3 Best North Face Dive Bags for Divers Compared (2026)

Updated November 2026

Shopping for a north face dive bag means balancing two things: how much dive gear you need to haul, and how you plan to carry it. Some divers want a bag that handles a full kit on a boat deck, while others mostly need something for travel, the gym, or daily commuting that can double as a dry-gear carrier. The three picks below were chosen by checking manufacturer specifications, overall brand reputation for pack durability, and recurring owner feedback about padding, zipper quality, and organization. None of these were tested in the water by us, so confirm details against the current listing before buying.

Our Top Picks

Product	Best for	Key feature
The North Face Women’s Borealis Backpack	Everyday carry and light travel	Laptop sleeve and reflective details
Hollis Duffle Dive Bag	Travel and boat days with bulkier gear	Duffle format for packing dive kit
The North Face Base Camp Voyager Messenger Bag	Commuting and city use	Messenger design with a padded laptop compartment

The North Face Women’s Borealis Backpack, Tin Gy Dk Hth, OSFA

Best for: Everyday carry and light travel

This is the most versatile option here. It suits a diver who wants one bag for the office, the gym, and a weekend trip to the coast, and who is comfortable carrying a few pieces of lightweight gear such as a mask, snorkel, fins booties, and a rash guard. It is less suited to a full regulator-and-BCD kit.

Key specs

• Backpack format with shoulder straps
• Laptop sleeve included
• Reflective details for low-light visibility
• One size (OSFA)

Pros

• Comfortable to carry for long walks through airports or piers
• Laptop sleeve keeps electronics separate from wet items
• Reflective trim helps in early-morning or dusk boat loading

Cons

• Not designed as a waterproof dry bag, so wet gear needs a separate liner or bag
• Limited capacity compared with a dedicated duffle for full dive kits

Bottom line: A strong choice for divers who want one bag that works on land and on the dive trip, as long as wet gear is managed separately.

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Hollis Duffle Dive Bag

Best for: Travel and boat days with bulkier gear

This is a duffle-style dive bag, which makes it the better fit for divers who pack full sets of exposure protection, fins, and accessories and need an open top for quick loading. It works well for weekend charters and for divers who fly with a checked or carry-on dive bag.

Key specs

• Duffle format with a wide opening for bulky items
• Designed specifically as a dive bag

Pros

• Easy to load and unload quickly on a crowded dive deck
• Duffle shape packs bulky wetsuits and boots efficiently
• Suits divers who prefer a simple, open layout

Cons

• Fewer compartments than a multi-pocket backpack, so organization is up to you
• Open-top designs need care to keep sand and salt water from spreading inside

Bottom line: The best pick here for divers who prioritize capacity and quick loading over pockets and laptop protection.

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The North Face Base Camp Voyager Messenger Bag, TNF Black/TNF White, OS

Best for: Commuting and city use

This messenger bag suits a diver who spends most of the week in town and needs something that carries a laptop, a water bottle, and a towel, with a dedicated place for a small dive accessory set. It is not designed to hold a full dive kit, so it works best as a secondary bag.

Key specs

• Messenger (crossbody) format
• One size (OS)
• Colorway: TNF Black / TNF White

Pros

• Crossbody style keeps hands free while walking to a dive shop or pier
• Compact enough for a day trip with a single mask and snorkel
• Clean design that works in and out of dive settings

Cons

• Too small for a full set of wetsuit, BCD, and regulator
• Not a waterproof bag, so it needs a dry liner for anything salty or wet

Bottom line: Choose this if you need a daily carry that also handles small dive accessories, not as your main gear hauler.

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Buying Guide

Capacity and what you actually carry

Before comparing bags, list what goes in your dive bag on a typical trip. A mask, snorkel, fins, and booties fit easily in most bags above. A full wetsuit, BCD, and regulator usually need a duffle with a volume closer to the upper end of what is offered. Measure the bulkiest item you carry, usually the wetsuit folded, and check it against the bag’s listed dimensions before you buy.

Good picks for this: Hollis Duffle Dive Bag, The North Face Women’s Borealis Backpack

Format: backpack, duffle, or messenger

Backpacks distribute weight across both shoulders and suit longer walks from parking to the dock. Duffles load fast and handle awkward shapes. Messenger bags are good for daily carry but limited for dive kits. Think about how far you walk with your gear and how many times you lift the bag per day.

