Reviews You Can Rely On

Patagonia Black Hole 25 Review

A fantastically water-resistant bag that offers great versatility and performance
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patagonia black hole 25 laptop backpack review
Credit: Patagonia
Price:  $149 List
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Manufacturer:   Patagonia
By Katherine Elliott ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  Jun 22, 2018
71
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#4 of 13
  • Laptop Protection - 25% 6.0
  • Comfort - 20% 7.0
  • Storage - 15% 7.0
  • Ease of Use - 15% 6.0
  • Water Resistance - 15% 10.0
  • Style - 10% 7.0

Our Verdict

Active lifestyles, on-the-move schedules, and fast-paced workflows are all tough on our technology and equipment. Luckily, the Patagonia Black Hole 25 fills the void and accommodates it all. With light and sturdy polyester ripstop fabric and a highly waterproof and durable finish, this is a strong choice if you plan on working and cavorting in the elements and need to tote along a laptop as well. With a few surprisingly fun features, this backpack caters to the active, adventurous working individual. It's a perfect option for those seeking a water-resistant pack for bike-commuting to work or hanging out in the elements.
REASONS TO BUY
Best weather resistance
Versatile
Easy to adjust
Good organization
REASONS TO AVOID
Lacks laptop protection
Smaller fit
New Hues
Patagonia updated the colorways for the Black Hole 25, but otherwise, it's the same pack.

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Bottom Line Head out in the rain with this water-resistant backpack that is quite versatileA pack that can withstand wet and windy weather with plenty of storage capacity for the daily essentialsA pack with a lot of storage capacity and enough pockets for all kinds of tech and accessoriesAn inexpensive and versatile backpack with unique features and a touch of styleA perfect travel companion
Rating Categories Patagonia Black Hol... The North Face Bore... YOREPEK Travel Extr... Matein Travel Cotopaxi Tasra 16L
Laptop Protection (25%)
6.0
7.0
6.0
6.0
3.0
Comfort (20%)
7.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
6.0
Storage (15%)
7.0
7.0
10.0
7.0
6.0
Ease of Use (15%)
6.0
7.0
8.0
8.0
5.0
Water Resistance (15%)
10.0
8.0
6.0
5.0
3.0
Style (10%)
7.0
7.0
4.0
7.0
9.0
Specs Patagonia Black Hol... The North Face Bore... YOREPEK Travel Extr... Matein Travel Cotopaxi Tasra 16L
Volume 25 L 28 L 50 L 28L 16 L
Weight 1.8 lbs 2.0 lbs 2.2 lbs 1.7 lbs 1.0 lb
Number of Compartments 1 3 3 3 4
Dimensions 21 x 11 x 6.5 in 19.5 x 12 x 6.5 in 18 x 13.5 x 6.5 in 18 x 12 x 7.8 in 17 x 10.5 x 5.5 in
Number of Large Pockets 2 2 3 3 2
Number of Small Pockets 5 9 4 2 2
Key Clip? Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Reflective Material? No Yes No No No
External Side Pockets? Yes Yes Yes Yes No
External Water Bottle Holder? Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Compatible Laptop Size 15" 15" 17" 15.6" 15"
Hip Belt? No No, removable waist belt No No Yes
Sternum Strap? Yes Yes No No Yes

Our Analysis and Test Results

One of the facts of an active working lifestyle is that you tend to become very familiar with every weather scenario that your region tends to materialize. For us, this meant testing in a high elevation mountain town in the late fall where the fickle weather can be sunny and warm one day and then rainy and snowy the next. Having a bag that is weather resistant is crucial for keeping your electronics safe and dry when commuting in the elements. The Black Hole was just the right blend of trendy and functional to accomplish this task.

Performance Comparison


patagonia black hole 25 laptop backpack review - even when this pack was fully loaded, it maintained a very...
Even when this pack was fully loaded, it maintained a very comfortable fit.
Credit: Bligh Gillies

Laptop Protection


This model didn't take home the highest scores in the laptop protection department, but one nice feature is that it also includes a smaller padded tablet or small electronic device sleeve as well as the larger padded sleeve for your laptop. One function that stood out is the buckle to secure your laptop in place in the carrying sleeve; this gave peace of mind that the laptop won't slip out or excessively move around too much while in motion. The buckle is especially handy while carrying smaller laptops in the padded sleeve.

