Patagonia Black Hole vs. Away F.A.R.: Which Travel Bag Is Better?

Patagonia Black Hole

BEST TRAVEL BAG FOR GOING OFF-THE-GRID

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag

patagonia.com

$159.00

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• Cheaper than Away's
• Made from 100% recycled polyester
• Small enough to meet most major airline carry-on luggage requirements

• Heavily branded, which makes this lean outdoors, even if it works just as well on a plane
• The straps do not tuck when towed as a duffle

Patagonia's Black Hole Duffel is ironically best for getting away - going outside or off the grid or deep, deep into the woods. It's big enough for a few-day trip, but it doesn't offer the same versatility as Away.

The duffel is a respectable classic - a bag millions have depended on since the collection's inception - but it's not nearly as nimble. Is it still one I'd recommend someone get for road tripping, when you won't wear it as a backpack nearly as often? For sure, it just wasn't as comfortable of a carry through a crowded terminal or on and off a fully-loaded Amtrak train.