Good picks for this: The North Face Women’s Borealis Backpack, Hollis Duffle Dive Bag

Water resistance and dry storage

Most standard bags are not fully waterproof. Look for a bag marketed as a dive or dry bag if you need protection from salt water and sand, or plan to use a separate dry liner for wet gear. Keep wet items away from electronics and clothing, and rinse and air-dry gear before packing to limit mildew.

Good picks for this: Hollis Duffle Dive Bag, The North Face Base Camp Voyager Messenger Bag

Organization and pockets

Separate compartments help you keep wet and dry items apart. A laptop sleeve or internal pocket protects electronics. Count the number of pockets you will realistically use. Too many small pockets can make a bag slower to pack on a boat deck.

Good picks for this: The North Face Women’s Borealis Backpack, The North Face Base Camp Voyager Messenger Bag

Strap comfort and load distribution

Check strap width, padding, and adjustability. Load a bag with several kilograms of gear and walk around the store if possible. A load that feels comfortable at ten minutes may feel heavy after thirty. Crossbody straps are comfortable for light loads but can strain one shoulder when packed heavily.

Good picks for this: The North Face Women’s Borealis Backpack, The North Face Base Camp Voyager Messenger Bag

Durability and materials

Check zipper quality, seam construction, and the fabric denier if listed. Owners often report that zippers and webbing fail before the main fabric, so inspect hardware closely. Rinse the bag after every salt-water trip and dry it out of direct sunlight to extend its life.

Good picks for this: Hollis Duffle Dive Bag, The North Face Base Camp Voyager Messenger Bag

Care and storage between trips

Empty the bag fully, rinse inside and out with fresh water, and let it dry with the main compartment open. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sun. Trapped moisture is the most common reason dive bags develop odor and mildew.

Good picks for this: Hollis Duffle Dive Bag, The North Face Women’s Borealis Backpack

FAQ

Is a North Face dive bag waterproof?

Most of these bags are not fully waterproof. Use a separate dry bag or liner for wet gear and anything you do not want exposed to salt water.

Can I carry a full set of scuba gear in a North Face bag?

The duffle-style Hollis option is the better fit for bulky items. Backpacks and messenger bags are more suited to lighter kit such as masks, snorkels, and fins.

Which North Face bag is best for travel?

The Borealis Backpack works well for carry-on and everyday travel, while a duffle handles larger dive loads better on check-in or boat transfers.

How do I clean a dive bag after a salt-water trip?

Rinse the inside and outside with fresh water, remove any sand, and air-dry it open. Avoid direct sun for long periods, as heat can fade fabric and weaken seams.

Do I need a separate bag for wet gear?

Yes, in most cases. Wet wetsuits, masks, and fins should be kept in a dry liner or separate bag so they do not soak other items or electronics.

Is the messenger bag big enough for diving?

It is best used as a secondary bag for a laptop, towel, and small accessories. A full dive kit will not fit comfortably.

How should I choose between a backpack and a duffle?

Choose a backpack if you walk long distances or want hands-free carry. Choose a duffle if you need quick loading, more volume, or easy access to bulky gear.

Conclusion

For most divers who want one bag for daily life and light dive trips, The North Face Women’s Borealis Backpack is the most practical pick. If your priority is hauling bulkier dive gear and loading quickly on a boat, the Hollis Duffle Dive Bag is the better match. The North Face Base Camp Voyager Messenger Bag suits commuting and small accessory carry rather than full dive kits. Match the bag to your heaviest typical load, and use a dry liner for wet gear regardless of which you choose. If you have questions about your specific gear or medical considerations, consult a dive professional.

Sources

• Product safety guidance on bags, straps, and carrying equipment (cpsc.gov)
• Guidance on water safety and handling equipment near open water (nps.gov)
• Workplace guidance on safe lifting and carrying of heavy loads (osha.gov)

Related reading

• Tusa Dive Gear Roller Duffle Bag: 5 Best Picks for Divers (2026)
• Top 5 Best Waterproof Dive Bags Compared for Divers
• Sourcevitchelo 30l Waterproof Bag Source Dive In: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

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