Questions about Base Camp Duffel

Correct, in the new versions (at least from 2017) the carrying straps are too short to use it as a duffle bag, it can only really be used as a backpack. You can of course also carry the "bag" around laboriously on the shoulder straps, but it's not very practical.

I'm flying to Peru/Bolivia this Friday for 3 weeks and will be doing two treks there (1x 5D/4N and 1x 4D/3N). I bought sizes M (which also includes sleeping bag and trekking shoes) and S (which also comes with the backpack on the treks) as check-in luggage. The 95-litre bag can hold an incredible amount. If you're not travelling with it all the time and always have to lug it around, this version should

The models correspond to the models on the North Face website www.thenorthface.ch/shop/de/tnf-ch/taschen-und-zelte-reise-d.... In any case, my duffel corresponds to the North Face website.

2017.

Yes, it is sturdy enough for the cargo compartment.
And yes, the main zip can be locked with a small padlock.