Choosing the right travel backpack is crucial for any trip, and when it comes to durability, sustainability, and thoughtful design, Patagonia Travel Backpacks stand out. While our comprehensive review of the best travel backpacks covers a wide range of brands and models, this guide will specifically focus on how to choose the ideal Patagonia backpack for your travel needs, drawing insights from our broader testing and expert analysis.
Understanding Your Patagonia Travel Backpack Needs
Patagonia is renowned for its commitment to quality and environmental responsibility, and their travel backpacks are no exception. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, an international backpacking adventure, or a business trip with a touch of exploration, there’s likely a Patagonia travel backpack to suit your style. To make the best choice, consider these factors:
Trip Type and Duration
- Short Trips (Weekend Getaways): For shorter trips, a smaller, carry-on compliant backpack like the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag 40L or a similar sized pack might be ideal. These offer enough space for essentials while remaining lightweight and maneuverable.
- Longer Adventures (Multi-Week Travel): For extended travel, you might need a larger backpack. While Patagonia offers various sizes, consider models around the 45L range, like the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L, which balances capacity with carry-on compatibility for many airlines (always check specific airline regulations).
- Specific Activities (Hiking, Urban Exploration): Think about the activities you’ll be undertaking. Will you be primarily in cities, or will you be hiking and exploring nature? Patagonia offers backpacks that bridge the gap between travel and outdoor adventures, with features suitable for both.
Size and Capacity
- Carry-on Compliance: If you prefer to avoid checked baggage, prioritize backpacks that meet carry-on size restrictions. The Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L is designed with this in mind.
- Volume (Liters): Consider how much gear you typically pack. 30-45L is generally a sweet spot for many travelers, offering enough space without becoming too bulky. For minimalist packers or shorter trips, 20-30L may suffice. For extensive gear, consider larger options, but be mindful of carry-on limits and weight.
Features and Organization
- Compartments and Pockets: Patagonia backpacks offer varying levels of organization. Some, like the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L (mentioned in our broader review for its organization), feature built-in packing cubes. Others, like the Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L (our top overall pick in the original review), have a more open main compartment with compression straps. Consider your packing style – do you prefer separate compartments for everything, or a more open, duffel-like approach?
- Laptop Protection: If you travel with a laptop, ensure the backpack has a dedicated, padded laptop sleeve. The Thule Subterra 2 Convertible (highlighted for its livability) includes a removable laptop attaché, a feature worth considering if you frequently need to work on the go.
- Durability and Weather Resistance: Patagonia Black Hole bags are known for their ruggedness and water resistance, utilizing recycled materials with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish. This is crucial for protecting your gear in various weather conditions.
- Comfort and Fit: Look for features like padded shoulder straps, a hip belt for heavier loads (especially for larger packs), and a supportive back panel. The Osprey Farpoint 40 (our top pick for comfort under heavy loads) excels in this area, with a suspension system comparable to hiking backpacks. While Patagonia’s travel backpacks are designed for travel comfort, considering how much walking and carrying you’ll be doing is important.
Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L – A versatile travel backpack option from Patagonia.
Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L: A Closer Look
The Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L (Maximum Legal Carry-on) is a prime example of a versatile Patagonia travel backpack. While we didn’t specifically test the MLC 45L in our main review, its features align with many of the top performers and addresses key travel backpack needs:
- Carry-on Optimized: Designed to meet most airline carry-on size restrictions, maximizing your packing capacity while avoiding checked baggage fees.
- Durable and Weather-Resistant: Constructed from recycled polyester ripstop with a TPU-film laminate, offering excellent abrasion and water resistance, characteristic of Patagonia’s Black Hole series.
- Thoughtful Organization: Features a suitcase-style opening for easy packing, multiple internal pockets to keep belongings organized, and external pockets for quick access items.
- Comfortable Carry: Padded shoulder straps and hip belt (often stowable) provide carrying comfort, though perhaps not to the level of dedicated backpacking packs like the Osprey Farpoint 40, which prioritizes heavy load comfort above all else.
- Sustainable Materials: Made with recycled materials and Fair Trade Certified™ sewn, aligning with Patagonia’s environmental and ethical values.
The Black Hole MLC 45L aims to strike a balance between durability, organization, and carry-on convenience, making it a strong contender in the Patagonia travel backpack lineup.
Comparing Patagonia to Other Top Travel Backpack Brands
In our overall travel backpack review, we tested various brands, including Osprey, Cotopaxi, Thule, and more. Here’s how Patagonia compares, particularly focusing on the Black Hole MLC 45L in relation to some of our top picks:
- Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L (Best Overall): The Sojourn Porter excels in overall performance, with excellent storage, ease of use, and comfort. It might offer slightly better carrying comfort for very heavy loads due to its robust suspension system. However, the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L likely edges it out in durability and weather resistance, typical of the Black Hole series. Patagonia also emphasizes sustainable materials more strongly.
- Osprey Farpoint 40 (Best for Comfort Under Heavy Load): The Farpoint is unmatched in carrying comfort, especially for heavier loads. If comfort is your absolute top priority, particularly if you plan to carry your pack for extended periods, the Farpoint might be preferable. However, the Patagonia MLC 45L could be more versatile for mixed travel scenarios, blending urban and outdoor environments, and potentially offering more robust weather protection.
- Cotopaxi Allpa 35L (Best for Internal Organization and Livability): The Allpa is exceptional for organization, with its built-in packing cube system. If meticulous organization is paramount, the Allpa might be a better choice. The Patagonia MLC 45L offers good organization, but perhaps not to the same degree as the Allpa’s dedicated system. Patagonia, however, likely surpasses Cotopaxi in durability and brand reputation for sustainability.
- Thule Subterra 2 Convertible (A Livable Yet Sleek Upgraded Pick): The Subterra is a sleek, feature-rich option with a removable laptop attaché. If a sophisticated aesthetic and dedicated laptop compartment are key, the Subterra is compelling. The Patagonia MLC 45L leans towards a more rugged, adventure-ready aesthetic, prioritizing durability and environmental consciousness.
Ultimately, the “best” choice depends on your priorities. Patagonia travel backpacks, especially the Black Hole MLC 45L, are excellent all-arounders, prioritizing durability, sustainability, and a balance of features. If you value those aspects, Patagonia is a fantastic brand to consider.
Choosing Your Perfect Patagonia Travel Companion
When selecting your Patagonia travel backpack, ask yourself:
- What is the primary purpose of my trip? (Business, leisure, adventure, or a mix?)
- What size and capacity do I need? (Carry-on only or larger?)
- What organizational features are most important to me? (Separate compartments, laptop sleeve, etc.)
- How crucial are durability and weather resistance? (Will I be in harsh environments?)
- How important is carrying comfort? (Will I be carrying the pack for long distances?)
- Do Patagonia’s sustainability and ethical values align with my own?
By answering these questions and considering the strengths of Patagonia travel backpacks, you can confidently choose a pack that will be a reliable and responsible companion on your next journey. Whether you opt for the versatile Black Hole MLC 45L or another model in their lineup, investing in a Patagonia travel backpack is an investment in quality, durability, and a brand committed to doing better for the planet.
Consider exploring Patagonia’s official website and reading customer reviews for specific models to further inform your decision. You can also compare Patagonia backpacks with other top-rated travel backpacks in detailed reviews like the one referenced in this guide to ensure you’re making the best choice for your individual travel style and needs.
