Patagonia Black Hole Packs (2023) Review - better, but also worse

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[@Mattzerfyer]

I prefer the matte finish. Great video as always and I love the new intro!

[@EDG]

Thanks! I expect it to be a 50:50 split on the new material

[@tonyg3091]

@@EDGThe old stuff-the shiny one ages incredibly poorly-it delaminates and forms sort of air pockets at the points of frequent fold which makes it really ugly.

[@EDG]

@@tonyg3091 yeah that’s what I’ve been reading in the comments too! I never saw that, but that’s some bullshit if it’s happening. Especially to a pack that’s made to be roughed up a little bit and take an outdoors. Hopefully this new material is a big improvement.

[@ax-jv9hm]

@@EDG I can confirm, it ages very poorly, little pieces comes of from my bag too. Funny because when I got it I felt it will hold up until forever, its has that feeling of material you cannot destroy now matter how hard you try, but I guess long hours in the sun and in snow somehow got the better part of it and it started to break up, especially at tightly curling areas.

[@EDG]

@@ax-jv9hm this pretty disappointing. Is the bag even usable? Or is it basically just fucked to the point where theres holes in it.

[@salmiakki5638]

In Europe (italy at least) they increased the price aswell. Was 150€, now 170€

[@EDG]

yea, I figured that was the case. Unfortunate

[@velyvely6479]

no way! this pack is clearly cheaper to make then the shiny one (i have) what a joke

[@mcca555]

Fantastic review

[@EDG]

Thank you kindly

[@Shoxart]

Truly sad that @patagonia remove they iconic shiny material from this model. Now this backpack look like 5$ Quechua backpack from Decathlon :), but cost far more. I always wanted to buy previouws version, but now it's gone :)...

[@EDG]

Yea, I was a fan of the shiny material myself. But don't worry, there are plenty of old versions floating around, usually at a discount! Just keep looking. Around the holidays I saw some online.

[@aarondavis156]

Big downgrade on the laptop/tablet sleeves. Weird choice to get rid of the second tablet pocket. Great review, thanks!

[@EDG]

yea agreed. I don't get why.

[@denniszenanywhere]

@@EDG Most likely it's because fleece is not water-resistant and to market it as water resistant, then they have to remove the fleece in the sleeves.

[@EDG]

@@denniszenanywhere but the fleece is on the inside. I think the other inside materials are also susceptible to water. The water resistance refers to the outer materials ability to repel water? Idk you could be right

[@n00182085]

I just ordered the mini MLC but am a bit annoyed with the amount of padding for the laptop compartment. I don’t travel mainly with a laptop or tablet. It’s rare. So now I’m thinking about this in the 32L. Would you say this bag has a softer, smaller electronic footprint?

[@EDG]

hmm, where would you be using this? For travel? or for hiking/everyday? I think the mini MLC is much better than these black holes for travel. I don't think they have too much less padding than the the MLC.

[@n00182085]

@@EDG hi! Mostly edc for now with occasional travel as a personal bag. Again I don’t take a laptop and rarely if ever an iPad. Looking online, the measurements are so close ans the mini MLC is a pound heavier nearly. Also won’t need the full capacity all the time if it’s my personal item so I don’t know how much the mini MLC will compress compared to the backpack.

[@EDG]

@@n00182085 sounds like your decision is made. Go with the black hole.

[@velyvely6479]

the top pocket on the 32L is larger, i have it in the shiny black and i love using this backpack, because i love to know how much fits in bags when i watch reviews ill just say that i often pack it with the Muji double-sided packing cube in medium, sometimes i need more room above so i pack it lengthways and it fits nicely, this bag fits more then you'd think. i enjoyed your review and now i'm sort of wanting this non shiny version now lol - i have to say tho the laptop compartment is pretty underwhelming tho, i think atleast they should have made it fleece lined.

[@EDG]

thanks! What on this version appeals to you enough over your current shiny version to get? Im a fan of the shiny version myself.

[@velyvely6479]

@@EDG i think it's the more casual look! i don't mind the shint one but i feel like perhaps on days i'm needing to carry my bag all day such as when you check out and maybe i'm visiting a museum or something it sort of blends in a little more! so simply for fashion and the fact the top pocket is larger! but i didn't see the price point but know i know its a hard pass lol

[@EDG]

@@velyvely6479 Yea I gotcha. You're saying the price of the new one makes it a hard pass? Haha, no arguments there. Actually, I'm releasing a new video tomorrow thats one of my favorite everyday carry backpacks at a good price. Stay tuned!

[@velyvely6479]

@@EDG yeah if i didn't already have it maybe i would have splashed out but would take some considering lol cant wait for your next vid! :)

[@EDG]

@@velyvely6479 makes sense.Thanks for the comment!

[@camerontoy]

Bummed they got rid of the hydration bladder tube hole

[@EDG]

Very odd move from them. I can’t understand why

[@_Dibs]

The earlier model 32l laptop compartment was minimally suspended from the bottom. Would you say the newer version is more or less protective?

[@EDG]

Hey, same as this one. It has a false bottom that suspends the laptop. I'd say it's exactly the same as previous gen. The laptop compartment construction hasn't changed much, except it removed that tablet sleeve.

