Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L Review | Max Legal Carry-On Travel Bag
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- čas přidán 28. 07. 2024
- The Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L is a classic travel bag that takes your carry-on capacity to the max, but it’s not the most comfortable option out there. View Our Full Review: packhacker.com/travel-gear/pa...
0:00 - Intro
0:55 - Material & Aesthetic
3:01 - External Components
7:35 - Inside the Pack
11:02 - Durability & Testing
13:05 - Pros & Cons
13:44 - The Verdict
They say you can’t beat an original. Or can you? The Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45 Liter was one of the first bags on the market to encourage one-bag carry-on travel. Now that the concept has become an entire movement, does this classic live up to the legend and outshine its modern successors? You guessed it-you’re about to find out.
First things first, the MLC in this pack’s name stands for Maximum Legal Carry-On. It’s designed to be one of the largest bags that you can take with you on a flight-a concept that works a bit better on U.S. airlines that allow for larger bags and not quite as well in Europe and Asia.
We're not big fans of large bags that try to be a backpack, messenger and a duffel all at once, especially when the backpack harness system is not optimal. We understand what Patagonia was going for with the Black Hole MLC 45 Liter, and it could work well for you if you're looking for a large carry-on pack. After all, it is one of the original bags that kicked off the one-bag movement. All things considered, however, there are better and more comfortable options on the market for bags of this size.
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View more travel gear reviews on our website: packhacker.com/travel-gear/
SHOW NOTES:
In this video, Tom Wahlin of Pack Hacker reviews the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L, a max legal carry-on travel bag.
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What’s your go-to travel bag at the moment?
Pack Hacker the osprey porter 46. Would love to see what you think about it. I have it for a couple of year. Did many international trips. Bag looks like new
AER Travel Pack 2
Lately, I have been using a Lesportsac large duffle (carry-on size), and a matching tote☺ since my trips have been really simple.
@@user-nu5fx6en9h 👍That's a bag that's been on my list for sometime. I really need to break down and buy one.
Check out our review here pascal picot! packhacker.com/travel-gear/osprey/porter-46/
Just a really shortsighted review overall. I've used this as my main travel bag for 25+ countries over the last 3 years (Oct17-Aug20) and it's basically still brand new. The whole point of having a bag like this is because you want to be able to carry everything you need for months or years at a time without the need to check it onto your plane. Never once, over the course of dozens of countries was I asked to check the bag upon arrival at the airport. If you're trying to half use this bag, and fill it up halfway, you're kind of missing the whole point of having it. Get a 20 or 30 L pack. When full, the structure is superb, as the exterior material holds firm to its shape. With dozens of specialized compartments for all your travel needs, electronic, clothing related or personal, if you need it, this bag has a place to store it comfortably. The straps have held up for 3 years as has the weather resistance the reviewer seems to think might fade over time. It's an astonishment you can carry the bag comfortably as a backpack at 45 liters without even a waste strap, but you can. It doesn't help in this video that the bag is never full at anytime and that the color choice which is not even offered by patagonia is worse than any of their other offerings. The black ripstop material on top of being extremely tough and rain resistant is also very sleek and stylish.
If you only get one bag to travel with you for the next year, and you want it to be comfortable, carry all of your electronics, clothing and personal items, without worry from the rain, and look good while doing it, this is the one for you. The caveat of course being that you have the need for 40-45 L, which when you're traveling for 6+ months at a time, I believe you will.
Bravo 👏 well said
I agree 100% with this review, bought this bag back in 2019 and it's proven to be my trusty travel companion. Now that the world is opening up I expect I'll be relying on this even more.
I can't believe all the complaining about this bag. I have this bag and I have never had a better bag. I am a geophysical engineer and need a bunch of space for a laptop and a plethora of other things related to the job. Manuals, multi meters, lunch, paperwork,coat, and hard drives. I am constantly switching trucks or climbing into helicopters and this bag has never disappointed me once.
Hey Barkley - thanks for sharing your experience with us, we're glad to hear that this pack is working well for you! From our experience, there's no best bag for everyone, so if you can find one that works for your use case and travel style, you're onto a winner! 😊👍
- Rebecca
Hi! did you manage to take this backpack as hand luggage at the airport? Or was it taken to check-in every time?
It seems you reviewed this bag from a perspective in which it wasn’t intended. It’s clearly a bag intended as small luggage, not EDC.
