Patagonia Mini MLC 30L Review (2022-2024 Version) - Patagonia's best bag got even better
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 พ.ค. 2024
- NOTE: Since making my video, Patagonia's website changed the pack from 26L to 30L! This appears to be a calculation error ONLY, as the dimensions haven't changed, just the advertised capacity.
To Backpack or to Duffel, that is the question. Luckily, the 2022 Mini MLC 30L is convertible pack that excels at both. You won't find a better convertible pack at this size. Period. This bag earned top spot as my favorite bag....maybe ever.
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This video covered absolutely everything without being a second longer than it needed to be. Kudos.
Thanks! I try to be informative and concise. Ain't trying to waste peoples time too much.
Was so happy to see a review on the updated model! Thanks for being so ahead of the game. :)
Thanks Arianna, I actually didn’t even know this thing came out until someone commented on my other video. But got lucky and snagged one before it sold out.
Wow! Couldn't have asked for better detailed review of this bag! I was on the fence but you convinced me to upgrade
Glad I could help!
I really like this upgrade. I'll be adding this backpack to my collection. Thanks for the review!
thanks Matthew, yep its great. Unfortunately looks like it sold out already.
Awesome video! Thanks for the review👍🏼
Thanks comment!
I bought this bag today at Patagonia store. I love it ! Very comfortable in backpack mode. I was able to fit my thinkpad which measures 15.4" diagonally and about 1" thick in laptop sleeve very snug and protected. Highly recommend !!!
Great to Hear, Scott. Glad you enjoy!
I almost contacted Patagonia for my missing shoulder strap. Thank god I found your video 😂
Hah right!? I was so confused
Just want to say what an amazing and informative video! I used to own the old MLC in the purple Color which I loved so much! But unfortunately it got stolen and I can’t find the purple one anymore 😢 I’m now on a search for this newer version and there is a couple things I kinda wish they kept.
I’m with you with the old material, I love the “plastic” look especially with the purple.
I prefer the old book style opening since this new opening look like it’s gonna need more space to open fully.
I would miss the old front pocket as that’s where I use to keep things that I need easy access to and plus the secondary pocket from the older version gave so many organizations.
But I understand Patagonia is going for a more minimalist look and the top pocket is a good compromise in a way… but given the capacity of the pocket goes into the bigger compartment that lessens the possibilities I can put in the top compartment.
I do love the new integrated waist/shoulder strap! Since with the old one I kept misplacing it.
Water bottle compartment is a must! I used to just hang my water bottle on the daisy chain on the front but I just hope this new mesh compartment is going to fit my yet rambler.
Overall I’ll probably still get it because I really do miss my old MLC 😢thank you for making this amazing and informative video! Have a great one! 🇨🇦
Thanks for the awesome comment, always like a detailed comment. Sorry for your loss, getting stuff stolen is the worst. A few thoughts of my own after using the bag more.
- Material is still a mixed opinion after I've casually asked family and friends. My wife owns the old version so sometimes I still use hers hah
- Book style opening....is better. I don't love the pocket orientation on the old one, but I do miss that for the reason you stated...less room needed to open.
- top pocket on the old one is good if you used it. I found myself not missing it, but agreed on the larger capacity being nice. this new organization in the laptop compartment is slim.
- Strap and bottle pocket are the best, I just wish it was slightly larger.
@@kerijin holy grail bag is right!
Thanks for the review! The exterior dimensions of this bag are pretty similar to black hole 32L, but with 6L less claimed capacity. So how is its actual carrying capacity compared to black hole 32L?
It’s definitely smaller in width. This Bag is flatter. It does hold less but it’s a boy hard to judge because it has the dedicated laptop compartment that takes some space. So to use the bag to it’s fullest, you have to stuff really flat items into the laptop space. Overal though, it’s a better size. Smaller, more comfortable straps, a hip strap c and a better shape to carry.
This is the most comprehensive review and I’m sold thanks! Gonna use this for short trips and daily as a gym bag to bring to the office
Love comments like this! Thanks so much for it , sounds like a good use case
Great review! I’m thinking about getting this bag as my personal item. However, it’s listed at 20 inches and most cheap airlines in Europe only allow for 18 inches. I was wondering if the bag was rigid or if it would allow to squeeze in the 2 extra inches. Thanks!
