REASONS TO BUY
Super durable
Simple storage and organization
Easy transport
Reliable
REASONS TO AVOID
Wheels skip in tight circles
Lacks organizational features
Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled Review
This suitcase is best for those who can't decide between a duffel and a roller bag
An outdoorsy and techier style that some love and others don't.
Credit: Amber King
RELATED: Best Suitcases of 2023
Our Verdict
Looking for a duffel bag that you can wheel through the airport? The Patagonia Black Hole provides this functionality with ease. You can carry this suitcase with the provided handle on the side or top and then wheel it along behind you if you get tired. The version we tested offers 70 liters of wide-open storage, making it a great option for those that love the simplicity of a soft-sided case. The exterior material is exceptionally durable, ideal for traveling to even the most remote places in the world. If you're somebody who can't choose between a duffel or wheeled suitcase, this unique option offers the best of both worlds.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled | |||||
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| Awards |  |  |  | | |
| Price | $399.00 at Evo Compare at 2 sellers | $289 List Check Price at REI | $399.00 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $260 List $157.49 at Amazon | $132 List $132.00 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | A simple and well-build wheeled duffel bag | A large capacity, high-value, durable roller duffel suitable for all types of travel | A reliable, functional trunk with expansive storage and organizational features ideal for gear | One big bag (probably too big for most) of quality build, limited organizational features, and high transport performance over smooth urban terrain | Large in size and great in value for short-term needs |
| Rating Categories | Patagonia Black Hol... | REI Co-op Big Haul... | Eagle Creek ORV Tru... | Samsonite Omni PC H... | Amazon Basics 30" H... |
| Storage & Organization (25%) | |||||
| Ease of Transport (25%) | |||||
| Reliability (25%) | |||||
| Weight (15%) | |||||
| Style (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Patagonia Black Hol... | REI Co-op Big Haul... | Eagle Creek ORV Tru... | Samsonite Omni PC H... | Amazon Basics 30" H... |
| Measured Weight | 8.0 lbs | 9.6 lbs | 9.9 lbs | 10.3 lbs | 11.6 lbs |
| Volume | 70L | 109L | 97L | 145L | 127L |
| Liters per Pound (higher is better) | 8.8 | 11.1 | 9.8 | 14.1 | 10.9 |
| Construction | Zip open, duffel | Zip open, duffel | Zip open, duffel | Clamshell, hard-sided | Clamshell, hard-sided |
| Measured Packed Dimensions | 26" x 14" x 14" | 33.75" x 16.25" x 14" | 30" x 16.5" x 15" | 30.5" x 20.5" x 13" | 30.75" x 21" x 12 |
| Expansion Zippers? | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Number of Wheels | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Number of Large Interior Compartments | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Interior Storage Features | 1 mesh organizational pocket on lid of duffel | 2 mesh organizational pockets on inside of opening panel (one with key hook), 2 internal compression straps | 3 small interior slip pockets inside main compartment, 1 zip mesh pocket backside of opening panel; 1 small zip mesh pocket within top exterior pocket | Elastic restraint straps in one-half clam, zip enclosure over opposite half; hanging zipper accessory pocket | One-half clam with elastic restraint straps, one-half large zip enclosure with 2 zip mesh pockets, hanging zip accessory pocket |
| Number of Exterior Pockets | 1 exterior pocket, gear loops | 1 side exterior zip pocket. 1 small top zip pocket with piggy-bag strap attachment, plus daisy-chain gear loops | 1 large, top-front exterior zip pocket, 1 large bottom access expandable seam-taped Wet/Dry Compartment; exterior gear loops | None | None |
| Compression System | 2 Internal compression straps | 2 external and 2 internal compression straps (4 in total) | Removable cargo net gear holder to compress/hold items either internally or attach externally. Compression buckles outside | 2 elastic straps for restraint but no functional compression | 2 elastic straps for restraint but no functional compression |
| Handle Height from Ground | Low: 34" High: 43" |
42" | Low: 37" High: 42" |
Low: 36" High: 41" |
Low: 36.75" High: 40.5" |
| Built-In Lock | None | No | No, but includes #10 lockable zippers and Central Lock Point on bag | Yes, TSA Approved | No |
| Main Exterior Material | 14-oz 900-denier 100% recycled polyester ripstop | Recycled 400-denier nylon/recycled 1,680-denier nylon (bluesign®-approved) | Bi-Tech Heather, 1000D Helix Polyester Twill | Polycarbonate | Extra-thick ABS, hard shell |
| Unique Features | Duffel on wheels | Oversized wheels, rugged chassis, full-length bumpers, 2 internal and 2 external compression straps, stopper-stand, carry-on piggyback clip, 6 haul handle options, daisy chain lash points, water-resistant | Gear specific storage and access options, cargo netting / compression, multiple bumpers and Bi-Tech protective armor; reflective exterior elements, 6 load handles, heavy-duty wheel housing, oversized wheels; kick plate, tuckaway gear attachment, pull-handle enclosure, bottle opener, water-resistant | Built-in TSA-approved lock; large packing capacity; impressive water resistance, expandable, anti-scratch exterior | 150D-polyester zippered clamshell enclosure, 3 organizational pockets |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
The Black Hole is a durable duffel bag on wheels. It's simple, without much in the way of organizational features, but if you want something you can carry differently depending on where you are and how your body is feeling, this is the ticket. Perfect for the expedition traveler who loves the simplicity of a duffel bag for travel but hates having to carry it through the airport.
