The North Face Base Camp range offers two distinct lines for different kinds of travelers. Voyager models, like the 21 Roller, are lighter and packed with organization features, making them a solid choice for shorter trips or carry-on travel. Standard options, like the Rolling Thunder 28, are heavier but tougher, built to handle rough baggage handling and extended use. Your pick depends on whether you value lightweight flexibility or maximum durability.
| THE NORTH FACE Base Camp Rolling Thunder—22 |  |
Best for Durability | Material: 100% recycled Base Camp fabric | Volume: 40 L | Weight: 8 lbs 2 oz | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| THE NORTH FACE Base Camp Voyager 21 Roller | |
Best Versatile carry-on | Material: Base Camp Voyager fabric | Volume: 40 L | Weight: 6 lbs 13 oz | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| THE NORTH FACE Base Camp Rolling Thunder – 28 | |
Most Spacious Option | Material: 100% recycled Base Camp fabric | Volume: 95 L | Weight: 11 lbs 3 oz | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| THE NORTH FACE Base Camp Voyager 29 Roller | |
Ideal for Extended Trips | Material: Base Camp Voyager fabric | Volume: 94 L | Weight: 9 lbs 7 oz | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| The North Face Base Camp Voyager Roll Top TNF Black/TNF White One Size | |
Best for Innovation | Material: Base Camp Voyager fabric | Volume: 25 L | Weight: 2 lbs 7 oz | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| THE NORTH FACE Base Camp Voyager Travel Pack | |
Best Everyday Use | Material: Base Camp Voyager fabric | Volume: 35 L | Weight: 3 lbs 7 oz | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| THE NORTH FACE Base Camp Voyager Sling Bag | |
Best for Commuting | Material: Base Camp Voyager fabric | Volume: 11 L | Weight: 1 lb 4.1 oz | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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THE NORTH FACE Base Camp Rolling Thunder—22
The Rolling Thunder 22 is a rugged rolling duffel built to handle real travel. It’s made from 100% recycled Base Camp fabric with a Durable Water-Repellent finish, so light rain and rough baggage handling won’t be a problem. The hard-shell chassis takes repeated impacts without issue. A lockable outer zipper with ergonomic U-pulls keeps your gear secure, and the internal compression panel cinches down clothing to free up space. At 40L with dimensions of 22 x 15.7 x 10.2 inches, it works as a carry-on for many trips. The Sherpa strap lets you clip a second bag to the front, and the custom molded wheels roll smoothly across different surfaces.
- Material:100% recycled Base Camp fabric
- Volume:40 L
- Weight:8 lbs 2 oz
- Laptop Sleeve:14 x 13 inches
- Carrying Options:Sherpa strap, custom molded wheels
- Water-Repellent Finish:Durable Water-Repellent (DWR) finish
- Additional Feature:Lockable outer zipper
- Additional Feature:Compression panel for clothing
- Additional Feature:Hard-shell chassis
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THE NORTH FACE Base Camp Voyager 21 Roller
The Voyager 21 is a lightweight carry-on built for shorter trips. At 6 lbs 13 oz and 14 x 9.38 x 21.5 inches, it fits the overhead bin on most airlines. The 40L interior includes a 15-inch laptop sleeve, a large internal mesh pocket, and a zippered divider to keep things organized. Internal compression straps keep items from shifting in transit. The external secure-zip pocket is handy for passports, phones, and keys. Water-repellent fabric and smooth two-wheel rolling hold up through longer travel days.
- Material:Base Camp Voyager fabric
- Volume:40 L
- Weight:6 lbs 13 oz
- Laptop Sleeve:15.25 x 12.375 inches
- Carrying Options:1 bottom and 2 side handles
- Water-Repellent Finish:Durable Water-Repellent (DWR) finish
- Additional Feature:Large internal mesh pocket
- Additional Feature:Zippered divider for organization
- Additional Feature:Bottom and side handles
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THE NORTH FACE Base Camp Rolling Thunder – 28
At 95 liters, the Rolling Thunder 28 is built for extended trips where you need serious packing room. The 100% recycled Base Camp fabric holds up to rough baggage handling, and the DWR finish sheds light rain. A lockable outer zipper and an internal compression panel with two mesh pockets keep your gear organized and secure. Custom molded wheels roll smoothly even on uneven ground, and a Sherpa strap on the front lets you attach a second bag. Dimensions are 30.3 x 18.5 x 13.4 inches.
