One Bag Travels
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Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 45L Review - One Bag Travels
October 14, 2020 - Their packs are so solid, and the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag 45L is no exception. It’s an awesome little travel duffel made from super sturdy fabric and hardware. It’s lightweight, well made, durable, and minimalist.
Patagonia Worn Wear®
wornwear.patagonia.com › products › black-hole-duffel-45l_49337_smdb
Black Hole® Duffel 45L
Black Hole® Duffel 45L
Price $80.00
[Review] Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 45L
The Granite Gear 20" duffle has passed straps, a sternum strap, a shoulder strap and is much lighter and less expensive than the Black Hole. The Patagonia Lightweight Black Hole suffers from backpack strap issues. These lighter bags (16-18oz) don't eat up the weight on budget airlines carry on limits and still remain sturdy enough for self carry. I wouldn't want to be carrying any convertible much more than between rail/bus/taxi/hotel jumps. If you are working with 10kg loads, there isn't too much suffering. All the 45 liter-is duffel bags I surveyed suffered from the wrong proportions for budget airline cabin carry on use. They are all a little to thick in one dimension. If you don't pack them bursting right they would probably compress the 2" needed to fit a test box. You will probably hit the 10kg weight limit before overfilling a 45 liter bag anyway. To get maximized dimensions, you need to look at more luggage -oriented designs like the Patagonia MLC or Timbuk2 Wingman. Adding compression straps to the duffel style bags would help a lot to get that last dimension in line and would stabilize the innards at the same time, lest it all goes to the bottom end when carried vertically. Straps that go completely over the opening would take stress of the zippers too. The Black Hole is great for rough handling and rough gear inside. I think they are too heavy for carry on use. If you are going on buses and trains in remote areas, the ruggedness will pay off. More on reddit.com
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December 8, 2018Patagonia MLC 45L vs Black Hole 40L duffel?
I prefer the 40L duffel, but I'm the odd traveler who prefers having a mostly-loaded daypack inside the larger bag. At the same time, while the MLC is better in features I would not consider it a good product as your primary travel bag. My thought process is: If I can't put it under the seat (depends on the seat, sometimes it's possible with the 40L partially packed) and/or they force me to check anything bigger than a personal item, I still want my valuables with me. I take my daypack and check the duffel, which only has spare changes of clothes for varying weather/job sites. I've also found the duffel to be reasonably comfortable and there's nothing I want that the MLC provides. The duffel is just a bucket. One flat zippered compartment on the lid that I would not recommend using for anything non-flat because it'll poke into your back. One side pouch, AKA the stash pouch it ships in, which I would also not recommend using for anything bulky because it really messes up your luggage tetris if you do so. Backpack straps are fine, duffel handle is very wear-resistant. I would use this on most other bags if I could. I have been critical of the MLC for years, since it's always felt like a duffel with a more chic design, extraneous organizer panel, and little meaningful support. In other words, it's a CabinZero bag with fancier materials. It's still floppy if you don't pack it full, no internal frame. I've seen people use one a few times, and unless it's packed to the brim it just looks like any other duffel or lumpy tote bag. And if it's packed to the brim, it may not fit in a carry-on sizer. I will admit that it's at least got a useful water bottle pocket + laptop sleeve but remain otherwise unconvinced. IMO the duffel is a better travel bag for people who could do a personal item, but their plane ticket allows a carry-on and they figured a few extra items wouldn't hurt. This was my situation! Stayed an extra 3 days on a business trip, spent Saturday recovering and crocheting with the yarn I brought. It is still competing with other duffels like the TNF Voyager, Osprey Transporter, or REI Big Haul, with the main benefit being its brand name and looks. In contrast, the MLC is the bag to choose if you plan to use this as your main travel backpack while walking around... maybe. I think a good portion of its sales are for people who have a checked bag and want to maximize travel storage. It has stiff competition with "standard" travel backpacks that are more ergonomic, and if you were looking at it for one-bag purposes I'd point you toward an Aer Travel Pack, an Evergoods CTB35, or other backpacks in a similar price range that actually feel like they're solid backpacks. More on reddit.com
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November 28, 2022Thoughts about the Patagonia Black Hole line? Especially the duffels, are those good compared to the market? I only had a few TNF Base Camps that can compare. Thanks 🙏🏻
If only there were a minimal branding option… More on reddit.com
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January 16, 2022Patagonia Black Hole Duffle 45l?
Look at the Black Hole MLC 45 instead. Excellent carry-on travel bag. I have done multiple Europe trips with my non black hole version. Versatile that it can be shoulder or backpack and has better organization.
