The destructible, indestructible North Face Base Camp Duffle.



North Face Base Camp Duffle

The Base Camp Duffle after two trips.

I have wanted a North Face Base Camp Duffle for a long, long time. Almost since they came out. One reason is they just looked cool. The other and the main reason was they seemed indestructible. The PVC coated nylon looked as if it would be water proof and be, as we say completely “bomber”. So finally I shelled out the mulla and picked out a bright yellow XL. I took it to Indonesia and then here to Penang. The first time it was not very full. The second it was packed to the hilt. After arriving into Malaysia I noticed a big whole forming in the lower end near the seam. In fact the seam is coming un-stitched as well. I could not believe it, This was the indestructible North Face Base Camp Duffle how could it have a hole in it! Well, all I have to do is call The North Face and tell them and they will surely say, “Send it on back, we’ll replace it!” So I called them, long distance from Malaysia all the way to the USA. I, to their credit got warranty repair service right away. So I told the nice young man on the line the situation and waited for his response. Dead air… Finally the awkward silence was broken by his, “So, what do you want us to do about it?” Huh? I want you to say “So sorry, please send it back to us and we will replace it.” But, what I got was “Oh, well we don’t warranty against holes.” Well, then why do you make the think look like a tank! I thought the whole idea was it is tough, indestructible, bomb proof! Sorry, North Face you dropped a couple of notches in my book today. Fortunately I bought it through REI and they warranty everything, workmanship, holes even your dislike of the color once you get it home. Too bad The North Face doesn’t cover their technical gear like it is going to be used in technical environments!

This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 3rd, 2008 at 10:09 am and is filed under Blog, Reviews, Travel and tagged with , . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.

  • Gavin Gough

    Can’t tell you how well-timed this is Matt. Well, I can actually :)

    I was looking at these yesterday and very nearly bought one for the same reasons you did. I didn’t though, simply because I’m in the market for a few items of new gear and thought I’d search online first.

    I’ve crossed the North Face duffle off my list. Thanks for pointing it out. And shabby customer service from North Face. Tut tut. I’ll think twice before investing in their gear.

  • Gavin Gough

    Can’t tell you how well-timed this is Matt. Well, I can actually :) I was looking at these yesterday and very nearly bought one for the same reasons you did. I didn’t though, simply because I’m in the market for a few items of new gear and thought I’d search online first.I’ve crossed the North Face duffle off my list. Thanks for pointing it out. And shabby customer service from North Face. Tut tut. I’ll think twice before investing in their gear.

  • Gavin Gough

    Can’t tell you how well-timed this is Matt. Well, I can actually :) I was looking at these yesterday and very nearly bought one for the same reasons you did. I didn’t though, simply because I’m in the market for a few items of new gear and thought I’d search online first.I’ve crossed the North Face duffle off my list. Thanks for pointing it out. And shabby customer service from North Face. Tut tut. I’ll think twice before investing in their gear.

  • David

    I still love mine.

    And speaking of lousy customer service – Canon Canada continues the tradition of crap service on a worldwide basis from Canon. I have a large artifact in the middle of my 85/1.2L and all Canon CPS can say is “well there’s alot of glass in that lens so little dust spots look bigger than usual.” It’s a freaking CORN FLAKE, not a dust spot…

    jerks.

  • David

    I still love mine.And speaking of lousy customer service – Canon Canada continues the tradition of crap service on a worldwide basis from Canon. I have a large artifact in the middle of my 85/1.2L and all Canon CPS can say is “well there’s alot of glass in that lens so little dust spots look bigger than usual.” It’s a freaking CORN FLAKE, not a dust spot…jerks.

  • David

    I still love mine.And speaking of lousy customer service – Canon Canada continues the tradition of crap service on a worldwide basis from Canon. I have a large artifact in the middle of my 85/1.2L and all Canon CPS can say is “well there’s alot of glass in that lens so little dust spots look bigger than usual.” It’s a freaking CORN FLAKE, not a dust spot…jerks.

  • Gavin Gough

    Canon really do themselves a disservice with that kind of response. And especially as it’s supposedly the “Professional” support network. I’ve told you about Canon in the UK before, their pro support is all but non-existent. I don’t understand it.

    Are they going to get that lens cleaned for you David?

  • Gavin Gough

    Canon really do themselves a disservice with that kind of response. And especially as it’s supposedly the “Professional” support network. I’ve told you about Canon in the UK before, their pro support is all but non-existent. I don’t understand it.Are they going to get that lens cleaned for you David?

  • Gavin Gough

    Canon really do themselves a disservice with that kind of response. And especially as it’s supposedly the “Professional” support network. I’ve told you about Canon in the UK before, their pro support is all but non-existent. I don’t understand it.Are they going to get that lens cleaned for you David?

  • David

    Nope, they did nothing for me. The camera store sourced a new lens for me and exchanged it.

  • David

    Nope, they did nothing for me. The camera store sourced a new lens for me and exchanged it.

  • David

    Nope, they did nothing for me. The camera store sourced a new lens for me and exchanged it.

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