North Face delivers a tank that'll outlast most marriages. Users describe throwing it off cliffs (metaphorically) and it shrugging off abuse like nothing happened.
- •Bombproof materials: Multiple reviews rave about the thick, rugged material like truck tarpaulin and ballistic canvas that seems virtually indestructible
- •Hardware that won't quit: Chunky, solid zippers that don't snag plus thick grab handles unlikely to come away even with heavy loads
- •Design trade-offs: Missing internal organization frustrates some, and backpack straps are too thin for extended carries. Newer models removed padlock eyelets, annoying security-conscious users
- •Reddit reality check: Community reports quality decline in recent years, with some bags falling apart despite lifetime warranty claims
Bottom line: Still a beast of a bag that can take serious punishment, but the glory days might be behind it. At $160, it's solid BIFL territory if you get a good one, though cheaper alternatives like Fuji Comp are nipping at its heels.