I’ve owned this bag for a couple years and I think you nailed it! I live in Utah where it snows a lot and I think this bag does a really great job in snow for short periods of time. I tend to reach for it over other bags by Aer that I own when I want a bag with a big dump pocket because of what I’m doing. For example, lately I’ve been escaping my apartment to go get some work done in a hammock at a local park or canyon and this is the perfect bag to take some minimal tech gear (a 16” MacBook Pro fits) and then dump my hammock, hammock straps, jacket, snacks, and other gear. It’s also perfect for carrying a change of clothes for the gym or for work, especially in winter when I need a larger space to put a big puffy jacket into. I have seen some people with these bags for skiing or hiking but as someone who has a lot of outdoor/high adventure hobbies this definitely isn’t a bag that I would go to for anything like that, it’s more of a casual dump-all bag while bags like the REI Ruckpack or other offerings from Gregory or osprey are better for high adventure activities.
Great review! The majority of the "reviewers" on youtube only give an overview of the pack instead of talking about the construction quality, quality of the materials, type of webbing, etc which is what's really important, because I don't need a 10 minute video to know the pack has X amount of pockets and to see what I can literally know by looking at some photos of the pack in 2 minutes. I liked that you talk about the quality of the materials, you actually filled the pack to see how much it swallows (a lot of packs advertise as 30 liters or 25, 28, but in reality when you star filling it up they carry like much smaller capacity packs, so it's nice to see it packed - One example of this is my North Face Surge, which claims to be a 31 liter but I can get less stuff inside it than on some of my 23-25 liter packs-), one thing I'll ad maybe would be stitching quality. I agree with you, the pack seems more like a hybrid city/short hiking pack rather than a full hiking pack (a lot of originally hiking models from different brands have been over the years becoming city/edc packs tho, so nothing weird here) and for being a brand that takes pride in recycling/reusing I would be expecting a MUCH more durable pack. For the price I think there are better options, depending on what you're looking for, but I have to admit I've been tempted to get this pack solely for the looks. BTW there's a new 2023 line coming up and they changed some things, most noticeably the main material/shiny look. Anyways tanks for the video.-
Hell yea, REI makes great bags, one of my first travel bags (from like10+ years ago) was an REI bag. Hopefully will be able to get a few reviews by them live soon
Aaron you nailed it with the alternative recommendation of the Able Carry Daybreaker 2, it's a very similar bag. Evergoods CHZ22/CHZ26 is another that I would recommend if you are considering one of these bags. You can use these 3 bags in almost any situation and they will perform OK, but they don't excel in any one area. I have owned all 3 of these bags, and I think the Patagonia is the one I would recommend to most people, that's because of the large brain pocket for quick access items. The Evergoods bag has a decent quick access pocket as well. One unspoken bonus of the Patagonia Black Hole & Daybreaker 2 is that they are thin & light enough to throw into a roller bag & use as a packable daypack once you reach your destination. Great review as always, cheers Aaron!
I own this backpack, and it is my EDC for my office/deskbound/corporate work. Super comfortable, the sternum strap helps with weight distribution when it's heavily loaded. Only peeve for me is the positioning of the laptop compartment that hinders me from accessing it when I hang the top carry handle from a heroclip. So I end up having to take out my laptop first before hanging the backpack.
Thanks for breaking down a Patagonia pack! Nice to see your perspective on the more common bags. In past review videos have you gone over what packs have the best ventilation for traveling in hot & humid climates?
@@Nomads.Nation A larger travel pack. I tested a bunch at home and I'm currently trying to decide between the Tortuga 40L Travel Pack, the Stubble & Co Adventure Pack 24L, and the Matador 45L. (tried Aer Travel, CIVIC Travel, WANDRD Fernweh also). Weighing comfort and packing space for those 3.