- Material:100% recycled Base Camp fabric
- Volume:95 L
- Weight:11 lbs 3 oz
- Laptop Sleeve:Not specified
- Carrying Options:Sherpa strap, custom molded wheels
- Water-Repellent Finish:Durable Water-Repellent (DWR) finish
- Additional Feature:External lockable zipper
- Additional Feature:Compression panel with 2 mesh pockets
- Additional Feature:Custom molded wheels
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THE NORTH FACE Base Camp Voyager 29 Roller
The Voyager 29 packs 94 liters into a lightweight, maneuverable frame. At 9 lbs 7 oz, it’s noticeably lighter than the Rolling Thunder 28 despite very similar volume, which matters if weight is a factor on longer trips. The water-repellent fabric handles wet conditions well. Inside, a large central compartment with a zippered divider keeps things organized, and internal compression straps secure your load in transit. Bottom and side handles plus smooth two-wheel rolling make navigating airports straightforward.
- Material:Base Camp Voyager fabric
- Volume:94 L
- Weight:9 lbs 7 oz
- Laptop Sleeve:Not specified
- Carrying Options:1 bottom and 2 side handles
- Water-Repellent Finish:Durable Water-Repellent (DWR) finish
- Additional Feature:Large central compartment
- Additional Feature:Clever internal organization
- Additional Feature:Smooth rolling wheels
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The North Face Base Camp Voyager Roll Top TNF Black/TNF White One Size
The Voyager Roll Top is a 25L backpack that works well for day trips and quick overnights. The roll-top closure adjusts capacity and adds weather protection, and the 300D recycled polyester body with TPU laminate and DWR finish keeps your contents dry. Inside, a fleece-lined compartment fits laptops up to 16 inches, and a spacious main pocket handles bulkier items. Two external water bottle pockets and a secure-zip pocket round out the organization. At 2 lbs 7 oz, it’s light enough to carry all day, with padded shoulder straps and a padded back panel for comfort.
- Material:Base Camp Voyager fabric
- Volume:25 L
- Weight:2 lbs 7 oz
- Laptop Sleeve:11.8 x 11.4 inches (fleece-lined, fits up to 16-inch laptop)
- Carrying Options:Padded shoulder straps, padded top grab handle
- Water-Repellent Finish:Durable Water-Repellent (DWR) finish
- Additional Feature:Roll top closure
- Additional Feature:Two external water bottle pockets
- Additional Feature:Daisy-chain webbing for attaching gear
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THE NORTH FACE Base Camp Voyager Travel Pack
The Voyager Travel Pack is a 35L backpack that handles weekend trips and daily use equally well. The main compartment has an adjustable divider to separate shoes or dirty clothes from the rest of your gear, and a fillet zipper opens the whole pack flat for easy access. A fleece-lined compartment fits a 16-inch laptop, and two external water bottle pockets keep hydration close. Reflective accents add 360-degree visibility in low light. Padded shoulder straps and a luggage pass-through let you attach it to your rolling bag when traveling.
- Material:Base Camp Voyager fabric
- Volume:35 L
- Weight:3 lbs 7 oz
- Laptop Sleeve:12 x 19.3 inches
- Carrying Options:Pass-through attachment for rolling luggage
- Water-Repellent Finish:Durable Water-Repellent (DWR) finish
- Additional Feature:Padded shoulder straps
- Additional Feature:Adjustable divider for items
- Additional Feature:Reflective accents for visibility
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THE NORTH FACE Base Camp Voyager Sling Bag
The Voyager Sling is an 11L bag that works well for daily commutes, day trips, or light travel. The padded shoulder strap has a built-in phone pocket and stays comfortable through long days. Inside, there’s a dedicated padded tablet pocket, a secure-zip pocket, and two small inner pockets for extra organization. A storable stabilizer strap keeps the bag from shifting when you move quickly. DWR-coated fabric handles wet weather, and reflective accents add 360-degree visibility in low light. Daisy chain webbing on the outside lets you clip on extra gear. At just over a pound, it won’t slow you down.
- Material:Base Camp Voyager fabric
- Volume:11 L
- Weight:1 lb 4.1 oz
- Tablet Sleeve:14.5 x 10 inches
- Carrying Options:Adjustable, padded shoulder strap
- Water-Repellent Finish:Durable Water-Repellent (DWR) finish
- Additional Feature:Adjustable padded shoulder strap
- Additional Feature:Dedicated padded tablet pocket
- Additional Feature:External daisy chain webbing
Factors to Consider When Choosing North Face Base Camp Voyager Vs Standard
When deciding between the Voyager and standard Base Camp lines, the key factors are material durability, size, organization features, and carrying options. Weight and portability also matter for most travelers. The sections below cover each of these areas to help you find the right fit for your travel style.
