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This is making me go insane but I have met multiple people who have a black hole duffel bag (with the rectangular zip top and shiny material) that looks to be between 30-35L, significantly smaller than my 40L, which is the smallest size that Patagonia still sells in the duffels. They still have the backpack straps and everything. I have not been able to find it anywhere (facebook, depop, ebay, etc.) Does anyone have any infromation about them - or even better - one they are willing to sell?
Figured I'd ask!
EDIT: realize this might count as a want to sell... not my intention. Mostly just a sanity check that other people know about these and looking to be steered in the right direction
I know its two ends of a spectrum but I was hoping i can get some advice on which one to go with.
My cheap side was leaning towards paying $10 (for the Aeronaut) or $40 (for the Black Hole) more to go to the 45L but to be honest, the 45L might be too much room for me. My thought process was, 10 or 40 more dollars and i would be gaining an additional 15L so it had to be a better deal! If I ignore my cheap side than the 30L is probably the smarter decision.
My solo trips are usually about a week long. Maybe five days. I wanted a bag that can be slung over should as well as worn as a backpack, which both can do. These will be carry on bags so they have to be durable while light. Both bags seem to have rave reviews.
I'm torn because I dont want to spend $285 on a duffel bag but if the quality is THAT MUCH better than the Patagonia then I dont mind spending the extra cash. Can someone who has experience with both perhaps help a fellow redditor out in making this decision?
I have an Aeronaut 30, purchased about a year ago. I’ve taken it on four international trips (longest being 10 days in fall to a cold climate) and a few domestic trips. I love it, it’s hardy and I don’t need to be gentle about dropping it down. It still looks brand new. It’s very well thought out in terms of straps, pockets and o-rings. Some forethought needs to be taken in terms of fitting everything in, but if you’re a single carry on person, it’s perfect. Never had an issue with fitting it in any overhead bins. I also got the absolute shoulder strap which can be kind of annoying since it’s a bit stretchy and bouncy, but I like having the option to carry it multiple ways. The hand strap is very comfortable. I have the 1050 ballistic one, so it can get a bit heavy, but as a 5’4” woman, it’s easy enough to hoist as a backpack to navigate crowded areas and it doesn’t dig into my shoulders. Being able to hide the straps gives it a polished look, and the strap pocket is like an extra space for small flat things. I wouldn’t use it to go hiking or anything like that though.
I only have experience with the 45l black hole duffel. Great quality, have been on many trips with it. However:
My version cannot be worn as a backpack, so if you go with the 45 then make sure you get the right one.
I believe the 30l is only available in "lightweight." When I bought mine three or so years ago, the lightweight bags did not seem sturdy enough for heavy use.
Lastly, the black hole has about 2/3 the capacity of my other two 45l bags from other brands. Dunno who's in the right here, never bothered to check. It's about the size of a gym bag. I'm a light packer but I'd really only use it for maybe a 3 day trip if I didn't have access to laundry.