Patagonia Shine Yellow Hole Pack 32L
Patagonia's Black Hole Pack 32L offers clever organisation and reliable comfort. Its 32-litre capacity ensures room for electronics, files, lunch, and layers. Use the top and front pockets for small items. The rear 15" laptop compartment is easy to access, helping to speed up security checks. Inside the main compartment is an internal zipped pocket ideal for valuables. On the back panel, you'll find a pass-through webbing strap that fits over the handle of your wheeled luggage for simple and secure transportation. Air mesh padding plus adjustable shoulder and sternum straps ensure comfort when carried on your back. Committed to reducing the impact of their products, Patagonia made the Black Hole Pack 32L using 100% recycled body fabric, lining, and webbing materials. The body fabric is bluesign approved and has a recycled TPU film laminate that boosts weather resistance. Fair Trade Certified sewn, the people who made the pack earned a premium for their labour.
Patagonia's Black Hole Pack 32L offers clever organisation and reliable comfort. Its 32-litre capacity ensures room for electronics, files, lunch, and layers. Use the top and front pockets for small items. The rear 15" laptop compartment is easy to access, helping to speed up security checks. Inside the main compartment is an internal zipped pocket ideal for valuables. On the back panel, you'll find a pass-through webbing strap that fits over the handle of your wheeled luggage for simple and secure transportation. Air mesh padding plus adjustable shoulder and sternum straps ensure comfort when carried on your back. Committed to reducing the impact of their products, Patagonia made the Black Hole Pack 32L using 100% recycled body fabric, lining, and webbing materials. The body fabric is bluesign approved and has a recycled TPU film laminate that boosts weather resistance. Fair Trade Certified sewn, the people who made the pack earned a premium for their labour.
Patagonia's Black Hole Pack 32L offers clever organisation and reliable comfort. Its 32-litre capacity ensures room for electronics, files, lunch, and layers. Use the top and front pockets for small items. The rear 15" laptop compartment is easy to access, helping to speed up security checks. Inside the main compartment is an internal zipped pocket ideal for valuables. On the back panel, you'll find a pass-through webbing strap that fits over the handle of your wheeled luggage for simple and secure transportation. Air mesh padding plus adjustable shoulder and sternum straps ensure comfort when carried on your back. Committed to reducing the impact of their products, Patagonia made the Black Hole Pack 32L using 100% recycled body fabric, lining, and webbing materials. The body fabric is bluesign approved and has a recycled TPU film laminate that boosts weather resistance. Fair Trade Certified sewn, the people who made the pack earned a premium for their labour.
Patagonia's Black Hole Pack 32L offers clever organisation and reliable comfort. Its 32-litre capacity ensures room for electronics, files, lunch, and layers. Use the top and front pockets for small items. The rear 15" laptop compartment is easy to access, helping to speed up security checks. Inside the main compartment is an internal zipped pocket ideal for valuables. On the back panel, you'll find a pass-through webbing strap that fits over the handle of your wheeled luggage for simple and secure transportation. Air mesh padding plus adjustable shoulder and sternum straps ensure comfort when carried on your back. Committed to reducing the impact of their products, Patagonia made the Black Hole Pack 32L using 100% recycled body fabric, lining, and webbing materials. The body fabric is bluesign approved and has a recycled TPU film laminate that boosts weather resistance. Fair Trade Certified sewn, the people who made the pack earned a premium for their labour.
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The lowest price for Patagonia Shine Yellow Hole Pack 32L right now is $186.99 at Boardstore Skate Shop, compared across 4 retailers.
The all-time low was $186.99 on 28 Dec 2025. That's the lowest price we've ever tracked — a great time to buy.
Prices last updated 8 Nov 2026.
