7.8 inches thick.
So the 35l travel back (which would presumably be geared towards people using it as a 1 bag travel backpack in lieu of luggage) has a luggage passthrough, but the 26l (which would be more likely to be used in combination with roller luggage) does not have a luggage passthrough? Odd choice. Also sucks to hear about the discomfort with the shoulder straps. That's huge on a 35l bag when it's packed out. I also usually like to see load lifters on 35l+ bags for when they're packed out. Kind of a shame as I really like North Face stuff and am in the market for a new 35l travel bag.
Right!? Very odd choices for a few things, because they're so easily fixable and would resolve the few issues on an otherwise pretty good bag. Im not familiar with North Face bags so im not sure if they've released similar things in the past, but I know in recent history its the first kinda one bag travel bag of its kind in the lineup. But yea, Even with the meh straps was a tough one to deal with, but hopefully if enough people complain about it, they can fix the strap width now in production. Load lifters would be great too! Thanks for the comment, Jarrod.
yep n problem! It's an awesome bag, but North face has such a large lineup that I feel like it didn't get enough attention, cuz it'll work for a lot of ppl. Did you get it yet? How do you like it.
Negative comes soon. Also grabbed the messenger bag same color and both 22 camo and 30 black rolling thunders. Up coming trip time to redo set up. My go to travel bag has been the north face litus pack. They’re nice blue. 22l and 32l. The slim profile as opposed to this box and my back we’ll see if it gets hung up in tight spaces crowded areas doorways etc
@@Utubeisazzho thats awesome and really exciting. Gotta keep the travel setup fresh. Did you by chance see the review I did on the messenger bag in this same color?
I know this may be a weird comparison, but I'm currently torn between this and the Tomtoc 40L travel backpack. I'm getting them both for about the same price and am not sure which one to buy. Which bag do you think has better materials? My decision depends on the durability due to my frequent travel schedule. I can spend more on a backpack, but my previous bag gave out sooner than expected. Your reply will seal the deal for me. Much appreciated :)
No problem! Hands down the North face has better materials and is a higher quality bag. The tomtoc is a great budget back, but can’t be compared to this north face at double the cost
Thank you so much for these reviews! I’m trying to decide between the 35L NF Base Camp Travel Pack (shown above) OR the 30L Patagonia Black Hole MLC (2023 Version) 😕 …. any pointers or suggestions?
Oooo, I was waiting for this question haha. If I still had my MLC , I would have made this into an entire video! I personally have a preference, but may I ask what you would use it for? Or what you're looking for in a bag?
@@EDG Hi! I have the same question, I want the best quality one to travel with just this bag (and sometimes I carry heavy things like books and my computer. Which one do you think has the best quality for that?
@@sthephanieguerrero between these two, I’d buy the larger 35L. But if I had to choose between this north face and Patagonia mini MLC. I’d choose the mlc
hey great review - can you compare the bigger bag to the north face base camp voyager 32L duffel? the duffel seems to have smaller listed volume at 32L but has larger dimensions than this 35L backpack? the backpack seems to have more structure and padding though. what are your thoughts?
HI, thanks! I don't own the duffel but I've seen it in person and messed around with it. You're spot on, and after reviewing so many bags, the volume sizing isn't 100% accurate. That is a great question. The backpack does have much more structure and organization pockets. I think there is 2 possibilities...1 is that the website is straight wrong (trust me, this can happen. even on large brands like this. Patagonia's calculation was wrong on their bag for months). 2nd is that the 35L pack's dimensions do not accurately account for the laptop sleeve and small pockets on front since they are pretty flat. I've talked to other brands about this same question and that has been their answer. Sorry I couldn't quite help, I wish I had the duffel.
Absolutely love that colour. Unfortunately we only get 2 choices here in the UK… black or nothing. Got too many black rucksacks already. Wonder if the colour in your vid could be shipped to England?
Aww damn, that's unfortunate. Same, I know the feeling of having too many black packs. Im not sure, does North Face's site allow it to ship to England? I assume they ship world wide.
I feels. 1 minor feature can make or break. And luggage pass through should just be standard on anything marketed as a "travel backpack". It probably costs like 10cents to manufacture.
