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Great design improvements however questionable fabric durability
first off, the new version is such a great design. Well padded and elevated laptop compartment, minimalist pockets and beefy harness. I used mine for work and weekend hikes, and the larry handles 2 32oz bottles with ease.
My only concern is the durability of the new TPU coating - around the edges of my backpack the coating has worn off completely ... Read Morewithin 2mo light use- u can see the raw fabric under it. Patagonia is great and all they refunded me the credits, though it kinda left a bad taste in my mouth. hopefully mine was just a lemon
I finally jumped on this bag because the shiny material in previous versions just never really appealed to me. Now it is my daily driver, and I am sad I waited so long. All the organization I need without too many compartments for me to forget where I put stuff. I also love the opening as it is perfect for accessing while on planes, trains, and aut... Read Moreomobiles (between your feet) and the somewhat hidden outside pocket lines up perfectly to access while on one shoulder. Seems bombproof too so I look forward to carrying this for a long time!
I had a black hole bag that folded down and was this size normally but could expand for extra groceries and travel. I really liked that bag and was disappointed they didnt make them anymore. I could travel and also use it as a day bag and tuck snowshoes, skis, whatever in the part that folds down. It also had a water bladder hose hole. This one doe... Read Moresnt have a hose hole and basically doesnt function as a hiking day bag, just a city one. In that way, its basically the same as any other backpack.
A great size for traveling, and very well and thoughtfully made inside and outside. Water proof, too. The relatively narrow width is great for traveling - not a big wide box on your back. My only suggestion is that the zippers be bigger so they side easier. I have to use two hands to guide the smallish zippers around the top flap of the backpack. N... Read Moreot a deal breaker, but inconvenient, and easy to fix by you guys.
I have been waiting for this update. The previous version was too glossy and tall for me at 22in. The new one is 18.8in which helps it fit into personal sized bins at the airport.
I love this new black hole bag. It's perfect for my life style. Work, errands, and hiking. I love the new matte finish. Very happy with the pockets and style. Wouldn't change a thing.
Please, please, please bring back the older version on the Black Hole packs! Don't go the way of Dr. Marten and Sorel., inevitably producing cheaper products under a compromised business model/values. The new Black Hole bag is good, but definitely unworthy of a Patagonia label which historically would be associated with "superior" an... Read Mored "outstanding" rather than "good."
Stay stellar, Patagonia.
Hello Jody, thank you for your review of the Black Hole Pack 25L. We are sorry that the new version was not what you were expecting. With the update this Fall 2023 season, we made a huge step toward impact reduction with 100% recycled body fabric, lining and webbing, and now a pioneering recycled TPU-film laminate with a sleek matte finish. None of these changes should impact the quality of the bag, but if you experience any issues, you can always return it under our [Ironclad Guarantee](https://help.patagonia.com/s/article/Ironclad-Guarantee).
October 26, 2023
Terrible
Cant fit anything in, zipper opens the top portion only and super hard to put gym clothes or any clothes for that matter. Just a bad design for everyday use
Thank you so much for writing this review and we are very sorry to hear about the issues you've encountered with this product. Please know that you are more than welcome to [return](https://www.patagonia.com/returns.html) your item as we want you to be completely satisfied with all of your Patagonia purchases. In the meantime, please rest assured that we will be passing this feedback along to our Product Design Team.
October 18, 2023
Great balance and comfort
I used this as my day pack on a 4 day hike in the Andes. I really liked the overall balance of the backpack, all the zippers were well placed and gave me confidence, the pack has good water resilience.
I swapped my prior version of this pack for this one and truly love the revisions. The curve of the main/ large zip area is curved now, making it easier to open with one hand. Also, the velcro vs the clip for the laptop makes it easier to get out ( again , with one hand). Love the new colors as well. Thank you for these great revisions!!
