This ultra-durable Patagonia duffel is my favorite, and it's a rare 40% off

I first used a Patagonia Black Hole Duffel when I was on an overlanding trip in the Pacific Northwest almost a decade ago. Expecting rain every day, I needed luggage that was weather-resistant (it would be spending most of the day thrown in the bed of a truck, open to the elements), and I snagged a used one that fit the bill. Since then, I've grabbed a few more secondhand, because Patagonia gear usually holds up and buying used is usually the cheapest way to go. Well, except for right now. While a used Black Hole Duffel will cost you $122 on Worn Wear, it's down to just $101 new thanks to Patagonia's past-season sale. That's the cheapest I've ever seen it.

Why is this a good deal? 💰

Much like most quality outdoor gear, this duffel normally commands a premium. But thanks to this sale, it's almost 40% off. If you want to invest in a durable piece of gear without quite as much sticker shock, this is a compelling deal.

Why do I need this? 🤔

My luggage really only has one job: to make sure whatever I have packed arrives in the same condition it was when I departed. Sometimes that means spending a few hours in the overhead bin. Other times, I strap it to the roof of my car on a cross-country National Parks road trip. That means it needs to fend off dust and rain with ease.

The beauty of the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel is its simplicity — it doesn't try to do everything, just the important things, and it does them really well. There's a smaller exterior pocket, a massive interior pocket (that can swallow up a bunch of packing cubes with ease), another pocket in the lid for smaller items, carry handles and detachable backpack straps — all in a weather-resistant, durable package. No extras, just everything I need out of a bag.

Patagonia's warranty is also second to none. Have a damaged bag? Either bring it into the store or chat with the warranty team online, and they will fix or replace your bag as long as you have it.

What reviewers say 💬

Clearly, I'm a fan, but so are plenty of other outdoorsy souls.

Pros 👍

"I've always wanted one of these bags," said one five-star customer who has kept coming back for more. "Great quality, not super heavy and has nice structure to it. Ended up getting two more after the first. Should be set for the next few decades!"

Another perfect scorer used it not only on a plane but somewhere a bit more rugged: "I just did four days in the mountains on horseback and this bag was a game changer! It was also used as my carry-on, so no need to check!"

This five-star customer utilized the backpack straps for carrying through the airport. [This] "duffel becomes the ultimate backpack for a great carry-on! Comfortable to carry, spacious and durable! I've since purchased a 100-liter and a 40-liter."

Cons 👎

While it comes with grab handles and backpack straps, if you're looking for a crossbody, this duffel won't fit the bill. "This is a fantastic duffle bag with great interior space (it even comfortably fits my yoga mat rolled up inside) with some efficient pockets that are well placed. ... The only downside is that while there are attachable backpack straps included, there is no long attachable strap to more easily hoist it over your shoulder or wear it crossbody."

"I ordered this bag hoping it would make a good carry-on travel bag. While it is extremely well-made, it is a VERY basic duffel bag. It has ONE pocket in the cover and ONE other interior pocket," said another reviewer. "It doesn't even have pockets on the ends." (If you're looking for more pockets and internal organization with the same durable exterior and warranty, check out the Black Hole MLC line, which features a 45-liter, 30-liter and 22-liter backpack.)

You can also snag it in backpack form on sale right now:

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.