Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Patagonia releases new Black Hole Duffel Bag early with a cool sustainable upgrade

It's perfect for a long weekend

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag gray
Patagonia

Patagonia, the trailblazer in outdoor gear, has surprised fans everywhere by releasing an upgraded version of their trendy Black Hole Duffel Bag before Christmas, with its original release scheduled for Spring 2024. The Black Hole Duffel Bag has achieved major cult status since its creation 19 years ago, and it marries functionality, durability, and, best of all, a commitment to the planet.

The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel: A symphony of sustainability and style

In an essay for the New York Times, the founder of Patagonia, Yvon Chouinard, wrote, “People ask me how [Patagonia] has managed to stick around so long … I tell them it’s been our unrelenting focus on quality, which includes making things that last and that causes the least amount of harm to our planet.”

Recommended Videos

A significant transformation graces the latest Patagonia bag lineup, marking a pivotal shift towards sustainability. In a notable departure from the past, these bags proudly showcase a 100 percent recycled thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) coating, replacing the previous use of virgin TPU. This strategic change extends beyond the surface, touching the very fabric, lining, and webbing, all of which are now crafted from 100 percent recycled materials.

At the heart of this innovation lies the recycled TPU coating, a laminate renowned for imparting exceptional weatherproofing and durability to the bags. This eco-conscious adaptation not only enhances the bags’ environmental profile but does so without compromising their inherent capabilities. It’s a triumph for those who value the symbiosis of functionality and eco-friendliness in the Black Hole line.

This evolution aligns with a broader industry trend of making thermoplastic polyurethane more circular and sustainable. The recycled TPU coating emerges as a beacon of progress, emphasizing the potential for eco-friendly practices within the manufacturing landscape. As we delve into this eco-friendly metamorphosis, it becomes clear that the Black Hole bags are not just accessories but ambassadors of responsible design. This shift towards recycled TPU showcases a commitment to reducing environmental impact without compromising the high standards for which the Black Hole line is known.

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag blue
Patagonia

Black Hole Duffel Bag 40L

Ethical production

Behind every product is a story, and the Black Hole Duffel’s story is one of fairness. Manufactured in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory, it ensures that the hands behind the masterpiece earn a premium for their craftsmanship. It’s not just a bag; it’s a commitment to ethical and responsible production. Patagonia stands tall in a world where the line between luxury and responsibility blurs, beckoning us to explore with purpose. The Black Hole Duffel isn’t just a travel companion; it’s a testament to the power of conscious choices in every aspect of life.

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag 100L
Patagonia

Black Hole Duffel Bag 100L

The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel: It’s all in the details

Equipped with removable, ergonomic shoulder straps, the Black Hole Duffel transitions seamlessly from duffel to backpack. Perfect for those who prefer to swagger through terminals with the cool confidence of a backpacker but demand the functionality of a duffel. Reinforced haul handles guarantee survival even in the hands of the most overzealous baggage handlers.

This bag isn’t just a black hole for your belongings; it’s a vortex of order. A strategically placed zippered side pocket, accessible from both inside and outside, adds an element of convenience. When empty, the duffel defies its size, magically stuffing it into its pocket for neat, compact storage. The padded base of the Black Hole Duffel serves as a guardian, shielding your possessions from the wrath of rough terrain and unforeseen knocks.

For those who like to push boundaries, the Black Hole Duffel boasts sturdy, reinforced exterior daisy chains. Secure your gear with style, whether you’re scaling a mountain or conquering the urban jungle. With a massive capacity, this duffel is a globetrotter’s dream. It effortlessly fits most airline carry-on requirements, ensuring your adventures begin the moment you step off the plane. Who said traveling light meant sacrificing style?

The Black Hole Duffel bag comes in four capacities–40L, 55L, 70L, and 100L and seven different colors, including Matte Phosphorus Green and Matte Vessel Blue. They come with a price tag of $159, $169, $199, and $219, respectively.