Last updated at 08/11/2026 01:44:58
Patagonia Bag Black Hole Pack 32L Shine Yellow | Boardstore Skate Shop
Delivery $10
PAT BLACK HOLE PACK 32L S19 SHINE YELLOW One Size
Free delivery between 13–19 Nov
Patagonia Black Hole 32L Backpack - Shine Yellow
Free delivery between 10–19 Nov
Patagonia Black Hole Pack 32L Shine Yellow
Delivery $12.25
originally posted on patagonia.com
I swear I've never had a pack designed like this. Functional and extremely durable. Using it for business as well as pleasure, it needed to be very durable and have a lot of pockets. The durability is awesome, but I wasn't sure if the Blackhole Pack fabric was going to be too clunky and chunky, it absolutely is not. It didn't have a lot of pockets for stashing business essentials, so I was hesitant, but I have found that the top pocket has been the biggest surprise of all. It is bottomless and easily assessable right on top. It's seemingly bottomless, like some kind of magic trick! I can't understand how you did it really. I keep all my travel doodads and necessaries, keys, passport, tissues, chargers, cords, gloves, hats, all the important go-to's in this top ... MoreI swear I've never had a pack designed like this. Functional and extremely durable. Using it for business as well as pleasure, it needed to be very durable and have a lot of pockets. The durability is awesome, but I wasn't sure if the Blackhole Pack fabric was going to be too clunky and chunky, it absolutely is not. It didn't have a lot of pockets for stashing business essentials, so I was hesitant, but I have found that the top pocket has been the biggest surprise of all. It is bottomless and easily assessable right on top. It's seemingly bottomless, like some kind of magic trick! I can't understand how you did it really. I keep all my travel doodads and necessaries, keys, passport, tissues, chargers, cords, gloves, hats, all the important go-to's in this top pocket so I never have to open the main compartment, and I have never found the bottom of it. It's an optical illusion of some kind! Everything goes in the top pocket and the pack remains sleek and compressible. If you own one, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. And the fabric is chunky, but I really like it. It is extremely durable like steel plate but not as rigid as it looks, it is much more pliable and easy to scrunch into small places than it looks. The only problem I guess is for Patagonia. it's most likely the last daypack I'll ever need.
originally posted on REI
This backpack will be your best friend. It does it all, and it does it capably and confidently. It's light and versatile enough to function capably as an everyday bag, and isn't too big when not packed full. When fully packed, though, it'll hold everything you think you need and more; you could conceivably travel for weeks with only this bag. The materials and quality are exceptional; it feels like it'll last decades. It is of course somewhat organizationally lacking, but the pockets it does have are generally good enough for most uses. The brain pocket alone is the size of a purse, which is extremely helpful.The laptop compartment works really well to hold your laptop and tablet without taking too much storage space, and it's nice to be able to slip them in and ... MoreThis backpack will be your best friend. It does it all, and it does it capably and confidently. It's light and versatile enough to function capably as an everyday bag, and isn't too big when not packed full. When fully packed, though, it'll hold everything you think you need and more; you could conceivably travel for weeks with only this bag. The materials and quality are exceptional; it feels like it'll last decades. It is of course somewhat organizationally lacking, but the pockets it does have are generally good enough for most uses. The brain pocket alone is the size of a purse, which is extremely helpful.The laptop compartment works really well to hold your laptop and tablet without taking too much storage space, and it's nice to be able to slip them in and out without worrying about moving stuff around inside. However, the laptop sleeve is a tight fit for my 15" laptop, and especially if my tablet is also in the compartment, it can be a bit tough to zip it closed; the compartment would benefit from being just a touch wider. Also you wouldn't easily be able to take your laptop out while wearing the bag, which may be annoying if you've got to get to it quickly, but generally it's not a problem. The TSA-approved design seems to have a decent success rate in US airports, but internationally you'll probably still have to take out your laptop and tablet. The front handle is surprisingly useful, and also is good for holding your bag on a suitcase handle when traveling. The water bottle pockets are cavernous and super elastic, and can handle pretty much anything you throw at them; long-term durability, however, may be an issue.The only major issues are the lack of a waist strap and the quality of the back panel. The absence of a waist strap is confounding; for a bag this size it would be extremely helpful, especially when hiking or running to catch a train, and wouldn't add much weight or space. The foam back panel is not raised much at all, and because there is no rigid frame, it smushes against your back and can get very sweaty very quickly. Both of these are extremely simple but significant issues, and hopefully they can be fixed in future designs. The addition of a rigid frame would be nice, as the bag is very large and soft, but it'd probably add size and weight and if you have a laptop in the compartment, it basically works as a frame anyway. It is convenient how wide the top compartment opens, but it would be nice if the zipper went all the way to the bottom of the bag, at least on one size, for full side access. Regardless, it's still easy enough to access the bag without taking everything out as it is. The daisy chains on the strap are another very nice touch, though the chest strap is just a bit too long.Even with these issues, this backpack really excels at doing what it has to do. Its beauty is in its simplicity, and if you just want to carry a lot of stuff without worrying about the durability of your bag, this is the one for you.
