How Patagonia Made Its Wonderful Wheeled Black Hole Duffels Even Better

While the matte finish reflects a move to more sustainable material, other changes increase the bags’ lifespan and storability.

By Steve Mazzucchi

Published November 4, 2024

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Updated November 4, 2024

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Last fall, Patagonia made news with the announcement that all the gear haulers in its iconic Black Hole line would henceforth be made with a new material: weather-resistant recycled Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) laminate.

The axle on the oversized wheels is “field repairable.” Hidden within the bag is a zippered pocket containing a spare axle and the tools needed to install it. There’s even a QR code on the pocket you can scan for step-by-step instructions.

In addition to giving the bags a matte finish (as opposed to the shiny one of yore), the shift dramatically decreases carbon emissions.

Various Black Hole products have been dropping ever since, culminating this fall with the, ahem, rollout of Black Hole Matte Wheeled Duffels. Along with updated aesthetics, these bags boast two upgrades that should have a big impact on your day-to-day experience.

patagonia black hole matte wheeled duffel hero — The 100L edition is the biggest of the three wheeled duffel sizes, followed by 70L and 40L.

Ready to roll — and store

True to the Black Hole’s 20 years of easy utility and reliable durability, these new rollers boast a number of classic features.

Among them are multiple pockets (the big main one plus an external zippered top pocket and mesh pockets in the lid), tough haul handles with daisy chain lash points for additional gear and internal compression straps for securing contents during transit and cinching items down so as to fit even more stuff in the bag.

However, the latest rolling duffels also have a couple of new capabilities worth noting.

patagonia black hole axle repair — The new wheeled duffels come complete with an axle replacement kit — and scannable instructions.

For the first time ever, the axle on the oversized wheels is “field repairable.” No matter how good you take care of your bag, it can easily get banged up in transit and the axle may even get busted.

So, hidden within the bag is a zippered pocket containing a spare axle and the tools needed to install it. There’s even a QR code on the pocket you can scan for step-by-step instructions.

black hole wheeled duffel storage — The internal frame is collapsible, making these bags easier to store than previous editions.

When the adventure ends and you need to store your duffel, the internal frame collapses, enabling the bag to pack down smaller than it ever has before. There’s a how-to QR code for help with this feature as well.

In large part due to its focus on longevity, the 100L version won an ISPO award. So with proper maintenance and storage, your new rolling duffel stands a good chance of sticking around for the next 20 years.

Availability and pricing

Patagonia’s Black Hole Matte Wheeled Duffels are available now in four colorways and three sizes. The 40L version costs $359, the 70L version costs $399 and the 100L version costs $419.