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I have two criticisms: One would be the amazingly large logo on a lot of the newer Patagonia bags. Its too much. The other is the lack of a removable waist belt to help with the load on such are large backpack. But otherwise the bag is fantastic.
Like other Patagonia bags my family owns this one has great build quality. The size is quite large. My one criticism would be there is not a provision for a removable waist belt which would be nice on longer walks or bike rides.
This replaces a beloved but blown (zipper) backpack. My kid carries about 40+ pounds a day (I know, it's crazy, but at least he's fit for the skin track or approach). These are dense heavy objects, and this seems to carry them well 2+ hours of city travel daily on subways and streets of NYC and Brooklyn, to and from school and fencing. It... Read More's got great pocket topology and seems like it will go the distance. Also seems pretty weather-resistant, and has no waistbelt, which he does not want.
I loved the all black styling of this backpack (which I bought for just commuter/work use). Ended up returning it because of the lack of pockets and nooks to store the odds and ends I take with me to the office. Also the outer shell of the bag was rather noisy anytime you open/close the upper zippers. Despite the slick storage sleeve for a laptop, ... Read Morethe bag it much better suited for the trail than a daily commute.
Hello Robert, thank you for your review of the Black Hole Pack 32L. We are sorry it wasn't quite what you were hoping for in a commuter work bag. You might like the [Black Hole Mini MLC 30L](https://www.patagonia.com/product/black-hole-mini-mlc-convertible-backpack-30-liters/49266.html?dwvar_49266_color=BLK&cgid=luggage-backpacks) with it's dedicated space for tech storage that fits most 16" laptops, with pockets for documents and cords.
November 18, 2023
Overpriced backpack
Thought this bag would be bigger and nicer.
Way overpriced for a small, average in every way backpack. You are paying for the name.
We're sorry to hear this pack wasn't what you were hoping for, Jonathan! If you haven't done so already, you are welcome to [return](https://www.patagonia.com/returns.html) it to us. Please let us know how we can help!
November 4, 2023
Great backpack!
As always, Patagonia has Great quality and great products. Holds a lot for travel.
I had the prior version of this pack and love the revisions made on tis version. I find it roomier and more comfortable to wear.
Also, the prior version I felt was top heavy, this one stays upright when I set it down much better. Gotta love that, no more toppling over!
I got the periwinkle color and it is a beautiful shade of purple. Looking forw... Read Moreard to using this for many years!
After considering few backpacks, I decided for the 32L based on reviews. I went to Turkey and Croatia for 20 days, I used as my personal item. Worked great for me and got few compliments. The only suggestion, I would prefer or like the hip strap since is also meant for a laptop but overall the material and the design are light enough for the basic ... Read Moretravel. I would recommend it!
the pack is decent but nothing innovative about the black hole series over the years. but if its not broke, dont fix it. but i miss the older black hole material. i really think you should redesign the back panel, it does not allow your back to breathe and it gets extremely sweaty in hot weather. i found that same problem with the Refugio also. i d... Read Moreont know, team up with osprey or something. make a roll top version, add daisy chains to the shoulder straps for gear accessories and attachments, and put a mesh stuff pocket on the front. and since i got your attention please make a black hole passport wallet.
The addition of a luggage handle loop to this pack makes it a perfect travel pack. Lots of space for a 16-inch Macbook Pro in the laptop compartment. Well-thought-out access to all compartments.
This bag is a solid choice for your second carry on if you can pack light and squish it down a little. I like the top pocket for easy access to your stuff and the separate laptop section so I dont have to dump my whole bag out in the security line. It also slips on to a wheelie bag handle which is great. It can hold a ton stuff and it fits very wel... Read Morel on my back. Very comfortable with a normal amount of weight. Quality seems great and looks very good in black. Its now more low key than the shiny bags before. I wish it had more pockets on the inside otherwise a perfect everywhere bag.
There is a problem with the inside mesh pocket. The key strip often gets caught in the zip and blocks it. Would be great if this could be redesigned. Anyway, the rucksack is amazing.
We appreciate this feedback on the pocket feature, Luka! Your bag is covered by our [Ironclad Guarantee](https://help.patagonia.com/s/article/Ironclad-Guarantee), so don't hesitate to reach out to our Patagonia stores or Customer Service team if you should need to get it repaired or returned. We'll be glad to help!
September 29, 2023
Great space!
Great space to fit everything you need for work or travel
I have filled this backpack this backpack to the seams on dozens of trips for years and it remains unscuffed. From desert hunting to the PERFECT travel backpack for land, air and sea. Not to mention the laptop slot if you were unsure why I said perfect travel backpack. Great for a 32L bag!
This is my second Blackhole 32L. I like the new material and upgrade. Computer pouch zipper much easier to access. This back is perfect from me to use as a multi use pack.
I've owned multiple Black Hole backpacks over the last ten years and have loved them! I decided to buy the Belay Blue version recently and it was immediately returned as the changes to the fabric/laminate on the bag is awful. It has a sticky feeling to it that makes it feel like something was spilled over it while simultaneously making you dou... Read Morebt the durability of the fabric. The old design is much, much better and it's sad to know that I'll have to look elsewhere for backpacks in the future.
Thank you for your feedback Lindsay. We're sorry to hear that you're not a fan of the design changes we made to this pack. We're glad to hear you were able to return with no issues. You can check out what other packs we have to offer on [this page](https://www.patagonia.com/shop/gear/bags/backpacks).