More on reddit.com 10
5
September 16, 2016Videos
Patagonia
patagonia.com › packs & gear › bags & luggage › duffels & travel bags › black hole® mlc® pack 45l
Patagonia Black Hole® MLC® Convertible Carry On Backpack 45L
Black Hole® MLC® 45L
Our classic Black Hole® MLC® bag is a burly, soft-sided 45-liter suitcase with enough room for world travel and convertible backpack straps for comfy load carrying; made with 100% recycled body fabric, lining and webbing, plus a 100% recycled TPU-film laminate. Meets most carry-on requirements. Made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory.
Price $239.00
Reddit
reddit.com › r/onebag › [review] patagonia black hole duffel 45l
r/onebag on Reddit: [Review] Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 45L
December 8, 2018 -
Duffel bags aren’t for everyone. I was hoping to find a carry on size duffel that would also have a decent carry option (maybe there isn’t one?). I had high hopes for the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag. It’s definitely a high quality bag at a decent price, but the backpack straps don’t work well for me.
Here are my thoughts on the 45L version for one bag travel, as well as a long form blog post and a YouTube video review if you want to see more. I’d love to hear from anyone who uses this bag, why you like it/hate it, or have different thoughts from mine. Thanks!
Photo Gallery: https://imgur.com/a/4eNG8Kt
Materials and Size
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Fabric: This is my first experience with the Black Hole material. It’s super sturdy and durable, I like when bags are stiff enough that they don’t flop over when not fully packed. But it’s shiny and less low key than other fabrics, so I can see why not everyone would like it.
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Hardware: The hardware is all solid. #10 YKK zippers on main compartment, and #8 on the front pocket. They aren’t locking, but you can easily put a carabiner on the zipper pulls. The hardware and buckles are high quality Duraflex.
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Size: Dimensions are 19" x 10" x 10.3" (48x25x26 cm). Duffel bags I’m finding out always seem to have at least one side that is bigger than standard carry on dimensions, but at least its soft sided. The 10” width and height make the bag a little boxy, and it’s shaped like a trapezoid, with the small side on top. This isn’t the best shape for carrying as a backpack, it sits kind of weird on my back.
Carry Options
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Backpack Straps: These aren’t my favorite. For being a totally solid bag in almost every other aspect, the backpack straps fall short. They only have a slight curve to them, are kind of firm, have no back mesh, and lack a sternum strap. They are removable, but have no dedicated storage pocket.
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Carry Handles: They did a good job with the top carry handles. They’re simple, but work well. My biggest problem is they aren’t removable. There is nothing you can do with them when you carry the bag as a backpack.
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Shoulder Strap: The previous version of this bag came with a shoulder strap, but this one doesn’t. Why they got rid of it I have no idea. Lack of a shoulder strap was the biggest complaint I read on reviews. And since the backpack straps aren’t all that comfortable, it would be really nice as a carry option.
Exterior / Interior Organization
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Exterior: It has a simple exterior organization. The zippered front pocket is kind of big because it’s the foldable pocket the bag comes in, in reverse. There are also two side end handles, and 4 rows of daisy chain loops. Probably a little overkill, but good if you like to attach things to the outside of your packs.
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Interior: Again, pretty simple interior organization. It’s just a large duffel compartment, with no separators, or laptop compartment. There are two small zippered mesh pockets on the underside of the lid. It’s a convenient location to access small items, but since there’s no back padding, anything you put in there will be poking into your back if you carry it as a backpack.
Cheers,
Top answer 1 of 2
4
The Granite Gear 20" duffle has passed straps, a sternum strap, a shoulder strap and is much lighter and less expensive than the Black Hole. The Patagonia Lightweight Black Hole suffers from backpack strap issues. These lighter bags (16-18oz) don't eat up the weight on budget airlines carry on limits and still remain sturdy enough for self carry. I wouldn't want to be carrying any convertible much more than between rail/bus/taxi/hotel jumps. If you are working with 10kg loads, there isn't too much suffering. All the 45 liter-is duffel bags I surveyed suffered from the wrong proportions for budget airline cabin carry on use. They are all a little to thick in one dimension. If you don't pack them bursting right they would probably compress the 2" needed to fit a test box. You will probably hit the 10kg weight limit before overfilling a 45 liter bag anyway. To get maximized dimensions, you need to look at more luggage -oriented designs like the Patagonia MLC or Timbuk2 Wingman. Adding compression straps to the duffel style bags would help a lot to get that last dimension in line and would stabilize the innards at the same time, lest it all goes to the bottom end when carried vertically. Straps that go completely over the opening would take stress of the zippers too. The Black Hole is great for rough handling and rough gear inside. I think they are too heavy for carry on use. If you are going on buses and trains in remote areas, the ruggedness will pay off.
2 of 2
3
Been wanting to get one of these, but you saved me money. Duffel bag with no shoulder straps? No thanks.