[@_Dibs]

thanks so much @@EDG , I really like how considered you are with your opinions/reviews

[@EDG]

@@_Dibs Thanks! That really means alot. stay tuned for some more videos. And it won't all be bags haha.

[@Lemonade_Stand_]

Would you recommend this as a commuter day pack? I usually only carry one laptop but on days i have class i need to carry two because i go from the office to class so it needs to hold 2 computers (1 work, 1 personal), ipad, wallet and couple notebooks/planner. Im finding my 28L jansport to be a snug fit and not very comfortable on the days it's packed full. They have the teal one on sale on their website so im considering grabbing it.

[@EDG]

Hey, thanks for the question. Thank you for explaining in detail how you would use the bag, that helps me. I would actually say, this bag may not work too well, becuase of that double laptop carry. Would you keep 1 computer in the sleeve, and another laptop in a separate sleeve? I thin for that plus and iPad and stuff, you'd need a very robust tech carry laptop.

[@obiwan7840]

Patagonia manages to remove features every time they update their packs. This pack now looks so bland, if you told me it's a $50 backpack I'd believe you. $170 for a backpack with no organization, no hard back-panel for a 32 liter backpack, minimal cushioning, basically no features other than the daisy chain webbing on the front is ridiculous. The only reason I had to get the previous version is because of how unique it looked with the shiny finish. Now it looks like literally any other backpack on the market. I don't know how they thought this could compete on the market, other than people who buys Patagucci gear only for the branding I don't know who could think this is a good purchase.

[@EDG]

Obi Wan!? I agree, I kinda liked the previous packs too.Its hard to describe unless y ou have the packs in hand, but the material does feel a bit cheaper than before, though it looks nicer and doesn't delaminate like the previous version. But yea, one thing I've been fortunate to do with this channel, is to use soooo many other competitors out there... And Patagonia makes it a more difficult purchase each year.

[@wilsonlamlyt7138]

@@EDG Man I'm still struggling with these daypacks. So many competitors for a style of backpack like this. I got struggles again within the able carry daybreaker 2 and the daylite plus, and include the blackhole. But honestly, my use case for this kind of category is daypack outdoor use without laptop. So sometimes, I don't carry my laptop out, let's say going out for lunch or just sitting nearby with a notebook. Then I feel laptop bags like able carry daily plus way too heavy and unnecessary. I want fairly good quick access pockets, some minimal organization, and good comfort. Since I've used a matador packable one, and that was utterly uncomfortable. I felt all three above kinda hit most things, which makes me struggle. Daybreaker, the Patagonia, and the osprey daylite plus seems all fairly comfortable, they have similar weights, got fairly good organization, maybe the daybreaker has a bit more urban quick access pockets, and no luggage pass through be sometimes a pain in the ass? But honestly, such a hard choice, what would you choose yourself or recommend for this category, since I'm also likely gonna use one at most.

[@EDG]

@@wilsonlamlyt7138 I LOVE these question, I have an answer for you. I've had this same dilemma and your preferences seem similar to mine. I'd go Daybreaker , easily. The Osprey is out because it's too outdoorsy., so it's really just between the Patagonia black hole 25 and the Able carry daybreaker 25L. The able carry looks nicer, has comfier straps, and has a wider opening on one side. Also, having owned both, if you haven't felt the quality in person, the able carry just feels like a higher quality bag. The Patagonia's black hole bags don't open wide enough, use cheaper materials, and have less organization. the ONLY kicker for Patagonia is the lifetime warranty, which you can decide if it's important. Hope that helps, do you have any other questions?

[@takeseven-]

Wonder if the top compartment will fit a 7 liter sling bag? It looks big.

[@EDG]

not sure, sorry

[@alerubio1302]

Great review ! Last gen much much better. The shiny one by far very iconic.

[@slicktype001]

The lack of interior organization is a major flaw for me. This would be the perfect everyday carry otherwise. Bummer......

[@EDG]

It really is a bummer. I honestly don’t know why Patagonia is stripping away features, and simultaneously raising the price. And pockets are literally the easiest thing to add, probably would would’ve cost them 5cents per bag to add the extra material of a pocket. I think it does turn a lot of people off rightfully so.

[@intravenousradio]

A lot of us want one big unobstructed space without organization.

[@EDG]

@@intravenousradioagreed, but I think Patagonia could have given more organization without adding bulk or unnecessary dividers. Extras zip pockets inside would have helped but also not gotten in the way of having that large open space.

[@the_hu7192]

Good review! But which alternative brands can you suggest? I also liked the old versions nuch more and the price is way too high...

[@EDG]

whats your budget? and what features are important to you? Off the top of my head, I would look at REI's rucksacks and Ospreys cheaper backpacks. If that is still too expensive, Tomtoc may be a decent option, but thats more for tech backpack.

[@the_hu7192]

@@EDG Budget can be up to 200€, I'm looking for a waterproof daypack with a laptop pocket and hip straps. Should be useable also for day hikes :) So pretty alroundish if something like that exists

[@warrenvazquez]

What is the difference between a hydro flask and a water bottle? Also why don’t you buy an osprey for a third of the price?