originally posted on patagonia.ca
This is a cool-looking pack (maybe important?) with some nice zipper access for those who don’t like clamshells. As a smaller person, I like that it’s relatively narrow and rectangular, keeping the weight compact for an easier carry. Wish there were load lifters (always). It does fit loads of stuff, and zippers move smoothly.Few things to improve: first, the material feels flimsy and I doubt it will hold up as long as comparable bags’ would (I reviewed this side by side with a Fjällräven Ulvö 30 and a Thule Subterra 34, both had *way* more impressive, and actually waterproof, fabric). This zippers seem to be YKK, but unsure of what variety, and whether they will hold up. As others have noted, it’s silly to market this bag as water resistant with totally unprotected ... MoreThis is a cool-looking pack (maybe important?) with some nice zipper access for those who don’t like clamshells. As a smaller person, I like that it’s relatively narrow and rectangular, keeping the weight compact for an easier carry. Wish there were load lifters (always). It does fit loads of stuff, and zippers move smoothly.Few things to improve: first, the material feels flimsy and I doubt it will hold up as long as comparable bags’ would (I reviewed this side by side with a Fjällräven Ulvö 30 and a Thule Subterra 34, both had *way* more impressive, and actually waterproof, fabric). This zippers seem to be YKK, but unsure of what variety, and whether they will hold up. As others have noted, it’s silly to market this bag as water resistant with totally unprotected zippers- I don’t even consider that resistant.Second, the “Patagonia” decal actually arrived damaged. So I know this won’t hold up at all, and I’m surprised it showed up like this.Third, the organizer pockets need smaller stash pockets. The top pocket is huge; needs a smaller stash for little things (my airpods and other small floating items have fallen out of the sides while opening). The inside pocket sits too low down, requiring a big unzip and rummaging beneath items to get whatever you put there. Not practical.Not sure if I’ll keep it especially because of the damaged decal. The black looks really sharp though, and it does its job well, for now.
