Patagonia  Black Hole Duffel - 60L

I bought this for a 3-week trip to Africa because I needed to take everything in just 2 bags I could carry onto small planes. It was perfect when used with zippered mesh "cubes" inside to separate types of clothing, personals, etc. Also great to use as a backpack in airports, freeing up your hands. I was forced to check the Patagonia bag on one flight, and the blue color made it easy to spot on the carousel, but it emerged with a small jagged tear on one side. Since it's pretty durable material, I'm guessing a strap got snagged on a conveyor belt mechanism and sucked it into a gear or something. So lesson learned: if you check this bag at the airport, tie the loose ends of the straps together and snap the handles together, reducing chances of a mishap. I got a new bag from REI and will take care of it, because it's a great travel solution.

A friend let me borrow the 60L bag for a 10 day service project to Haiti. I was skeptical at first because I didn't consider myself any kind of a "duffle guy". A year later I purchased one for myself. What I like about it in order of importance to me: 1) Adjustable shoulder straps that allows me to throw on my back walking to and from car, terminals, etc. This is why I settled on the 60L as the 45L does not have shoulder straps and the 90 & 120 were too big to serve as a Carry On 2) Fits in the overhead compartment even though it is designated as "not Carry On size" under the description. 3) Main zippered flap stays secure against the back when carried using the shoulder straps. I feel more secure walking through crowded airports and urban areas not having multiple entry points into my bag. I believe this is a deterrent to thieves. 4) Fewer pockets. I used to believe in the "more pockets and pouches the better", until I found myself spending so much time trying to find where I put something and simply getting frustrated! Three zippered compartments is sufficient and I use dry bags to separate my things inside. 5) Water resistent. One less thing to worry about when I'm traveling and its raining. 6) I can easily pack 4-5 days worth of clothes in the 60L. No complaints about the bag so far as it is definitely a "step up" from anything I've owned in the past. Looking forward to using this on another two week trip out of the country this summer.

My boyfriend and I bought doubles of this bag for a 3 week trip to Africa. We wanted something that was durable, small to help us stay under the 15 kg weight limit for smaller flights, and easy to carry. This bag satisfied all that and more. The divided net pockets on the inside of the top zippered flap and the side zipper pocket helped keep little things organized and accessible. I loved the roominess of the main compartment because it let me pack the bag exactly the way I wanted it without being hindered or controlled by built-in compartments. Without anything in it, the bag is quite light, which meant we could pack in even more of our trip essentials. I found the size of the bag to be perfect for any type of trip – lightly packed for a weekend getaway, or very smartly packed for a longer trip. The backpack-style straps made carrying super simple and comfortable, but we could easily switch to the handheld duffel when the situation called for it. Throughout our trip, we had many people comment on what efficient travelers we were. I know some people are uncomfortable about the size of the Patagonia name on the bag, but it made it easy to identify our luggage, and I'm happy to help advertise for an awesome brand like Patagonia.

I use this duffel for all purposes.... work, travel- especially for skipping the need for checking bags since they fit great in the overhead bin (60L), you name it. The material is super durable and the green looks a lot better than I was expecting. I love the ability to wear it as a backpack and the straps aren't that bad to wear around. I wish I'd had the bags during my earlier travels and now when I go shopping and see one I can't help but want another one!

This is my first duffle with backpack style straps, so it took a little getting used to. I was expecting it to have a single shoulder strap as well for conversion, but after using it a couple times it doesn't make a difference. And actually the shoulder straps make traveling long distances on foot with this bag more efficient. Great bag!

This has exactly what I want in a duffel. Large capacity, small enough to work as a carry-on, and water resistant. I am amazed how much stuff I can fit in this thing. The backpack straps make it easy to carry. Just throw in a few gear organizers and you can maximize the space.

I tend to be rough on my gear and the Black Hole duffel is definitely up to the task. The Patagonia logo, however, needs to be toned down. It's too over the top. It screams hey, look at me! I admire Patagonia as a brand and what they stand for, but I feel like a walking billboard everytime I use this bag. Unfortunately, for this reason, I may need to give it away to a family member or friend. Or maybe a piece of duct tape covering the logo will do the job.

This is a great bag, and I love that it has the backpack straps, but I prefer the size and shape of the North Face equivalent in a medium. I prefer the North Face colour options and straps as well. For both brands, I find that I can fit a surprising amount in the bag, and that it is durable. It is definitely a new travel staple for me.

Great bag! Fits everything you need. I pack a lot of stuff and can always fit in everything I need. The zippers are durable and it's a very sturdy bag. I love the easy-to clean exterior as well!

Just packed this up for a long weekend. Plan to carry on board instead of check. In a few weeks will use is as a tri-gear bag. Great size. Not too big, not too small!