Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Review

We have been using and/or testing some version of the Patagonia Black Hole for years on end. This year, we tested Patagonia's latest update to the bag, which involved a switch to recycled materials in the shell, and we are happy to report it only improves upon this duffel's reputation. If you want a bag that you can lean on in rougher environments, whether on the trail or in the airport, put this on your final list.

Storage and Ease of Packing

The aptly named Patagonia Black Hole is a storage-friendly duffel that offers dimensions that'll fit a wide variety of clothing and gear. It came in at the top of the charts in the storage section of the review's lineup.

The Patagonia Black Hole is offered in several sizes, ranging from 40 to 100 liters. If you need a duffel that can fit the bulkiest gear or equipment that's got awkward dimensions, such as trekking poles, cold-weather sleeping bags, or tents, we'd steer you towards the 100L version. If you want a more modest duffel for shorter trips or typically only pack clothes and shoes, the 40 to 55 liter version of the Black Hole might be all you need. This duffel doesn't have the most rigid structure, but daisy chains and stiffer fabric on each side helps prop the duffel open during packing.

As is often the case with these more floppy bags that don't have wheels, the sidewalls stay more upright once the duffel already has a bit of gear or clothing packed along the bottom. Organization is fairly straightforward with this bag: a single main compartment, an interior mesh pocket running along the length of the lid (in previous versions, this was divided into two), and one exterior side pocket. This exterior pocket also doubles as the self-storage bag for the Black Hole.

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Ease of Transport

This is a fairly easy duffel to lug around via hand straps or backpack carry, but it isn't quite as easy to transport as the wheeled competition. Patagonia also makes a roller version of the Black Hole, but this wheel-less version still performed well when compared to the rest of the duffels we tested.

There are 4 handles in various locations on the Black Hole. The two primary handles offer a traditional duffel carry with a button closure that keeps the straps together when checking the luggage or wanting to make it a bit easier to carry with one hand. Two side handles are particularly robust, though they don't have as much padding as some of the competition.

The backpack carry system of the Black Hole relies on D-rings and buckles to remove or install, and the straps offer enough padding for heavier loads. Duffels that also have a hip belt are even more comfortable, but we could transport this bag easily enough around airports, campgrounds, and vacation rentals.

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Protection

This might not be the most heavily padded duffel on the market, but we've been able to transport more delicate items like toiletries, sunglasses, or charger cords for years inside the Blackhole duffel. We wouldn't put laptop or camera gear in here without an additional protective case, but ultimately, we put the Black Hole towards the front of the pack.

Patagonia generously uses 900 denier polyester throughout the body of the Black Hole, greatly reducing the likelihood of the bag getting torn and exposing your equipment or clothes to the elements. There's also a light pad that runs the entire length of the bottom of the duffel, making for a nice layer of cushion between equipment and the ground. Roller bags and other hard-sided models certainly are more protective, but in the duffle world, we've grown to trust the Black Hole to keep our belongings intact, even on monthslong expeditions. The impressively thick denier was also incredibly effective at keeping our gear dry, though we still recommend covering the bag with a tarp of some kind during prolonged rains.

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Construction Quality

This is one of the more standout aspects of the Black Hole. Patagonia has long been revered for attention to detail and well-sourced materials, and this duffel bag is a shining example.

As we shared previously, Patagonia uses 900 denier polyester with the Black Hole throughout the entire body of the duffel. In this update, Patagonia sourced the fabric's laminate from factory waste, making this the first time the industry has seen TPU recycled this way. This recycled TPU is also what gives the latest version of the Black Hole a matte finish, while previous versions had a glossier look. Outside of the fabrics, we found the backpack strap and its joints to hold up well throughout testing, and the zippers were consistently smooth. We've used past versions of this bag for 10+ years and still going strong. We expect the newest iteration to hold up just as well. If you want a duffel that can stand the test of time, put the Black Hole on your finals list.

Weight-to-Volume Ratio

This is a fairly lightweight duffel despite its volume, making it a higher-scoring option across the review's lineup.

In the 55L version that we tested, the Black Hole weighs 2.6 pounds, ultimately earning it a ratio of .77 ounces per liter. In the 100L version of the Black Hole, that ratio is even lighter, at .56 ounces per liter. Regardless of the size you to go with, this duffel offers uniquely durable performance in a lightweight bag.

Should You Buy the Patagonia Black Hole?

If you want versatility in a long-lasting package, the Black Hole might just be the right bag for you. With 900-denier exterior fabric and a simple design, this duffel performed very well across several metrics and met a wide range of needs, from transporting sports equipment to packing for a weekend camping trip in the mountains to hauling expedition gear. The best part? This duffel boasts a very affordable price point.

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