Patagonia MLC vs. Black Hole: Which one is better?

The Patagonia MLC and the Black Hole bags cater to different travelers, even though they share the same commitment to durability. The MLC (Maximum Legal Carry-On) is a sleek, organized travel bag designed to maximize airline space with compartments for laptops and clothes. In contrast, the classic Black Hole Duffel is a rugged, weatherproof gear-hauler with vast, open space, built for adventures where you need to throw everything in and go.

Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide which bag from Patagonia is the right choice for your travels.

Patagonia MLC (Maximum Legal Carry-On)

The Patagonia MLC is the ultimate organized companion for frequent flyers and business travelers. It's engineered to fit perfectly within carry-on size limits while providing a structured interior with dedicated compartments to keep your laptop, clothing, and travel documents neat and accessible. Its clean, professional aesthetic allows it to transition smoothly from an airport terminal to a business meeting.

• What it is: A versatile, carry-on compliant travel bag designed for maximum organization and ease of use during air travel.
• Key features: Clamshell-style opening, padded laptop compartment, multiple internal organizational pockets, and three carrying options (briefcase, shoulder bag, backpack).
• Price: Around $200 - $250
• Materials/Construction: Made from durable, water-resistant recycled nylon and polyester fabrics designed to withstand the wear and tear of frequent travel.
• Sizing/Fit: Approximately 40-45 liters, specifically designed to meet the carry-on restrictions for most major airlines. Dimensions are typically around 22" x 14" x 9".
• Pros: Excellent internal organization, professional look, dedicated laptop protection, fits easily in overhead bins, and very versatile carry options.
• Cons: Less ideal for bulky outdoor gear, the material is less weatherproof than the Black Hole line, and comes at a higher price point than a standard duffel.

This bag is for the traveler who values structure and organization, moving seamlessly between airports, hotels, and offices.

Shop this product: https://www.patagonia.com/product/black-hole-mlc-duffel-bag-45-liters/49307.html

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel

The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel is an iconic gear hauler, beloved by adventurers, climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Its design philosophy is simple: one massive, cavernous main compartment protected by incredibly tough, weatherproof fabric. It's built to be tossed in the back of a truck, carried through rainstorms, and survive rough baggage handling without complaint, protecting your essential gear along the way.

• What it is: A heavy-duty, highly weather-resistant duffel bag for hauling gear on adventurous trips and outdoor expeditions.
• Key features: Cavernous main compartment, extremely durable 900D recycled material with TPU-film laminate, removable ergonomic shoulder straps, and multiple daisychain lash points.
• Price: $100 - $200, depending on size.
• Materials/Construction: Built from Patagonia's signature Black Hole fabric - a 900-denier recycled polyester ripstop that is abrasion-resistant and highly weatherproof.
• Sizing/Fit: Available in a wide range of sizes, from a 40L suitable for a weekend trip to a 100L monster for extended expeditions. The 40L size is generally carry-on compliant.
• Pros: Exceptionally durable, highly weather-resistant, massive unstructured space for bulky items, excellent value for its toughness, and multiple size options.
• Cons: Minimal internal organization, can be cumbersome when not fully packed, and its rugged aesthetic might not suit professional environments.

It's the go-to choice for anyone who needs a simple, indestructible bag to protect outdoor equipment and clothes from the elements.

Shop this product: patagonia.com/shop/luggage-black-hole-bags

Patagonia MLC vs. Black Hole Comparison

Quality & Materials

This is where the two product philosophies really stand apart. The Black Hole Duffel uses a heavy-duty, bombproof recycled fabric with a TPU laminate that makes it extremely resistant to abrasion and weather. It's designed to take a beating. The fabric has a signature tough exterior that can handle being dragged, dropped, and exposed to rain and snow.

The MLC is also made of durable, recycled materials but prioritizes a lighter weight and sleeker finish over sheer ruggedness. While it includes water-resistant coatings and is built to last through years of travel, it's not designed for the same level of abuse as the Black Hole. In fact, newer versions of the MLC now use the Black Hole fabric, bridging this gap, but the comparison remains about design intent: one is tough, the other is tougher.

Style & Aesthetic

The MLC has a clean, professional silhouette. Its design is understated and functional, suitable for business travel and urban environments where a rugged duffel might look out of place. It’s structured and holds its shape, whether laid flat for packing in a hotel or carried as a briefcase into a meeting.

The Black Hole Duffel sports a utilitarian, purpose-built aesthetic. With external daisy chains for lashing gear and bold color options, it looks most at home on a gear rack or in the back of an SUV. It is casual, adventurous, and unapologetically rugged.

Usability & Organization

The MLC wins on organization, hands down. Its clamshell design opens like a suitcase, revealing compartments to separate clean clothes from dirty, electronics from toiletries. The dedicated, padded laptop sleeve makes navigating airport security simple and keeps your tech safe. It’s a bag for people who like every item to have its own place.

The Black Hole Duffel's greatest strength is its lack of structure. It’s one large compartment where you can pack bulky, oddly shaped items like helmets, ropes, or ski boots that wouldn't fit in the organized MLC. Many users complement it with packing cubes to create their own organization, but its core design is about maximum unstructured volume.

Price & Value

The MLC typically costs more, reflecting its complex construction with multiple pockets, zippers, and compartments. For a frequent traveler, the price provides value in the form of convenience, organization, and a professional appearance. You're paying for a smart travel system.

The Black Hole Duffel line offers incredible value for its durability. For a lower price, you get a bag that may well outlast all your other travel gear. The value here is in its incredible resilience and versatility for active pursuits, making it an excellent long-term investment for any adventurer.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both bags are fantastic, but they serve different trip styles and priorities.

Choose the Patagonia MLC if:

• You are a frequent flyer and travel primarily by plane.
• You need a dedicated, padded compartment for your laptop and electronics.
• You value organization and having separate sections for your belongings.
• Your trips often include a mix of business and leisure, requiring a more professional look.
• You need a bag that strictly adheres to airline carry-on size limits.

Choose the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel if:

• Your travels are adventurous and involve rugged conditions.
• You need to haul bulky, oddly shaped gear like climbing equipment or ski boots.
• Extreme durability and weather resistance are your top priorities.
• You prefer one big compartment to pack freely, often using your own packing cubes.
• You need size options beyond just carry-on, for longer expedition-style trips.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between the MLC and the Black Hole Duffel?

The primary difference is design intent. The MLC is an organized carry-on packed with features for air travel and business, like a laptop sleeve and divided compartments. The Black Hole Duffel is a simple, ultra-durable gear hauler designed for maximum volume and weather resistance, ideal for outdoor adventures.

Is the Patagonia MLC waterproof?

The MLC is highly water-resistant. Its fabrics are treated with a water-repellent finish that will protect your gear from light rain and splashes. However, it is not completely waterproof and won't survive a full submersion. For superior weather protection, the Black Hole's TPU-laminated fabric is the better choice.

Is the Patagonia Black Hole a good carry-on?

Yes, the 40L Black Hole Duffel is designed to meet most airline carry-on size regulations. Just be aware that it lacks the internal organization and dedicated laptop protection found in the MLC.

Which bag is more durable?

The Black Hole Duffel is more robust. Its heavy-duty 900-denier fabric is purpose-built for extreme abrasion resistance and rough handling, making it the more durable option for outdoor adventures.

Do both bags have laptop compartments?

The MLC has a dedicated, padded laptop compartment as one of its main features. Most traditional Black Hole duffels do not, they are just a single large compartment. However, Patagonia does offer Black Hole backpacks which often do have laptop sleeves.

Can the MLC be carried as a backpack?

Yes, a key feature of the MLC is its versatile 3-in-1 carry system. It can be carried like a briefcase via side handles, worn over the shoulder with a strap, or worn as a backpack with stowable straps.

How sustainable are these bags?

Both the MLC and the Black Hole bags are excellent choices for the eco-conscious consumer. Both are made from 100% recycled body fabrics and webbing, aligning with Patagonia's strong commitment to sustainability and ethical production.

What does "MLC" stand for?

MLC stands for "Maximum Legal Carry-On." The name reflects its design purpose: to offer the maximum amount of packing space possible while still fitting within standard airline carry-on size restrictions.