forum thread Posted by ScubaSon • Dec 21, 2022
Dec 21, 2022 2:24 PM
forum thread Posted by ScubaSon • Dec 21, 2022
Dec 21, 2022 2:24 PM
Black Hole Duffel Bags 40L 55L 70L $110.99
$111
Patagonia
Get Deal at PatagoniaGood Deal
Bad Deal
Save
Share
11 Comments
Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.
I recently shopped for premium "packable" duffels and compared all the high-end options out there (Thule, North Face, Osprey, Black Diamond, Eagle Creek, Sea & Summit, REI and others).
The Patagonia Black Hole was my LEAST favorite of all of them. Yes, it's durable, but stiff, cumbersome, and complicated are some words that also come to mind. It really needs a redesign.
I guess I'll pass these. Thanks guys
I recently shopped for premium "packable" duffels and compared all the high-end options out there (Thule, North Face, Osprey, Black Diamond, Eagle Creek, Sea & Summit, REI and others).
The Patagonia Black Hole was my LEAST favorite of all of them. Yes, it's durable, but stiff, cumbersome, and complicated are some words that also come to mind. It really needs a redesign.
When I was searching for bags I made sure to rule out anything without YKK zippers since if they went cheap with zippers I just assumed they went cheap with everything else. Not disappointed so far, and the straps come off in seconds when you're checking the bag on an airplane or something.
When I was searching for bags I made sure to rule out anything without YKK zippers since if they went cheap with zippers I just assumed they went cheap with everything else. Not disappointed so far, and the straps come off in seconds when you're checking the bag on an airplane or something.
I was focused on the 60-70 liter size range, for extended safari trips. I wanted a balance of lightweight and durable, with compression straps and good grab handles on all 4 sides. I went with the Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler, which is lightweight but has great lifetime warranty that they stand by, and is really easy to fold into its self-contained pouch. I also like that they are a U.S. company that answers the phone when you call, and I got a good deal buying direct with Cyber Monday sale + cash back. Others that check most of the boxes include the Osprey Transporter (best backpack strap function but compression straps are internal only), the Thule Chasm (super quality and great compression system but only 2 grab handles which is a deal killer for me), the Black Diamond Rock Hauler (which is just overkill in terms of cost and durability but might be a good choice for rough camping), and the REI Big Haul (which is similar to the Eagle Creek in many ways but a little smaller and had the least comfortable backpack strap system). None of these are waterproof, but they are all weather-resistant.
And of course if you just need a bag without bells & whistles, that doesn't have a backback function, or locking zippers, or extra zipper compartments, or daisy chain straps, or multiple carry options, then you can spend much less and get a good quality simple bag like the Eagle Creek No Matter What Duffel (Amazon Warehouse often has them for around 1/2 price).
Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.
I was focused on the 60-70 liter size range, for extended safari trips. I wanted a balance of lightweight and durable, with compression straps and good grab handles on all 4 sides. I went with the Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler, which is lightweight but has great lifetime warranty that they stand by, and is really easy to fold into its self-contained pouch. I also like that they are a U.S. company that answers the phone when you call, and I got a good deal buying direct with Cyber Monday sale + cash back. Others that check most of the boxes include the Osprey Transporter (best backpack strap function but compression straps are internal only), the Thule Chasm (super quality and great compression system but only 2 grab handles which is a deal killer for me), the Black Diamond Rock Hauler (which is just overkill in terms of cost and durability but might be a good choice for rough camping), and the REI Big Haul (which is similar to the Eagle Creek in many ways but a little smaller and had the least comfortable backpack strap system).
When I was searching for bags I made sure to rule out anything without YKK zippers since if they went cheap with zippers I just assumed they went cheap with everything else. Not disappointed so far, and the straps come off in seconds when you're checking the bag on an airplane or something.