Why we like it

First, it reminds us of the Black Hole Duffel, which would make sense because both come from the super-durable Black Hole line in Patagonia’s gear collection.

Patagonia’s Black Hole Waist Pack is built for serious outdoor adventures with its 100% recycled materials and weather-resistant coating. If we know anything about how long Black Hole products last, we’ll tell you: Dan traveled the world with the Black Hole Duffel to 14 countries in 12 months, and it still looks new. To this end, we can promise that Black Hole products from Patagonia stand the test of time, and the Black Hole Waist Pack is no different.

The 5-liter capacity on this waist pack even has stretch water bottle pockets. It’s the big guy of waist packs, because there are not so many 5-liter options out there for serious travelers who want a massive waist bag like this one.

The exterior daisy chains makes it perfect for hiking and trekking, so that you can clip things where you want to, whether it’s keys, a water bottle or something else. The highly breathable mesh lumbar panel ensures comfort during all-day wear, which we need, because chances are, we’re taking this fanny pack on an all-day hike or multi-day outdoor excursion abroad.

Considerations

At 11.1 ounces and 5 liters, this waist pack is significantly heavier and larger than compact belt bags. This means that travelers who prioritize something hyper lightweight may want to stray away and consider another belt bag.

Second, for petite women like me (Becca), the 5-liter capacity and bulky build of this waist bag is just too giant for my waist. I even have had normal-sized belt bags look too large or feel too rigid against my waist, so a 5-liter belt bag that runs wide is going to be too wide completely for my stature.

One more thing is that if you want to take the Black Hole Waist Pack on a city adventure, it may look out of place. I think the best place for this belt bag is out in the wild and serving as a trusty fanny pack during camping or a related activity. It might make you look goofy if you took it sightseeing in a city where you might also be engaging in more upscale outings like bars and restaurants.

About Patagonia

Patagonia is one of the most trusted names in travel, and for good reason. We’ve explored Patagonia products through travel gear like backpacks and duffels, outerwear like jackets and fleeces and apparel as well.

The company builds the Black Hole line from 100% postconsumer recycled polyester ripstop with recycled laminate, and overall, is known for ethical and eco-conscious practices. The waist pack is made in a Fair Trade Certified factory in Vietnam, ensuring ethical labor practices. The bluesign® approved lining fabric and 100% recycled materials throughout demonstrate Patagonia’s commitment to environmental responsibility.