| Dimensions | 22" x 10.5" x 6.75" |
| Volume | 32L (1831 cu in) |
Patagonia Bag Black Hole Pack 32L Shine Yellow | Boardstore Skate Shop
Delivery $10
PAT BLACK HOLE PACK 32L S19 SHINE YELLOW One Size
Free delivery between 13–19 Nov
Patagonia Black Hole 32L Backpack - Shine Yellow
Free delivery between 10–19 Nov
Patagonia Black Hole Pack 32L Shine Yellow
Delivery $12.25
I swear I've never had a pack designed like this. Functional and extremely durable. Using it for business as well as pleasure, it needed to be very durable and have a lot of pockets. The durability is awesome, but I wasn't sure if the Blackhole Pack fabric was going to be too clunky and chunky, it absolutely is not. It didn't have a lot of pockets for stashing business essentials, so I was hesitant, but I have found that the top pocket has been the biggest surprise of all. It is bottomless and easily assessable right on top. It's seemingly bottomless, like some kind of magic trick! I can't understand how you did it really. I keep all my travel doodads and necessaries, keys, passport, tissues, chargers, cords, gloves, hats, all the important go-to's in this top ... MoreI swear I've never had a pack designed like this. Functional and extremely durable. Using it for business as well as pleasure, it needed to be very durable and have a lot of pockets. The durability is awesome, but I wasn't sure if the Blackhole Pack fabric was going to be too clunky and chunky, it absolutely is not. It didn't have a lot of pockets for stashing business essentials, so I was hesitant, but I have found that the top pocket has been the biggest surprise of all. It is bottomless and easily assessable right on top. It's seemingly bottomless, like some kind of magic trick! I can't understand how you did it really. I keep all my travel doodads and necessaries, keys, passport, tissues, chargers, cords, gloves, hats, all the important go-to's in this top pocket so I never have to open the main compartment, and I have never found the bottom of it. It's an optical illusion of some kind! Everything goes in the top pocket and the pack remains sleek and compressible. If you own one, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. And the fabric is chunky, but I really like it. It is extremely durable like steel plate but not as rigid as it looks, it is much more pliable and easy to scrunch into small places than it looks. The only problem I guess is for Patagonia. it's most likely the last daypack I'll ever need.
This backpack will be your best friend. It does it all, and it does it capably and confidently. It's light and versatile enough to function capably as an everyday bag, and isn't too big when not packed full. When fully packed, though, it'll hold everything you think you need and more; you could conceivably travel for weeks with only this bag. The materials and quality are exceptional; it feels like it'll last decades. It is of course somewhat organizationally lacking, but the pockets it does have are generally good enough for most uses. The brain pocket alone is the size of a purse, which is extremely helpful.The laptop compartment works really well to hold your laptop and tablet without taking too much storage space, and it's nice to be able to slip them in and ... MoreThis backpack will be your best friend. It does it all, and it does it capably and confidently. It's light and versatile enough to function capably as an everyday bag, and isn't too big when not packed full. When fully packed, though, it'll hold everything you think you need and more; you could conceivably travel for weeks with only this bag. The materials and quality are exceptional; it feels like it'll last decades. It is of course somewhat organizationally lacking, but the pockets it does have are generally good enough for most uses. The brain pocket alone is the size of a purse, which is extremely helpful.The laptop compartment works really well to hold your laptop and tablet without taking too much storage space, and it's nice to be able to slip them in and out without worrying about moving stuff around inside. However, the laptop sleeve is a tight fit for my 15" laptop, and especially if my tablet is also in the compartment, it can be a bit tough to zip it closed; the compartment would benefit from being just a touch wider. Also you wouldn't easily be able to take your laptop out while wearing the bag, which may be annoying if you've got to get to it quickly, but generally it's not a problem. The TSA-approved design seems to have a decent success rate in US airports, but internationally you'll probably still have to take out your laptop and tablet. The front handle is surprisingly useful, and also is good for holding your bag on a suitcase handle when traveling. The water bottle pockets are cavernous and super elastic, and can handle pretty much anything you throw at them; long-term durability, however, may be an issue.The only major issues are the lack of a waist strap and the quality of the back panel. The absence of a waist strap is confounding; for a bag this size it would be extremely helpful, especially when hiking or running to catch a train, and wouldn't add much weight or space. The foam back panel is not raised much at all, and because there is no rigid frame, it smushes against your back and can get very sweaty very quickly. Both of these are extremely simple but significant issues, and hopefully they can be fixed in future designs. The addition of a rigid frame would be nice, as the bag is very large and soft, but it'd probably add size and weight and if you have a laptop in the compartment, it basically works as a frame anyway. It is convenient how wide the top compartment opens, but it would be nice if the zipper went all the way to the bottom of the bag, at least on one size, for full side access. Regardless, it's still easy enough to access the bag without taking everything out as it is. The daisy chains on the strap are another very nice touch, though the chest strap is just a bit too long.Even with these issues, this backpack really excels at doing what it has to do. Its beauty is in its simplicity, and if you just want to carry a lot of stuff without worrying about the durability of your bag, this is the one for you.