Thanks. The sides are a little rigid, though it should be able to compact by 2 inches. It doesn’t have a plastic shell or anything. It’s much closer to the feel of a backpack than a suitcase. The top is very flexible so the bag and be squished flat.
Great video! The best on this bag! i returned the Refugio for this bag as I prefer the flexibility of the flip top because I carry a lot of camera gear, including a drone , and the ability to quickly access the main compartment by the flip top saves so much time through airport security (especially in Europe). This would be my personal item and the plan is to put this under my seat. I generally don't need to access it once in my seat or if I do, it would be for ear buds or phone battery, etc.
Thanks for the comment! Appreciate it. Yea it’s definitely better than the Refugio for more complex traveling. I feel you, I do the same with a drone and camera gear. Have you travelled with it on European Airlines? I’ve never been, but have heard that EU airlines are stricter than in the states.
@@EDG no tsa pre check so all electronics need to come out of the bag. Camera gear is fine. The flip top should expedite the process. Also the small liquids need to be in a separate clear bag - I think they need to come out too but I don’t remember - maybe someone can clarify. Bag is Christmas gift to myself
@@socaljoe ah ok, I was actually wondering about the size limits. Have you ever been stopped to measure the bag size on an EU airline?
Great review! What do you think would be good uses for those four loop attachment points on the front?
thanks John! you can bungie cord across to strap down something light like a jacket or something instead of putting the wet clothes inside the pack. That's probably the best used. They seem kind of strong, but I wouldn't trust it to hold a full hydro flask or anything. Another use....a bag tag holder!
Great review. You feel like the handle that doubles as a pass through will fit over most brands of luggage handles? I have an Away bigger carry on.
thanks for the comment! Yes, it definitely will. The handle is wide so it'll fit over basically everything. I have a Monos carry on, which is basically Away's copy, and I use this with the Monos every time.
Great review! I like the new exterior better than the "plastic bag look." I'm considering buying this as a carryon. I will also check a spinner bag and as a personal item, I have a backpack that's foldable.
thanks for the comment! Yea the look is a 50:50 split haha, some love the new look , some like the old. I think this is a really great carry on!
just picked one up. Here's the scoop! I sent a bag into Patagonia in for repair.They said it would take 3 hours so instead they gave me $55 for store credit. I called them up and they told me a similar bag to mine was the 30L MCL bag. I didn't have to pay the difference of the $150. On Patagonia! I've been with Patagonia since their inception and they know I've purchased thousands of dollars from them over the decades. I was thrilled beyond belief. I'll get the new bag in a few days. I know I'll love it. video shows me what's coming. Thank you
Thats awesome! I actually haven't had to use their repair service yet (knock on wood), but glad to hear that their policy is the best in the game! I also just released a video covering Patagonia's new black hole packs, if you're interested. Though in short, this MLC is better than both of them.
First time on your channel but the title caught my eye!
I actually hated both the design and the material of the V2 MLC. I have my original V1 and in fact I purchased a backup on closeout.
I'm surprised you didn't address the MLC not standing for MAXIMUM legal carry-on.. I could never understand why Patagonia insisted on using the "MLC" in this size as it's not really a personal item and obviously not maximum carry on either.
I'm minimalistic so I would have been fine without the hip belt on a 26L, but I'm glad it is interchangeable as a duffel carry strap. Also could do without the water bottle holder as to me, it's just one more thing to snag if I'm trying to slide it into an overhead bin.
I definitely give it to Patagonia to listen to its feedback so I'm sure some of that was taken into account with this redesign.
_Great review on this bag!Happy travels!_
Welcome and thanks for the comment. Just to clarify, is this version the V2 and the 2020 version the V1? I know they made different models even before the 2020 one, but I didnt have those. And yea, the material and look is personal preference for sure. Like you said, the ability to choose whether to use the hip strap or not is great! Question, if you were to use this as the only bag, where would you put the bottle? I got some comments that said, caribiner it to a handle.....nah thats asking for trouble.
