The North Face Rolling Thunder 36" Review

The 2018 Rolling Thunder vs. the 2017 Version

As far as we can tell, the major change on the new Rolling Thunder is the wheel size and shape. The new wheels are flat on the bottom instead of rounded, allowing for more contact with the ground and hopefully improved traction. The North Face also upped the price of the Rolling Thunder 36" to $349. In the images below, you can see the new version (left) compared to the old version (right).

Since we haven't tested the latest version of this bag, the following review text pertains to the previous model of the Rolling Thunder.

Hands-On Review of The North Face Rolling Thunder 36

We included the Rolling Thunder 36" because if you are one of the few people who needs a 9458 cubic inch (155 liters) piece of luggage, then we think this model is one of the best. For most people, this bag is too big from a volume perspective, but if you're someone who needs to travel with higher volume items (hopefully low weight/higher volume items), then this bag is tough to beat. It's literally one of the most durable models we've ever tested, featuring the most robust fabrics in our review. Its frame is plenty strong enough for outings where you aren't restrained to 50-pounds, and you can pack this duffel with whatever you'd like.

Ease of Transport

The Rolling Thunder is an “easy” way to move a huge pile of gear around. Not only is it a step above any non-wheeled model, but it also features larger than average wheels, which roll over unpaved surfaces like grass, cobbled paths, or gravel roads better than most rollers we've used. The only model we tested that featured larger diameter wheels was the Eagle Creek Gear Warrior; as a result of the massive wheels, we were able to roll over uneven ground with ease. There are grab loops on all sides of the Rolling Thunder, which makes it easy to yank it off buses, luggage, carousels, or other above-ground surfaces.

The only thing we didn't love about the most massive size (Rolling Thunder 36") is that it didn't feature an extendable handle. Instead, it features two angled grab loops that perform just fine and are much better than the previous versions that have un-angled loops. However, we prefer an actual handle, which gives the user more leverage and control. We understand the reason The North Face has designed this bag, which is to reduce weight on what is an already heavy duffel. However, this does affect a person's ability to manage the bag when it's fully loaded. The North Face Rolling Thunder, along with the other smaller sizes, does feature a super stiff, durable and comfortable extendable handle. The Rolling Thunder models come with a strap to help attach other luggage to the outside, which makes toting gear around much more manageable.

Ease of Packing

Ease of packing and organization are one of the primary reasons to buy a model from the Rolling Thunder collection. All volumes are easy to pack and scored above average; in fact, it bested our Editors' Choice, the Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled. The “D” shaped opening allows for easy loading, even when packed to the gills.

Under the lid, you'll find two mesh zipper pockets that make it simple to stow easy to lose items. The 36" Rolling Thunder features a separate compartment, which can be accessed by a zipper near the top of the bag, increasing organization. All the Rolling Thunder models feature a flat (ish) pocket along the outside of the duffel (ideal for small items or travel documents), as well as a smaller zippered pocket near the top.

The Rolling Thunder features compression straps that help make the bag more manageable when not loaded all the way up, and also help minimize the stress on the zippers.

Durability

The Rolling Thunder is freaking tough. Made of the same material as the tried and true The North Face Base Camp Duffel (1000D polyester laminate), it has been reinforced by an even burlier fabric (1680D nylon instead of the Base Camp's ultra burly 840D) that is as stout as we've seen. We think the Rolling Thunder is the most durable roller in our fleet and one of the burliest pieces of wheeled luggage we have ever seen. It's tougher than the similar feeling fabric found on the Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled and bests the Eagle Creek Gear Warrior with ease.

Weight

At 10 pounds 4 oz for the 155L size (the 36-inch size reviewed here), weight is the primary downside of this model, as well as the rest of the Rolling Thunder collection. For that extra pound, you do get a lot of durability, pockets, a robust frame, and weather resistance. Unfortunately, that's also 1-2 pounds of your gear that you don't get to bring. When comparing sizes, the Rolling Thunder 80-liter model weighs in at 9 pounds 14 ounces, while the Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled 120-liter contender was 8 pounds 10 ounces. If you were to opt for the 70-liter Black Hole model, the bag would weigh 7 pounds 8 ounces.

Weather Resistance

The Rolling Thunder is highly water resistant. During our side-by-side testing, our team sprayed all the pieces in our review with water for one minute. The Rolling Thunder came out near the top of the review. It features nearly the same water resistance as the Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled Duffel and The North Face Base Camp Duffel, and was more water resistant than the Marmot Long Hauler. It is WAY more water resistant than 99% of wheeled bags out there; so if water resistance is an important factor to you, this roller is worth considering.

Best Applications

The Rolling Thunder 36" is a behemoth, but has a robust enough frame to handle its massive pack-able space. While for most potential users the 36" model is best for large-volume/lower-weight type gear and equipment, as it already weights just over 10 pounds leaving only 40 pounds of stuff to fill this bags review-biggest 9458 in3 (155 liters) volume before hitting most airlines 50-pound limit. It's just okay to use as a dolly as the Rolling Thunder 36" doesn't feature an extendable handle meaning most of the time you have to completely attach another bag via straps or other means rather than just balancing a separate bag on an extended handle.

Value

At $349, this model isn't cheap, but we found it to be a reasonable value. This bag features the thickest and most durable fabrics and construction of any model in our review, meaning it's built to last. It also doesn't cut any corners when it comes to features and design, offering plenty of pockets compartments to help with organization. Its only real downside is that it weighs in at 10 pounds four ounces, which means you are that much more likely to have to pay excess baggage fees (unless you happen to be carrying higher-volume/lower-weight type equipment).

Conclusion

The North Face Rolling Thunder 36" is a super sweet wheeled duffel that is packed full of rad features. It nearly earned a Top Pick award but was just barely edged out by its heavier weight and lack of an extendable handle. It offers some excellent advantages and will last longer than almost any piece of luggage we've seen. It is extremely water resistant, super easy to pack, has a nice amount of additional pockets for easier organization, and can be wheeled across uneven surfaces with ease. If you need to move a lot of bulk and a 50-pound weight limit doesn't restrict you, the Rolling Thunder 36" is a rad option, especially if you need the capacity.

Volume Options

You can find this roller in a 19, 22, 30, and 36-inch version, ranging from 33-155 liters, and costing $239-$349.