OffroadAdmin
Bottom Line
The North Face Basecamp Voyager is a streamlined and practical backpack for everyday commutes, short trips, and light-packing travelers. Built from recycled polyester with a water-repellent finish, it balances sustainability with functionality. Its simple yet durable design makes it one of our favorite travel backpacks.
At 35 liters, the backpack is roomy enough for most items and features a removable internal divider, padded laptop sleeve, and mesh zippered pockets to keep us organized. However, the Basecamp Voyager lacks the space needed for longer trips. Without any compression straps or waist belt, it does not compact as well as others and lacks the support needed for carrying heavier loads. Still, its rugged exterior and refined features make it a great option for those searching for a simple and reliable backpack for shorter travels.
How We Tested
Every travel backpack tested got put through a standardized packing test where we investigated the organization of the bag by packing it with everything we needed for a five-day trip. We carried the bag up and down stairs, through airports, and on trails to test its durability, comfort, and performance across multiple months of use.
Quick Specs
The North Face Base Camp Voyager
Great backpack for weekend trips
CleverHiker Rating:
4.4
Price:
$170
Volume:
35 L
Weight:
3 lb. 6 oz.
Dimensions:
19 x 12 x 6 in
Pros
- Rubberized exterior
- Good organization
- External zip pockets
- Compact size
- Laptop compartment
Cons
- No waistbelt
- Clamshell opening doesn’t lay flat
Organization & Storage
The Basecamp Voyager is a relatively simple backpack when it comes to organization and storage. A removable internal divider helps break up that backpack, and the clamshell design opens wide for easy access. A zippered mesh pocket on the inside of the lid is great for smaller items like toiletries or smaller clothing items. The inside lining is the same black as the rest of the bag, making it hard to see and find items we packed. However, the dedicated laptop sleeve is excellent – with room for both a tablet and 16-inch computer. Its fleece lining is soft and does not scratch fragile electronics.
We found this pack has its place for lighter loads or minimalist weekend packers. Even though it lacks the volume to carry a full week of clothes and gear, it is a great weekender or day pack.
Features
With a thick, recycled polyester tarpaulin with TPU lining, the Basecamp Voyager has excellent durability. 840-denier recycled nylon treated with a non-PFC DWR finish gives it great weather resistance; however, the zippers are unsealed, giving the pack a potential weak point to moisture.
The Basecamp Voyager is a standard backpack. Unlike many packs we reviewed, it cannot convert to a duffel. However, it does have a great pass-through area behind the back panel to hook onto the handle of a rolling suitcase.
We love the two zippered pockets on the exterior for quick-access essentials like electronics, pens, or snacks. An elastic water bottle holder keeps bottles secure, and three handles around the bag make it easy to grab and carry in different orientations.
Comfort & Fit
The Basecamp voyager has a relatively small frame size, making it a better fit for smaller torsos. Without any adjustments to the frame size, it lacks the adjustability of other backpacks. The open-cell foam shoulder straps and back panel are comfortable with light loads, but they are not our top choice for long walks with heavy gear. Without a waistbelt and with a frame that easily folds in half, the pack only provides so much support before our shoulders get uncomfortable. This may not be the best pack for travels that require long walks with heavy gear, but it is good enough for running across the airport with a light weekend load.
Durability & Protection
The TPU-coated exterior gives a great, rubberized feeling to the fabric that is scratch- and abrasion-resistant. The pack’s slightly box-like structure protects its contents and is sturdy enough to haul from transport to transport. We particularly like the fleece-lined and well-padded laptop sleeve for protecting our electronics while in transit. Overall, we are impressed with this relatively lightweight pack’s durability.
Should You Buy The North Face Base Camp Voyager?
If you’re looking for a smaller pack for lighter loads, the Basecamp Voyager is an excellent choice. With a 35-liter volume, its smaller size makes it perfect for weekend trips, commuting, and shorter-duration travel. With a removable divider in the main compartment, a well-padded laptop sleeve, and two large zippered pockets on the outside, the Basecamp Voyager is simple yet feature enough for light packers. The lack of a strong frame and supportive waistbelt limit the weight capacity of this pack, yet it’s fine for short trips or as an accessory to a larger volume back. With its excellent durability and sleek black design, the Basecamp Voyager is a versatile backpack for travelers.
What Other Travel Backpacks Should You Consider?
Check out our full gear guide to see all of our favorite travel backpacks.
Thule Aion Review: Another backpack loaded with features, the Aion has slightly more volume for longer trips.
Osprey Nebula 32 Review: Lighter and more trim than the Basecamp Voyager, the Nebula makes a great commuter or day pack.
Nomatic 30L Review: More similar to a suitcase, the Nomatic offers a similar capacity to the Basecamp Voyager but with more features dedicated to travel.