Hi! Thank you for your review. it’s been a couple months, do you have a preference between this new version and the old?
hi thanks for the comment. I still think this one gets the edge, but less than before. I like the larger capacity and more backpack-oriented features. But I still like the look of the previous and how it opens sideways. Thinking of picking one up?
I really wish they made something between their current26L and 45L offerings. 45 is too big, but 26 is just too small for extended travel. Something around 33, 34 or 35L and this would be my perfect 1 bag travel backpack.
Yea I agree, that would be great. I know that 45L is the size many companies offer as a “travel bag”. But Im very skeptical that any non-wheeled 45L sells better than a 35L. I’ve had a fully packed out Tortuga 35L and that shit was waaaay to heavy. Can’t imagine what a 45 feels like. Agree, 32-35L would be great.
I agree. But I think it’s because 26L is exactly airplane personal item size while 45L is exactly carry on. I honestly wish they’d have compression straps.
@@tessxxwhoaa the new 45L does have compression straps
As you probably saw, they have corrected the volume calculation on this bag to 30 liters. They also have the Black Hole at 32 liters, but I agree 100% that it would be *super* nice to have this bag in a slightly larger size, like 33-35 liters. I really like the more understated aesthetic of this bag compared to the Black Hole, which still has that shiny material and more "tricked out" appearance with all the webbing, etc.
This is literally a review of the 30L.
Great video! Did they also upgrade the full size MLC?
Thanks Jascha, yea they did. It’s similar to this one except the laptop compartment is sideways and the outside looks different
I appreciate your observation about the Backpack to Duffel Ratio. In addition, to the constructive criticism of the bottle pouch being at the bottom of the bag as opposed to the top.
Thanks! yep I just try to call it like I see it, and explain hings that you only really notice after using it.. Glad you found it helpful.
awesome video. is this the black color or Smolder Blue? Do you have any concerns with how much weight the bag can carry in backpack mode with the buckle straps?
thanks so much. this is the black. Nope, I dont really have concerns about the weight. At 26L it won't get too heavy unless youre carrying multiple electronics or something. ANdf the hip strap and chest strap do fine in helping distribute the weight.
I bought this since I read that if it isn't packed absolutely full that it can pass as a personal item/under the seat bag to pair with a carry on roller.
Just got it yesterday and test packed it and honestly might not even need the roller with how well it packs 😂
That’s great to hear! It’s an awesome bag for sure
great review! can u do a one for the 45l version?
thanks for the comment Julien. Unfortunately, I don't have plans to buy the 45, but it looks essentially the same. just larger and the laptop pocket opens sideways instead. the 45 looks kinda weird tho...the top looks like it should be the bottom.
I just ordered mine after seeing this :D Checks all my boxes for an EDC/Gym bag! I’m living in Portugal, and its still available under Patagonia EU
Glad I could help Marcelo. Very lucky! In the US it sold out like less than a week, though they’ll be restocking soon. Yep it’s a great bag.
Wow this is a great redesign!
Not cheap tho
@@liamlindy Indeed it is. I think the price increase was more so due to supply chain increase. I've noticed other brands increasing their prices. I hope it wasn't just a $30 price increase out of nowhere. That would be disappointing.
Great video! I’m comparing this bag with Peak Design TRAVEL BACKPACK 30L, which do you guys think is better?
Shitou, thanks for the love! I love Peak Design, they were actually one fo the first bags that got me into this.....but I'm not a huge fan of their 30L travel pack. The back opening is odd to me, and it's weird that the pockets are covered when its packed. I think if you were to get this Patagonia, you can combine it with either a smaller daypack, or a larger carry=on (like the Peak design travel pack 45L), just for some variety. I reviewed some other bags of those categories if you're interested. Does that help answer your question?
Hey! Great video(s)... I'm looking for a larger backpack for travel with my family. It needs to double as a laptop bag and have ample space for everything we need on a plane. tall order :) ... I'm debating between the Mini MLC 30L and the BlackHole Backpack 32L . I've seen your videos on both, do you have a preference or recommendation?