Hello! Great video. I am hesitating between this backpack and others for a 35L-40L travel backpack I can bring as a carry-on. I usually travel also with a 15L-20L small "frontal" backpack for day trips. Would you recommend this one as a suitable option ? Or do you have better suggestions in mind. I don't need hip support or a lot of straps/adjustements but I do love the compartments function.
Great question! I actually use the exact same setup usually so I can help. I may need your help in explaining how you would use it. But for now: I do like this one, but there are many competitors so it just comes down to preference. Form the ones I've used and reviewed on the channel, I like this North Face, Patagonia Mini MLC (not great organization, but versatile), Knack Pack (a little too expensive, but very versatile), Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler (meh shoulder straps but very light). Also 3 that I haven't made videos for L Cotopaxi Allpa (great but heavy and also no bottle pockets), Peak Design Travel bag (also heavy and expensive but nice) and anything form Osprey. I think your decision is between this one and the Patagonia, but if you need more Org and don't need it to convert into a duffel, go for this.
@@EDG i’ve looked at the cotopaxi allpa and it seems also great. For both, how woud you rate the stiffness of the bad. I’ve read that sometime people find they both lack « stucture » that keeps them straight while being half full
@@stupida0 The Aer pack is solid, its just the most expensive of the 3, and doesn't offer any "wow" features. It plays it pretty safe and I guess looking professional and nice is its best asset. It's very much a backpack with plenty of organization.
Tks for the video! I know the 35L is supposed to fit a 16" laptop....do you know if there's enough gap to fit a MacBook Pro 16" including an external cover? (I use TomToc cover) Thanks for feedback
@@PaulieNatah yea that’s is a thicker case. I’m not entirely sure if it’ll fit. I want to say yes based on the construction and dimensions. But not sure. Sorry I couldn’t help.
Hello! Great video, Do you think the small would be a good daily carry or a little much for a basic backpack? I usually carry a book, my camera, bottle of water and some other small stuff with me. I’m using the Herschel classic xl which I love just doesn’t have any organization and I love how this one looks! Thank you
Hi, thanks so much for the comment. I think it would be good as an everyday carry. It's a little big but the due to the structured shape (its square and not saggy), it still looks pretty nice. What else are you looking for in a bag? That Herschel pack you're using is actually larger than this small daypack. I think you'lll really like this North Face, and immediately notice the step up in quality the second you get it in hand. Thanks! Check out my other bag vids if you're interested.
@@EDG it does sound tempting, I got the classic xl cuz size wise works for everyday and personal item so I can use it pretty much everywhere, do you think that’d be a problem with the daypack being a inches taller and hard back?
@@AmeNoMessage1688 Depends how you like the structure of bags. Do you like it less boxy and structured like the Herscehl? I'd still personally go with the north face and the height didn't bother me.
@@EDG I think I’d like the size of this north face for sure, I think I’m looking for a in between Herschel and north face backpacks, Herschel style and north face functionality/organization, Any thoughts of this daypack vs the kaslo daypack? They seem very similar
@@AmeNoMessage1688 THe Kaslo looks great too. It just comes down to which look you like better. The North face is more travel/outdoorsy, while the Herschel looks a little cleaner and more formal. both look great, but the the north face is 6L larger.
Hi! Do you know if most airlines would allow you as a carry on both this (35L) pack and a small rolling luggage? Or since the backpack is bigger, would they consider not consider it a “handbag” like a regular backpack ?
Good question, on American Airlines you could get away with it as the 2nd carry-on , as long as it fits under the seat.. But it is highly unlikely it qualifies as a handbag in European airlines....who are stricter, unless you keep the weight super light. I recently flew to Portugal, and they did it based on weight.. 2 bags, with a combined weight less than 15 lbs. so if somehow, if a filled 35L bag and a filled rolling luggage can stay under 15lbs, it can go.. They were weighing at the terminal, ,and I personally saw 3 ppl be asked to check in their luggage at a cost due to overweight.
I live in Colombia and I have a backpack that is the size of the 35LB one, and it is allowed as the second carry on basically everywhere (I have taken it to 3 trips to the US and it was also allowed there). I travel a lot to Europe and airlines there do not allow it, I actually checked the sizes before traveling to Europe the last 2 times, so I just didn't take it with me and that was the right thing to do because they did check. I plan to get a new 35lb (probably the one in this video) as a prettier replacement from mine, but just to travel in America but not Europe. But I recommend you check the airline's webpages before taking it with you, they have all the sizes allowed there so you can decide what to take with you! Hope this info helps.