This is a cool-looking pack (maybe important?) with some nice zipper access for those who don’t like clamshells. As a smaller person, I like that it’s relatively narrow and rectangular, keeping the weight compact for an easier carry. Wish there were load lifters (always). It does fit loads of stuff, and zippers move smoothly.Few things to improve: first, the material feels flimsy and I doubt it will hold up as long as comparable bags’ would (I reviewed this side by side with a Fjällräven Ulvö 30 and a Thule Subterra 34, both had *way* more impressive, and actually waterproof, fabric). This zippers seem to be YKK, but unsure of what variety, and whether they will hold up. As others have noted, it’s silly to market this bag as water resistant with totally unprotected ... MoreThis is a cool-looking pack (maybe important?) with some nice zipper access for those who don’t like clamshells. As a smaller person, I like that it’s relatively narrow and rectangular, keeping the weight compact for an easier carry. Wish there were load lifters (always). It does fit loads of stuff, and zippers move smoothly.Few things to improve: first, the material feels flimsy and I doubt it will hold up as long as comparable bags’ would (I reviewed this side by side with a Fjällräven Ulvö 30 and a Thule Subterra 34, both had *way* more impressive, and actually waterproof, fabric). This zippers seem to be YKK, but unsure of what variety, and whether they will hold up. As others have noted, it’s silly to market this bag as water resistant with totally unprotected zippers- I don’t even consider that resistant.Second, the “Patagonia” decal actually arrived damaged. So I know this won’t hold up at all, and I’m surprised it showed up like this.Third, the organizer pockets need smaller stash pockets. The top pocket is huge; needs a smaller stash for little things (my airpods and other small floating items have fallen out of the sides while opening). The inside pocket sits too low down, requiring a big unzip and rummaging beneath items to get whatever you put there. Not practical.Not sure if I’ll keep it especially because of the damaged decal. The black looks really sharp though, and it does its job well, for now.
By far one of the best packs I've owned. It's spacious, very weather resistant, and very, very durable. Even though it's seen some crazy monsoonal rain (while keeping my stuff as dry as could reasonable be expected for such weather), it looks nearly the same as the day I got it, and I haven't noticed any wear on the pack whatsoever (despite nearly daily use in a pretty awful climate).I also love the loops on the outer shell, which are perfect for attaching rear bike lights for a little extra peace of mind, or for just hooking on whatever else you feel like. For bike commuting, or as a carry-on/personal item for a flight, it checks all the boxes, and has a nice sleek design to it as well.My only 'gripe' with this pack is that the zippers do allow moisture in, since ... MoreBy far one of the best packs I've owned. It's spacious, very weather resistant, and very, very durable. Even though it's seen some crazy monsoonal rain (while keeping my stuff as dry as could reasonable be expected for such weather), it looks nearly the same as the day I got it, and I haven't noticed any wear on the pack whatsoever (despite nearly daily use in a pretty awful climate).I also love the loops on the outer shell, which are perfect for attaching rear bike lights for a little extra peace of mind, or for just hooking on whatever else you feel like. For bike commuting, or as a carry-on/personal item for a flight, it checks all the boxes, and has a nice sleek design to it as well.My only 'gripe' with this pack is that the zippers do allow moisture in, since they aren't the typical waterproof seam-seal type of design you see on GTX jackets and other things. Still, for the price point, its not really a big deal and there are obviously many other products in Patagonia's stock that meet that criteria. I've been able to easily mitigate this issue by simply using a dry-bag (or even a big zip loc) to store anything sensitive and add an extra layer of security.All in all, it's a great pack that's definitely worth the price. If they absolutely had to redesign it, putting a better seal on the zippers and/or adding a "storm flap" to help keep water out would help (or simply add an interior roll-top 'dry-bag' to mitigate the need for that).
