Best American Duffel (Bad Bags) vs Sea to Summit Nomad Duffel

[troutbum1]

Not sure this really fits under camping equipment. I've been checking both of these out online but have had no experience with either of them. I've read reviews on each including the one Christophe posted on this site on the Sea to Summit. I'm looking for one that will hold a week or so of travel. Does anyone own/use/seen both of these in a side by side comparison? They're both comparable in toughness but would appreciate some real world advice and recommendations.

Thanks for any thoughts you're able to share.

TG

 

[STREGA]

I have been using a Bad Bags duffel for about 7 years and it has held up very well, only the bad bags label is falling apart. Never have used the sea to summit duffel but have one of their drybags and it is holding up just fine as well, I'am sure either one will get the job done for you.

 

[robert]

I've never seen a BAD, I have seen a Sea to Summit. When I was looking at various bags years ago I settled on the North Face Base Camp duffels and have no problems recommending them- I've got three of them in different sizes. I prefer the older style with the longer carry handles as they can be quickly slung on your shoulder when grabbing them off the luggage claim belt, off the helo-deck on oil rigs, out of a vehicle, etc. but I guess the new style is ok as well. I like the way there is a flap over the zipper which helps keep out water; they're not waterproof but I've had them in pouring rain with no leakage. The zippers lock together to make it harder to get into as well. I've tossed them around pretty good including on the tops of buses and my old VW camper, strapped the smaller one on the back of motorcycles, back and forth to oil rigs and traveled budget airlines and they've held up fine.

 

[OCD Overland]

The north face duffels are far and away the best.

 

[Christophe Noel]

The north face duffels are far and away the best.

True enough. I've used my Base Camp duffels all over the world. They were
the best.

However, the Sea to Summit duffel is simply–––better. And by a pretty significant margin. The double-track zipper system, larger opening, trapezoidal shape with a wide base, better pack straps, it's just better all the way around. And in my opinion it smokes the BAD Duffels every day of the week.

I have my Sea to Summit duffel loaded and by the door. On Wednesday I leave for 25 days in Peru. In August it goes with me to Canada. In December I'll take it to Chile for a month. It pains me to see my four Base Camp duffels rot in a closet, but the Sea to Summit bag is just awesome. Nearly perfect.

 

[Corey]

I own two of the BAD ones, I like them very much, and I like that they are made in my state.

 

[troutbum1]

Thank you for your comments

Just wanted to thank everyone who offered advice for my request. Looks like I'll have to check all of these suggestions out firsthand and go from there.

Regards

 

[Kmrtnsn]

I have half a dozen sea bags with the side zipper. I cut off the backpack straps. At about $20 each I've found them tough to beat.