This is a mysterious pack with apparently unlimited capacity. The previous model was the "Black Hole 45" the new version comes out as the "Black Hole 40" but the pack has identical dimensions. How much can the bag hold? Nobody knows! 🤣
I have the 60 litre version of this bag and even though I regret choosing such a large size it has become my go-to gear bag as it is practically indestructible. I have a preference for simple duffles without pockets or dividers so it fits my style of packing. I find the straps quite comfortable considering this is not a backpacking duffel, definitely comfortable enough to get you through an airport or through winding streets to your hotel. I never regret leaving wheeled luggage in my past when I have a bag such as this. Cheers!
It's a great packable duffel, good to know about the 60L version. That seems about as high as you would want to go with this bag. I just can't imagine carrying the biggest one, 100L bag on my back 😆
These Black Hole Duffels have an other-worldly interior geometry = they magically hold much more than their rated capacity. As this video shows, with packing cubes the 40L can swallow an enormous amount of clothing and essentials. FWIW: The 55L size can EASILY be used as a carry-on unless utterly stuffed to the gills.
I considered the Osprey Farpoint 40 but I chose this instead. I liked the way it opens compared to the Osprey. And it’s easier for me to get items quickly in and out of this bag as opposed to the clamshell opening of the Osprey. Don’t know how it will fair for longer walks but for the number of times I foresee doing that I think I made the right decision.
A comparison between the MLC 30/45L vs Black Hole 40L would be helpful. The aesthetics of the Black Hole 40L appeal to me, particularly the shiny black. But, I think the internal compartments on the MLC are superior!
This looks to be the older model, with the shiny exterior…? The newer iteration, with the different fabric - is there a difference in waterproofness? Thanks!
Yeah this is the older model. The fabric is similar in the update, just has the non shiny side facing out. The waterproofness is the same but the exterior fabric on the new bag will soak up more than the old shiny one, but it won't get into the inside of the bag
I just bought one..and can’t wait to use it …for some internal domestic trips here in Australia and an O/S trip to Sri Lanka ….might sound strange but I use the straps to carry on my shoulder ,as in duffle style..less strain on my arthritic knees than using it as a back pack …I wonder if anyone else does that?
which colorway is this? i'm seriously considering buying one but i don't particularly love any of the colorways, but if i saw this one it would be an insant yes. i wish they made this size in the waterline grey colorway :(
This is the newest model that I'm aware of. I ordered this one in February 2022, and the bag on their website looks identical. They have been updating their Black Hole line though, so I expect this bag will be updated soon, not sure if there's going to be a change in the design or just the fabric though. But to answer your question, yes you can attach a strap to the daisy chain loops on the front and back of this duffel. It's not the best setup because the bag sits at an unnatural angle to your body. I attached a shoulder strap in my comparison video which you can see here. ua-cam.com/video/jVtkFOv67bQ/v-deo.html
Hey! would you recommend Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 40L as a carry-on rather than TNF Base Camp size XS/S? would be very grateful for your help, because I don't which one I should choose
I just recently got a 55l for a backpacking trip but idk if i should downsize to the 40l going to asia and europe. I am trying to use it as a carry on for a month
Smaller is always better if you are able to fit what you need in that size of bag, 55L you will almost always have to check, a 40L can be used as a carry-on for many airlines.
(Copied from the Big Haul vs Black Hole video): 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.
Not really. The shoulder straps are too short, you could just wear it over one shoulder. Or I suppose you could use a shoulder strap and carry it that way.
Thank you for actually packing the bag!! I’ve watched so many bag reviews that get super specific but miss the whole point of reviewing the bag.
Sure thing Carl, glad you found it helpful
used this same backpack for a month-long backpacking trip across Italy. 100000/10 would recommend. it fits SO much, even for a 40l.
This is a mysterious pack with apparently unlimited capacity. The previous model was the "Black Hole 45" the new version comes out as the "Black Hole 40" but the pack has identical dimensions. How much can the bag hold? Nobody knows! 🤣
I have the 60 litre version of this bag and even though I regret choosing such a large size it has become my go-to gear bag as it is practically indestructible. I have a preference for simple duffles without pockets or dividers so it fits my style of packing. I find the straps quite comfortable considering this is not a backpacking duffel, definitely comfortable enough to get you through an airport or through winding streets to your hotel. I never regret leaving wheeled luggage in my past when I have a bag such as this. Cheers!
It's a great packable duffel, good to know about the 60L version. That seems about as high as you would want to go with this bag. I just can't imagine carrying the biggest one, 100L bag on my back 😆
Great in depth review!
Thanks! Glad you liked it
These Black Hole Duffels have an other-worldly interior geometry = they magically hold much more than their rated capacity. As this video shows, with packing cubes the 40L can swallow an enormous amount of clothing and essentials. FWIW: The 55L size can EASILY be used as a carry-on unless utterly stuffed to the gills.
One of the largest capacity bags for the size and weight 👍
I considered the Osprey Farpoint 40 but I chose this instead. I liked the way it opens compared to the Osprey. And it’s easier for me to get items quickly in and out of this bag as opposed to the clamshell opening of the Osprey. Don’t know how it will fair for longer walks but for the number of times I foresee doing that I think I made the right decision.
It's a great bag for easy packing,
A comparison between the MLC 30/45L vs Black Hole 40L would be helpful.
The aesthetics of the Black Hole 40L appeal to me, particularly the shiny black. But, I think the internal compartments on the MLC are superior!
Good comparison! A lot of people have been asking about the MLC, I'll probably focus on that one next.
Just brought one in the same color! Thanks for the in-depth review and info!
Glad you like it, I love this color 😃
This looks to be the older model, with the shiny exterior…?
The newer iteration, with the different fabric - is there a difference in waterproofness? Thanks!
Yeah this is the older model. The fabric is similar in the update, just has the non shiny side facing out. The waterproofness is the same but the exterior fabric on the new bag will soak up more than the old shiny one, but it won't get into the inside of the bag
I just bought one..and can’t wait to use it …for some internal domestic trips here in Australia and an O/S trip to Sri Lanka ….might sound strange but I use the straps to carry on my shoulder ,as in duffle style..less strain on my arthritic knees than using it as a back pack …I wonder if anyone else does that?
The straps are a little short on this bag, but if it works I don't see why you couldn't do that.
Can I ask which brand your organization for the dirty vs clean clothes was? Thank you!
Eagle Creek Clean Dirty cubes
which colorway is this? i'm seriously considering buying one but i don't particularly love any of the colorways, but if i saw this one it would be an insant yes. i wish they made this size in the waterline grey colorway :(
I don't even remember, this was the older model I bought 2 years ago, they have all updated colors now.
Is there a spot to attach a shoulder strap? I believe Patagonia said their newer model is compatible with a shoulder strap.
This is the newest model that I'm aware of. I ordered this one in February 2022, and the bag on their website looks identical. They have been updating their Black Hole line though, so I expect this bag will be updated soon, not sure if there's going to be a change in the design or just the fabric though.
But to answer your question, yes you can attach a strap to the daisy chain loops on the front and back of this duffel. It's not the best setup because the bag sits at an unnatural angle to your body. I attached a shoulder strap in my comparison video which you can see here. ua-cam.com/video/jVtkFOv67bQ/v-deo.html
That’s a really cool one I must say
It's a nice duffel
Has anyone used the 40L version for backpacking? It looks like its dimensions should fit in hand luggage.
Sure, I've used it and I see the Black Hole duffel all the time in airports.
Hey! would you recommend Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 40L as a carry-on rather than TNF Base Camp size XS/S? would be very grateful for your help, because I don't which one I should choose
I Prefer the Black Hole because I think it's better quality
I just recently got a 55l for a backpacking trip but idk if i should downsize to the 40l going to asia and europe. I am trying to use it as a carry on for a month
Smaller is always better if you are able to fit what you need in that size of bag, 55L you will almost always have to check, a 40L can be used as a carry-on for many airlines.
Would you rather use this bag over the Black hole MCL?
(Copied from the Big Haul vs Black Hole video): 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.
can you carry this like a sling?
Not really. The shoulder straps are too short, you could just wear it over one shoulder. Or I suppose you could use a shoulder strap and carry it that way.
Imperial measurements suck. It's 40l a metric volume unit, so why give measurements in inches?
We prefer a blended approach to measurements here in the US 😆
This or the north face voyager 42l?
I like this one much more than the Voyager. I have a comparison video if you'd like to see them side by side: ua-cam.com/video/jVtkFOv67bQ/v-deo.html
wish it had a shoulder strap
Same
Me too. On another note, Patagonia just updated the fabric on their Black Hole pack, so maybe they will update this one soon as well.
Frustrates me how there's no shoulder strap. Seems like such an obvious design choice to make.
That would be an improvement