Customer Reviews The North Face Rolling Thunder 30"

I returned the item since the quality of the older model seems to be better. I enjoyed the previous handle because it was more durable and the red accent added so much style to the all black bag. I also liked how last years model had a red lining inside so I could spot my items easier. It seems as though North Face has been cutting costs in the small, but noticeable updates for their models this year.

Quality has become cheaper when compared to the original model. Disappointed to see the updated change when the product was already good as is.

Why mess up a great product? New version is nowhere near as good as previous one. Family has (4) older versions. Mine was lost by AA on latest vacation. Went to purchase new one and couldn't do it. Fortunately a nearby North Face Outlet Store had 2 of the older models in stock. I bought both. You had a great product and cheapened it up. Not sure why. I am a loyal North Face consumer. Not sure of the reasoning behind the change?

The bag is oversize, as per airlines. If it were just 3-4" smaller in width or height it wouldn't be considered oversize.

I loved this bag and used it twice a month for about 14 months before I got around to bringing it in for a warranty claim. The sales rep they had a lifetime warranty for "anything that makes you think it's poor quality." The lamination was getting scuffed by the airlines, but I could live with that. I turned it in for a warranty repair because the bottom front corner frame is rubbing through the canvas and is developing a hole. This was a design flaw, not normal wear and tear, but the warranty department refuses to replace it. Total garbage. Don't believe the sales reps, and don't waste your money if you actually like to use the product. I am livid and will be hard pressed to buy anything from North Face again.

On my second trip, the seams were falling apart in two areas. It's a real bummer, cause I loved how it looked and everything about it seemed like a fantastic bag. Didn't hardly last a month without busting. If it was made like the other non-wheeled duffels it'd be good for another 10 years. But nope, returning this.

There is no handle with this bag, there are only two straps and they're off center so it makes it extremely difficult to maneuver. The last image in the picture shows it with a handle which is extremely misleading.

I work in the film business so when I travel, I pack for long stays and pack lots of gear. This bag has great capacity but I would not rate it as a "heavy duty" bag. First of all, the bag does not have a telescoping handle. The 2 sewn in handles are off center and it makes pulling the bag awkward. Plus, I'm 6'5" and an adjustable handle would make the bag easier to roll. Secondly, like and earlier reviewer, the internal metal frame poked a hole right through the bag. This seems to be a design flaw as I'm not the only owner to mention this. I've had the bag two years and have only done 3 major trips with it and its already shot. Definitely not worth the money.

This is my third TNF Rolling Thunder 36" and had to exchange for a new luggage due to the poor quality of cloth/nylon material at the bottom area of the luggage. This latest version lasted only 3 trips before it ripped again. I purchased another brand's similar model with a more durable cordura nylon material, and cost much less than this brand name bag. Recommend to consider redesigning this version for more durable or reinforced materials, as well as modifying the handles for a telescopic version.

I had high hopes for this bag and own several of the others. But the extra large bag does NOT have a telescoping handle and it is useless without one. Instead of a telescoping handle the bag has a strap that the "designers" expect you to grasp as you try to maneuver the bag (impossible and frustrating). It is too bad because it could have been a great product.

I love my rolling thunder. It is pratica, strudy and looks great. I appreciate it is a soft suitcase and water resistant. However I bought this suitacase to use as a carry on when I travel. While it fits lots in, I am refused two times out of three to have it as a carry on the planes. This is very dissapointing as when I bought this expensive but fabulous suitcase a little over one year ago, North Face advertised it as meeting airline requirements for carry on. Should I known otherwise I would have opted for the 19". I wish I could change it as I cannot enjoy it for the purpuse it was intented for.

Purchased this luggage at an REI store in Oct 2014, and by Mar 2015 the bottom front portion of this luggage had two ripped holes. This is my third Rolling Thunder Luggage, but the first two were earlier generation models. Same occurred, as well as the wheels broke off or fell apart. Unfortunately, this is the only luggage that provides me with the ideal cubic space that I need. I am currently looking at other models and brands that would provide a much sturdier luggage. Definitely, NOT designed for rugged use, or for frequent global travelers, especially military or similar careers