I use this for travel when I need to pack a few extra things for the night.Pros: Massive Storage CapacityThe large main pocket is great for packing clothes and the organizational zipper can pack a wallet, eyeglass cleaner, pocket knife, and keys. The top pocket can pack two eyeglass holders, a phone, and some extra smaller items. The front zipper pocket I use for my charger bag--it fills out the space perfectly. In the laptop pocket I can fit my laptop sleeve and a large moleskine planner (I actually use that planner).Cons: StructureThere's not a structure that lends itself to the pack being able to stand on its own the way you see in the Paxat or Chacabuco. Although the back pad is well padded, the best way to structure it is to put a laptop sleeve in the back, ... MoreI use this for travel when I need to pack a few extra things for the night.Pros: Massive Storage CapacityThe large main pocket is great for packing clothes and the organizational zipper can pack a wallet, eyeglass cleaner, pocket knife, and keys. The top pocket can pack two eyeglass holders, a phone, and some extra smaller items. The front zipper pocket I use for my charger bag--it fills out the space perfectly. In the laptop pocket I can fit my laptop sleeve and a large moleskine planner (I actually use that planner).Cons: StructureThere's not a structure that lends itself to the pack being able to stand on its own the way you see in the Paxat or Chacabuco. Although the back pad is well padded, the best way to structure it is to put a laptop sleeve in the back, and the pack will feel a lot sturdier. I've also noticed that the PATAGONIA logo on the front pocket has slowly started to peel off, so it looks like I'm wearing PATAGO, but that's not really an issue.Overall, the 32L is a great addition if you're already into the Black Hole line. I wouldn't wear it for hiking because of the lack of structure, but it's good for traveling to and from domestic places.
This is the best backpack I've ever owned, and I routinely rotate through several, depending on work / recreation / travel ...The top compartment is genius - especially when traveling via plane or train, and stowed on floor between legs, allowing easy access to necessary items.Zippers don't slip.The main compartment lives up to its name, and swallows up a surprising amount.Handles in just the right spots.Super comfortable shoulder straps.Very padded, safe storage (and easy access) of laptop, iPad, etc.And great front compartment for notebooks, books, maps, etc.TWO bottle / whatever holders, one on each side.Super stylish design, highly portable. Perfect for city and hikes.Suggestion for improvement: Rain flaps to cover zippers!After finding it sold out ... MoreThis is the best backpack I've ever owned, and I routinely rotate through several, depending on work / recreation / travel ...The top compartment is genius - especially when traveling via plane or train, and stowed on floor between legs, allowing easy access to necessary items.Zippers don't slip.The main compartment lives up to its name, and swallows up a surprising amount.Handles in just the right spots.Super comfortable shoulder straps.Very padded, safe storage (and easy access) of laptop, iPad, etc.And great front compartment for notebooks, books, maps, etc.TWO bottle / whatever holders, one on each side.Super stylish design, highly portable. Perfect for city and hikes.Suggestion for improvement: Rain flaps to cover zippers!After finding it sold out online, I called around, and found ONE in the Meatpacking District shop in NYC, which held it for me until I could pick up. Super friendly and smooth transaction.Paying a premium for such quality is made even better, thanks to Yvon and the company's mission. Great brand and team.