September 25, 2023
Needs more support
The pros: great size for daily hikes. Well constructed. Shoulder support straps ok. Sturdy zippers.
Cons: needs support straps on waist/hip area to support weight of contents.
Hi Linda, thank you for this review. If the lack of a hip belt turns out to be a deal breaker please remember you can absolutely [return](https://www.patagonia.com/returns.html) it if you wish.
September 11, 2023
Nothing Special
A simple backpack. Nothing special about it. Thought it was going to be larger, as I have other 32L backpacks and this one feels small. Obviously the materials are good, but I would not spend this much on a backpack ever again. I was honestly disappointed when I got it. Nothing special about it.
I was somewhat disappointed when the new backpack arrived without the iconic shine and the fantastic rear laptop zipper with a sturdy pocket. However, its the iconic shine that truly draws me to Patagonia bags compared to others. While the new backpack does include a laptop zipper, I find the design and lack of shine make it an inferior product com... Read Morepared to the older design. Incorporating some new colors and making slight improvements would have greatly enhanced the overall product.
We're sorry the revised bag is disappointing and we appreciate your feedback. You're welcome to return it and you'll be able to find gently used Black Hole 32L backpacks from our [Worn Wear](https://wornwear.patagonia.com/shop/packs-and-gear) partners. Please reach out to our Customer Service team if you have any questions.
September 2, 2023
Sad to see the old design is gone
I really miss the shiny material that Patagonia used to offer. I think its a very unique design and stands out as A PATAGONIA bag. Which I love. Its sad to see the changes made to this bag and the new MLC. I do love the suitcase carry strap on the back (I think all backpacks should have that). Not that this review will go far. But please bring back... Read More the shiny material!
Hey Daniel, thank you for your review. We're sorry to hear that you're not a fan of the recent design changes we've made to this pack. Our team has worked hard to figure out a way to make the TPU coating out of recycled TPU-film laminate, and they also decided to make it matte for a change. We'll share your feedback on this. If you prefer the older version, you might have some luck locating one with our authorized dealers or on the [Worn Wear website](https://wornwear.patagonia.com/shop/search?q=black%20hole). We're not seeing any posted on Worn Wear at this time but we do add to inventory everyday so we advise checking back often.
August 29, 2023
Great bag!
I am using this as an every day carry. It is large but doesn't feel too large.
I had the old version of this backpack which was perfect but it was lost by Delta Airlines. I ordered this assuming it would be just as good if not better as the older version, but was disappointed to find that the new way the top pocket is sewn in prevents bag from expanding to its full capacity. This is because the bottom stitch of the pocket cre... Read Moreates an inelastic line between the two sides of the pack and is not long enough for those sides to move out fully. Hopefully the next version doesn't have this flaw. I also am unsure why the top carry handle is on the bag side and not the shoulder strap side of the main zipper like every other backpack, meaning you cant access the contents of the bag while it is hanging up.
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.
August 22, 2023
Perfect for Law School
I recently started law school and needed a new backpack since I am commuting every day. I am pretty petite so I was worried it would be too big for me to haul around/carry every day, but I actually really like the size of this backpack. It fits all the textbooks I need for the day, my lunch, notebooks, computer, iPad, and more without being overly ... Read Moreenormous. It looks sleek and (somewhat) professional compared to backpacks from other brands/companies which I really like. I bought the slate blue color and it is almost closer to a bluish-dark grey, but it is still a really pretty color. The quality of the backpack feels great so far, I hope it holds up over time. My only complaint is that I do wish the straps were a little softer. They are kind of rough/scratchy which can be a little uncomfortable when wearing a tank top or a thin shirt. Otherwise, I would totally recommend this bag to students!!
I have been using my black hole backpack since 2016 for work and every day use. The laminate was coming off and so brought it into the store and was able to exchange it for the updated design. Decided to go for the larger model and really happy with the choice as my original one was having trouble fitting everything I was trying to pack into it. Lo... Read Moreve the separate space for the laptop, the top pocket is larger, and the central space fits everything. Nice design work all!
The only thing I would love to have is some type of pen holder. In the original, it was stitched into the inside of the main compartment and super convenient to access. Was missing it with this one. Not a huge deal but wanted to let you know. Thanks again!
Thanks for your thoughtful and detailed feedback on so many aspects of our packs, William!
August 18, 2023
Great Bag!
This bag is awesome! The balance of the straps is perfect, with the bag open the front strap lets you carry it easily, feels good while biking, Laptop pouch is great for my work commute. But I want it to work for hiking when I dont need a laptop but I need a water bladder. Please build a hook/strap to hold a bladder in the insulated laptop sleeve (... Read Moregreat for keeping cold water cold on a hike!) and this bag is perfect.
As someone who enjoys being active/outdoors but also prefers one backpack that can encompass all activities, this is it!
I have been using it as my daily driver for about 2 weeks, and it has been a very pleasurable experience. I love the change from the traditional black hole texture to something more matte and inconspicuous. It holds everything I ... Read Morecan need: lunch, a change of clothes from business casual to the gym to the pool. I think a small flap in the main compartment to hold stuff or if patagonia also sold a backpack organizer so things wouldn't move around would be nice, but everything is in its case so it isn't necessary.
I am very excited to see how this ages, especially when I go on trips, vacations, or hikes. Truly a 1 stop bag!