So, for the modern explorer who demands more from their gear than just functionality, the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel is not an option; it’s a necessity. Because in the end, it’s not just a bag; it’s a symbol of a lifestyle that refuses to compromise on style or sustainability.

Sarah Veldman
Sarah has been a freelance writer for over 7 years now, having started while she was living out of a suitcase and traveling…
G-Shock’s new MR-G Frogman gets a titanium upgrade
G-Shock unveils the new Frogman MRGBF1000B-1A
G-Shock Frogman MRG-BF1000B-1A

One of the most beloved G-Shock watches is the Frogman, which Casio first released in 1993 (and which joined the elite MR-G series last year). Mr-G is a professional-grade collection that includes some of the most rugged, hyper-masculine models like the Mudman and the Mudmaster. The latest G-Shock Frogman MRG-BF1000B-1A has a titanium bracelet, exhibiting those "extreme" boundary-pushing traits the brand is known for.
G-Shock Frogman MRG-BF1000B-1A

Initially launched in 1993, the Frogman was first marketed as a dive watch, known for its 200 meter water resistance and resiliency. Now, to celebrate its 30th anniversary, Casio has give the Frogman its very own place in the MR-G collection, with the MRGBF1000B-1A being the third and most recent addition. It's arrived just in time for summer, meaning it can act as your perfect companion on camping adventures in Germany or diving trips in the Pacific.
Technical specifications
If you're going to spend your hard-earned dollars on a watch that will be durable and that you can rely on under extreme conditions, you want to find the right one, so we'll give you a breakdown of the technical aspects of the G-Shock MRGBF1000B-1A to help you decide. Firstly, this G-Shock features a titanium case and sapphire crystal, meaning it's tough and scratch-resistant, and you won't even have to think about the possibility of banging it up while doing your Rambo thing out in the woods.

Read more
The best laptop bags for men in 2024
Keep your laptop safe and protected in these best bags for 2024
Man in trench coat with briefcase

With the pace at which the world is becoming more and more detached from one another, our laptops have become a lifeline between us and the rest of the world. Some of us work remotely every day, while others are streaming giants. Either way, we have all found ourselves addicted to our laptops for hours at a time. Of course, you can't just carry the computer, the mouse, and the charger loose in your hands. You need a bag. In the vast world of luggage and bags, there are some standouts we love. Here are our picks for the best laptop bags for you to pick up in 2024.

Should you carry a leather or canvas laptop bag?
There are two camps when it comes to laptop bags and briefcases. One side is dedicated to the leather bag, believing that family heirlooms are important. A leather briefcase sends a message of gentlemanly stature. Power. Authority. And an unrelenting love for the classics. Then there are the new-age men who opt for the canvas bags. Most of them go even further to shun the stuffy leather briefcase and go for the messenger bag. These men are typically more carefree and more willing to color outside the lines or think outside the box. So the age-old question of which you should get it all comes down to the kind of man you want to be. Classic dapper with a love of tradition or the renegade who isn't afraid to get his hands dirty.

Read more
ASICS is releasing new collabs for spring 2024 and the Gel-NYC has a whole new look
ASICS releases new spring 2024 collabs
KENZO x ASICS GEL-Kayano 20 Multi Green

Strap in, sneakerheads, because 2024 is the year ASICS is turning the sneaker game upside down and inside out. We've got the lowdown on two releases that are not just shoes but statements. Get ready for the Hidden.NY x ASICS Gel-NYC, and the Kenzo x ASICS Gel Kayano 20 collections. These kicks are not just for walking; they're for strutting, stomping, and making a damn entrance.

In a world flooded with mundane sneakers, ASICS stands tall, a phoenix rising from the sea of mediocrity. Building on the triumphs of 2023, the Japanese footwear powerhouse is poised for another stellar year. The anticipation is palpable, and the curtain rises with the unveiling of ASICS's Spring/Summer 2024 collection.

Read more