I don’t usually geek out on luggage, but Patagonia’s new Black Hole MLC bag looks like it can take a beating and deal with Mother Nature too.
I don’t usually geek out on luggage, but Patagonia’s new Black Hole MLC bag looks like it can take a beating and deal with Mother Nature too.
The Black Hole MLC, for Maximum Legal Carry-on, is a rugged 45 liter bag that can be worn over the shoulder or as a backpack.
It’s “undoubtedly the toughest, most travel-impervious travel bag you’ll ever stuff into an overhead bin,” Patagonia officials maintain, describing the 2,746 cubic-inch bag.
“This versatile bag holds 3 to 5 days’ worth of clothes, opens like a book for easy packing and meets airline carry-on size requirements so you can get in and out as fast as possible.”
The exterior is made from 13-ounce, 450-denier polyester rip-stop with a TPU-film laminate and a DWR (durable water repellent) finish.
An internal, padded sleeve holds most 17-inch laptops and doubles as a clothing organizer. The main compartment features two separate pockets for easier packing, access and organization. A second zippered pocket keeps shoes separate from clothing.
Two exterior pockets organize the essentials and include features to hold keys, electronics, travel documents, wallet and phone.
Multiple carrying options include a padded shoulder strap that can be worn on one shoulder or across the chest, bandolier style; zip-away, ergonomic shoulder straps that convert the MLC to a backpack; and top and side handles for a briefcase carry. There is also a special docking sleeve so the bag can slide over telescoping wheeled luggage handles.
The Black Hole MLC weighs three pounds, five ounces and comes in three colors – black, Elwa blue and Navy blue with red trim. It retails for $200.
