The Patagonia Black Hole 55L bag is popular for travelers due to its durability and versatility. Here are some key features of the bag:
- Capacity: The bag has a capacity of 55 liters, which makes it suitable for extended trips or carrying larger items.
- Material: The Black Hole bag is made of a durable and weather-resistant 900-denier polyester ripstop material with a TPU-film laminate and a durable water repellent (DWR) finish.
- Design: The bag has a spacious main compartment with a large opening for easy access to your gear. It also has a zippered side pocket for smaller items and an exterior daisy chain for attaching additional gear.
- Carrying options: The bag has multiple carrying options, including padded shoulder straps, a top-mounted haul handle, and side handles, which makes it easy to carry as a backpack or duffel bag.
- Sustainability: Patagonia is committed to sustainability, and the Black Hole bag is made with bluesign-approved materials, which means it meets strict environmental and safety standards.
Overall, the Patagonia Black Hole 55L bag is a high-quality, durable travel bag that can handle various travel needs.
Patagonia Black Hole 55L Duffel Bag (in-depth review)
Capacity
Here’s an example packing list for the Patagonia Black Hole 55L bag:
Clothing:
- 5 pairs of pants/shorts
- 7 t-shirts/tops
- 7 pairs of underwear
- 5 pairs of socks
- 1 lightweight jacket
- 1 rain jacket
Footwear:
- 2 pairs of shoes/sandals
Toiletries:
- Toiletry bag with shampoo, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.
Electronics:
- Laptop and charger
- Camera and charger
- Phone and charger
- Headphones
Other:
- Lightweight sleeping bag
- Lightweight camping hammock
- Quick-dry towel
- Water bottle
- Snacks and other small essentials
Materials
The Patagonia Black Hole 55L bag is made with durable and weather-resistant materials to withstand the rigors of travel. Here’s a breakdown of the materials used:
- Main Fabric: The bag is made of a 900-denier polyester ripstop material with a TPU-film laminate. This makes the bag durable and resistant to tears and abrasions.
- DWR finish: The bag has a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish, which helps to shed water and prevent the fabric from getting saturated in wet conditions.
- Lining: The bag has a 200-denier 100% recycled polyester lining, which is lightweight and durable.
- Zippers: The zippers used in the bag are made of a burly YKK #10 plastic zipper with a TPU coating. This makes the zippers resistant to corrosion and damage from moisture.
- Webbing: The bag features sturdy webbing handles and daisy chains made of a 100% recycled nylon material.
- Padding: The bag’s shoulder straps and back panel are padded with a 3D spacer mesh material, providing comfort and ventilation.
Overall, the materials used in the Patagonia Black Hole 55L bag are high-quality and designed to withstand the wear and tear of travel. Additionally, Patagonia is committed to sustainability, and the bag is made with recycled materials and a bluesign-approved fabric, which means it meets strict environmental and safety standards.
Is the Patagonia Black Hole 55L waterproof?
The Patagonia Black Hole 55L bag is water-resistant but not fully waterproof. The bag is made with a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish, which helps to shed water and prevent the fabric from getting saturated in wet conditions. The main fabric of the bag is also a TPU-film laminate, which adds some level of water resistance.
In light rain or splashes, the bag should keep the contents dry. However, in heavy rain or when fully submerged in water, some moisture may seep through the zippers or other openings in the bag. It’s important to note that the bag is not designed to be fully waterproof, and you may want to use a separate rain cover or dry bag for added protection in extremely wet conditions.
How to carry the duffel bag
The Patagonia Black Hole 55L bag is designed with comfort in mind, and it can be comfortable to carry on your back, especially for shorter to medium-length trips. Here are some features that contribute to the bag’s comfort:
- Padded Shoulder Straps: The shoulder straps are padded with a 3D spacer mesh material, which provides cushioning and ventilation. The straps are also adjustable, allowing you to customize the fit to your body.
- Back Panel: The bag’s back panel is also padded with 3D spacer mesh, which helps to increase airflow and reduce pressure points on your back.
- Hipbelt: The bag has a removable hip belt, which can help to distribute the weight of the bag more evenly across your body. The hipbelt is also padded for added comfort.
- Sternum Strap: The bag has a sternum strap, which can help to stabilize the bag and prevent it from shifting around on your back.
It’s worth noting that the bag’s comfort can also depend on how you pack it and how much weight you carry. If the bag is overstuffed or if you are carrying a heavy load, it may be less comfortable to carry for extended periods. However, the Patagonia Black Hole 55L bag should be a comfortable and supportive option for most travel and outdoor activities.
