Patagonia  Black Hole Pack - 32 L

A versatile pack- I have used this for boating and for business travel. The design of this pack makes it easy to pack and unpack, and to keep you organized. The water resistance is handy whether you are trying to keep gear dry on a boat or an airport. I like the water bottle pockets on the sides as you can fit a Nalgene easily. It has a daisy chain down the front of the pack, so you can clip on as you need too. The organization in the top hatch includes a key strap and a mesh zip pocket. This has made this my daily paddle bag after trying several other options.

I am sad to say how utterly disappointed I am in this pack. I bought the Black Hole to replace the 32L Fuego that I have dragged around the world for many years and absolutely loved. I couldn’t find anything by Patagonia that came close to this awesome pack, but wanted to stick with Patagonia, so thought I would give the Black Hole a try. I really had such high hopes for it, but unfortunately, the design is incredibly impractical. This bag is pretty much useless if you actually want to carry anything other than a computer and a sweatshirt. I really hate being negative, so I'll start with the positive things I found. Positive: The side water bottle pouch holds a large hydro flask. The computer pocket is well padded and easy to access when going through security (HOWEVER, if the bag has anything packed to capacity in the main compartment, access becomes difficult). The top and front handle make it convenient to grab. The purple color is pretty. What’s wrong: It is a 32L bag that loses MOST of that capacity in the main compartment. If you actually fill the smaller outside top area, as well as the front pocket, and carry a computer there is barely room for anything else. The filled top pocket is in the way of the main compartment, so when it is packed it is almost impossible to access anything from the main compartment or the front pocket. Then, the content of the top pocket spills out when you open it unless it is standing upright (so accessing under your seat on a plane is impossible without pulling the bag out. There aren’t enough inner stash pockets/dividers for small items such as money, passport, or phone, and the ONE that is inside is impossible to get to when it is packed because it is smooshed against the inside back of the bag. There is also so there is no sunglass pouch or place for more delicate items anywhere. I'm not sure what this bag would be good for, but it is not for travel in any way. Maybe for school or work if you only need to carry a computer and a light jacket? Patagonia dropped the ball on this design for sure!

I purchased this bag for my son for daily school use less than 6 months ago. The water bottle holders ripped and Tabitha the store manager told me that this is normal wear and tear and refused to let me return it.

Can’t relate to the negative reviews. I’ve never had a backpack of this size fit SO much and keep it all organized. Love the large top pocket for easy grab items - I place mine straps side up when storing under the seat on an airplane for easier access. I use this primarily as a carryon and for weekend camping trips and it’s held up amazingly well. It even worked as a day hike pack in a pinch. 10/10 recommend as a travel bag or daily commuter!

I've been a regular Patagonia customer for over 20 years and have owned at least 6 other Patagonia bags and backpacks. This, like so many new Patagonia products, is a significant denture from their historical design and quality standards. the pack is poorly design, with little organization. The large top compartment falls into the main compartment, and the top handle is placed so the pack cannot be open when hung up on a peg. The materials itself is of marginal quality. The water bottle pockets are both showing signs of wear after less than a year of use. The pack material itself is not waterproof, as it conducts water into the seams. If you spill a water bottle outside of the pack, the stuff inside will get wet. It features a totally worthless handle along the back, and a large daisy chain.

Perfect for weekend getaways or longer. As a senior woman who packs light, I use this backpack instead of my suitcase. It has 4 different compartments so I can separate underwear and outerwear. Much easier to hoist into overhead bins and get through busy airports.

The back pack is complete! It delivers all that was promised in space! It feels good on my back.

Perfect for our camping needs.