patagonia black hole 25 laptop backpack review - the black hole laptop backpack had a buckle to secure your larger...
The Black Hole laptop backpack had a buckle to secure your larger laptop and featured a smaller padded pocket for a tablet (or in our case, an 11" Chromebook).
Credit: Bligh Gillies

Comfort


We appreciate the features of this pack. The straps are padded and very comfortable, which helps when the pack is loaded heavily or with cumbersome items, and there is a sternum strap for added stability. While the heavy molded back panel made for a comfy commute on most days, it did get warm on longer bike commutes and isn't super breathable. We also wish for a hip belt when carrying heavier items.

patagonia black hole 25 laptop backpack review - the black hole series by patagonia never disappoints. the black hole...
The Black Hole series by Patagonia never disappoints. The Black Hole 25 is a highly functional, single-compartment pack.
Credit: Bligh Gillies

Storage


The large single chamber compartment made it easy to access and load everything from kale to climbing shoes. The interior drop-in organizer pockets help store small items such as pens and earbuds that might otherwise get lost in the bottom of the large main compartment. This contender also includes two mesh water bottle pockets on the outside of the bag, although the lightweight mesh was not as resilient as the durable fabric that encompasses the rest of the bag.

patagonia black hole 25 laptop backpack review - the stretchy mesh water bottle holder was big enough for a...
The stretchy mesh water bottle holder was big enough for a full-sized Nalgene, but just barely.
Credit: Bligh Gillies

It also features a smaller semi-padded pocket for smaller items like a tablet or portable electronic device. A tube port lets the laptop sleeve double as a hydration sleeve, and there are side stretch pockets for water bottles. It fits a full-size Nalgene, but you have to cram it in there. The plethora of functions makes it versatile for all sorts of activities.

Take a look at all the fun features and storage of this pack by watching this video

Ease of Use


The feature that stood out about the Black Hole is the large webbing strap on the front that provides a briefcase-style carry. This detail is nice when loading the bag into or out of our vehicle quickly. The top-loading design makes it easy to load and pack our gear, be it books and papers or an extra change of clothes. It even fit gym shoes, along with everything else we needed for the day. The sternum strap can be clipped to any of four positions along a daisy chain on the straps, offering great versatility, but not the same on-the-fly adjustability as other designs. The bonus, however, is that the sternum strap will not slip.

patagonia black hole 25 laptop backpack review - the sternum strap in highly adjustable and can be clipped in...
The sternum strap in highly adjustable and can be clipped in anywhere along the webbing along the straps.
Credit: Bligh Gillies

Water Resistance


Patagonia does not list a waterproof rating for Black Hole 25, stating "The pack is not waterproof. It will be water resistant". With that said, it is incredibly water resistant. It features a TPU film laminate and a DWR (durable water repellent) finish. It will keep your gadgets dry even in the worst of simulated downpours.

patagonia black hole 25 laptop backpack review - this was one of the highest-ranking packs for water resistance out...
This was one of the highest-ranking packs for water resistance out all the packs we tested. It has a durable water resistant coating applied (DWR), which could wear out over time and with use (and might need to be reapplied).
Credit: Kat Elliott

Style


Patagonia boasts a polished look about their products, which often suit multiple tasks. The Black Hole 25L is no different. With its sleek, streamlined design and a large single chamber compartment, it can be sported in and out of the office. Although the look made it feel a little more outdoorsy, the Black Hole 25L fits all kinds of occasions.

patagonia black hole 25 laptop backpack review - with its outdoorsy feel, this pack is better suited for an outdoor...
With its outdoorsy feel, this pack is better suited for an outdoor environment rather than an office, both functionally and style wise.
Credit: Bligh Gillies

Value


This bag is pricey. Even though this is on the pricey side, Patagonia's Ironclad Guarantee stands behind this product, replacing it under any condition. We'd say this is a high-value backpack, despite the high price.

patagonia black hole 25 laptop backpack review - the pack's design made it very comfortable while biking.
The pack's design made it very comfortable while biking.
Credit: Bligh Gillies

Conclusion


The Patagonia Black Hole 25L is a highly functional pack, especially for the outdoor-minded individual. It has plenty of room for all your gear and gadgets, keeps your electronics dry and organized and is in it for the long haul.

patagonia black hole 25 laptop backpack review - built to withstand the elements, the black hole 25l is a great...
Built to withstand the elements, the Black Hole 25L is a great choice for an everyday outdoor backpack that can also hold your laptop.
Credit: Bligh Gillies

Katherine Elliott