Patagonia Black Hole®
The bag that goes
the distance
Some gear wears out and gets replaced. Then there are the ones that just keep going, year after year. Patagonia's Black Hole® series is firmly in the second category. It's a personal favourite here at Inlandet. This guide covers the full range, breaks down what sets each model apart and helps you find the right size for your next trip.
The Black Hole® series has been a staple for travellers, skiers and surfers for a long time. It's the kind of bag you buy once, throw in the boot, check in at the airport and reach for season after season. The secret is in the construction.
The entire range is made from 100% recycled materials — from shell and lining to the webbing straps. Every model is sewn in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory, and the latest generation has a matte finish that is completely free of PFC chemicals.
Materials
The backbone of most models is a heavy-duty 900-denier recycled polyester ripstop with a robust recycled TPU laminate. That combination makes the bag both tough and weather-resistant. The lighter everyday models — Packs and Tote — use a more flexible 300-denier weave, but follow the same principle.
One thing worth knowing: Black Hole® material is highly water-resistant, but not fully waterproof. It handles sustained rain, snow and wet surfaces without trouble thanks to the welded seams and laminate. But if you're planning to wade through a river with it on your back, look at a fully waterproof option. For everything else, this is more than enough.
The duffel models come with padded, removable shoulder straps. You can carry it comfortably as a backpack through airports or on the way to the cabin, then detach the straps when checking it in. The reinforced side haul handles take a beating from baggage handlers. Another useful detail: when the duffel is empty it packs down into its own side pocket, taking up almost no space at all.
Black Hole® Duffel
Four sizes. One for every kind of trip.
Black Hole® Duffel 40L →
The right size for a short weekend trip, a gym bag or a compact carry-on. It fits easily in overhead lockers and carries well as a backpack thanks to the shoulder straps. Weight: 1,045 g.
Black Hole® Duffel 55L →
Our best-seller. The versatile all-rounder for a long weekend or a tight week away. It gives you room for an extra pair of shoes or bulkier kit without becoming unwieldy. Weight: 1,165 g.
Black Hole® Duffel 70L →
When you're away for a week or more and need to bring proper gear. Boots, harnesses or a tent fit without compromise. Still wearable as a backpack, but gets heavy when fully packed. Weight: 1,365 g.
Black Hole® Duffel 100L →
For expeditions, longer road trips or when the whole family's kit needs to go in one bag. You won't need to choose what gets left behind. Weight: 1,595 g.
"The bag you buy once, throw in the boot and rely on. Ten years later it still does the job."
Black Hole® MLC 45L
MLC stands for Maximum Legal Carry-on — designed to make the most of the carry-on allowance on most airlines. It's a hybrid bag that opens completely flat like a suitcase (clamshell opening) but carries on your back. Both the padded shoulder straps and hip belt tuck away into hidden pockets when you want to carry it like a holdall.
The inside makes organisation easy. There's a dedicated padded laptop sleeve (fits up to 15") that folds out flat for security screening. The main compartment has mesh pockets for clothes, and a quick-access top pocket fits a passport, keys and phone.
Using a flexible 300-denier ripstop weave makes the MLC considerably lighter than the duffels, and its more structured shape is optimised for overhead lockers and train shelves.
Black Hole® Packs and Tote
The same tough ripstop material works just as well for daily use as it does for weekend trips. Here are the models built for commuting, travel and spontaneous detours.
Black Hole® Tote 25L →
A versatile and packable 25-litre tote with a simple, reliable top closure. It handles everything from groceries to climbing gear or beach kit. Made from the lighter 300-denier material, which makes it easy to stuff into a larger bag when not in use. Weight: 392 g.
Black Hole® Pack 25L →
The natural choice for daily cycling commutes or as a daypack on the trail. The main compartment has a wide zip opening and fits a 15" laptop in a padded sleeve. The airmesh back panel keeps things ventilated when you're moving, and the pass-through strap on the back lets you slide the pack directly over your rolling luggage handle when travelling.
Black Hole® Pack 32L →
The bigger sibling. 32 litres is the right choice if you carry a lot day to day, or want to do a minimal weekend trip with just a backpack. You get the same features and laptop sleeve as the 25L, but the extra volume means you won't have to compromise. Despite the size, it usually fits under the seat in front of you on a plane.
Black Hole® Cube
Having things in order inside your bag changes how a trip feels. That's what the cubes are for. Made from the same TPU-laminated ripstop as the rest of the series, they're built to organise the inside of your duffel and take the same kind of treatment.
Use the smaller ones as tough toiletry bags or pouches for cables and electronics. The larger ones handle underwear, t-shirts or mid-layers. Combine a couple of different sizes and you have a modular system inside your bag — no more digging around at the bottom. Browse the full Black Hole Cube range or explore everything from Patagonia.
Which size is right for your trip?
A good rule of thumb: if you're travelling carry-on only for a weekend, go for the Duffel 40L or MLC 45L. For a week away with a bit of packing room, we recommend the Duffel 55L. For longer trips or gear-heavy adventures, the Duffel 70L is the better call, while the Duffel 100L is the one for road trips or serious expeditions. For everyday use, the Pack 25L or 32L covers it.
A tip for getting the most out of your duffel: pair it with a larger cube for clothes and a smaller one for toiletries. It makes packing and unpacking a lot easier on the road.
Still not sure which model or size is right for you? Give us a call on 010-474 91 00 or come by the shop in Åre and we'll sort it out. It's usually the quickest way to find the right bag.