@@Nomads.Nation Yeah, I love that one. I'm just getting into 1 bag travel (usually it's a combo of daypack+duffel, daypack+suitcase, duffel only for some trips) and I'm not able to pack everything with the Tortuga and having a hard time cutting weight. Cutting stuff down as best I can, but tech gear + clothes is tough. (bigger guy, sweat a lot -- the fear of not having enough clean clothes to change into is real)
@@joejoeshabadoo you just gotta learn to do laundry every few days (even if it means handwashing in the sink with soap and letting it airdry). Add in a few merino wool t shirts, and you will be good to go!
Another great review! Let's talk about the pros and cons and, if this isn't the right channel for you, I have some killer alternatives at the end: Pro #1 - I really enjoy Aaron's sense of humor. Pro #2 - Honest feedback about the products. I don't buy it until Aaron has had his say! Pro #3 - The "Building a Better Backpack" project. Sign up for the email list! My concern was spam from Nomads Nation or product manufacturers, but none of that has happened. These guys respect your privacy. But, I got some cons: Con #1 - ... Uh... Don't really like that hat? That's all I got. No alternative! Nomads Nation does great work! Keep it up!
Loved the review! I don't really dig look much since it seems very 'plastic-y', but seems comfortable, lightweight and neatly orzanized :) Thanks for your opinions!
I’m looking for a personal or near personal bag for travel only from a weekend to up to a week. I don’t need a edc or hiking bag but I’m liking the Black hole 25L and the Refugio 26L. I don’t take tech normally so I’m kinda liking the removable laptop sleeve in the Refugio. I don’t plan to be is snow or rain either so waterproof isn’t really important either. Both bags are similar in weight even with the BH25 being polyester and the Refugio being nylon. Help!
Great review! Being a gal who lives in the 🏔️ and hikes but also needs a good EDC, this bag is not it. There are others out there that do the hike/travel/EDC function better. 😊🇨🇦
@@alexcondado7885 there are a few. My favorite is the Cotopaxi Allpa 35 or 42 L. Osprey Porter 30 or 46 L. Topo Design Global Travel 30 or 40 L. Tortuga Travel pack/Outbreaker 30 or 40 L. Peak Design Travel pack 30L. I have been using the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L it has worked super for me. I have been able to crunch this under a plane seat, easy to carry.
@@dawnmcelligott1334Agreed! The previous version of the REI ruckpack has also been my favorite hike/travel backpack but I’ve heard the current version took a major step back.
@Dawn McElligott more likely will consider purchasing osprey... in the future. Long story short, I'd purchase a backpack in rei, and it turns out that I mistaken the size.... it's huge since I thought we're going to a pilgrimage this summer.. we are, just that I didn't know that we're going to be stationed at a hotel... but hey, happy accidents
great vids!, what is your pick for best hiking bag25-30 L, That has side pockets tall enough for hydroflasks ? I like the ones with good off the back ventelation ventilation like the Osprey bags
@@Nomads.Nation I totally understand (plus it's fun - not a competition). I think Patagonia are a little underrated as they have some great offerings, though maybe more 'outdoors' oriented than EDC. The Blackhole series series really married consumer needs with environmental counter-consumerism. And the MLC series has some of the best affordable 1BT packs. Love your work as always.
Thanks for the review, dude! Defo a bag I won't be getting haha. I pretty much dislike most of it :) Your reviewing skills are beyond comparison, though; always the best! Do you think it would be possible to also quickly mention the amount of liters/millilitres of the bottles you use? I love America but I cannot seem to get used to the ounces you use haha! Just a little thought, of course! Cheers, Chris
def not a bag for me either, but I always try to be neutral and just give the pros and the cons so the watcher can decide for themselves! And yes! Let me tell my editing team about the oz/ml request - apprecaited :)
@@Nomads.Nation Thanks man! That would be really helpful. Got the EG CPL24 V3 last week. Kinda seriously cool and it's no longer a dust magnet (I recall your vid on the v1). Might need to do some moonlighting in order to pay for this addiction :'-)
@@Nomads.Nation I genuinely don't know which films this comes from, but in response to your comment: there can be only one! :) If ever you decide to interview fans of your backpack as promotion, I'd be more than happy to make a RUclips appearance though :D
I’ve had this bag and the 55L duffel for 4.5 years now. Checked in, carry on, camping, hiking, and it still looks brand new. Lifetime warranty and Patagonia is super ethical and pays their workers fairly.
