Honestly, the Black Hole Pack 25L is a bit of a contradiction. People see that shiny, techy fabric and assume it’s a rugged mountain bag, while others buy it for the office and then get annoyed that it doesn't stand up on its own.
It's a weird middle child.
But if you’re looking for a bag that survives a tropical downpour while looking halfway decent in a coffee shop, this might be it. You've probably seen them everywhere. From airports to trailheads, that massive Patagonia logo is hard to miss. But is it actually the right bag for you, or are you just buying into the hype of the "shiny bag"?
Why the Black Hole Pack 25L is a "Bucket" (For Better or Worse)
Basically, this bag is a bucket with straps.
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Unlike the 32L version, which has a separate, zippered side-access compartment for your laptop, the Black Hole Pack 25L forces you to go through the top. If you have the bag stuffed with a gym change and a lunchbox, getting your 15-inch MacBook out is a genuine chore. You’re digging. You’re moving things around. It's not elegant.
The 25L is a "true top-loader."
The zipper only goes around the top curve. On the 32L, the zippers dive down the sides, letting the bag "gape" open so you can see what’s at the bottom. With the 25L? It’s dark down there. If you drop a set of keys or a small dongle into the bottom of the main compartment, good luck. You’re basically playing a game of tactile hide-and-seek.
The "Shiny" Situation
Let’s talk about the fabric because it’s the most polarizing part of the bag.
It’s a 300-denier recycled polyester ripstop. In 2024 and 2025, Patagonia moved toward a more matte finish compared to the ultra-glossy "trash bag" look of the early 2020s models. It’s still highly weather-resistant thanks to a recycled TPU-film laminate.
Rain beads off it.
Mud wipes off it.
But it’s also crinkly. If you’re in a quiet library and you need to get something out of your bag, everyone is going to hear you. It’s the price you pay for a bag that can survive a literal monsoon.
What Most People Miss About the Features
A lot of reviewers focus on the laptop sleeve, but the real MVP of the Black Hole Pack 25L is the back panel.
It has this subtle pass-through handle. Most people think it’s just a grab handle, but it actually slides over the handle of your rolling luggage. This makes it a top-tier personal item for flying.
And the weight? It’s about 1 lb 6 oz.
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That is incredibly light for a bag this durable. Most "tacticool" bags or heavy-duty waxed canvas packs weigh twice as much before you even put a laptop in them. If you’re a minimalist traveler, every ounce matters.
The Daisy Chain and the "Stretchy" Pockets
That vertical strip of webbing on the front? That’s a daisy chain. You can clip a carabiner to it, lash a yoga mat, or even weave a bungee cord through it if you’re crafty.
Then there are the water bottle pockets.
They are surprisingly good. They’re made of a stretch-woven material that actually holds onto things. Some bags use the same slippery material as the body for the pockets, and your Hydro Flask ends up sliding out the moment you bend over to tie your shoe. These ones actually grip. However, because they don't have compression straps above them, very tall, thin bottles might still feel a bit "tippy."
The 25L vs. 32L Debate: Don't Buy the Wrong One
This is where most people mess up.
They buy the 25L because it’s cheaper—usually around $149 compared to the $169 for the 32L. But the 32L isn't just "bigger." It’s a different design.
- Laptop Access: 25L is internal (pain in the butt). 32L is external (bliss).
- The Bottom: The 25L has a curved bottom. It will almost always fall over if you set it on the ground. The 32L is flatter and stands up better.
- Torso Length: If you’re over 6 feet tall, the 25L can look like a toddler's backpack on you. The 32L has slightly longer shoulder straps that fit larger frames much better.
If you’re just commuting to school or a coworking space, the 25L is plenty. If you’re trying to "one-bag" a three-day trip to Europe? Get the 32L.
Real-World Maintenance: Don't Kill the Coating
People treat these bags like they're indestructible, and they mostly are. But the TPU coating is the bag's soul. If you ruin that, it's just another leaky backpack.
Never throw this thing in a hot dryer.
Heat is the enemy of TPU. It can cause the laminate to peel or delaminate from the fabric. If it gets dirty (and it will, especially the lighter colors like "Current Blue" or "Touring Red"), just use a damp cloth and some mild soap.
If it’s truly disgusting after a muddy hike, hand wash it in a tub with cold water. If you absolutely must use a machine, use the most delicate cycle possible, cold water only, and hang it to dry upside down. ## The Verdict: Is it Actually Worth the $150?
The Black Hole Pack 25L isn't perfect. The internal organization is minimal—just one zippered mesh pocket and a small "brain" pocket at the top. If you’re the kind of person who needs a dedicated slot for every pen and cable, this bag will drive you crazy. You'll need to buy tech pouches or packing cubes to keep it from becoming a jumbled mess.
But for the person who wants one bag that can handle a commute, a day hike, and a flight to Portland, it’s a powerhouse. It’s a bag that's meant to be used, abused, and tossed around.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your laptop size: If you have a 16-inch MacBook Pro, it might fit, but it’s tight. A 15-inch or smaller is the sweet spot.
- Pick a color carefully: The black-on-black is the most "professional," but it shows dust and pet hair like crazy. The "Smolder Blue" hides grime much better.
- Test the "Luggage Pass-Through": If you travel a lot, try sliding it onto your suitcase handle as soon as you get it. It changes the airport experience entirely.
- Invest in a Tech Pouch: Since the internal organization is lacking, grab a small pouch for your chargers and small bits to avoid the "black hole" effect at the bottom of the bag.
Ultimately, the 25L is for the person who values durability and weatherproofing over "fancy" features. It’s simple. It’s tough. It’s basically a piece of outdoor gear that successfully infiltrated the city.