Well, I'm glad I didn't see the other reviews before buying mine. I would have missed out on a great pack. It seems it's being (unfairly?) compared to an older sibling of the same name (whom I have not met). I picked mine out in person so I knew what I was getting: smaller, for daily use, but not too small, and fewer compartments to ... Read Moreroot through, but not too few. I like the padded slot in the main compartment for my laptop, the top compartment for quick access to small items, and the front compartment where I keep my "just in case" poncho. One caution: it's water resistant, not waterproof. I walked home in the rain and some moisture seeped through the top zippers. Next time I'll pull the poncho out!
Hi Karolina, thank you for sharing your thoughts on the revisions to this pack. The new recycled fabric is still weather-resistant, but doesn't have the gloss of the previous models. We are sharing your feedback with our designers. In the meantime, please keep in mind you are welcome to [return](https://www.patagonia.com/returns.html) anything that doesn’t work out for you.
Thank you so much for writing this review and we are very sorry to hear that you are not satisfied with the new version of our Black Hole Pack. Please know that you are more than welcome to [return](https://www.patagonia.com/returns.html) your item as we want you to be completely satisfied with all of your Patagonia purchases. In the meantime, please rest assured that we will be passing this feedback along to our Product Design Team.
September 12, 2023
Significant downgrade!
I've rarely been so disappointed... I purchase Patagonia products as a superior & responsibly sourced alternative to the cheap claptrap that Corporate America dumps out into the market. This latest itineration of the (previously stellar) Black Hole line is an absolute embarrassment... cheap feel, smaller size, corners clearly cut all aroun... Read Mored. The increased cost for an inferior product feels like a kick in the gooch, too. C'mon Patagonia; be better!
Thank you so much for writing this review and we are very sorry to hear about how you feel about this new iteration of this pack. Please know that you are more than welcome to [return](https://www.patagonia.com/returns.html) your item as we want you to be completely satisfied with all of your Patagonia purchases. In the meantime, please rest assured that we will be passing this feedback along to our Product Design Team.
September 10, 2023
Patagonia doing Patagonia things
This bag was an absolute staple before they changed the fabric. Its so loud now with new recycled TPU face fabric and I dont know how to describe it but as others said it looks cheap. I personally hate the addition of the carry on slip on the back, I never use them and find it sticks out poking my back. I just dont see how this passed through the d... Read Moreesign team. Patagonia, please please please stop ruining amazing products you have! Ive seen many other models of pants and jackets tweaked for the worse over the years!
We appreciate your feedback on our revised bag and welcome a return to the nearest Patagonia-owned retail store location or through our online portal. In addition, you might wish to check with the frequently updated, gently used bag selection from our [Worn Wear](https://wornwear.patagonia.com/shop/packs-and-gear) partners. Please reach out to us if you have any questions. We'll be glad to help!
September 9, 2023
Better than the prioer version!
I love this backpack for its awesome color ( belay blue), it's ripstop stitching, it's better zipper and handles that are improvements from the prior year's version, and the way it feels/sits against my back. I use this as my every day backpack for work and being out in the world. 15/10 recommend.
We really liked the previous version. I bought several more as gifts, and everyone loved them. I agree with other reviewers that this new version is not good, both the design and the quality. Please ask your team to bring back the previous version. We love Patogania, but we are unable to give or endorse this product, and it's sad that we have ... Read Moreto consider other brands for Christmas gifts.
Thank you so much for writing this review and we are very sorry to hear that you were unhappy with the new design and quality of this pack. Please know that you are more than welcome to [return](https://www.patagonia.com/returns.html) your item as we want you to be completely satisfied with all of your Patagonia purchases. In the meantime, please rest assured that we will be passing this feedback along to our Product Design Team.