Do you want to help me build a game-changing backpack? 👉🏼 nomadsnation.com/building-a-backpack
I’ve owned this bag for a couple years and I think you nailed it! I live in Utah where it snows a lot and I think this bag does a really great job in snow for short periods of time. I tend to reach for it over other bags by Aer that I own when I want a bag with a big dump pocket because of what I’m doing. For example, lately I’ve been escaping my apartment to go get some work done in a hammock at a local park or canyon and this is the perfect bag to take some minimal tech gear (a 16” MacBook Pro fits) and then dump my hammock, hammock straps, jacket, snacks, and other gear. It’s also perfect for carrying a change of clothes for the gym or for work, especially in winter when I need a larger space to put a big puffy jacket into.
I have seen some people with these bags for skiing or hiking but as someone who has a lot of outdoor/high adventure hobbies this definitely isn’t a bag that I would go to for anything like that, it’s more of a casual dump-all bag while bags like the REI Ruckpack or other offerings from Gregory or osprey are better for high adventure activities.
Thanks for the epic comment Mitchell! And now I really want to buy a hammock 😂
@@Nomads.Nation They’re quirky but I use mine all the time surprisingly! Lots of good/portable options, I have the “ENO double nest”
@@MitchKirkham will check it out, thanks dude
Great review! The majority of the "reviewers" on youtube only give an overview of the pack instead of talking about the construction quality, quality of the materials, type of webbing, etc which is what's really important, because I don't need a 10 minute video to know the pack has X amount of pockets and to see what I can literally know by looking at some photos of the pack in 2 minutes.
I liked that you talk about the quality of the materials, you actually filled the pack to see how much it swallows (a lot of packs advertise as 30 liters or 25, 28, but in reality when you star filling it up they carry like much smaller capacity packs, so it's nice to see it packed - One example of this is my North Face Surge, which claims to be a 31 liter but I can get less stuff inside it than on some of my 23-25 liter packs-), one thing I'll ad maybe would be stitching quality.
I agree with you, the pack seems more like a hybrid city/short hiking pack rather than a full hiking pack (a lot of originally hiking models from different brands have been over the years becoming city/edc packs tho, so nothing weird here) and for being a brand that takes pride in recycling/reusing I would be expecting a MUCH more durable pack. For the price I think there are better options, depending on what you're looking for, but I have to admit I've been tempted to get this pack solely for the looks.
BTW there's a new 2023 line coming up and they changed some things, most noticeably the main material/shiny look.
Anyways tanks for the video.-
appreciate the kind words Obi Wan Kenobi! And agreed, I think for the price there are probably better options
I really like how you actually put objects in to the backpack, it makes it easier to see how it works. Nice review!
Appreciate that Xinyi!!
REI Ruckpack 28 stacks up really well to this bag and other bags reviewed. Plus the price makes it a winner.
Hell yea, REI makes great bags, one of my first travel bags (from like10+ years ago) was an REI bag. Hopefully will be able to get a few reviews by them live soon
Aaron you nailed it with the alternative recommendation of the Able Carry Daybreaker 2, it's a very similar bag. Evergoods CHZ22/CHZ26 is another that I would recommend if you are considering one of these bags. You can use these 3 bags in almost any situation and they will perform OK, but they don't excel in any one area.
I have owned all 3 of these bags, and I think the Patagonia is the one I would recommend to most people, that's because of the large brain pocket for quick access items. The Evergoods bag has a decent quick access pocket as well. One unspoken bonus of the Patagonia Black Hole & Daybreaker 2 is that they are thin & light enough to throw into a roller bag & use as a packable daypack once you reach your destination.
Great review as always, cheers Aaron!
