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Honest Patagonia Black Hole 25l Review: For Travel
Find out if the Black Hole backpack from Patagonia is the right backpack for you in this honest Patagonia Black Hole 25l review!
For the longest time, I traveled with my old school backpack when I finally broke I bought myself the small Patagonia Black Hole backpack. It’s supposed to be a backpack for weekend trips, but I’m using it for minimalist long-term travel.
And so far, I love this sturdy and lightweight backpack! It’s a very simple yet functional backpack with everything I need from a travel backpack. But now, let’s jump into a thorough review.
- Personal item sized – fits underneath airplane seat
- Recycled and water resistant material
- I love the color options
- Padded laptop pocket on the inside
- Two zipped smaller outside pockets
- Great for short trips or ultimate minimalist travel
Patagonia Black Hole Features
Material & Design
The Black Hole backpack is made of 100% recycled polyester with a TPU-film laminate on the outside. This makes the bag not only durable but also highly water resistant, perfect for any adventure.
In addition to its premium material and design, it’s worth noting that the Black Hole backpack is produced in a Fair Trade Certified factory in Vietnam, reinforcing Patagonia’s commitment to ethical manufacturing practices.
The design of the backpack is sleek and simple, with quite big brand letters on the front. It comes in four different colors. Don’t worry if the color I chose is too much for you, it’s also available in black.
But the bright green reminded me of my old backpack which I loved, so it seemed like destiny for me to get this color.
If you’re looking for an even more colorful backpack, check out the Cotopaxi backpack I had for a short while.
š¤© Check the different color options of the Black Hole backpack!
Different Compartments
The Black Hole backpack features a spacious main compartment with an additional zippered pocket on the inside, perfect for storing smaller items like keys or a passport.
There’s also a padded laptop sleeve located inside the backpack on the back, providing protection for your electronic devices while on the go.
It also has two smaller zippered pockets on the outside, great for keeping small travel essentials such as keys or sunglasses handy while traveling. The small top compartment also has a key chain, so it’s the perfect place to store keys without the fear of losing them.
And for all my fellow water bottle lovers out there, you’ll be happy to know that this backpack also has an external water bottle pocket on both sides. I especially love this feature since my last backpack didn’t have it and I bring my reusable water bottle wherever I go.
Size and Comfort
The Black Hole backpack comes in two sizes, 25L and 32L. I went with the smaller size to avoid overpacking.
According to the Patagonia webpage, the 25L version is ideal for day trips or weekend getaways.
However, I use it for long-term travel since I pack very minimalistic. Most recently I traveled with this backpack for two months in Spain and the United Kingdom, and it was the perfect size for me.
If interested in how to pack minimalist, grab your free minimalist packing checklist.
The backpack also has adjustable shoulder straps and a padded back panel, making it comfortable to wear even when loaded up with heavy items.
It also has a sternum strap for added support, which I personally find helpful when carrying my backpack for long periods of time. It’s also great that you can adjust the height of the sternum strap.
Pros of Patagonia Black Hole 25l backpack
- Recycled, durable, and water-resistant material
- Fair Trade Certified production
- Sleek design with different color options
- Multiple compartments for organization
- Comfortable to wear even when fully loaded
- Pocket for a reusable water bottle on the outside
- Patted laptop pocket on the inside
Cons of Patagonia Black Hole 25l backpack
- Only comes in two sizes, might not be suitable for all body types or packing styles
- Price is on the higher end compared to other backpacks with similar functionality, but with a price of under $150 still affordable.
- Adding items to the top and front pockets of a fully packed backpack can be challenging because the full main compartment limits the available space in those pockets.
- Despite concerns raised in some reviews about the new model’s material being less durable, my experience with the new model has been positive, with it appearing both durable and well-made.
My Experience using the Patagonia backpack
I purchased the Patagonia backpack from a little store in Barcelona when my old bag unexpectedly gave up on me. Since then, it has been my trusted companion on my travels around Spain, and the UK.
It qualified as a personal item bag on airplanes, so I didn’t have to pay extra for hand luggage – one of the advantages of minimalist packing.
Having used the backpack for a few months travelling now, I can confidently say that it fulfills all my expectations perfectly. It’s one of the new minimalist travel essentials I take on every trip.
While it may not boast the most advanced features, it capably performs all the functions I need from a backpack. Its sturdy appearance inspires confidence, and I’m sure I’ll have this backpack for a long time.
Patagonia Black Hole Daypack Alternatives
If the Patagonia Black Hole backpack doesn’t fit your needs, there are plenty of other options on the market. Here are just some of the best carry-on backpacks:
A great alternative to the Black Hole by Patagonia itself is the Refugio model. The Refugio is less tall but more broad. It has similar features but the design is a bit different. Check out my Patagonia Refugio backpack review as this is the backpack my boyfriend uses.
I have to admit, a backpack I love even more than my Patagonia backpack is my Knack Pack Medium. It’s expandable and has a suitcase-style opening. Read my full Knack backpack review to find out about its other amazing features.
If you’re looking for a bigger alternative with a suitcase opening for better organization, you might want to consider the Tortuga Travel Backpack, or the Cotopaxi Allpa backpack if you like it more colorful.
FAQs About Patagonia Black Hole Backpack 25L
Is Patagonia Black Hole good for hiking?
Yes, you can use the Patagonia Black Hole for small hikes. However, for longer hikes, I would recommend a backpack with a hip belt to distribute the weight better.
Where are Patagonia black hole bags made?
The Patagonia black hole bags are made in a Fair Trade Certified factory in Vietnam.
Is the black hole pack 25L waterproof?
The Patagonia black hole 25L daypack has a water-resistant coating.
Is 25L enough for travel?
Generally, 25L backpacks are enough for a day trip or a weekend trip. However, if you pack like a minimalist, 25L is also sufficient for long-term travel.
Final Thoughts: Patagonia Black Hole 25L Review
Overall, I am highly satisfied with my purchase of the Patagonia Black Hole daypack 25L. It’s durable, functional, and ethically made, which aligns with my personal values.
While it may not be the cheapest option on the market, I believe it’s worth the investment for a reliable and versatile travel companion. Plus, the design is pretty sleek and eye-catching, making it a stylish choice for any adventure.
If you’re in the market for a new backpack, I highly recommend considering the Patagonia Black Hole 25L.
And if you do decide to purchase one, make sure to check out their repair program, as they offer lifetime repairs on their products. That’s sustainability and durability at its finest!
Read more backpack reviews:
- Best Minimalist Backpacks for Travel (Carry-On Size)
- Honest Knack Pack Series 2 Review
- Honest Patagonia Black Hole 25l Review: For Travel
- Honest Patagonia Refugio 26L Review: For Travel
- Patagonia Refugio vs Black Hole: Which to Choose?
- Honest Tortuga Travel Backpack 30L Review
- Cotopaxi Allpa 35l Review: Del Dia Collection
- 13 Easy Minimalist Packing Tips for Travel
- Ultimate Minimalist Packing List For Women
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