Black Hole MLC 45L

by Patagonia

mid-tier

Trend Summary

This model perfectly embodies the intersection of sustainability and adaptability, offering a durable, multi-functional travel solution made with recycled materials.

Key Features

Rugged, weather-resistant construction
Multiple organizational compartments
Convertible carry options (backpack/duffel)

Featured In

Who What Wear

Travel + Leisure

Cosmopolitan

Hypebeast

Product Specifications

Product Type

Convertible Backpack/Briefcase

Volume

42 liters

Body Fabric

900-denier 50% recycled ballistic nylon with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish.

Lining

200-denier recycled polyester with a light grey color for better interior visibility.

Shoulder Straps

Dual-density foam with breathable airmesh, ergonomically contoured.

Webbing

100% recycled seatbelt-style nylon for a smoother feel.

Zippers

YKK AquaGuard® zippers on main tech compartments, standard YKK on others.

Hardware

Duraflex hardware.

Dimensions

21.5 in x 14 in x 7.5 in (54.6 cm x 35.5 cm x 19 cm).

Weight

1550 g (3.4 lbs).

Carrying Options

Three carrying configurations: backpack, shoulder bag, and briefcase. All straps stow away cleanly.

Main Compartment

Book-style opening with a 50/50 split. One side with compression straps, the other with a full zippered mesh panel.

Pockets

TSA-compliant, fleece-lined, and suspended laptop compartment (fits most 17" laptops). Dedicated tech organization panel with pockets for a tablet, power bank, cables, and pens. Fleece-lined top pocket for phone or sunglasses. Expandable external water bottle pocket.

Straps & Belts

Stowable, ergonomic backpack straps with a sternum strap. Padded, stowable shoulder strap that can be attached at multiple points.

Luggage Pass-Through

Integrated, low-profile luggage handle pass-through.

Differentiation Strategy

Targets the digital nomad and urban professional who values tech protection and organization over extreme ruggedness.

Differentiates with a sleeker, more professional aesthetic using ballistic nylon instead of the outdoorsy ripstop.

Adds specific, in-demand features the reference product lacks, such as an external water bottle pocket and a comprehensive tech organization panel.

Uses a mix of recycled and high-performance materials to offer a balance of sustainability and a competitive mid-tier price.

Offers a more structured build for better protection of electronics and a cleaner look in a professional setting.

Success Replication

Builds on the proven convertible carry system for ultimate versatility.

Employs a highly durable, weather-resistant fabric, echoing the "burly" nature of the reference product.

Retains the critical TSA-friendly lie-flat laptop compartment for streamlined airport security.

Maintains a carry-on compliant volume and luggage pass-through, cementing its travel-focused design.