Patagonia
patagonia.com › featured › patagonia favorites › black hole® bags
Black Hole® Bags: Water Resistant Bags by Patagonia
Black Hole® Duffels · Black Hole® Backpacks · Black Hole® Tote Bags & Packing Cubes · (21) (18) (16) (7) (6) (4) (2) Fair Trade (18) Made without PFCs/PFAS (18) Water Resistant (16) Packable (1) Recycled Materials (18) Ripstop (18) 46L + (6) 20L & under (5) 31 - 45L (4) 21 - 30L (3) One Size (20) L (1) M (1) One Size Fits All (7) Travel (12) Mountain Biking (9) Multi Sport (9) Climbing (8) Fly Fishing (8) Ski/Snowboard (5) Hiking (4) Surfing (4) Trail Running (1) Black Hole® (20) 21 Items ·
Patagonia
patagonia.com › packs & gear › bags & luggage › duffels & travel bags
Travel Duffel Bags by Patagonia
Rolling Duffel Bags · Fair Trade (12) Water Resistant (12) Made without PFCs/PFAS (11) Travel (8) Fly Fishing (5) Climbing (4) Mountain Biking (4) Multi Sport (4) Ski/Snowboard (4) Surfing (4) Recycled Materials (12) Ripstop (11) 46L + (5) 31 - 45L (4) 21 - 30L (3) Black Hole® (12) One Size Fits All (4) One Size (13) L (1) M (1) (13) (13) (11) (7) (3) (2) (2) 14 Items ·
Landfall Navigation
landfallnavigation.com › patagonia black hole duffel 45l
Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 45L
Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 45L
Patagonia's smallest Black Hole® Duffel is perfect for small loads and long weekends.
Price $119.00
eBay
ebay.com › tickets & travel › travel › luggage
Patagonia Lightweight Black Hole Duffel 45L Black Shiny Vintage Rare | eBay
Patagonia Lightweight Black Hole Duffel 45L Black Shiny Vintage Rare
Patagonia Lightweight Black Hole Duffel 45L Black Shiny Vintage Rare · Sign in to check out · Check out as guest · Add to cart · Add to Watchlist · Refresh your browser window to try again. Refresh Browser · 1-year protection plan from Allstate - $44.99 ·
Price $225.00
eBay
ebay.com › tickets & travel › travel › luggage
Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L backpack duffel carry-on bag - Black | eBay
Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L backpack duffel carry-on bag - Black
Gear Capacity: 45L (2,746 cu in). Wide webbing loop on the back panel acts as a haul handle or can be slipped over the handle of rolling luggage. Webbing: 100% recycled nylon.
Price $238.99
REI Co-op
rei.com › patagonia › travel gear › day bags and packs
Patagonia Gym Bags | REI Co-op
Add Black Hole Duffel 55 L to Compare · PatagoniaBlack Hole Duffel 70 L · $199.00 · (27)27 reviews with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars · Gear Capacity: 70 liters · Dimensions: 26 x 14 x 11 in. Weight: 3.73 lbs · Add Black Hole Duffel 70 L to Compare ·
Pack Hacker
packhacker.com › pack hacker › bags & luggage › patagonia black hole mlc 45l review
Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L Review | Pack Hacker
The Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L is a solid travel companion with three carry modes, plenty of space for gear, and dedicated tech and laptop storage.
Published April 29, 2025
Patagonia Worn Wear®
wornwear.patagonia.com › products › lightweight-black-hole-duffel-45l_49080_blk
Lightweight Black Hole® Duffel 45L
Lightweight Black Hole® Duffel 45L
Price $78.00
NYTimes
nytimes.com › travel › bags › the best duffel bags
There’s No Single Perfect Duffel. But These Six Are Pretty Close.
October 23, 2025 - For all practical purposes, the versions are identical except for their increasing size, though the two smaller sizes come in a wider range of colors than do the two larger sizes. The Black Hole folds down into its own stuff sack, which turns into a storage pocket when you unfold the duffel. Patagonia has a highly regarded replacement and repair guarantee that we’ve tested many times without complaint.
Patagonia
patagonia.com › featured › patagonia favorites › black hole® bags › black hole® duffels
Black Hole® Duffel Bags & Wheeled Duffels by Patagonia
Black Hole® MLC® Wheelie · Rolling duffel/backpack that fits the strictest carry-on requirements. Shop · Clear All · Change Select Store · Price Low to High · Price High to Low · Best Seller · Newest · Top Rated · (11) (11) (10) (6) (2) (2) (2) Fair Trade (8) Made without PFCs/PFAS ...
Caddisfly Shop
caddisflyshop.com › patagonia-black-hole-mlc-45l.html
Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L Bag - Patagonia Packs and Bags
3lbs 10oz empty, 45L capacity. Patagonia Men's Long Sleeved Early Rise Snap Shirt · $139.00 · Patagonia R1 Fitz Roy 1/4 Zip · $119.25 $159.00 · Patagonia Black Hole Gear Tote · $119.00 · Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bags · $127.20 $159.00 ·
Reddit
reddit.com › r/onebag › patagonia mlc 45l vs black hole 40l duffel?
r/onebag on Reddit: Patagonia MLC 45L vs Black Hole 40L duffel?