The material is extremely waterproof. The only weak point is the zippers not being water resist. So it’ll withstand heavy rain but for a little bit, be cause anything longer and water may saturate the zipper line.
Hey! I have a question.. so I'm debating between the NF 35L one vs the patagonia mini MLC 30L.. If you were to choose between the two for a two week trip with the bag packed to the max with clothes.. which one would you pick to carry more clothes??
Hmm, 2 weeks is pretty long so you may just need absolute biggest size with the North face if you dont have a washing machine. But in general, I like the MLC better, its my all time favorite convertible duffel pack and it hasn't been beaten yet.
@EDG Thank you for you response! So all in all, in the main section of the bags.. the North Face technically can fit more clothes than the Mini MLC if you were to do a comparison of who carries more clothes?
Hi Mario, thanks for the question. The large one is too large for school/uni. The smaller one may also be a bit large, but it could be ok to use because it does not stick out too much.
Now I’m torn between this bag, or the Aer Travel Pack 3 (35L)..The northface is lighter than the Aer’s xpac version… 🧐 which one do you recommend better? Thanks!
Great choices, may I ask what you'll plan to use it for? And maybe a few features/characteristics that you value in a bag. That'll help make a decision, though I do have a rec in mind.
@@jimpeeRNx ah ok, then I’d go TNF Base camp for a few reasons….mainly that it’s lighter and $100 cheaper! Functionally, the two packs are basically the same. Aers packs are always on the heavy side (despite being X-pac) because their straps and construction are thick. Especially the straps. But due to the large price difference and because you’ll ve doing international travel, which may require more walking. I’d go TNF base camp. Hope this helps, and thanks for the question! Check out my other vids if you have a chance.
@@EDG Ordered it a couple days ago. I think sites like dick's and rei had that price. I managed to pick up the last one, primarily using it to commute in chicago and travel bag.
Thanks for the review but your reasoning is flawed and lacks mathematical logic. The 35L version has 35% more volume at a 22% price premium. Based on the volume per unit price, which you state as the rationale for your conclusion, your conclusion is illogical. I think the logical reasons to prefer the 26L version are: lower weight, convenient water bottle pouch, more convenient size/form factor. For me, the most important reason I chose the 26L version was that given the weirdly narrow shoulder straps and my Atlas-like physique, a loaded 35L bag would have been uncomfortable to carry. Your review was otherwise great but the logic is... lacking.
Thanks! But I wasn't comparing size. When I said the 26L is 90% what there 35L is, im not talking volume calculation but rather what it offers a user. You could interpret that as the 35L being only 10% better at a 22% price increase. The reasons you listed are what I mentioned in the video. I could have made it clearer in the video, but I took into account the bag landscape as a whole. To me, the 26L is better than most 26ish sized everyday bags and at its price. The 35L, while only $30, is much more average relative to the other 35L travel bags out there, because 35L opens a person up tall the one bag travel bags out there, with a bunch of fancy features. So the North Face 35L just doesn't stand out as much in the category it's in.... P.S. "Atlas-like" physique? Really? Love the logic challenge, let's go.
@@EDG Haha! Fair enough. 35L has tough competition for sure but I think it's still better than almost any other 35L bag at that price. Which bags are better? Genuinely curious.
@@trailcarver3018 The Osprey farpoint 40L is an iconic pick. I have a review coming out for that but it’s been on the top of lists for a reason. Many Osprey bags for that matter. Cotopaxis Allpa 35 is better also due to its versatility. The more I used the north face 35L, the straps were uncomfortable and kind of a dealbreaker. North face is one improvement away from being great.
These don't have hip straps, or? I looove the look, but unfortunately a backpack not having a hip strap is a deal breaker for me🥲 (especially because I'm looking at the 35l one). I guess buying an additional one wouldn't work since the attachment point appears to be positioned too high up? My other option is currently the Cotopaxi Allpa 35, although I'm trying to find other options because I've heard it can sit weirdly on your back and that it's quite heavy