Patagonia Black Hole 25L vs 32L Backpacks - Which is Better?
Whether you are looking for a reliable daily laptop backpack or a comfortable pack for an adventurous hike, the Patagonia Black Hole will be a great companion. But which size should you choose?
Currently, Patagonia offers the Black Hole in a modest 25-liter size and a larger 32-liter size. In this backpack comparison, we are going to show you the 7 major differences to make choosing between the two as easy as possible.
Video Review
Quick Specs
 |
 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Volume | 25L | 32L |
| Materials | 300D Recycled Polyester Ripstop | 300D Recycled Polyester Ripstop |
| Dimensions | 18.8” (H) x 11” (W) x 5.9” (D) | 20.5” (H) x 11” (W) x 8.3” (D) |
| Weight | 1 lbs 6.6 oz | 1 lbs 10.8 oz |
| Laptop Storage | Sleeve in Main Compartment | Rear Laptop Compartment |
| Chest Strap | Yes | Yes |
| Hip Belt | No | No |
| Price |
1. The Black Hole 32L is Larger
How each backpack fits - Patagonia Black Hole 25L vs 32L
The Patagonia Black Hole 32L is obviously going to be the larger backpack. This size increase will be mostly seen in the height and depth of the 32 liter and you can expect the Black Hole 32L to stick out more from your back when you wear it.
Backpack Dimensions:
Black Hole 25L: 18.8” (H) x 11” (W) x 5.9” (D)
Black Hole 32L: 20.5” (H) x 11” (W) x 8.3” (D)
However, the back panel padding and padded shoulder straps themselves are exactly the same! It looks like Patagonia wanted to save some money in production by giving both Black Hole packs the same exact back panels and shoulder straps. Both packs are also equipped with the same adjustable and removable chest strap. Because of these similarities both backpacks feel about the same when worn.
Patagonia Black Hole 25L vs 32L - Same shoulder straps and chest strap
Where you will see a fit difference is in the shoulder strap length. The shoulder strap length on the Black Hole 32L will be about an inch longer than the strap length on the 25L liter, making it a better option for bigger people.
2. The Black Hole 32L Has Much Larger Pockets
You can expect to find 4 exterior pockets on each Black Hole version with the difference being in pocket size. The exterior pockets on the Black Hole 32L are a lot bigger.
Black Hole 25L can fit up to a 40oz bottle vs Black Hole 32L can fit a 40oz tumbler with handle
Although both bags can fit up to a 40oz water bottle inside their stretchy side pockets, the Black Hole 32L can fit a large thermos or even a 40oz tumbler with a handle. In fact, the Patagonia Black Hole 32L has some of the largest and stretchiest water bottle pockets we have come across come across. If you happen to be looking for a backpack with a water bottle holder that can fit your big Stanley Cup, go with the Black Hole 32L backpack!
Patagonia Black Hole 25L vs 32L - What fits in top pocket
The top pocket on the 32L is also much larger. Although both top pockets come equipped with a small key leash, all that you can really fit inside the top pocket of the 25 liter are smaller items like a phone and sunglasses case. In contrast, the 32L top pocket allowed us to fit a phone, sunglasses case, small pouch and even a large pair of headphones. This top pocket is massive in comparison!
The last exterior pocket is the semi-hidden vertical front pocket. This pocket is a little larger on the 32L Black Hole but not by much. In here you can fit a 40oz tumbler, notebooks or other bulkier items.
Black Hole 25L vs 32L - Internal mesh pocket
Inside both backpacks you’ll find an additional mesh zippered pocket that’s perfect for storing items like pens, laptop chargers and other loose items. The main difference here is that the Black Hole 25L will have the mesh pocket on the opposite side because of the internal laptop sleeve.
3. Laptop Sleeve is in Different Locations
A big deciding factor for many people will be the type of laptop storage they prefer. Patagonia gives you a padded laptop sleeve inside the main compartment of the Black Hole 25L while the 32L has a zipper-access laptop compartment against the back panel. The laptop compartment zipper on the 32 liter Black Hole gives you quick access to your tech thanks to a large zipper that spans the top and one side.
Black Hole 25L laptop sleeve vs Black Hole 32L rear laptop compartment
Although Patagonia says that both Black Hole backpacks can fit up to a 15-inch laptop, we found that the laptop compartment on 32L can actually fit larger laptops. In our testing we were able to comfortably fit a 15.6” PC laptop as well as a 16” Macbook Pro inside the Black Hole 32L. Anyone with these slightly larger laptops will want to go with the Black Hole 32L as the 25L laptop sleeve can only fit laptops 15-inches and smaller.
4. Black Hole 25L vs 32L Packing Room
The extra depth in the 32 liter Black Hole backpack starts to really shine when we pack the inside of the main compartments. Although both backpacks can fit a generous number of folders, binders and notebooks - the Black Hole 32L can also fit a jacket.
25L vs 32L filled with folders, binders and notebooks
There will also be plenty of room on top for extra items like pouches and cases. Just keep in mind that since a lot of the Black Hole 32L’s extra height is found on top, you will have more room to stack things on top of the 32L when compared to the shorter 25L.
5. You can attach a bungee to the 32L Black Hole
In addition to obvious differences such as size and laptop storage locations, the Black Hole 32L includes a few small upgrades that make a huge difference in everyday use. In fact, these small details may be enough to sway you towards the Black Hole 32L.
Patagonia Black Hole 32L bungee cord added to webbing for extra storage
The two webbing rows on the Patagonia Black Hole 32L gives you the ability to add a bungee cord! This allows you to expand your storage by having a quick way to attach jackets and other items to the front of the Black Hole 32L. Unfortunately, the single row of webbing on the Black Hole 25L does not give you this option.
6. Wider Zipper on the Black Hole 32L
If you look closely at both the 25L and 32L Black Hole packs, you will notice that the main compartment zipper on the 32L goes down further.
The Black Hole 25L operates similarly to a "bucket bag," where your items are stacked on top of one another, akin to playing a game of Tetris. While we favor the wider zipper for easier packing, the best choice for you ultimately depends on your preferred packing style.
Patagonia Black Hole 25L vs 32L - the 32L zipper is larger
7. Black Hole 32L Has a Flat Bottom
The Black Hole 25L unfortunately has a slight curve at the bottom and can have trouble staying upright on its own. However, the Black Hole 32L has a larger and flatter bottom surface area that has no issue standing upright when the bag is full. If you want a bag that will stand upright on the ground then go with the Black Hole 32L!
Which Black Hole Backpack Size Should You Buy?
Patagonia Black Hole 25L
Patagonia Black Hole 32L
Choose the Black Hole 25L if... you specifically want a smaller backpack with a more compact footprint on your back when you wear it. However, some of the small details such as a smaller main compartment zipper, smaller internal laptop sleeve and curved bottom puts it at a disadvantage to the larger 32L. If you can live without these extra upgrades, then the 25L Black Hole will serve you well.
Choose the Black Hole 32L if... you want a larger backpack with more packing room plus a ton of smaller upgrades that really allows you to make the most of your Black Hole. Not only does the 32L offer a larger laptop sleeve (a 15.6” PC and 16” Macbook Pro will fit) it also gives you quick-access through an external compartment. You also have tons of small upgrades such as larger pockets, a flat bottom that stays upright on the ground, a bigger zipper for easier access to the main compartment and two rows of webbing so that you can expand your storage with bungee. The 32L sounds like a clear winner!
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