Thanks dude, and great call on the thinness and lightness of both packs 💪🏾
I own this backpack, and it is my EDC for my office/deskbound/corporate work. Super comfortable, the sternum strap helps with weight distribution when it's heavily loaded. Only peeve for me is the positioning of the laptop compartment that hinders me from accessing it when I hang the top carry handle from a heroclip. So I end up having to take out my laptop first before hanging the backpack.
agreed its got a lot of positives, but a top-loader like this is tough for me - very limited access to the main compartment
Thanks for breaking down a Patagonia pack! Nice to see your perspective on the more common bags.
In past review videos have you gone over what packs have the best ventilation for traveling in hot & humid climates?
Thanks Joe, and I have not. Are you looking for a daypack, or a larger travel pack?
@@Nomads.Nation A larger travel pack. I tested a bunch at home and I'm currently trying to decide between the Tortuga 40L Travel Pack, the Stubble & Co Adventure Pack 24L, and the Matador 45L. (tried Aer Travel, CIVIC Travel, WANDRD Fernweh also). Weighing comfort and packing space for those 3.
@@joejoeshabadoo Tortuga 40L is my go-to right now. So comfy
@@Nomads.Nation Yeah, I love that one. I'm just getting into 1 bag travel (usually it's a combo of daypack+duffel, daypack+suitcase, duffel only for some trips) and I'm not able to pack everything with the Tortuga and having a hard time cutting weight. Cutting stuff down as best I can, but tech gear + clothes is tough. (bigger guy, sweat a lot -- the fear of not having enough clean clothes to change into is real)
@@joejoeshabadoo you just gotta learn to do laundry every few days (even if it means handwashing in the sink with soap and letting it airdry). Add in a few merino wool t shirts, and you will be good to go!
Another great review! Let's talk about the pros and cons and, if this isn't the right channel for you, I have some killer alternatives at the end:
Pro #1 - I really enjoy Aaron's sense of humor.
Pro #2 - Honest feedback about the products. I don't buy it until Aaron has had his say!
Pro #3 - The "Building a Better Backpack" project. Sign up for the email list! My concern was spam from Nomads Nation or product manufacturers, but none of that has happened. These guys respect your privacy.
But, I got some cons:
Con #1 - ... Uh... Don't really like that hat? That's all I got.
No alternative! Nomads Nation does great work! Keep it up!
Best comment in the thread! Shame this vid missed out the words sexified and dangle stoppers! They're legendary in the bag community because of Aaron!
ha thanks for the love Jonathan and Chris!!
Loved the review! I don't really dig look much since it seems very 'plastic-y', but seems comfortable, lightweight and neatly orzanized :) Thanks for your opinions!
Totally agreed, thanks Tania!
They’ve updated it with a new matte version which looks a lot better
I’m looking for a personal or near personal bag for travel only from a weekend to up to a week. I don’t need a edc or hiking bag but I’m liking the Black hole 25L and the Refugio 26L. I don’t take tech normally so I’m kinda liking the removable laptop sleeve in the Refugio. I don’t plan to be is snow or rain either so waterproof isn’t really important either. Both bags are similar in weight even with the BH25 being polyester and the Refugio being nylon. Help!
never reviewed a Refugio so I can't say for sure 😬
don't worry about nylon/polyester, both get the job done
can you also review bellroy venture ready 26l?
It’s on our to do list 💪🏾
Patagonia is the best
They are a huge brand for a reason
Great review! Being a gal who lives in the 🏔️ and hikes but also needs a good EDC, this bag is not it. There are others out there that do the hike/travel/EDC function better. 😊🇨🇦
What you recommend? Mainly aiming for travel
@@alexcondado7885 there are a few. My favorite is the Cotopaxi Allpa 35 or 42 L. Osprey Porter 30 or 46 L. Topo Design Global Travel 30 or 40 L. Tortuga Travel pack/Outbreaker 30 or 40 L. Peak Design Travel pack 30L. I have been using the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L it has worked super for me. I have been able to crunch this under a plane seat, easy to carry.
@@dawnmcelligott1334Agreed! The previous version of the REI ruckpack has also been my favorite hike/travel backpack but I’ve heard the current version took a major step back.