I should preface this by saying I'm comparing this generation of 32L Black Hole backpack to the first generation 32L Black Hole backpack.I used the first Gen (1st gen) 32L Black Hole nearly every day for 7 years, it did everything I wanted, trekked across South East Asia with it, mutli-day backcountry hikes, it was my work bag work, the beach, gym, photoshoots, you name it; the bag did everything I asked it to, was its the best at all of them, no, but I could trust it would stand up to whatever I threw at it. The only thing it didn't have that I often wished for was some exterior side pockets for water bottles or things to stash quickly. It was not only the most comfortable backpack I've ever had, the moulded foam back was incredibly comfortable, and it had enough ... MoreI should preface this by saying I'm comparing this generation of 32L Black Hole backpack to the first generation 32L Black Hole backpack.I used the first Gen (1st gen) 32L Black Hole nearly every day for 7 years, it did everything I wanted, trekked across South East Asia with it, mutli-day backcountry hikes, it was my work bag work, the beach, gym, photoshoots, you name it; the bag did everything I asked it to, was its the best at all of them, no, but I could trust it would stand up to whatever I threw at it. The only thing it didn't have that I often wished for was some exterior side pockets for water bottles or things to stash quickly. It was not only the most comfortable backpack I've ever had, the moulded foam back was incredibly comfortable, and it had enough structure to keep its shape when empty.As for the current-gen Back Hole backpack, I've had it for about a year now. It does some of the things I ask it to but I wouldn't be able to do near half the things as I had with the 1st gen backpack. It doesn't have a lot of structure, I wouldn't be able to lash anything I'd need for a backcountry hike to it, like the 1st gen. When empty the bag crumples on itself if there is anything in the top stash pocket, which causes the back panel to fold and is uncomfortable.The laptop section is more fuss than it's worth. It took less time to unzip the closure on the 1st gen back and pull out my laptop than to fuss around with the straps and unzip the back panel to get at my laptop. Not to mention I wouldn't want to be caught in the rain if I have my laptop in this bag. The 1st gen's closure had a lip that did a great job covering the zipper, preventing any water ingress to the main compartment. I should note the stash pocket on the 1st gen wasn't very water-resistant and was a source of moisture if caught in heavy rain, but still, the main compartment would remain dry. Because there isn't anything to cover the zippers on the current-gen backpack, I've had water ingress when caught in mild rain showers.The organization system on the interior of the 1st gen bag blows this out of the water, the pocket on the current-gen bag is simple, but an awkward size and placed in a spot where it's difficult to access things if the bag is full.The current-gen back also lacks a waist strap which was really handy when hiking.What the current-gen does have that I like are the exterior pockets on either side of the backpack, which I find very useful along with some more daisy chains for lashing points, but I doubt I'd use them as I don't think I'd bring the bag on a multiday hike where I'd need to lash anything to it.I'll keep this short, those are a few of the overall gripes I have with the bag - I could go on, but I'd like to keep this review shortish. In short, I'll likely have to buy other backpacks for other purposes as the current-gen 32L backpack isn't the allrounder I'd hoped for.
I gave my previous pack to a friend, and I bought this newer version thinking it is an improved design. I used it a few times traveling but was very much disappointed.The backpack is basically just an empty compartment. I assumed that if you just want to stuff it of everything you got then this give you a lot of space. However, there is no other compartment that you can use to organize what you need. The zip packet inside is too small to be a versatile storage.The top compartment supposedly uses for convenient storage, but once you put few items in it then it just sacks into the main compartment, when you unzip the main compartment, because the top compartment weight, it just flips over and makes handling the whole back very cumbersome.The back compartment for ... MoreI gave my previous pack to a friend, and I bought this newer version thinking it is an improved design. I used it a few times traveling but was very much disappointed.The backpack is basically just an empty compartment. I assumed that if you just want to stuff it of everything you got then this give you a lot of space. However, there is no other compartment that you can use to organize what you need. The zip packet inside is too small to be a versatile storage.The top compartment supposedly uses for convenient storage, but once you put few items in it then it just sacks into the main compartment, when you unzip the main compartment, because the top compartment weight, it just flips over and makes handling the whole back very cumbersome.The back compartment for storing laptop and documents. The zippers are so close the edge and the stripes make them a bit difficult and annoying to zip and unzip.I wish the design includes many divided compartments for travel activities organization like the previous version. If one wants a big empty bag, then one could just use a duffel bag. The backpack probably will not get much use and I will need to look for another more versatile one.