This bag is severely misunderstood by a lot of people. While not a great choice for any kind of adventure travel. It's ideal for short business trips, especially when if it's combined with some leisure as well. The three-way orientation allows you to carry it the best way depending on the needs at the time. The best part of this bag is the front organizer. It gives plenty of secure storage for pens, business cards, keys, documents, storage media, and all the other things you need for conducting business outside the office. The rectangular shape is unstructured, but it allows for utilizing the full volume. It can be a little floppy, but I find it gets sufficiently rigid as soon as you put a notebook or large tablet computer in the padded slot. The absence of internal compression straps is a fail, but I like the asymmetrical clamshell division and the mesh divider pockets a lot. I actually think the recessed luggage tag is brilliant, and I love the way that the buckles for attaching the should straps retract into small pockets so they're not dangling around. I have used this bag for numerous 3-5 day business trips, with many including a weekend of fun, and it held everything I needed for both in a shape that got me in and out of ground transport, airports and airplanes, hotels and Air BnBs then back again with 0 headaches.
Is it big enough to use as a garment bag (without trashing your suit)?
@@SeattleCollegesIntl It's big engouh, but I wouldn't recommend packing a suit in it, unless you can professionally press the suit on arrival. The few times I've travelled with this bag and a suit, I wore the suit (with a polo and loafers) while packing dress shirts, ties, and wing tips. It's doable, just not the best choice (which for that kind of travel is the TUMI tri-fold garment bag).
@@matthewmaurice68 Thanks!
@@SeattleCollegesIntl I fold my suits and pack them with my pants in an EC XL Garment folder. Fold my shirts with the EC L Garment folder. Roll everything else. There's a ton of videos on folding suits. The EC garment folder is 18 x 14 and fits easily in this MLC. The EC trifold padded garment sleeve is 20.25 x 13 and also fits.
@@ParkerBinion Thanks
This is hands down my favorite travel bag. It’s not perfect but I’ve taken it everywhere and it’s held up
This bag is my ride or die. I have been using this bag exclusively for over 5 years.
You can pack a capsule wardrobe and have everything you need for a 30+ day trip.
I'm 5'5" and I have never experienced issues with its fit.
I have used and abused this bag and it still looks brand new.
Thinking about going to Europe for 14 days, is this a good bag for that?
@@samfraulino I think so. I'm going to Ireland for 10 days in March and this is the bag I will be taking.
Just go ahead and buy this. It has been a game changer for our baby who loves being held and looking around at everything. It fits my small, 5'4" skinny frame, and my husband's, 6'1" muscular frame. Of course we have to adjust it differently but both of us can wear it comfortably! Definitely worth the month. Washes easily, too!
Thanks for sharing your insights! 🤙
-Eric
i have the 26l version. really like it. it retains its structure as a backpack, probably helped with having my laptop in
I currently own a MLC and love it. Traveled with it transcontinentally for over three years. I have never been ask to check the bag because it is too large. Yes the bag is not perfect but some of of the reviewers comments are pretty obscure . The part about groceries? I do agree the bag is not optimized for any one carrying mode. That is its strength as well. If one is looking for a backpack buy a backpack- a duffle buy a duffle. I agree the cell phone pocket is not very good.
In conclusion, I like my MLC for its size and durability. One can fit a lot of stuff into it and bring it on international flights enabling you to get through customs very quickly.
Hey Joe! The most important thing is that it works well for you. Thanks for the comment!
- Austin
Great videos and insights, thank you very much. Very helpful. Just FYI: I have a John Peters “camera-style” duffel from 1987 which has gone around the world with me a lot. Still my favorite carry-on because it always fits in the overhead bin…no matter what! Very hard to find an exact replacement so I have it repaired and love it. Cheers, Bill
Thanks for the insight, Bill! Hopefully, it will last you many more years 😃
-Eric
If you fly or travel often the MLC is near perfect. So it's kinda ugly and floppy. The soft side allows it to fit in nearly all domestic overhead compartments, often when a hard case will not. If it's too heavy, check it in or get something with wheels. Don't get it if you are whiny and thinking about putting in some miles. I love this bag.
Hi! Did you manage to take this backpack as hand luggage at the airport? Or was he taken to check-in every time?
