Veganderlust contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you.Ā For more info, see the Disclosure Policy.
Patagonia Refugio vs Black Hole: Which to Choose?
Are you deciding between getting a Patagonia Refugio vs Black Hole backpack? I’ve got you covered.
My boyfriend and I couldn’t decide either so I opted for the Black Hole 25L backpack, while my boyfriend went for the Refugio 26L.
We’ve used the backpacks as our sole luggage for a two-month trip and now I wrote this review with our personal experience to help you figure out which of those two backpacks fits your needs best.
Patagonia Refugio vs Black Hole: Stats
| Refugio 26L | Black Hole 25L | |
| Dimensions | 18″ x 12″ x 6.5″ 45 x 30,4 x 16,5 cm | 18.8″ x 11″ x 5.9″ 47,7 x 30 x 14,9 cm |
| Weight | 1 lbs 9.9 oz (735 g) | 1 lbs 6.6 oz (640 g) |
| Capacity | 26L | 25L |
| Price | ~ $110 | ~ $150 |
| check available colors | check available colors |
Patagonia Refugio vs Black Hole: Different Compartments
Both minimalist travel backpacks feature a main compartment, a front pocket, and two side pockets for water bottles.
The Black Hole backpack has an additional smaller top pocket outside for small travel items like keys or tissues. However, when the backpack is full, it’s hard to use the outside compartments as they lose space when the backpack is packed.
The Refugio backpack features a separate laptop compartment with a removable sleeve. We love this versatile design, eliminating the need for a padded laptop sleeve if not required.
Verdict: Overall, the Refugio feels way more spacious than the Black Hole, and we loved the removable laptop sleeve. The only downside is that the Refugio doesn’t have a small pocket on the outside.
| Refugio 26L | Black Hole 25L | |
| Main Compartment | Feels very spacious | doesn’t feel as spacious since it’s more long and thin |
| Front Pocket | opens in the middle | opens on the side |
| Small Outside Pocket | – | on top |
| Laptop sleeve | removable in separate compartment | not removable, inside main compartment |
Patagonia Refugio vs Black Hole: Comfort & Durability
Both backpacks are made out of 100% recycled polyester. The Black Hole backpack has a water-resistant TPU-film laminate on top, and the Refugio has a PU coating and a durable water-repellent DWR finish.
I’ll be honest with you, I don’t know what the difference in the coating is, but we’ve used both backpacks in slight rain and the inside stayed dry.
Comfort-wise the two backpacks are very similar as well, they both have a slightly padded back and adjustable sternum straps but no hip belt.
In theory, they appear similar. However, testing revealed the Black Hole backpack is sturdier and better suited for heavy loads. When packing the Refugio backpack with heavy items, we were concerned about the shoulder straps’ ability to support the weight.
Verdict: If you’re planning on carrying heavy loads, the Black Hole is a better fit. Otherwise, the two backpacks are very similar in regard to comfort and durability.
| Refugio 26L | Black Hole 25L | |
| Material | 100% postconsumer recycled polyester | 100% recycled polyester ripstop |
| Coating | PU coating and a durable water repellent (DWR) finish | weather-resistant, recycled TPU-film laminate |
| Sternum straps | yes | yes |
| Hip belt | no | no |
| Sturdiness | doesn’t feel like it can handle a heavy load | feels very sturdy |
Our Experience with the backpacks
Both backpacks are advertised as day bags but as we both travel very minimalistic the backpacks were enough for a longer trip.
I packed everything for my 2-month winter trip in both backpacks to check the fit. The Refugio backpack, just 1 liter bigger than the Black Hole, accommodated all my items much more easily.
All in all, the Refugio backpack just feels more spacious because of its shorter and rounder design. The Black Hole backpack seems less spacious because of its long and thin design, but exactly this design makes it a bit more comfortable to carry.
We used the backpacks a few times for going grocery shopping and there we realized that we didn’t trust the straps of the Refugio backpack to support the weight of heavy items in the bag. The Black Hole could handle heavier loads better and we didn’t fear the straps breaking.
Overall, we loved both backpacks and had no major issues with either of them during our 2-month trip to Spain and the United Kingdom.
Check out my tips for minimalist packing for beginners and my ultimate guide for minimalist packing for women if you’re interested in reducing your luggage to just one backpack.
š The Refugio backpack is the right one for me!
š The Black Hole backpack is the right one for me!
Final Thoughts: Patagonia Black Hole vs Refugio
There are many factors to consider when choosing between the Patagonia Refugio and Black Hole backpacks, but ultimately it comes down to your personal needs and preferences. Both backpacks have their own unique features that make them great options for different uses.
The Refugio is perfect if you want a versatile and spacious backpack with a separate laptop compartment. However, the Black Hole seems more durable and better suited for heavy loads.
I hope this review helped you decide which Patagonia backpack is right for you! If you’re not quite sure yet, check out my detailed review of each backpack:
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
Pin it for later:
