What I like about the REI Big Haul are the grab handles on ALL sides. It's a small thing, but sometimes (such as when unloading) I may have documents in one hand and want to be able to quickly grab a bag with the other hand and just go. Or at least go far enough until I can reposition my grip somewhere that doesn't involve putting the bag down on wet / dirty road, surrounded by others also trying to unload. My minor quibbles are that the backpack storage sleeve opening doesn't fasten down some way. Things like this have an astonishing knack for finding an armrest to catch on when moving down a narrow aisle or a hook overhead when stowing, etc. This can be remedied by carrying the top of the bag towards the body and simply being mindful, but it is just one more thing to have to keep track of. The other minor annoyance was that the snaps on the carry handles have to be aligned rather precisely. The Patagonia Black Hole has a much more premium look and feel, but I haven't used it in the wild so I can't comment on functionality. Your review was detailed and efficient. Very useful.
Haha, that's true about the backpack strap sleeve. The BIg Haul is solid but more of a budget pack than the Black Hole so there's less attention to details like a fastener on the backpack strap pocket. But even though the Patagonia is more "premium" I don't like the backpack carry system, it's not comfortable to carry it that way.
I am exactly as much on the fence between the two as before I watched this video. Lol. Like the durability of the patagonia and the features of the REI. I need to make a decision, and quick. Can you please take this decision out of my hands? Thanks!
Great Video! I recently bought the REI Big Haul 40 L and noticed they removed the ability to run the compression straps across the top of the bag. Kind of disappointing, the compression straps and the flexibility of them was one of the reasons I bought it over the Patagonia. Worth noting for anyone finding this video a few years later.
I used the REI 40L on a recent excursion around Scotland. Worked a charm. Packed and unpacked 10 times over two weeks. That’s only one trip but Highly recommended. I got the bright orange version so I could always find my bag in the coach boot. Packed out and slung over a shoulder , it actually looks quite small. Carried it right on all flights. No problems fitting it into overheads. However, anyone thinking of onebagging with the Big Haul 40L needs to understand it is not a backpack, it’s just a duffle, a simple bag, with some skimpy shoulder straps. I was in an airport for about 4 hours and needed to carry the bag around with me while I kept myself entertained. It got uncomfortable really quick. Do not plan on hiking with this duffle.
It's really a great duffel bag, and I totally agree about the straps, it was comfortable for me for short durations, but it's not really designed as a long-distance backpack
@@nofood1 Yeah, it's carry on sized. Technically it's 10.2" wide, and most airlines max out at 9", but it's so soft and squishy it fits in the compartment just fine.
Do you think you could get a separate shoulder strap and hook it to the lashing loops if you wanted the option for a single shoulder strap? Also, which one do you think would hold up better to almost over stuffing the bag?
You could probably slap a shoulder strap on these, it's not going to sit quite right but it would likely be functional. The REI Big Haul is less prone to overstuffing imo.
Oh my goodness! I have been looking at BOTH these bags for a year and I have my REI dividends and a coupon and today was the day I was going to decide. And you put this up today!! Thank you for helping me make my decision!
Nancy, did the same thing. Bought this bag yesterday with my dividends and 20% member discount then started rethinking after I spent a year eyeballing this bag. Yeah I agree perfect perfect review between the two.
I dont mean to be off topic but does someone know of a method to get back into an Instagram account..? I stupidly lost the account password. I love any assistance you can give me
@Atlas Dallas i really appreciate your reply. I found the site on google and Im trying it out atm. Looks like it's gonna take quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
Good question Ace, I could have done that too. My thinking was to show the difference in capacities using a standard volume, which I think is easier to show with loose clothes, as they can fill the open spaces better than folded clothes, which could miss some volume depending on how they're packed. Plus it's easier to film as I don't have to fold and refold clothes =)
I've been using these little Nite-Ize biner clips for bags like this. They add almost as much security as a lock, are easy to use, and are very low-key. ua-cam.com/video/xbnHsqDticU/v-deo.html
Absolutely perfect review and exactly what I was looking for. I bought the REI 40L yesterday with my dividends and 20% off member discount but was re-thinking as to whether or not I should get this Patagonia. You answered all my questions sticking with the REI bag wish I really really like. I have been eyeballing this REI big haul for over a year and finally took the plunge. Will make a great carry on for my European vacation.