I don't think this bag is supposed to be used to carry stuff for a long time. If you're a backpacker get something else but if you're traveling from hotel to car to airport and you have a lot of stuff I think it's cool
Do you ever sell your old items that you reviewed and don't use anymore? Thanks for the useful review!!
They need to stick with their flag ship Black Hole Duffels! Those are a beast.
As far as the airline's lost and found is concerned, they don't recommend luggage tags, however they do recommend you lay a 8-1/2 x 11 inch piece of paper on top of your packed clothing with all your flight information, To and From with flight numbers, your name and cellphone number and name and address of your hotel or wherever you're staying.
I've been doing that for several years now, if I "have to" check a bag. However, I only put identification tags on carry-on bags like you demonstrated.
Thanks again for another thorough video!
We're looking to get our hands on the Duffels Global Adventurer - looks a solid application. Thanks for sharing the tip on the 8.5x11 inch paper, too. Can never be too careful 🙂
- Tom
@@PackHacker Unfortunately, the newer versions they just came out with are inferior to the ones before 😔 Glad I got all three of mine back in 2016.
Noted!
- Tom
I've got quite a few issues with this design tbh.
- A 45 l bag will get heavy - the harness system really doesn't look like it'd be at all supportive enough for any length of time. Not even an option for a hip belt?
- The laptop compartment is at the bottom of the bag if you set it down flat. That makes me nervous. 45 l can get REALLY heavy.
- The backpack straps are located on the same side that'll be in contact with the ground if you're out and need to access the main compartment. No thank you.
Solid points FaerieDust!
- Tom
Great review. Do you know of a similar travel pack (size and features) that is a bit lighter?
Hey Tom! Love your videos! Is there any chance of you reviewing the Standard Luggage Carry-on backpack? I live in Brazil and I'm going to USA at the end of the year and I'm considering buying either the Standard Luggage or Aer Travel Pack. It would be nice to hear what you have to say about it =)
Hi Fabrício - glad you're digging our reviews! We don't have a review of the Standard Luggage Carry-on in the pipeline at the moment but may in the future!
- Tom
I have had this bag for a year now and so far really like it. Yes it is floppy, but for me it is about functionality over looks. For the distances I have to wear it (up to three kilometers fully loaded) I could not complain about the wear comfort. I can see however how it would get annoying to wear this for longer distances: the laptop compartment does not have enough padding to prevent the hard edges of the laptop from poking into your back.
However: It is the first piece of luggage that has really enabled me to go handluggage only. Earlier I always needed to check a small Samsonite trolley for clothes toiletry etc. and keep a laptop trolley as handluggage seperately for the electronics. (I work in IT and travel regularly, usually 2-5 day trips.)
Everything is quick and easy to access, well organized and getting through security is a breeze. This move to one (handluggage) bag has saved me so much time already, I could kick myself for not doing this earlier. I am not saying that this is the only bag you can do this with, but for me it was the first I found and it ticks all the boxes.
Hey Rene! This is awesome to hear. We're so glad that this pack helped you transition into one bag travel and that it's working so well for your travel style. It's great to hear about your experience with the carry and the accessibility of this bag, thanks for sharing! 😊🙌
- Rebecca
2,5 years update and a couple of trips later.
The bag has held up quite well. No major failures regarding the materials. A few scuffs and scratches but that's cosmetic only. So far the good news.
The floppiness of this bag is REALLY getting to me. Often - especially when not completely full - it is bloody annoying to wear this bag. The new laptop I got from work has sharper edges which makes carrying the bag in backpack mode really painful without using a sleeve.
And that is to say nothing about how it looks: like a bag that a bum would carry.
Currently looking at the Savotta Keikka 50 L as a possible replacement.
Can I make a suggestion? In some of the other videos the Instagram poll result is summarised briefly instead of just being displayed on the screen. It would be great if this became standard practice, as it can be difficult to see the results on a small screen. Either way fantastic review as always
Hey Jed - solid suggestion! You can click/tap through the link in the description to see the poll results and carry-on compliance details, too. The layout is optimized for mobile and smaller screens on our website!
- Tom
I need two Patagonia bags. Thanks
I actually really dig this bag, I love the rectangular shape
It’s hard to beat the shape for maximized packing space!
- Tom
I would like to know your opinion on the 26L? I haven't been able to find a review on it, but I love the mission of Patagonia Co. so Im looking to purchase the Black Hole 26L MLC and the LW Travel Tote. Im a professional dancer and I live out of my suitcases, but Im trying to minimize to one. Right now, I carry a medium sized suitcase, a carry-on, a backpack, and a guitar wherever I go. Becoming a minimalist and traveling with less is essential. Taking advice from you all at Pack Hacker has been helpful. I really appreciate your information & reviews.
Hey Michael - thanks for reaching out! We're so glad to hear that you've been finding the content helpful. We currently have not reviewed the Patagonia Black Hole Mini MLC 26L, so we're unable to verify the pros and cons of this product. However, we have been impressed with other products from Patagonia which we've reviewed in the past packhacker.com/travel-gear/?term=patagonia but the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L did fall short in a few areas. Hope this helps! 😊
- Rebecca
Thanks for the review, I was ready to buy it. (because in Europe, impossible to buy the AER Travel Pack).
You got it Julien!
Tom
Buy the aer from Bear and bear in the UK? It's still in the EU so far 😊
Great review, thanks!
No problem 😃
Nice review. Do you have any alternatives that you like more around this size with both backpack and duffle Straps? Thanks What do you think of the Mystery Ranch Rover?
Hey Chris, you can find a range of recommendations for hybrid duffles (backpack & duffle crossovers) in our Duffle Bag Guide here: packhacker.com/guide/best-duffle-bag/#hybrid
You can also check out our full review of the Mystery Ranch Mission Rover here: packhacker.com/travel-gear/mystery-ranch/mission-rover/
- Rebecca
Do you recommend a similar, but maybe smaller alternative (35-40L) that is more messenger oriented/less backpack. The reason is I prefer to messenger or briefcase style, and only use stashable backpack straps if distance required. I like the clamshell design and tech sleeve design of this bag but understand why it could get too unwieldy. Thanks!
Hey Matt - take a look at the Topo Designs Travel Bag. They've got a 40L and 30L version available with different carry styles + the bag is a bit more structured: packhacker.com/travel-gear/topo-designs/topo-designs-travel-bag-40l/
- Tom
You should compare this to the Patagonia Tres MLC 45L. It has a very similar design, but I personally like the material and look much better.
Thanks for the suggestion Carlo!
- Tom
I agree. I find the shape and material make it look more professional, but while they both claim to be 45L in actuality the trapezoidal shape and increased rigidity of the Tres means a lower volume. If capacity, durability, and particularly water resistance are key factors the Blackhole MLC is probably a better choice.
Hi I have this bag and use it a ton for travel and no longer check in a bag at the airport. I am writing to see if you have seen anything to compress this bag, most smaller bags have compression straps. Unsure if you have seen one that could be compatible with the military staps?
You should do their mini mlc!
Can this bag be used as a second carry on in international flights ?
would love to see a review of new model. thanks!
Are you guys going to review the updated 45L MLC?
You all should review anything Mystery Ranch (like the Urban Assault or 2 Day Assault), and anything from Hill People Gear, like the Ute or Terrahumara
Hey Blake - Mystery Ranch UA24 review in the works now 😉
- Tom
@@PackHacker thanks Tom! If you get a chance, check out the Facebook group "The Perfect Pack". Lots of love of bags and gear there. Keep up the great work!
Been a member for a while now! Great group of folks.
- Tom
I have the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45. This style of backpack duffle at this size was a mistake for me. Not comfortable in any carry mode. I might like the 30L size better.
Definitely R Ww - the larger size gets a little unwieldy. 30 would likely be more manageable.
- Tom
I’m looking for a waterproof/resistant bag which is used daily for gym & work but is the “MLC” design for weekend trips abroad.
I’ve looked at
- Osprey Transporter Carry on 44L
- Thule Subtera
- Patagonia MLC 45L
Can people who have used any of these give ideas which is best?
Hey J Bonassera-White - deciding between these packs really depends on you and your style. We haven't tested or reviewed the Osprey Transporter Carry-On 44L or the Thule Subterra Carry-On 40L, so we're unable to verify or rate how good these packs are. On the other hand, we do have a full written review for the Patagonia Black Hole MLC packhacker.com/travel-gear/patagonia/black-hole-mlc/ and reviews for similar products like the Osprey Transporter 40 packhacker.com/travel-gear/osprey/transporter-40/ and the Thule Subterra 34L packhacker.com/travel-gear/thule/subterra-34l/ - hope this helps! Let us know if you have any more questions. 😊
- Rebecca
45l MLC is my go to bag. The newly redesigned 45l is Thanos wit all his rings
@@timothywilson3086 I went with the osprey which they have since redesigned - has done me well except for covid stopping it’s main use!