After almost four years of use for train commuting 2-3 times weekly (only for a year before the pandemic), family outings and vacations (about 10 trips), and some business travel, I've concluded that the Patagonia Blackhole 32L backpack is an almost perfect commuter backpack and, because other reviews are terrific, I'm just going to make some observations that I hope are helpful. The material looks shiny and you'd think it hard, but it actually has a suppleness and yet seems really tough, is water resistant (material itself and not a coating that will come off over time), and wipes off easily. I wanted a flat-backed backpack because I didn't want my computer to be bent over my arched back, especially when on a bike, and I've previously cracked a screen on my laptop ... MoreAfter almost four years of use for train commuting 2-3 times weekly (only for a year before the pandemic), family outings and vacations (about 10 trips), and some business travel, I've concluded that the Patagonia Blackhole 32L backpack is an almost perfect commuter backpack and, because other reviews are terrific, I'm just going to make some observations that I hope are helpful. The material looks shiny and you'd think it hard, but it actually has a suppleness and yet seems really tough, is water resistant (material itself and not a coating that will come off over time), and wipes off easily. I wanted a flat-backed backpack because I didn't want my computer to be bent over my arched back, especially when on a bike, and I've previously cracked a screen on my laptop when I over stuffed a backpack cinched it down. The laptop pocket is easy to access, but only one side is padded and, in the same compartment, the tablet pocket is really useful and I like that I can lay my backpack across my lap when commuting and can easily and discreetly slip my tablet in and out. There a handle at the top, but there's also a really handy grab handle on the front face of the backpack (like when you slide it under the seat in front of you, you can easily find it and grab it). The front face also has a loop ladder and this a must for me as I use it to lash gear (like when my kids shed their coats and hear). Although it's 32L, it looks deceptively slimmer and seems almost svelte given it's capacity. On the other hand, when I really need to stuff it, it can take a load and I'm always surprised how much it can swallow. The vertical zip map pocket on the front is really useful and, because it's a side access, vertical-zip only, it's flat and discreet. Bottom is tough and has held up beautifullyThis isn't a technical backpack, but I've used it for travel to a destination and then taken it hiking, and it has worked well (and great that it has a sternum strap, which was another must). My bag is black, but the interior is a nice, light gray, so you get a bit more light and can see deeper into the bag. Looks nice for business-casual look, or in the field, and my daughter has the smaller 25L in bright orange (discontinued) that she uses as her hunting backpack.
This backpack is undeniably the most well-constructed and economical backpack in its price range. It's lightweight while also being structured, well-constructed, feels durable, and looks versatile enough to go from the office to a one-bag vacation carry.My main gripe against the older model of this pack was that the laptop sleeve was inside the main compartment, which made taking out your laptop during casual use and at the airport a big hassle, as you had to open the whole bag to pry your computer out.In the 32L version of the 2022/2023 model of this pack, we finally have an external laptop compartment! But the zipper for the compartment is placed underneath the shoulder straps. So odd. The straps of the backpack are completely in the way of the laptop ... MoreThis backpack is undeniably the most well-constructed and economical backpack in its price range. It's lightweight while also being structured, well-constructed, feels durable, and looks versatile enough to go from the office to a one-bag vacation carry.My main gripe against the older model of this pack was that the laptop sleeve was inside the main compartment, which made taking out your laptop during casual use and at the airport a big hassle, as you had to open the whole bag to pry your computer out.In the 32L version of the 2022/2023 model of this pack, we finally have an external laptop compartment! But the zipper for the compartment is placed underneath the shoulder straps. So odd. The straps of the backpack are completely in the way of the laptop compartment zipper. Maybe you could put your laptop in through the side, avoiding the shoulder straps, but then the internal microsuede sub-sleeve for your actual laptop is only accessible via buckle closure at the top of the pack. So, so weird. I can see why placing the straps where they are makes the pack structurally more stable, as it avoids placing pressure on the zipper, but the laptop compartment is so hard to access. It's still worth it to me (for travel) to have the laptop compartment be separate from the main pack. But the design is so, so weird...
| Dimensions | 22" x 10.5" x 6.75" |
| Volume | 32L (1831 cu in) |
