The Patagonia Black Hole Backpack: Packed full of quality
Purchasing a quality travel backpack can be daunting. You’ll find an overwhelming number of options, with a broad price tag range. We understand that your travel backpack can be quite an investment. Consider these things when purchasing a travel backpack. Of course, money is a factor, but so is the little bit of risk that you’ll have to take when trying out a travel backpack for the first time. You’ll pack it full, and hope that it doesn’t let you down on that first trip. Passing that first test may mean that the backpack held up on its trial run, but what about going above and beyond to offer protection, organization and a comfortable ride? We’ll spare you the “trial and error” phase and tell you that the Patagonia Black Hole Backpack will not disappoint. Patagonia has earned itself a trusted name in outdoor gear. Therefore, they won’t let you down with this rugged, weather-proof travel backpack.
A Little About Patagonia's Black Hole Backpacks
Credit: Patagonia
Patagonia’s Black Hole Backpack comes from the trusted Patagonia company. Their efforts to promote fair labor practices, safe working conditions, and environmental responsibility allow the company to have a strong following. You can track the supply chain for the Black Hole Backpack. This map on their website will show you where the materials come from, as well as an overview and statistics about that factory. All things considered, Patagonia has worked hard to earn your support.
Overall, the Patagonia Black Hole Backpack is unique because of its water repellant outer layer. It appears shiny, and feels as though it is plastic. Because of that, it's great for survival in the elements, or even just getting bumped around. There's plenty of space. Plus, the zippers of the main compartment open wide, so it's easy to access your belongings. Admittedly, the shoulder harness isn't the most comfortable, but this pack isn't intended for remaining on your back for lengthy amounts of time (like a backpacking pack would).
Patagonia has made their Black Hole Backpack rugged. The water repellent material will keep your belongings dry. The strong fibers make sure there are no weak spots that will become worn down. The unique zipper means that you can access belongings from the top, or pull the zipper all the way down the side to access the bottom. The Patagonia Black Hole Backpack counts as a laptop travel backpack. An internal protective sleeve can hold most 15 inch laptops. Grab the backpack by the reinforced handles, or sling it over your back. You’ll find it comfortable with the padded shoulder straps, and molded back support. Its durability and spaciousness make it a great backpack for a wide range of uses.
Patagonia Black Hole Backpack's Features and Benefits
Material
Credit: Patagonia
The material is a 13-oz, 450-denier 100% polyester ripstop. The bag itself weighs a mere 1 pound and 14 ounces. This material is a bluesign approved fabric. This code promises that products are safe for the environment, safe for the workers, and safe for the customers. The durable water repellent (DWR) finish means that no rain will make its way in and ruin your clothes! Some customers even report crossing gulches and high streams with parts of the backpack submerged. The water repellent helps the layer underneath from becoming saturated, and the DWR finish helps to decrease dry times. The weather proof TPU laminate helps to really seal the deal.
Easy Access and Organization
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The zipper and compartment layouts of the Patagonia Black Hole Backpack are unique. In the newest 32L Patagonia Black Hole Backpack, the top flips over. Then, with the top flap opened, the zipper extends all the way from top to bottom. You can buckle down the top flap with two side buckles, which help compress your belongings. The double zipper design really means that the zipper serves two roles. Unzip for access to the main compartment from the top, or unzip all the way for the front-loading design.
There’s a zippered pocket on the front that will hold items that you’d like to quickly access. Additionally, you can find small organizational pockets on the inside. The mesh pockets located on either side of the backpack are great for storing a skinny water bottle. The mesh feels super durable, and it's not see-through. These mesh pockets have lots of elasticity, so they hold your belongings and small items in tightly. Plus, the laptop compartment is padded and big enough for a 15 inch laptop. On the other hand, this compartment can serve as a hydration pouch holder, though there's not a hydration reservoir built into this backpack.