That's great, glad you liked the video! =) Have fun on your Europe trip, I'm going this year too and have yet to decide on which bag I'm going to bring!
I think that depends on what you're using it for. I think the Black Hole Duffel is big and easy to pack, works great as a gym bag or for car camping. But the backpack straps aren't very comfortable so I wouldn't take it on a long trip where I had to carry the bag a lot. I think the MLC is a better travel pack. Clamshell opening, two divided compartments, better backpack straps and a hip belt will make this bag much more comfortable to carry. Patagonia recently updated the MLC with a non-shiny fabric. Haven't seen it yet but the design looks similar to the first one.
What I like about the REI Big Haul are the grab handles on ALL sides. It's a small thing, but sometimes (such as when unloading) I may have documents in one hand and want to be able to quickly grab a bag with the other hand and just go. Or at least go far enough until I can reposition my grip somewhere that doesn't involve putting the bag down on wet / dirty road, surrounded by others also trying to unload. My minor quibbles are that the backpack storage sleeve opening doesn't fasten down some way. Things like this have an astonishing knack for finding an armrest to catch on when moving down a narrow aisle or a hook overhead when stowing, etc. This can be remedied by carrying the top of the bag towards the body and simply being mindful, but it is just one more thing to have to keep track of. The other minor annoyance was that the snaps on the carry handles have to be aligned rather precisely. The Patagonia Black Hole has a much more premium look and feel, but I haven't used it in the wild so I can't comment on functionality. Your review was detailed and efficient. Very useful.
Haha, that's true about the backpack strap sleeve. The BIg Haul is solid but more of a budget pack than the Black Hole so there's less attention to details like a fastener on the backpack strap pocket. But even though the Patagonia is more "premium" I don't like the backpack carry system, it's not comfortable to carry it that way.
I am exactly as much on the fence between the two as before I watched this video. Lol. Like the durability of the patagonia and the features of the REI. I need to make a decision, and quick. Can you please take this decision out of my hands? Thanks!
REI! It's a solid bag at a lower price and more comfortable to carry than the Patagonia Black Hole
REI bag on sale for $44 excluding tax it’s around $100 cheaper than the Patagucci.
Woohoo, that's a great deal!
One feature I was curious about was if they folded into themselves? I’ve seen the Patagonia fold into itself but wasn’t sure if REI did so as well…
Not quite. It folds down into a separate bag, but not into it's own pocket like the Black Hole.
@@OneBagTravels good to know! Thank you
Great review, thanks!
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That's a lot of bags 😆
OneBagTravels yes, we bags factory make whatever bags you need.:-)
Great Video! I recently bought the REI Big Haul 40 L and noticed they removed the ability to run the compression straps across the top of the bag. Kind of disappointing, the compression straps and the flexibility of them was one of the reasons I bought it over the Patagonia. Worth noting for anyone finding this video a few years later.
Interesting, I haven't looked at it since this video, thanks for the update!
Only one of these gets you chicks
The Patagonia?! 😆
I used the REI 40L on a recent excursion around Scotland. Worked a charm. Packed and unpacked 10 times over two weeks. That’s only one trip but Highly recommended. I got the bright orange version so I could always find my bag in the coach boot. Packed out and slung over a shoulder , it actually looks quite small. Carried it right on all flights. No problems fitting it into overheads. However, anyone thinking of onebagging with the Big Haul 40L needs to understand it is not a backpack, it’s just a duffle, a simple bag, with some skimpy shoulder straps. I was in an airport for about 4 hours and needed to carry the bag around with me while I kept myself entertained. It got uncomfortable really quick. Do not plan on hiking with this duffle.
