When you’re packing light, the last thing you need is a bag that weighs more than its contents. And there’s nothing worse than tripping down the street shedding groceries, or hearing your gear roll around the back of the car because you left a perfectly useful bag at home.
Patagonia has stepped in to make these problems a thing of the past. With their all-new collection of Lightweight Black Hole Bags, they are really pushing the idea of their well-loved Black Hole bag range to the limit.
These super useful and extremely packable bags are designed to be so light and compact that you can easily carry them wherever you go ‘just in case’. And if you pre-plan to use your Lightweight Black Hole, that’s even better – these ultra durable waterproof workhorses hold all the gear you need while adding virtually nothing to the weight of your kit.
The new range features three designs – the 28 liter Tote, 26 liter Pack and a 30 or 45 liter Duffel.The Black Hole name refers only to their ability to swallow almost anything. You can choose from a range of bright colors that are easy to spot on the trails as well as the baggage claim, or more conservative black and gray.
At 1lb 2oz, the backpack weighs less than the bottle of water you’ll likely be stuffing in one of its stretchy outside pockets, but light on weight does not mean light on features. Fully hydration system compatible, this bag is designed around a fully weather-proof, zippered main compartment that easily holds a helmet, laptop or a rain jacket.
A pocket on the front of the Pack stores small items like keys and cash, and the entire bag can be stuffed inside the same handy pocket when you don’t need it. Daisy chains on the front provide endless lashing options, and the breathable shoulder straps and back panel will help you keep your cool.
For the big stuff, Patagonia carries over their classic Black Hole duffels to the new lightweight range. With the attention to detail we have come to expect from this company, it is the little things that make these bags such a pleasure to use. When packed away, the 30 and 45 liter duffels make very compact packages, with a clip on/off handle allowing you to attach them to a belt loop, pack, or even a handy llama.
Every aspect of these duffel bags displays the high level of thought Patagonia puts into making these bags brilliantly usable. The space inside is made more packable by the full-access diagonal zipper, and daisy chains on two sides can take all the extra gear you need.
The nylon carry straps can be adjusted for carrying over the shoulder, backpack style or in the hand, and grab handles at either end make it easy to sling the fully packed Duffel around, perfect for use as carry-on while traveling, or racing across the city to make that important meeting.
For everyday activities, whether your every day is in the city, or halfway up a mountain, the tote is a brilliant stash-all. All that gear you don’t want to leave behind, but can’t find a place for will find its home here.
It’s a simple design – just one main compartment and the front pocket which doubles as the pouch for the tote to pack into. There’s a toggle closing and nylon shoulder straps. Where this bag shines, is in its light weight and durability. At just 9.3 ounces this bag weighs only slightly more than an adult hamster. In other words, not much at all.
The entire Lightweight Black Hole collection is constructed from 7.1 ounce 210 denier ripstop nylon, laminated and DWR coated to keep the weather on the right side. In other words you get a waterproof backpack, duffel, or tote. These bags will give years of faithful service without looking the least bit worn, so, remember all that stuff that’s rolling around the trunk of your car? You know what to do.