Material Durability Comparison
Both the Voyager and standard Base Camp lines put durability first, but they approach it differently. The Voyager line uses lightweight fabric with a DWR finish, balancing weather resistance with reduced weight. That makes it a good option for frequent travelers who want a bag that holds up without adding bulk. The standard Base Camp fabric is 100% recycled and also has a DWR finish, but it’s heavier and built for more demanding conditions. It offers stronger protection against extended wear and tear. Your choice comes down to whether you’d rather save weight or have extra ruggedness.
Size and Capacity Differences
The Voyager 21 Roller is compact at 14 x 9.38 x 21.5 inches, making it a good option for shorter trips. It holds 40 liters, while the Rolling Thunder 28 goes up to 95 liters for extended journeys. If portability matters, the Voyager 29 Roller at 16.5 x 9.63 x 28.75 inches is easier to maneuver. The Voyager line is lighter overall, with the 21 Roller at 6 lbs 13 oz compared to the Rolling Thunder 28 at 11 lbs 3 oz. If you want versatility, the Voyager is the better pick. If you need maximum storage, the standard line delivers.
Organization Features Overview
Organization can make a big difference in how smoothly you travel. The Voyager line does well here, with mesh pockets, zippered dividers, and adjustable compartments to keep your belongings sorted. Both lines have external secure-zip pockets for quick access to essentials, but Voyager bags often include dedicated laptop sleeves that the standard Rolling Thunder models generally skip. Compression straps in the Voyager keep items from shifting during transit. Picking the right model can make your packing routine noticeably faster and less stressful.
Carrying Options Available
The Voyager series offers several ways to carry your bag. Bottom and side handles make it easy to grab quickly, and most models include padded shoulder straps for longer periods of wear. Some bags, like the Travel Pack, have a pass-through attachment that connects directly to rolling luggage. The Sling Bag adds an adjustable padded shoulder strap with a built-in phone pocket, useful for commutes or day travel. All models use water-repellent materials and include secure-zip pockets for easy access while you’re on the move.
Weight and Portability Factors
The Voyager series is lighter than the Rolling Thunder line across the board. The Base Camp Voyager 21 Roller weighs just 6 lbs 13 oz, compared to 11 lbs 3 oz for the Base Camp Rolling Thunder 28. Voyager bags use a lighter recycled polyester fabric that still handles tough conditions well. Multiple carrying handles and smooth-rolling wheels on the roller models make moving through airports easier. The Voyager 29 Roller at 16.5 x 9.63 x 28.75 inches is a solid option for travelers who want more capacity without the added weight of the standard line.
Versatility for Outdoor Use
The Voyager series is built for outdoor use. All models use water-repellent materials that handle light rain without issue. Multiple carrying options, including handles, straps, and shoulder attachments, give you flexibility across different activities. Internal compression straps and mesh pockets keep gear organized whether you’re packing light or heading out for several days. Reflective accents on many models improve visibility in low-light conditions. Models like the Travel Pack and Sling include dedicated laptop or tablet sleeves to keep your devices protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Materials Are Used in the North Face Base Camp Bags?
The Rolling Thunder line uses 1000D recycled polyester with a PVC coating, giving it excellent durability and weather resistance. The Voyager line uses a lighter 300D recycled polyester tarpaulin with TPU laminate for the main body, with a DWR-coated recycled nylon lower section for abrasion resistance. Both lines handle wet conditions well.
Are the Wheels on Base Camp Voyager Bags Replaceable?
No, the wheels on Base Camp Voyager bags aren’t replaceable. If they wear out or get damaged, you’ll need to consider repairing or replacing the entire bag to maintain full functionality.
Can the Base Camp Voyager Bags Be Locked for Security?
Yes, you can lock the Base Camp Voyager bags for security. Use a standard luggage lock on the zippers to keep your belongings secure while you travel.
How Do the Base Camp Bags Compare in Weight?
Voyager bags are lighter than the standard Rolling Thunder models. The Voyager 21 Roller weighs 6 lbs 13 oz, while the Rolling Thunder 28 comes in at 11 lbs 3 oz. The difference is noticeable when you’re carrying them through airports or lifting them into overhead bins.
Are There Color Options Available for the Base Camp Voyager?
Yes, the Base Camp Voyager line comes in several color options. The specific choices vary by model, but TNF Black/TNF White is available across most of them. Check the product listing on Amazon for the current color options on the model you want.
Conclusion
Both the Voyager and Rolling Thunder lines are solid investments if you travel regularly. Go with the Voyager series if you want something lighter with more flexible organization and carry-on convenience. The Rolling Thunder is the stronger choice if you need heavy-duty durability and maximum packing capacity for longer, more demanding trips. Either way, you’re getting North Face build quality and recycled materials built to hold up over time.