The best question about the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel – 90L is where I haven’t taken it. So far the Black Hole has been on the river, camping in Utah, road trips to the city, overhead compartment in planes, huts trips in the mountains and more.
So let’s start with the basics: durability. This duffel is tough as nails. I beat my gear up but this bag is weather resistant and stands up to outdoor and indoor wear and tear. According to Patagonia this burly duffel bag is inspired by the simple utility of shipping containers on trains. It is waterproof, but not sealed. So it keeps my gear dry in mild situations, you wouldn’t want to submerse it. And the foam-padded bottom protects your gear better than your average dry bag.
This Black Hole Duffel has a plethora of options when it comes to actually lugging it around. The removable shoulder straps are padded making them comfy for long hauls. The duffel also includes webbing handles with a snap closures and haul loops at either end (to link multiple bags). Four daisy chains let you lash additional gear to the outside. Aside from the main compartment, there is also a zippered exterior pocket holds the stuff you need to access quickly, and two zippered mesh pockets on the interior.
And don’t be fooled by the exterior size of this bag, it’s called the Black Hole for a reason. It holds more than it appears. My only complaint would be for more organization on the interior. While there is plenty of room for everything, it got messy after digging through my stuff a few times.
Normally I would review after just one test, but there were just too many adventures to be had this year.
I filled the Black Hole Duffel with 7 days’ worth with gear and clothes and was still able to easily stuff it in the overhead compartment. I know most girls don’t pack this light but it’s great as a carry-on/backpack option even when you have bigger luggage as well. The bonus when you check it is the bright colors stand out on the carousel full of black luggage. I skinned to a hut, not the most ergonomic design, but not bad for a few short hours to get my clothes, sleeping bag, food and booze. On the river there was more than enough room for food, clothes, sleeping bag and pad. And my river stereo clipped right on to the dairy chain. Ready to go!
This bag holds everything I need for pretty much every possibility. Patagonia really though of everything for this simple duffel- it is durable enough to toss in the back of a truck, waterproof enough to withstand the weather, light and comfortable. I am considering having one in every size, adding the 120L, 90L, and 45L just to make sure I am prepared for every adventure possible.