@Dawn McElligott more likely will consider purchasing osprey... in the future. Long story short, I'd purchase a backpack in rei, and it turns out that I mistaken the size.... it's huge since I thought we're going to a pilgrimage this summer.. we are, just that I didn't know that we're going to be stationed at a hotel... but hey, happy accidents
great vids!, what is your pick for best hiking bag25-30 L, That has side pockets tall enough for hydroflasks ? I like the ones with good off the back ventelation ventilation like the Osprey bags
I've hiked like 6 times in my life so I don't think I'm the right person to ask lol, sry!
Will you be doing a review of the Solgaard Endeavor backpack?
Not on the immediate plans, but would really love to. If they send me one, I’ll review it!
Nice review. I like the pack except it doesn’t open more like a clamshell. Do you know if Patagonia makes a similar pack that opens more?
I don’t unfortunately - this is my first endeavor into the Patagonia universe
@@Nomads.Nation thanks
@@Nomads.Nation is there a pack that you can recommend for edc/gym that’s maybe about 25L?
@@anthonyrampino7734 Aer Duffel Pack 3, Modern Dayfarer Backpack V2, and King Kong Core Backpack. The first are a bit smaller. The Core is exactly 25L
@@Nomads.Nation thanks again, I’ll check out those packs!
I have a 16 inch MacBook. Would this fit ?
Not sure cuz I don’t have one… hoping someone from the community can help!
I use the small black hole bag for the gym. Wouldn’t want it on my back, anywhere.
🤔
I was surprised to see that Patagonia wasn’t in the carry league table!
haha I made that list based on the brands that I noticed get mentioned the most, and frankly, it's not that popular in this community!
@@Nomads.Nation I totally understand (plus it's fun - not a competition).
I think Patagonia are a little underrated as they have some great offerings, though maybe more 'outdoors' oriented than EDC. The Blackhole series series really married consumer needs with environmental counter-consumerism. And the MLC series has some of the best affordable 1BT packs.
Love your work as always.
@@braegrimes8870 totally agree, and love your comments as always ;)
Thanks for the review, dude! Defo a bag I won't be getting haha. I pretty much dislike most of it :) Your reviewing skills are beyond comparison, though; always the best!
Do you think it would be possible to also quickly mention the amount of liters/millilitres of the bottles you use? I love America but I cannot seem to get used to the ounces you use haha! Just a little thought, of course!
Cheers, Chris
def not a bag for me either, but I always try to be neutral and just give the pros and the cons so the watcher can decide for themselves! And yes! Let me tell my editing team about the oz/ml request - apprecaited :)
@@Nomads.Nation Thanks man! That would be really helpful. Got the EG CPL24 V3 last week. Kinda seriously cool and it's no longer a dust magnet (I recall your vid on the v1).
Might need to do some moonlighting in order to pay for this addiction :'-)
@@justbrowsing81 or start your own RUclips channel! ;)
@@Nomads.Nation I genuinely don't know which films this comes from, but in response to your comment: there can be only one! :)
If ever you decide to interview fans of your backpack as promotion, I'd be more than happy to make a RUclips appearance though :D
@@justbrowsing81 I might take you up on that!
My face when im watching at 10:50 while in Ho Chi Minh and im sweating my ass off 😮🤯
HCM - the city that never stops sweating
Hmmm......!
is that a good 'hmmm'? 😂
@@Nomads.Nation It's a contemplating hmmmm.!
bad bag overall....only "fashionable"
Glad you put "fashionable" in quotation marks 🙂
Love the Arctic Monkeys profile pic btw!
love me some 🥶 🙊
Hard disagree that it is a bad bag. It's a great jack of all trades bag for someone who doesn't want to own multiple backpacks.
@@MattViral I don't think it's "bad" necessarily, it has a market for sure
I’ve had this bag and the 55L duffel for 4.5 years now. Checked in, carry on, camping, hiking, and it still looks brand new. Lifetime warranty and Patagonia is super ethical and pays their workers fairly.