I’ve been using the North Face Gilman Duffle for about eighteen months now – weekend trips, flights, gym sessions, and one memorable occasion where it got thrown around a cargo hold and dragged through an airport in the rain. It still looks rough around the edges but functions perfectly. The backpack straps converted me from being a suitcase person; walking through a crowded terminal with my hands free instead of wrestling with wheels is genuinely better. Is it worth the money? For frequent travellers who want something indestructible, yes. For occasional weekenders, there are cheaper options that would serve you fine.
What You Get
The Gilman uses a laminated ballistic nylon exterior that handles rough treatment well. The base and corners are reinforced – important for airport floors and cargo holds. The main compartment opens wide via a U-shaped zip, making packing straightforward.
Carrying options:
- Padded backpack straps that stow away when not in use
- Side handles for lifting
- Detachable shoulder strap
- Top grab handle
The backpack straps make a real difference for longer walks. A traditional duffle gets uncomfortable quickly; this one distributes weight across your shoulders.
Organisation:
- Main compartment with wide opening
- Internal mesh pocket for smaller items
- External zippered pocket for quick access
It’s not heavily organised, which is fine for most duffle use. If you want compartments for everything, a different style suits better.
Sizes Available
Size
Capacity
Dimensions
Best For
XS
25L
45 x 30 x 28cm
Gym, day trips
S
50L
53 x 32 x 32cm
Weekends, carry-on
M
71L
61 x 38 x 38cm
Week-long trips
L
95L
70 x 40 x 40cm
Extended travel
XL
132L
75 x 45 x 45cm
Expeditions, group gear
The Small (50L) fits carry-on requirements for most airlines and handles weekend trips comfortably. The Medium (71L) is the sweet spot for checked luggage on longer holidays.
Durability
This is where the Gilman earns its price. The laminated fabric genuinely resists water – I’ve walked through rain with it and the contents stayed dry. The stitching has held up through eighteen months of regular use and occasional abuse. The bottom of mine is scuffed from airport floors, but it’s cosmetic damage only.
The zippers are robust – this matters more than people realise. Cheap duffles fail at the zippers first. The YKK zippers on the Gilman show no signs of wear on mine.
What I’ve noticed after extended use:
- The backpack straps feel thin when the bag is fully loaded. Fine for walking through airports, less comfortable for longer carries.
- Black fabric shows dust and dirt. Wipe it down occasionally.
- When the main compartment is open, it’s wide open – no security zip across the top. Keep an eye on it at busy bag drops.
How It Compares
vs Patagonia Black Hole: Similar quality and price. Black Hole has slightly better internal organisation and a strong environmental angle. Gilman has better backpack straps.
vs Osprey Transporter: Osprey offers more structure and better organisation. North Face is more packable and slightly lighter.
vs cheap alternatives: Budget duffles fail at zippers, stitching, and water resistance. The Gilman costs more but lasts longer. If you travel frequently, it’s worth the investment.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Durable materials that handle abuse
- Backpack mode genuinely useful
- Wide opening makes packing easy
- Multiple size options
- North Face warranty and reputation
Cons:
- Price is mid-to-high range
- Limited internal organisation
- Gets dusty/dirty looking quickly
- Backpack straps could be more padded
The Verdict
Eighteen months in, I don’t regret the purchase. The Gilman has handled everything I’ve thrown at it and still works like new. The backpack mode alone justifies the price if you’re tired of wheeled luggage. It’s not cheap, and it’s not the lightest option, but it does what it’s supposed to do reliably.
Best for: Frequent travellers, weekend trips, gym use, anyone who values durability over features
Skip if: You want lots of organisation and pockets, need something ultra-light, or only travel once or twice a year (a cheaper bag will serve you fine)