Will take a look at the new patagonia just from that analogy alone 😂
Hey... Could I use that bag for a garment bag? Do you think it is big enough for a suit without trashing the business suit? Thanks
I think it would be difficult to manage to get it to your destination without it folding in an awkward position. If you have time to remedy this when you arrive, it might work for you!
-Eric
@@PackHacker Thanks!
did you manage to take this backpack as hand luggage at the airport? Or was it taken to check-in every time?
I've traveled with this bag for over five years now in multiple countries (including the US) I've never been asked to check it, it's always been allowed as hand luggage.
I attached buckles to the bottom excess of the backpack straps. Instant waist strap.
No water bottle holder is the thing that's keeping me from getting this right away. Can't get past that. But really want to like it.
Please review Patagonia Mini MLC :-)
Hey ponypruhest - we currently have no plans to review the Patagonia Black Hole Mini MLC in the immediate pipeline, but we'll check it out. Thanks for sharing! 😊
- Rebecca
Agreed looks like a better option for weekend travel
Not sure which MLC to get hoping for more Patagonia reviews!
Damn, I want to like it so much, especially now that it's 100% recycled. The floppiness and no water bottle holder kills it though.
We hear you Paul 🎒
- Tom
Being recycled is a deciding factor for you?
@@sloassmac it helps, especially compared to other brands relying on cheaper production that doesn't wear as well anyway.
It's hard to put a bottle holder on a bag that's designed to be carried both horizontally and vertically.
Pls make the 26l review
Solid shout esku75 - it's not in the immediate pipeline but we'll add it to the list!
- Tom
It’s recently introduced but a solid candidate to rock 🎸
45l and no hip belt attachment point? My back has already started to ache.
🥵🎒
It's the V1 isn't it ?
A comment on how you describe the “pals like military webbing” on the front: It shows a bit of ignorance to the lineage and history of Patagonia. Those little loops are called a daisy chain and have been standard issue on nearly all climbing oriented packs for decades, long before we started seeing MOLLE compatible attachment points on consumer bags. Since Patagonia was established with a focus on climbing and alpinism it is completely on brand to use daisy chains. Personally I’ll take a daisy chain any day over a bunch of pals/molle loops. Daisy chains work better for clipping carabiners to, and on this bags I’m not adding a bunch of secondary gadgets or smaller organizer packs to the outside of the bag.
REI has this on Clearance for $140 right now.
Thanks Ryan! Patagonia has it on clearance as well - check out the buying options on our site: packhacker.com/travel-gear/patagonia/black-hole-mlc/
Yeah and snagged it for 98.99 from REI online yesterday. Looks like they are cleaning the warehouse. They had one listed on Monday for the same price different color. I put it in my cart then went to the store 30 minutes later to see it in person.. before i pulled the trigger. Had a message in my cart that it was no longer available. They are posting 1 at a time. Another popped up yesterday and i bought it immediately.
Clearly, their sponsors and hooks are not with Patagonia. Great bag, don’t let this review get you twisted. Super functional and lots of utility.
Joel, we never allow gear companies to pay us for positive reviews and we strive for objectivity in everything we do. We've reviewed a lot of other Patagonia products and each item has a varied rating. You can see those here: packhacker.com/travel-gear/patagonia/
Additionally, you can learn more about our rating system and how we review here: packhacker.com/about/rating-system/
- Austin
I wanted to like this but I'll stick with the Black Hole 40l. They did not execute this pack very well.
Tom solid video reviews!
I had this bag last winter on one of my many trips to Asia...used it once and got rid of it. Way Too bulky. Looks like I packed way more stuff than I actually did...Weather its a full load or a few items, it’s just bulky and doesn’t pack right! If I didn’t give it away to my friend I was gunna get 4 compression straps to compress the body down...
Love Patagonia products... sorry Patagonia- shitty design.
Skip it.
We're tracking with that Paul! Glad you're digging the reviews 👍👍
- Tom
Instead of the 45l why didn’t you downsize to a 26/30l? It’s less bulky.
you not ready for the future just yet
That bag is...dare I say HIDEOUS?
Tell us how you really feel Jennifer! 😂😂😂
- Tom