November 28, 2022 -
Any thoughts on Patagonia's Black Hole MLC 45L vs their Black Hole 40L duffel? I'm having a hard time finding comparisons of the two despite them seeming fairly similar to me on paper. Curious what each excels at and what the drawbacks are? Thanks!
Top answer 1 of 3
9
I prefer the 40L duffel, but I'm the odd traveler who prefers having a mostly-loaded daypack inside the larger bag. At the same time, while the MLC is better in features I would not consider it a good product as your primary travel bag. My thought process is: If I can't put it under the seat (depends on the seat, sometimes it's possible with the 40L partially packed) and/or they force me to check anything bigger than a personal item, I still want my valuables with me. I take my daypack and check the duffel, which only has spare changes of clothes for varying weather/job sites. I've also found the duffel to be reasonably comfortable and there's nothing I want that the MLC provides. The duffel is just a bucket. One flat zippered compartment on the lid that I would not recommend using for anything non-flat because it'll poke into your back. One side pouch, AKA the stash pouch it ships in, which I would also not recommend using for anything bulky because it really messes up your luggage tetris if you do so. Backpack straps are fine, duffel handle is very wear-resistant. I would use this on most other bags if I could. I have been critical of the MLC for years, since it's always felt like a duffel with a more chic design, extraneous organizer panel, and little meaningful support. In other words, it's a CabinZero bag with fancier materials. It's still floppy if you don't pack it full, no internal frame. I've seen people use one a few times, and unless it's packed to the brim it just looks like any other duffel or lumpy tote bag. And if it's packed to the brim, it may not fit in a carry-on sizer. I will admit that it's at least got a useful water bottle pocket + laptop sleeve but remain otherwise unconvinced. IMO the duffel is a better travel bag for people who could do a personal item, but their plane ticket allows a carry-on and they figured a few extra items wouldn't hurt. This was my situation! Stayed an extra 3 days on a business trip, spent Saturday recovering and crocheting with the yarn I brought. It is still competing with other duffels like the TNF Voyager, Osprey Transporter, or REI Big Haul, with the main benefit being its brand name and looks. In contrast, the MLC is the bag to choose if you plan to use this as your main travel backpack while walking around... maybe. I think a good portion of its sales are for people who have a checked bag and want to maximize travel storage. It has stiff competition with "standard" travel backpacks that are more ergonomic, and if you were looking at it for one-bag purposes I'd point you toward an Aer Travel Pack, an Evergoods CTB35, or other backpacks in a similar price range that actually feel like they're solid backpacks.
2 of 3
5
I've only ever used the 40L duffel, but a quick look at the MLC tells me that it seems a bit more practical for a travel bag. It looks like it has much better internal organization (the duffel is just a single space), and seems designed to be carried like a backpack a bit more intentionally (the duffel is literally a duffel with straps). In general just looking at the two bags on Patagonia's website gives a pretty good idea of what each one is capable of. The strength of the duffel is that you actually get all 40L of space and are free to do your own organizing, I used mine religiously for ski trips and it was awesome. I also used it for 6 months abroad and it was kind of a pain to haul around, and the lack of internal organization meant a lot of packing vs. unpacking. If you want to jam bulky, weird shaped stuff into a bag the black hole duffel is the way to go. If you want your stuff organized... I can't say it's the best.
Always Wander
alwayswander.info › patagonia-black-hole-mlc-review
Patagonia Black Hole MLC Review — Always Wander
Randomly, I came across the bag we're looking at here. The Black Hole MLC 45L bag. The "MLC" stands for "maximum legal carry-on". So it's designed to fit into those little metal cages airlines have at the gates now.
Outdoor Gear Lab
outdoorgearlab.com › luggage › travel bag reviews
The Best Duffel Bags | Tested & Rated
Patagonia Black Hole Duffel
When searching for a duffel bag, it's important to find the right capacity and style for your needs. Whether you're looking for a bag to hold it all for...
Patagonia Worn Wear®
wornwear.patagonia.com › products › black-hole-duffel-45l_49335_thr
Black Hole Duffel 45L
Keep your gear secure and protected in this super-durable, highly weather-resistant duffel made of strong 1,200-denier, polyester with a foam-padded bottom that protects your gear.
Pinnacle Promotions
pinnaclepromotions.com › patagoniar-black-hole-mlc-45l.html
Patagonia® Black Hole MLC 45L
Patagonia® Black Hole MLC 45L The classic Black Hole MLC bag is a burly, soft-sided 45-liter suitcase with enough room for world travel and convertible backpack straps for comfy load carrying, and is made with 100% recycled body fabric, lining ...