Is the Patagonia 55L bag suitable for backpackers?
The Patagonia Black Hole 55L bag can be a good option for backpackers, depending on their specific needs and preferences. Here are some reasons why:
- Size: The 55L capacity of the bag is a good size for backpacking trips, as it can hold enough gear and clothing for several days on the trail.
- Durability: The bag is made with durable materials and has a weather-resistant finish, which can help to withstand the rigors of backpacking and outdoor adventures.
- Comfort: The bag has padded shoulder straps and a padded back panel, as well as a removable hip belt, which can help to distribute weight and make the bag more comfortable to carry.
- Organization: The bag has multiple pockets and compartments, including a main compartment, a zippered front pocket, and a zippered lid pocket, which can help to keep gear organized and easily accessible.
- Versatility: The bag can be used for various activities beyond backpacking, such as travel, camping, or sports, making it a versatile option for those who want a multi-purpose bag.
However, it’s worth noting that every backpacker has different needs and preferences, and the Patagonia Black Hole 55L bag may not be the best fit for everyone. Some backpackers prefer a lighter or more minimalist pack, while others prefer a larger bag. It’s important to consider your specific needs and research different options before deciding.
Can you fit the 55L duffel bag in an airplane overhead bin?
The Patagonia Black Hole 55L bag is generally too large to fit in the overhead bins on most airlines, especially if it is fully packed. However, it may be possible to carry the bag on some airlines if it is not fully packed and if the airline has more generous carry-on size allowances.
It’s important to note that airline carry-on size restrictions can vary widely between airlines, and it’s always a good idea to check with your airline before your trip to ensure your bag meets their size requirements. Some airlines may allow larger carry-on bags, while others may have more restrictive size limits.
If you are concerned about fitting the bag in an overhead bin, you may want to consider packing it as compactly as possible and removing any non-essential items to reduce its overall size. Alternatively, you could check the bag as luggage instead of carrying it on, although this may be subject to additional fees and may require additional time at the airport.
Return policy and warranty
Return policy
Patagonia offers a 60-day return policy for items purchased directly from their website or authorized retailers. If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, you can return it for a refund or exchange within 60 days of the purchase date, as long as the item is in new condition with the original tags attached.
Warranty
The Patagonia Black Hole 55L bag comes with Patagonia’s Ironclad Guarantee, a lifetime warranty covering any defects in materials or workmanship. If your bag has a defect, you can return it to Patagonia for repair, replacement, or a refund. The warranty does not cover normal wear and tear or damage caused by improper use, but Patagonia will work with you to find a solution to any issues you may have with the bag.
Overall, Patagonia is known for its high-quality products and commitment to customer satisfaction, and the return policy and warranty for the Patagonia Black Hole 55L bag reflect this.
Alternatives to the Patagonia Black Hole 55L Duffel Bag
Many alternatives to the Patagonia Black Hole 55L bag offer similar features and functionality.
If you want to stick with Patagonia but want a smaller bag, read my review on how I use the Patagonia BlackHole 32L backpack as my one bag.
If you want a different brand, here are a few options to consider:
- Osprey Farpoint 55: This backpack is similar in size to the Patagonia Black Hole 55L bag and is designed for travel and backpacking. It features a detachable daypack, compression straps, and a comfortable suspension system. For a smaller capacity Osprey alternative, consider the Osprey Farpoint 40L.
- REI Co-op Trail 40 Pack: This backpack is smaller than the Patagonia Black Hole 55L bag, but it’s a good option for those who want a more compact and lightweight pack for day hikes or overnight trips. It features a ventilated back panel, multiple pockets, and a hydration sleeve.
- North Face Base Camp Duffel: This duffel bag is a good option for those who want a durable and versatile bag for travel or adventure. It’s available in various sizes, including a 50L and 71L version, and features a waterproof design, padded straps, and multiple pockets.
- Gregory Baltoro 65: This backpack is larger than the Patagonia Black Hole 55L bag and is designed for multi-day backpacking trips. It features a comfortable suspension system, multiple pockets, and a customizable fit.
- Eagle Creek Gear Warrior 45: This backpack is smaller than the Patagonia Black Hole 55L bag, but it’s a good option for those who want a compact and lightweight pack for travel or adventure. It features a durable design, compression straps, and a comfortable suspension system.
Ultimately, your best backpack or bag will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors such as size, durability, comfort, and organization when choosing a backpack or bag for your travels or adventures.