Customer Reviews Patagonia Black Hole Pack

This pack looks excellent (if you are going for that streamlined, minimalist outdoors-y look) and unique. Not very much "black hole" material, but not a lot of rain where I live so that's not a problem for me. Otherwise, build quality is exceptional and I would recommend to anyone who commutes by bike to work or school. Much more roomy than the black hole messenger bag that Patagonia makes.

I run to work every day (5 miles) and I was looking for a backpack that would keep my gear dry on those days that are less than arid. I didn't need some giant backpackers sack that can be swam across a raging river without leak either, just something to fit my clothes, lunch and other miscellany. I looked a a bunch of different bags and in the end went with the Patagonia Black hole Pack (Blue). I thought it looked pretty cool and from what I could tell from the reviews, it was pretty functional as well as most Patagonia gear is. When I got it, I found it larger than expected, which isn't a bad thing. After a month or so running with it, it isn't overly big or cumbersome at all. It fits everything I need and isn't jammed packed like my old bag. It has two smaller outer zippers areas but most of the space and storage is in the cavernous main compartment. There's plenty of little sleeves in the interior for wallet, and phone and other small things you may want access to without digging through all your belongings. The laptop sleeve is nice and keeps my macbook pro secure for the commute. Overall, it's a way better commute/run backpack than my previous "Gravis Metro." Especially in wet conditions. When I did finally get a chance to run in the rain, after 5 miles in a downpour (bad enough to soak my socks and destroy my Nike+ Sensor) I found that everything in the main compartment was cozy and dry. The two cough drops I stowed in the top flap pocket on the other hand took a little bit of damage. I'm not sure if that was due to a design flaw or if I hadn't closed the top zipper fully as rarely use that pocket and I hadn't expected rain, but either way the water didn't make it to the main compartment. The other only complaint I have is that it is a bit strappy. You've got straps on top and bottom of the shoulder straps, one across the chest, one across the waist and two on each side of the main compartment. Straps, straps everywhere! I get the need to secure the load and all, but all the excess strap ends up flapping in the breeze as I run. Seems a little overkill. So in summery, it's a great bag for those that bike or run and need to keep their stuff dry so long as you don't mind all the straps and maybe don't keep anything important in the top flap zipper.

I love, love, love this bag. It's travelled the world with me and easily fits under airplane seats. It comfortably holds about 5 days worth of clothes/toiletries/travel stuff.

One of the best bags I have ever had. I love this bag and would recommend it to anyone. My other Black Hole Bag has been my goto duffel bag for 14 years now and I still use it every trip.

Has been a good pack for my intended purpose which is motor scootering to work. Holds everything I need (extra clothes, lunch, iPad) and is organized. Got it because it is waterproof and most packs that aren't at 50MPH in the rain leak. Have received compliments by others who want to get one. Patagonia gear usually wears well too.

Love this backpack! It keeps everything nice and dry. It has been a great backpack not only walking but while riding a bike as well. Would purchase again in a heartbeat! It also looks great and I've received multiple comments on how great it looks. Thanks Patagonia & Zappos!

Great bag for office commute when gym clothes are in tow. Haven't had the leaky top zipper issue others have mentioned. My guess it is due to not pushing zipper far enough into cover. Laptop sleeve and simple clasp keeps weight close to back. Adding iPad and even a book works great too. Inner gear pockets are pretty minimal, but work for a small charger, a few cables and a mouse. Beyond that, must use main cavity or outer pocket.

This is my first Patagonia backpack, having owned a few Half Mass messenger bags. This is a killer pack. I love everything about it, and would only add a side bottle compartment. I can fit my iPad, several books, lots of smaller items such as ear buds and multi tool, as well as workout gear. It has plenty of organizers smartly placed, but the topper is the spacious cavern of a main compartment. The straps and molded back are very comfortable, and provide a bit of a rigid structure to the whole thing. Patagonia's lifetime guarantee is amazing, and really makes this a one-time purchase, well worth the price tag.

Super Sturdy. The bag will definitely stand up to a life of rigor. Its not quite as big as I had hoped, but makes a great gear bag or weekend bag or carry on.

Great bag overall. It's pretty amazing how much stuff you can cram inside. My only complaint is that the top compartment is not waterproof. Even with the zipper slid all the way to left and inside the little pouch.

Awesome bag. Fully weather proof. Comfortable with super cool design. I also take this to work everyday with laptop and many fragile electronics in there as well. Not too many pocket options, but you make do for the outstanding utility of the bag itself.

Love the bag; great for international travel - wish it was more squared off on the bottom so that it would stand upright. nicely made though and met expectations - as always with Patagonia.

I just received this bag on 3/1/2013 and I have decided to return it immediately, the bag is not natural, it does not flow with any type of daily, biking or recreational experience. Pro: appearance, the bag looks nice. Con: organization, the bag does not have any organizational harmony, there is only one quick grab compartment situated on the top of the bag and strangely enough, this small zippered compartment at the top is not sealed from water leaks, so in the unfortunate event of you getting caught in a downpour, the main compartment may get wet. Functionality, the bag does not offer any functional features, like bottle holders for biking or webbing for hiking or loops for trekking poles. The bag is not user friendly; you have to fight this bag, hold it down, and bend it backwards, just to pack it. The shoulder straps do not have any "D" rings or webs for external attachments. The bag is just a bag and is simply not functional; in fact, you almost need three hands in order to open the bag, hold it in place and pack it. Structure and Form, the bag does not have proper form or structure. One of my main gripes with this bag is the bottom of the bag is not flat, it has a forward slant, so when placed on the ground, it automatically falls forward every time, making it practically impossible to pack or rest on the ground without it falling forward, you will have to lend it against a wall or something stable. Second, the handle on the bag is poorly positioned and weakly designed. Material, the material is durable, but it is 100 percent polyester, this makes for a very staticy experience. The material is water resistant which is a plus, but does not overcome the fact that the top of zippered compartment is not sealed to resist water. Finally, I would not recommend this bag.