Patagonia Black Hole Waist Pack Review: Rugged 5L Belt Bag

Patagonia Black Hole Waist Pack Review

Updated on October 4th, 2025

The Patagonia Black Hole Waist Pack is a 5-liter travel fanny pack made from weather-resistant recycled fabrics with tons of organization. See why it’s our go-to belt bag for active trips.

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✨ Key Features

5-liter capacity with interior mesh and front zippered pockets
100% recycled polyester ripstop with TPU-film laminate
Highly breathable mesh lumbar panel for all-day wear
Stretch water bottle pockets and exterior daisy chains

🎯 Perfect For

Perfect for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who need a durable, weather-resistant waist pack with ample storage for water bottles and extra gear.

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Basics

Brand:	Patagonia
Price:	Price unavailable
Capacity:	5 L
Weight:	11.1 oz
Material:	100% postconsumer recycled polyester ripstop with recycled TPU-film laminate
Water Resistance:	Weather-Resistant
Closure Type:	Zipper
Pocket Count:	2

Fit & Comfort

Padding:	Highly breathable mesh lumbar panel provides comfort for all-day wear
Breathability:	Air-mesh back panel to reduce sweat buildup

Dimensions

Length:	16 in
Width:	6.5 in
Height:	4.5 in

Organization

Pockets:	Single-compartment utility 5-liter waist pack, Interior mesh pocket, Front zippered pocket
Tech Compatibility:	5-liter capacity with stretch water bottle pockets and exterior daisy chains for extra gear

Care & Maintenance

Care Instructions:

Machine Wash Warm, Do Not Bleach, Tumble Dry Low, Cool Iron

Not Ideal For

Considerations:	Minimalist packers who only need phone, wallet, and keys
	Urban commuting where 5L capacity is excessive
	Budget-conscious buyers due to Fair Trade premium pricing

Pros

✅ 100% recycled materials with weather-resistant TPU coating
✅ 5-liter capacity with stretch water bottle pockets
✅ Highly breathable mesh lumbar panel for all-day comfort
✅ Fair Trade Certified factory construction

Cons

❌ Larger 5-liter size may be overkill for minimal essentials
❌ 11.1 oz weight is heavier than compact belt bags
❌ Fair Trade certification adds to cost

Why we like it

Patagonia’s Black Hole Waist Pack is built for serious outdoor adventures with its 100% recycled materials and weather-resistant TPU coating. The 5-liter capacity with stretch water bottle pockets and exterior daisy chains makes it perfect for hiking and trail adventures. The highly breathable mesh lumbar panel ensures comfort during all-day wear, while the Fair Trade Certified construction supports ethical manufacturing.

Considerations

At 11.1 ounces and 5 liters, this waist pack is significantly heavier and larger than compact belt bags. The substantial capacity is designed for outdoor adventures where you need water bottles and extra gear, making it overkill for minimal urban use. The Fair Trade Certified construction adds to the cost compared to standard manufacturing, but supports ethical labor practices.

About Patagonia

Patagonia builds the Black Hole line from 100% postconsumer recycled polyester ripstop with recycled TPU-film laminate for weather protection. 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.