[@EDG]

By Hydro flask I mean any insulated bottle, which are thicker because of the insulation. Vs the normal water bottle is like the plastic ones. I do have an osprey and it’s not a third of the price. but is there an osprey bag you had in mind that competed with these? Patagonia in general is just a little more expensive, it comes with the purchase and brand

[@blackbird7842]

Hi, thanks for the video. Is this the black or the smolder blue?

[@EDG]

Thanks so much! This is black.

[@Ronaldyongky]

How do you like patagonia 25L compared to Rei Rugpack 28L?

[@EDG]

I probably like the rucksack better, and when it’s on sale, it’s almost half the price of the Patagonia. I’m willing to give up the brand name in the lifetime guarantee. The REI has better organization and is larger. And it comes in a cool, tan color way. are you leaning one way or another?

[@Ronaldyongky]

@@EDG at the moment I lean towards REI, as it hits a lot of features that I like. Sizing wise 28L is actually a bit too big, 25L is perfect size, but thats ok How's the rain-ressistance? Btw at the moment I'm wearing evergoods chz22 which I plan to sell.

[@EDG]

@@Ronaldyongkywoah, the rvergoods is nice! The REI may feel like a small step down quality wise. of course it is cheaper. Why are you selling? Rain resistance is ok, not quite as good as Patagonia because no water guard zippers and materials is a bit less waterproof. But overall does the job😊

[@Ronaldyongky]

@@EDG the back panel curve doesn't fit me 100%. With evergoods price tag, i would want to have a 'perfect' bag. And I can sell it to get cheaper alternative. And especially now with 2 kids, I just need more room for my edc daypack for travelling to fit more stuff. From what I see from REI, it ticks most of what I'm looking for. The only downside probably no water resist zipper & no luggage passthrough which I use a lot in airport.

[@EDG]

@@Ronaldyongky yea, with the REI I would go try it in store, they are always in stock. And during the holidays they go on sale to like $70. At that price, you a get it and another bags if needed haha. For comfieest back panel, I like Ospreys transporter bags…these are by far the comfiest because they do have a curve around the lumbar area. And they’re cheaper than Patagonia

[@0anant0]

Almost every line in Patagonia this year is a big downgrade! Similar downgrade for the Refugio backpacks. Their Paxat from a few years ago has zippered side pockets which I really appreciate. Instead of in-built organizers for pens, etc., I like to use their 6L cubes for toiletries and cables. For those Capilene hoodies, they don't even have their iconic logos/lettering on the front and back anymore. No button on the hood for those Tropic Comfort hoodies. I still have the very first Black Hole bag that has zippers on the side and top to make one big opening, and has bottle sleeve on the inside!

[@EDG]

Agreed, I also reviewed the Refugio refresh and was not feeling them either. I'm not sure why Patagonia's doing this! Maybe a down year due to covid or something haha. But it may be true that they "don't make em like they used to". Though I do like how these look and hope the material is better than last gen, which people said started to peel and delaminate.

[@obiwan7840]

If you pay attention, a lot of manufacturers went this route to a lesser or greater extent. Look at Osprey models from before 2014 vs the ones they release now (less organization, less rugged materials, simplified pockets, removed features), same with TNF every iteration of backpacks has less and/or simplified features, worst materials).

[@EDG]

Preach! companies tryna get their margins up post-covid. they cutting corners. @@obiwan7840

[@testadil3884]

Good job

[@EDG]

Thanks

[@doransshield9176]

lots of downgrades, my old old black hole that was roll top was great

[@EDG]

Yep , can’t argue with ya there. A lot of people think the same thing, so I’m sure if these packs don’t sell well, Patagonia will have to adjust.

[@Icecold185]

I would never buy the matte black hole line.

[@EDG]

Why not?

[@sentralsix]

Massive downgrade compared to previous model. Looks like they've just done a cost-cutting exercise :/

[@EDG]

Agreed. A lot of people think it’s a downgrade, myself included. Hope the next iteration gets better again, because I loved the previous version

[@listigt]

Last generation material was terrible quality. It turns brown and starts to peel off

[@EDG]

thanks for the info, I didn't experience that, but I know others did as well. So hopefully this generation is an improvement.

[@tonyg3091]

Yes, true, really ugly

[@EDG]

@@tonyg3091 do you work for Patagonia's competitor or something? haha I appreciate the comments.

[@johansso2]

Cry cry

[@EDG]

sob sob

[@ognqski]

not to mention patagonia went the way of bud light woke. Reason enough not to purchase their products.

[@EDG]

What they do?

[@FranklovesBunnies]

Lol so fragile aren’t ya

[@EDG]

@@FranklovesBunnies dude never responded 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@ognqski]

@@FranklovesBunnies I learn from the best, the wokerati community are masters of fragility and hurt sensitivities. Enjoy your budlight.

[@ognqski]

@@EDG I assumed you knew about google...

[@Alessa0507]

170€ for this shit? Come on patagonia ita become pata dolce & gabbana🤣🤣🤣. Ridiculus

[@EDG]

yea, can't argue with you there. These just aren't as good as bags in the past, while increasing price.