Patagonia Recycled Black Hole Gear Tote: First Look

Patagonia reused 10 million plastic bottles to create the new Black Hole Bag line. We tested the 61L mega-tote for this review.

We’ve long loved the Black Hole line from Patagonia. These duffels, packs, and bags are durable and endlessly useful. And this year, there’s even more to love because they’re made with recycled materials. It feels good knowing your helpful carryall is turning trash into treasure.

Initially, I thought the 61L tote was too big. And I didn’t know how I would use it. But it soon became my go-to for all gear wrangling.

In short: This big ol’ bag is perfect for all manner of hauling. Stuff it full of gear for a weekend car camping adventure, throw in your wetsuit after a morning surf sesh, or use it to keep the van organized. The Patagonia Black Hole Gear Tote is strong, waterproof, and can haul a whole lotta stuff.

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The Patagonia Black Hole Gear Tote

I never thought the words “burly” and “tote” belonged in the same sentence — until now. This gear tote is tough, rugged, and, dare I say, burly. The recycled polyester ripstop is thick and provides adequate shape and heft to this bag.

I drug it around, dropped it on the ground, and used it on the gritty lakeshore. And it doesn’t show any signs of wear. While it’s not cheap (retailing for $99), its sturdy construction means it will last through years of heavy use.

Because it’s made with a weather-resistant TPU-film laminate and a DWR finish, it’s the perfect bag for hauling wet gear. Or, conversely, it’ll keep gear dry in wet environments. From hauling your soggy wetsuit in the car or keeping the towels dry at the river, this tote is up for the challenge.

There are reinforced daisy-chain lash points down each side. Honestly, I never used these, but they could be useful for quickly using a carabiner to snap on a water bottle or climbing shoes to the outside of the bag.

The handles are super sturdy and can manage heavy loads. I weighed it down with camping gear and never had any concerns. And for a simple design, it was surprisingly easy to carry even when fully loaded.

Best of all, it opens up big for easy loading. It’s sturdy enough that the sidewalls naturally stay upright. The wide-open top means you can easily pack in gear without fighting zippers or flaps. And gear stays in thanks to the cinchable, clippable straps.

Why You Need a Black Hole Tote

This may not be the lightest-weight, highest-tech bag on the market. But it could easily become your new favorite. It’s made of recycled plastic bottles, is big enough to carry all sorts of gear, and is tough enough that you don’t have to worry about using it. Plus it’s waterproof, built to last, and endlessly useful.

I quickly went from skeptic to believer after just a few weeks with this tote. Whether you need to haul essentials to the campsite, tote wet gear from the river, or carry the ultimate grocery load, the Patagonia Black Hole Gear Tote is here for you.

Looking for more ways to carry gear? Check this out:

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