Backpacks

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55L | Review

This deluxe gear-hauler is made from recycled fabrics but can still take plenty of punishment

Why We Chose the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 70: Tough, roomy, eco-friendly

Price: £120
Weight: 1440g
More info: eu.patagonia.com

When it comes to duffel bags, we look for a few simple things. First, it needs to be big enough and strong enough to carry all our gear – which might include a fair amount of hardware, like a climbing rack. Second, it needs to be tough enough to sling in a van without getting damaged or torn. Third, it should stop our stuff from getting soaking wet or broken in transit. Fourth, it should be easy to haul around. And finally, it should be easy to get into, so that when you’re at airline check-in and you realise your passport and boarding pass are buried somewhere in its cavernous depths, you don’t have to scrabble around for ages to find them.

“All the materials are still as tough and durable as ever though. The main body of the bag is 900-denier ripstop fabric”

The Patagonia Black Hole 55L delivers on all counts, and offers some useful additional features too. Added to that, it now comes with excellent eco credentials, thanks to the fact that it is made from Bluesign-approved and 100% recycled polyester fabric. The lining is also 100% recycled polyester lining, while the external webbing is made from 100% recycled nylon. Apparently, the production of the Black Hole collection will keep 10 million plastic bottles will be kept out of landfills. Bravo Patagonia.

All the materials are still as tough and durable as ever though. The main body of the bag is 900-denier ripstop fabric with a weather-resistant laminated surface and a DWR (durable water repellent) finish. So it’s going to be pretty difficult to shred it. Similarly, though the bag won’t survive a dunking, it should stand up to light or moderate rain with no drama.

Related: Patagonia Macro Puff Jacket

The 55L-litre capacity is roomy enough to swallow a lot of kit. The main compartment has a large opening with a U-shaped zip, so it’s easy to rummage around inside. The inside of the lid has two useful mesh pockets, and there is also a zipped side pocket for quick access to small items. A padded base also protects the contents. The rest of the bag does not have a particularly rigid structure, which keeps weight down and means it is easier to squash it into tight spaces, but bear in mind that it doesn’t offer a huge amount of protection for fragile items.

For such a big gear-hauler, the Black Hole 55 is easier to carry around than most other duffels. As well as the standard reinforced haul handles, it has padded, removable shoulder straps so you can carry it on your back. There are also grab handles at either end so it’s easy to pull out of the back of a van. It even has sturdy, reinforced daisy chains if you needed to lash it to the roof rack of a Land Rover or something equally badass.

“For such a big gear-hauler, the Black Hole 55 is easier to carry around than most other duffels”

Admittedly, it’s not the cheapest option around, but it is built to last, and you get a lot of bag for your money.

Tester’s Verdict

Will Renwick, OM Editor

“I’ve had the original Black Hole Duffel 60L for a few years now, and I love it. It’s the bag I call upon for basically every trip I go on. Whether that’s for a week abroad or just a weekend away somewhere in the UK.

“Having tested this new recycled one over the last few weeks, there’s absolutely no difference in terms of look, feel or performance”

“As far as I can tell, having tested this new recycled one over the last few weeks, there’s absolutely no difference in terms of look, feel or performance. It’s the same does-it-all duffel; the one I can rely on to keep my kit dry in the rain (though it’s not fully waterproof), that allows me to carry heavy loads comfortably, and that, when it’s not needed, can be tucked away without taking up a bunch of space. My original one (which I’ll be passing on to a new home) is in great nick despite a lot of use. I expect this one will last just as well.

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