Size & Color Options
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Choose among the 25L, 20L, or 32L pack. With these options, you'll have just the right size for your daily commute. Or, you could pack everything you need for the weekend as a carry-on for your flight.The bags come in a great variety of colors, and if you're willing to purchase a color from years in the past, you're likely to find yourself a good deal.
Carrying Comfort
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When you're choosing a backpack to serve as your sole weekend trip luggage piece, you'll want to make sure it's comfortable to spend so much time with. The shoulder straps have padding. The sternum straps helps to pull the shoulder straps close and redistribute the weight. On top of the Black Hole Backpack, you’ll find a reinforced, thick handle to grab from the top. On the back, the molded back panel allows cooling airflow, and provides support for the backpack’s structure. The waistband keeps the backpack secure on your hips, and helps to redistribute the weight. This belt isn’t too bulky, yet it provides a nice option to help redistribute weight. Lastly, the back panel of this backpack provides support. The panel helps provide shape when packing, and keeps the backpack firm against your back.
The Patagonia Promise for Environmental Responsibility and Durable Products
A major selling point for this black hole backpack is one the well-trusted Patagonia brand. They advertise heavily their authentic concern for the environment, their employees and their customers. Factors such as the Bluesign material (safe and eco-friendly) and their transparency about working conditions helps to prove Patagonia's authenticity. Like many of their products, you'll find yourself with an incredibly durable, quality piece. On their website, you can also take a look at the “footprint chronicles,” to see where your product is coming from.
What other travelers are saying about the Patagonia Black Hole Backpack
The Patagonia Black Hole Backpack is a staple luggage item for many travelers. Whether it's their only bag for a short trip, or a supplement to a checked bag, travelers love this backpack. Some use this as their commuter backpack, and say that is a great backpack for commuting on a bike. Many comment on the roominess and appreciate the ability to pack for a weekend with either the 25L option or the 32L. In addition, travelers appreciate not having to worry about a camera or other possessions getting wet in the rain, and they trust its weather-proof quality.
On the other hand, some don't find the zippers to work very smoothly. Others have described the bag as “somewhat bulky,” perhaps the larger 32L version. Another customer suggested the inverse for the zipper: zip up rather than down. Another possible downside might be the lack of a water bottle pocket on the outside. However, some love the bag so much that they purchase two: one in each of the different sizes, since that seven liters could really make a difference.
Alternative Patagonia Travel Backpacks
Patagonia Tres Backpack 25L
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This is a great commuter bag or carry-on since it's so versatile. You can use the shoulder straps like a regular backpack, or connect an extra strap to wear it like a briefcase or shoulder bag. The simple, boxy design allows it to look stylish as both. Choose from a great variety of colors. This backpack fully unzips in the front. The top and side handles make it easy to grab. The Patagonia Tres Backpack users appreciate its use as a daypack, but find it not useful for multiple activities because of the size.
Patagonia Refugio Backpack 26L or 28L
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Patagonia advertises this as their midsize classic backpack. It offers two main compartments, and nice access for outer pockets. The main compartment includes a padded laptop sleeve and a lined tablet pocket. Breathable mesh lines the back and the shoulder straps are nicely cushioned. We appreciate the stylish look and the side buckles that keep the contents compact.
Patagonia Paxat Backpack 30L
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The Paxat backpack's size means that it can serve as a great carry-on for a weekend, or a school/commuter backpack. Bonuses include the TSA compatibility, and the women's sized fit. This backpack offers lots of good outer pocket options, including zipped side pouches.
Patagonia Black Hole Backpack: A great travel backpack
The Patagonia Black Hole Backpack stands out among its friends. Its top flop gives it the “rucksack” look, while contributing to its weather proof ruggedness. Since Patagonia promises fairness to all parties involved (the environment, its employees and its customers) you can feel good by supporting them. The Black Hole Backpack in both the 25L and 32L sizes offers you great space for keeping all your belongings with you. You won't have to worry about getting caught in a downpour, and you won't have to worry about this bag wearing down on you.
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