August 27, 2023
Black hole 25L 2023 version Red
Not the same backpack anymore. Cheaper production and cutting corners but the price is higher. Sad to see this is happening. Definitely time to shop for other options and brands
Hey Jimmy, thanks for the review. We're sorry to hear that you feel like we're cutting corners on the new design. Functionally, the pack will work the same as past season designs but the TPU coating is now matte and recycled, which is something we worked hard to develop; no cut corners over here! We also widened the lid opening and added a back panel handle so that you can stack the bag on rolling luggage. With that said, we appreciate the feedback and will share your thoughts with our designers. We recommend keeping an eye on our [Worn Wear website](https://wornwear.patagonia.com/shop/search?q=black%20hole) if you're looking for the past season version of this bag. You might also have some luck with our authorized dealers.
August 22, 2023
Updated version not as good IMO
Putting aside the shiny vs. matte preference, I prefer the overall design and feel of the older version better. I just happened to order one sale color and one new color of these at the same time not realizing there was a major design update, so I got to test them side by side in my home before deciding. I will be mostly be using this for commuting... Read More to work in an office (in Seattle where water resistance is important) and for days in the field and traveling here and there.
The new version has a stiff, matte fabric that crinkles a lot yet doesn't keep its structure well. The laptop strap was changed to velcro from the snap clip in the old version, and they did away with the tablet sleeve. They added a vertical strap on the back to attach to your suitcase but you would have to turn the pack on its side to use that. I don't understand if designing this for travel, why do away with the tablet sleeve? The new pack is 4 inches shorter and doesn't show above my shoulders when wearing it like the older one does. My biggest issue with the new design is the fabric on the straps and back feels very scratchy and rough on my skin, and the pack just doesn't sit as nicely on me. Overall with the new fabric, smaller size, not as good fit, and velcro, it just feels like a cheaper pack and feels like a kids backpack a bit. I did confirm with a rep that both versions have the same level of water resistance.
After wearing them both packed up around the house, the older version just felt like a grown up, more comfortable backpack to me. I much preferred wearing the old one.
Thank you for the review, Katherine. We're sorry to hear that you prefer the old version of this pack. As you mentioned, the TPU functions exactly the same; the biggest difference is we figured out a way to make the coating out of post industrial recycled TPU which is a big step in the right direction. Nonetheless we appreciate the feedback. We recommend keeping an eye on our [Worn Wear website](https://wornwear.patagonia.com/shop/search?q=black%20hole) in the future for a lightly used older version of this pack. We're not seeing any posted at this time, but we add to inventory everyday so there's a chance some could post in the future. You can also find some with our authorized dealers.
August 19, 2023
A few changes to note from last year
First off, I want to say that I LOVE the change to the black hole fabric. It's thinner and lighter, NOT glossy, and somehow feels like it will age better. I think this is a good move.
The pack also sits better on my back, slightly different fit/cut vs my 2021 model. I'm 6'2" and thin, if that helps.
HOWEVER- the bag seems simpl... Read Moreified and a step away from serious use.
1- no hydration pack tube hole. Interesting!
2- no tablet sleeve. I use that all the time on my older one.
3- the handle on the back for a rolling luggage handle to slide through... Really shows that what this is intended for.
I am still happy with my purchase, but I really wish it still had that tablet sleeve.
I've always liked the Black Hole backpack, but really wasn't a fan of the shiny exterior. This new matte finish is amazing. It still seems to be just as water resistant, but now looks so much better. The rest of the bag is very similar to the prior versions, as far as I can tell. The back padding is now structured differently and there&#x... Read More27;s a luggage pass-through which is convenient, although I'll never use it. The height apparently is also about 4" shorter, which is nice for getting on to planes as a personal item without any issues.
Overall, very happy with this bag. Thanks for listening to the people!
This bag is not what I expected for the price and brand.
This back pack was to replace the backpack Ive been using the last 10 years , supposed to be my all around back pack , travel , camping , hiking , business trips etc etc , I dont
This back pack feels like an average school back pack , starting by the shoulder straps and materials .
This is b... Read Moreackpack shall be under $100 price range.
We're sorry to hear this backpack wasn't what you were hoping for, Mauricio! Thank you for returning it, since we want you to be happy with everything you get from us. Please let us know if we can help you pick out a different option.
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