Everyone knows Patagonia. The paragon of outdoor apparel and gear is known by most, beloved by many, reaching icon status years ago within and beyond the space.
Patagonia's Black Hole bags are insanely popular: they're durable, come in a variety of sizes and colors, are weather resistant and made from recycled materials. They're burly, roomy and great for everyday use as well as epic adventures.
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BEST WHEELED BAG AlternativeThe North Face Base Camp Voyager Roller Duffel - 29 The North Face Read More
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They also sell out — especially around the holidays. (After all, who doesn't want to give the gift of a durable and well-made adventure accessory?) The classic 40L duffel, for example, was sold out for three months straight in 2021. And in many of the bag options, only limited colors and sizes are available most of the time.
So, rather than waiting for the eventual sell-through and subsequent restock, we've taken it upon ourselves to provide you with some alternative gear haulers. These duffel-gangers are excellent, available — and often more affordable, too.
Eagle Creek Migrate Duffel 60L
The Migrate duffel will have you wanting to do just that: pack your bag and hit the road. It's roomy at 60 liters without feeling overdone. Constructed with Bluesign approved material, the Migrate is friendly to the environment, and with its ability to convert to a backpack, it's easier on your shoulders and back as well. The outer material is 900D heavy-duty TPU, which is insanely durable, makes for easy clean-up (just hose it off) and is similar to the shiny sheen of the Patagonia Black Hole 55L Duffel.
Backcountry All Around 40L Duffel Bag
A mid-size duffel is ideal for weekend trips, overnighters and light packers. This option from Backcountry is a great swap for Patagonia's 40-liter version. Constructed with 300D tarpaulin face fabric and 210D waterproof nylon for the pocket linings, the All Around Duffel is an all-around win: easy to clean, colorful enough to keep track of and rugged enough to withstand challenging environments (and baggage handlers).
Cotopaxi Chasqui 13L Sling
Slings are gaining popularity, and it's no mystery why. We love their hands-free fun attitude: fill it with the essentials and slip it on, and you'll forget you're even wearing a bag. Cotopaxi's Chasqui 13-liter option initially caught our attention thanks to its unique colorway but won us over with its intuitive design. A padded shoulder strap keeps things comfy, while multiple grab handles and a zippered, top-access pocket provide convenience. Recycled, weather-resistant materials make this sling the complete package.
The North Face Base Camp Voyager Roller Duffel — 29-Inch
Wheeled bags provide travel convenience, but traditional options don't live up to the rigorous standards the outdoors require. Our top pick for a durable roller? The TNF Base Camp Voyager.
Known for making clothing and equipment that can withstand the rigors of some of the harshest environments on the planet, it's a safe bet you can trust The North Face as a solid swap for Patagonia. Made with a blend of recycled polyester and ballistic nylon, the Base Camp Voyager features internal compression straps to keep all your belongings in place, a sturdy chassis built to be able to handle drops and one telescoping handle and two grab handles on its sides for multiple carry options.
Matador Beast 28 Technical Pack
Patagonia's Black Hole Pack 25L is popular, but don't sleep on Matador's Beast 28 Technical Pack — it's got three extra liters of space, a flexible frame suspension system for comfort on the trail and a waterproof UTS coating that's 30 percent more potent than traditional polyurethane coatings. Unlike Patagonia's version, it's also hydration bladder-compatible and compresses into its included travel sack when not in use.
Baboon to the Moon Go-Bag — Mini
Small duffels are great for gym days when you need a bag that's going to be easy to clean after having smelly gym clothes in it, but the right one can hang at the campsite too. At a 32-liter capacity, the Go-Bag Mini isn't much smaller than the Backcountry option above, but it's still lightweight, agile and able to carry a couple days' clothes at a moment's notice. We love the bright colorways and simple design for everyday use.
Osprey Arcane Tote Pack
Functional, and relatively small while still being more spacious than other shoulder bags, the tote is the casual workhorse of the bag community. If you can't get ahold of Patagonia's version, try out Osprey's contender. The Arcane is made from recycled polyester fabric and coated with PFC-free DWR, making it long-lasting and responsibly constructed. Featuring a 16-inch padded laptop sleeve, internal organization, zippered top and additional shoulder straps for multiple carry options, the Arcane is anything but.
Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Packing Cube
Packing cubes offer convenience and functionality — and keep your socks and undies organized. If you're heading into a wet or wintery environment or simply want a little extra protection just in case your bag gets submerged, it always helps to have packing cubes that are as durable as they are organized. Nite Ize makes a waterproof packing cube made with durable thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) construction with RF (radio frequency) welded seams for reliability — it keeps messes in, water out and only weighs 5.75 ounces. The see-through top makes it easy to tell what's inside, and the anchor points allow it to be attached conveniently and quickly to other bags. It can also be used as a compression sack, minimizing bulk for more seamless packing.
Topo Designs Mountain Hip Pack
If you're looking for a functional hip pack that stands out from the sea of Patagonia packs, you'll want to check out the Mountain Hip Pack from Topo Designs. Like Patagonia, the Mountain Hip Pack makes use of recycled materials in its handy, pint sized bag: the main body and straps are made with 200-denier recycled ripstop nylon and 200-denier recycled nylon. The Mountain Hip Pack has a 2.4 liter capacity and two pockets alongside the main compartment — making it easy to stow and access every day essentials. Plus, it comes in two fun colorways.
