The North Face Base Camp Gear Box – Large is a purpose-built storage solution designed for outdoor enthusiasts, expedition teams, and anyone who needs durable, stackable organisation for gear. Unlike traditional duffels or backpacks, this gear box functions more like a portable locker—offering structure, protection, and modularity whether you’re packing for a mountain trip or organising your garage.
Built with the same legendary materials as The North Face’s Base Camp Duffel series, the Gear Box is engineered to withstand rough handling, wet conditions, and heavy loads. It’s not just a bag—it’s a mobile base station for your equipment.
Materials and Construction
The Gear Box is constructed from ultra-durable, recycled polyester fabric with a TPU laminate. This material is known for its resistance to abrasion, moisture, and UV exposure. It’s the same bombproof fabric used in The North Face’s expedition-grade duffels, making it ideal for rugged environments.
The box features reinforced stitching, a moulded EVA base for structure and stability, and folding metal kickstands that allow it to stand upright when open. These kickstands also collapse flat, making the box stackable and easy to store when not in use.
The lid is a top-loader design with a zippered closure, and the clear window panel lets you see what’s inside without opening it. This is especially useful when stacking multiple boxes or storing gear in dimly lit areas.
Size and Capacity
The “Large” version of the Base Camp Gear Box offers generous internal volume, suitable for storing climbing gear, hiking equipment, winter layers, or even camera kits. While exact litre capacity isn’t specified, users report it comfortably holds bulky items like helmets, ropes, boots, and jackets.
Its dimensions are designed to fit neatly into car boots, gear closets, or base camp setups. The structured shape means it doesn’t collapse or deform under weight, making it ideal for stacking multiple boxes during transport or storage.
Organisation and Features
Inside the Gear Box, you’ll find a spacious main compartment with external sleeves for smaller items. These sleeves are perfect for storing gloves, maps, headlamps, or tools you want quick access to. The box doesn’t include internal dividers, which gives you flexibility to use packing cubes or dry bags depending on your gear.
The dual carry system includes duffel-style handles and side grab handles, allowing you to carry it horizontally or vertically. This is especially helpful when loading gear into vehicles or moving between camp setups.
The clear window panel is a standout feature—it lets you identify contents at a glance, which is a huge time-saver when managing multiple boxes or coordinating group gear.
Durability and Weather Resistance
The Base Camp Gear Box is not fully waterproof, but it offers excellent water resistance thanks to its laminated fabric and sealed seams. It can handle rain, snow, and muddy conditions without soaking through, though it’s not designed for submersion.
The rigid base and reinforced sides protect contents from impact and compression, making it suitable for fragile gear like electronics or optics when paired with padding.
Users report that the box holds up well to repeated use, including being tossed into truck beds, dragged across gravel, and exposed to harsh weather. The zippers remain functional over time, and the kickstands don’t warp or bend under load.
Use Cases
This gear box is ideal for:
- Climbers and mountaineers: Store ropes, harnesses, helmets, and protection in one organised container.
- Overlanders and vanlifers: Use it as a modular drawer system for clothing, cooking gear, or tools.
- Photographers and content creators: Pack lighting, tripods, and accessories with confidence.
- Skiers and snowboarders: Keep boots, goggles, and layers dry and sorted.
- Home organisation: Store seasonal gear, emergency kits, or sports equipment in a garage or shed.
Its stackable design and clear window make it especially useful for people managing multiple kits or rotating gear throughout the year.
Comparison with Similar Gear Boxes
| Feature | TNF Base Camp Gear Box – Large | Patagonia Black Hole Cube 10L | Yeti LoadOut GoBox 30 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Recycled polyester with TPU laminate | Recycled ripstop polyester | Injection-moulded plastic |
| Waterproofing | Water-resistant | Water-resistant | Waterproof and dustproof |
| Structure | Semi-rigid with folding kickstands | Soft-sided | Fully rigid |
| Stackable Design | Yes | No | Yes |
| Visibility Window | Yes | No | No |
| Price Range | £135 | £45–£60 | £250–£280 |
The North Face Gear Box offers a unique middle ground between soft duffels and hard cases. It’s more structured than a cube, more flexible than a GoBox, and easier to stack than most soft-sided organisers.
Customer Feedback
While reviews are still limited, early users rate the Gear Box highly for its durability, ease of use, and smart design. One reviewer noted that it “feels like a portable locker” and praised the clear window for helping them stay organised during a multi-day climbing trip.
Others appreciate the recycled materials and rugged build, though some wish for internal dividers or waterproof zippers. Overall, it’s seen as a reliable, well-built solution for gear-heavy lifestyles.
Final Verdict
The North Face Base Camp Gear Box – Large is a versatile, durable, and thoughtfully designed storage solution for outdoor gear. It combines the toughness of expedition-grade materials with the convenience of modular organisation. Whether you’re heading into the mountains, packing for a road trip, or organising your gear at home, this box delivers real-world utility with premium build quality.
Its stackable shape, water-resistant fabric, and visibility window make it a standout option for anyone who needs to manage gear efficiently. While it’s not the cheapest option on the market, its performance and longevity justify the investment for serious adventurers.