It's really a great duffel bag, and I totally agree about the straps, it was comfortable for me for short durations, but it's not really designed as a long-distance backpack
can you bring it with you on the plane or is it to big ?
@@nofood1 Yeah, it's carry on sized. Technically it's 10.2" wide, and most airlines max out at 9", but it's so soft and squishy it fits in the compartment just fine.
Do you think you could get a separate shoulder strap and hook it to the lashing loops if you wanted the option for a single shoulder strap? Also, which one do you think would hold up better to almost over stuffing the bag?
You could probably slap a shoulder strap on these, it's not going to sit quite right but it would likely be functional. The REI Big Haul is less prone to overstuffing imo.
Does the REI have lifetime warranty like the patagonia?
Nope. REI has a 1-year return policy. They'll take pretty much anything back for any reason in that time.
Great review, thanks! Just saved me $20...I was about to buy the Patagonia...not now :-]
Thanks, glad you found it helpful!
Oh my goodness! I have been looking at BOTH these bags for a year and I have my REI dividends and a coupon and today was the day I was going to decide. And you put this up today!! Thank you for helping me make my decision!
That's so awesome! Glad I could help you make your decision 😀
Nancy, did the same thing. Bought this bag yesterday with my dividends and 20% member discount then started rethinking after I spent a year eyeballing this bag. Yeah I agree perfect perfect review between the two.
So what did you decide?
Thanks for the perspective. I went with the REI. Tremendous value from a price point with better carry flexibilities.
Good call, it's a great little bag for the price! =)
I dont mean to be off topic but does someone know of a method to get back into an Instagram account..?
I stupidly lost the account password. I love any assistance you can give me
@Titus Alonso Instablaster =)
@Atlas Dallas i really appreciate your reply. I found the site on google and Im trying it out atm.
Looks like it's gonna take quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
@Atlas Dallas It worked and I actually got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D
Thank you so much, you saved my account!
Everest has a similar bag and is great
Good Video. But why don't you put folded clothes in the bags as someone would do when packing there bags for travel.
Good question Ace, I could have done that too. My thinking was to show the difference in capacities using a standard volume, which I think is easier to show with loose clothes, as they can fill the open spaces better than folded clothes, which could miss some volume depending on how they're packed. Plus it's easier to film as I don't have to fold and refold clothes =)
The Only thing I didn’t like about the Patagonia was exactly what you said zippers don’t lock
I've been using these little Nite-Ize biner clips for bags like this. They add almost as much security as a lock, are easy to use, and are very low-key.
ua-cam.com/video/xbnHsqDticU/v-deo.html
The only problem I have is that the rei bag backpack straps are not removable.. just bought it tho it’s dope
Yeah, I don't mind just hiding them. I figure I'd lose them if I could take them off anyway
Rei is so much better
I think so too
Absolutely perfect review and exactly what I was looking for. I bought the REI 40L yesterday with my dividends and 20% off member discount but was re-thinking as to whether or not I should get this Patagonia. You answered all my questions sticking with the REI bag wish I really really like. I have been eyeballing this REI big haul for over a year and finally took the plunge. Will make a great carry on for my European vacation.
That's great, glad you liked the video! =) Have fun on your Europe trip, I'm going this year too and have yet to decide on which bag I'm going to bring!
awesome video man!! thanks!
You're welcome!
Do you recommend the Patagonia MCL 45L over the black hole 40L?
I think that depends on what you're using it for. I think the Black Hole Duffel is big and easy to pack, works great as a gym bag or for car camping. But the backpack straps aren't very comfortable so I wouldn't take it on a long trip where I had to carry the bag a lot.
I think the MLC is a better travel pack. Clamshell opening, two divided compartments, better backpack straps and a hip belt will make this bag much more comfortable to carry. Patagonia recently updated the MLC with a non-shiny fabric. Haven't seen it yet but the design looks similar to the first one.