Performance Comparison
The Black Hole 70L suitcase is a wheeled duffel bag that offers simple and easy packing on the go.
Credit: Amber King
Storage & Organization
Like most duffels, storage space is simple in the Black Hole. There aren't tons of pockets or compartments to systematically organize all your things. That makes this bag perfect for those who prefer to just toss everything into one giant compartment or those that prefer packing cubes.
A look at the high volume Black Hole that offers you the opportunity to simply throw your things in and go. We appreciate the mesh zippered compartment that keeps items you need quickly accessible.
Credit: Amber King
There are two large zippered mesh compartments on the inside of the front flap. They're perfect for storing smaller items that can either get lost easily or that you need to access quickly. There are also two compression straps in the main compartment, an external zippered side pocket, and exterior webbing loops for lashing extra gear or helping to attach the bag to something else.
A smaller capacity case without too many organizational features.
Credit: Amber King
The Black Hole we tested offers roughly 70 liters of storage, though it's also available in a smaller 40 and larger 100-liter size. The 40 liter size can make a nice carry-on, and the soft-sided nature of the bag allows it to be packed down and stored flat when not in use, a feature we appreciate.
The side pocket offers some additional storage that we didn't really use.
Credit: Amber King
Ease of Transport
The Black Hole can be carried either like a duffel bag or a wheeled suitcase. The duffel carry handle is bare-bones and straightforward without any additional padding, but it's comfortable enough to make it through a set of stairs or over a rocky streambed.
The handles on the top and bottom make it easy to grab. Or, you can carry it duffel style.
Credit: Amber King
While the oversized wheels of this bag do a decent job over most terrain, we found that they vibrate quite a bit and are sticky compared to others in our lineup. This isn't a great option if you need to wheel it over cobbles, which is why we appreciate the option to also carry it as a duffel.
Wheel it easily on paved surfaces. While it's great for basic transport, it's not the most agile suitcase tested.
Credit: Amber King
The wheel axles on the Black Hole spin smoothly, but this bag waivers and skips when turning in super tight circles. It even flipped on us once when fully loaded and spinning quickly. The wheels don't work as well as many of the other two-wheeled options we tested. As a result, it doesn't score as high in this category.
Testing the capabilities of this case over rough terrain.
Credit: Amber King
Still, this bag does provide easy transport in the airport, meandering seamlessly through crowds and lines with its thinner profile. It moves over cracked pavement with ease, whether pushing or pulling. With smoother wheels, we'd like it a lot better. We also love the long plastic bumpers along the back of the suitcase, which make it easy to bump up flights of stairs and over curbs.
Reliability
Similar to all the Black Hole products by Patagonia, this wheeled duffel can be trusted wholeheartedly. The material is burly, and the large oversized wheels have a sturdy housing. If they do happen to fail, the housing is easy to replace.
While the wheels are relatively durable, they are plastic and not very smooth over all terrain.
Credit: Amber King
The handle on the Black Hole offers two heights for travel. When it's pulling, it doesn't bow or flex, but it does feel a little wobbly. This is common among telescoping handles, and we'd say the reliability of this one is about average.
An easy-to-use handle that moves up and down smoothly and easily.
Credit: Amber King
We also love the bomber water-resistant 14-ounce 900-denier ripstop fabric. When oriented with wheels down, like a duffel, it's hard for water coming from the sky to get into this bag. When the bag is in roller mode, though, the zippers are more exposed to falling rain. So, if you have items that need to stay super dry in a rainstorm, be sure to either carry your bag duffel style or find a little shelter. Overall, however, we were confident when traveling with this exceptional piece of luggage.
The exterior fabric is pretty durable and water-resistant, but the zippers are not water-proof.
Credit: Amber King
Weight
With minimalistic construction, this wheeled duffel stands out as super lightweight. It weighs only 8 pounds, making it one of the lightest that we've tested. This allows you to pack in 42 pounds of gear before hitting weight maximums at the airport. If lightweight and simple is what you seek, this suitcase is a great option.
Weighing the suitcase using a spring scale at home.
Credit: Amber King
Style
Being a duffel bag on wheels, the Black Hole has a technical, outdoorsy style. It has a casual look that's best for those who aren't concerned with formal fashion. The sleek exterior is reflective and super easy to spot at the luggage claim, and there are many fun colors to choose from.
Roll it easily through airports or over other surfaces in your travels. Packing is simple with the option to hoist it onto your back in worst-case scenarios.
Credit: Amber King
Value
You get what you pay for. This simple roller duffel may seem like a high price tag, but the reliability factor is top-notch. This bag will last you for many years with its super-durable construction and quality craftsmanship. If you don't already know, Patagonia is known for its quality products, and they offer a lifetime guarantee that includes parts that break easily like zippers. If you're seeking a simple roller duffel with decent performance all around, this is one to consider seriously.
Patagonia's Ironclad Guarantee is a big selling point.
Conclusion
The Patagonia Black Hole 70L offers amazing transport versatility with the ability to roll like a suitcase, securely strap to a vehicle, or carry as a duffel. If you love duffel bags but long for a set of wheels when you get to the airport, this is an excellent option.
—
Amber King and Clark Tate
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