Hi Jeffrey, thanks for the compliment and the question. I prefer this MLC for sure. It has the far superior laptop protection, waaay easier packing style (the 32 is a top loader? While this MLC opens suitcase style), and still has a bottle pocket , which is usually missing on packs like this. Hope this helps! The advantage of the black hole 32 I suppose, is if you’re looking to use it specifically on air airplane, then that black hole is a normal backpack so you can stand it upright or have it by your feet and open it up to access stuff. Where as this MLC you kind of can’t see things inside id the bag is vertical. Hope that helps!
@@EDG really appreciate the quick response. It sounds like it can, but does the MLC 30L fit under the seat in front of you (on a plane)? I see what you're saying about accessing it upright, but I do need something that doesn't need to go in overhead storage. I'm leaning MLC - the ample organization pockets are what's making me lean that way.
@@jpearlman27 yea, both the MLC and 32 will fit under the seat enough where a flight attendant won’t say anything. If anything, the 32 fits under the seat a little worse, because it’s taller and more slender so it sticks out towards your feet a bit more. The MLC sounds like the way to go 👌
Hey! I loved your review! Recently I bought a The North Face Borealis (the new version) and I was kinda happy with it, till I noticed some flaws that make me go mad. The bag, when not fully filled, gets a really weird shape, the upper part projects to the exterior while the bottom stays somehow compressed. It looks like an Among Us character XD. I really love the aesthetic of the Borealis (I got it in a black, cream and orange color), but hate this bulky head thing. Also, I found it difficult to access all my stuff, since it ends up piling up badly in the interior. Thus I decided to go for the MLC but.. here are some things that are making me kinda hesitant: I love the rigid padded back support in the borealis, while the Patagonia's looks too flexible and makes me believe it will be uncomfortable when I wear all my College (architecture) supplies. Also, I cannot find this version in the EU market, but I think I will look for a second hand 26l version. Love the satin materials and the organizer pockets on the front!
I need help? Is there someone who had tried both The North Face and Patagonia back support/arness systems? Would you recommend the switch?? Thaanks
Marc, thanks for the comment, love the enthusiasm and critical review of your bag. I think I can help, I've tried both. they're 2 very different bags, the borealis is a true backpack while this MLC is a hybrid. So the borealis will be more comfortable. That being said, the MLC isn't "uncomfortable". It has a flexible back padding, but it has more structure than you think because the back panel is the separate laptop compartment....it's not just the main compartment resting against your back. For your use case, using it for college, Id probably recommend sticking with the Borealis unless you'll take advantage of the MLC's hybrid carry...like do you think you would ever use duffel mode? In case those don't work, I've reviewed a bunch of other bags on the channel that may fit your needs. Cheers!
@@EDG Thank you for your answer! I won't be using the duffle mode that much - just for traveling every since. But I would take profit of the clamshell opening a lot. I save things in pouches (wires, craft tools, pencil case,...). And also have an A5 notebook . I'm still a bit confused, but i will think about your recommendation. Thanks! Let's watch those other videos :)
@@marcsaludesgallego6272 Yea for sure. Ok, if youre going for the clamshell opening, I totally get it. Also some of Aer's packs are great. Its a bit more expensive but they're as comfortable and protective as the Borealis, look amazing, and will do that the Patagonia does. Let me know what you end up choosing!
I love it. Only thing that makes me go toward other brands like Pakt is the huge humongous Patagonia letters. I refuse to be a walking ad.
Yea I’m can’t argue with that. It really is a minus and I wish I could get rid of it.
This is a really good looking backpack. How does the hip strap stow away? What's the purpose of the loops above and below the water bottle holder?
Hi JW, thanks for the question. Watch 2:14 in the video for the hip strap question. It doesn't stow away, you can just remove it and put it in a different pocket. For the loops above and below the bottle, those are just anchor points to latch a carabiner or other small items onto it, since technically it is an "outdoor pack. Can also run small bungee cables through them to secure it down.
How thick are the shoulder straps and hip belts? Does it have a suspension frame like Osprey ozone duplex 65?
The shoulder straps are 2.25" thick, the shoulder strap is just a bit wider. It does not have a suspension frame since it's only a 30L pack so never gets too heavy. thanks for the question, Aarian.
I love the old glossy look. Can you tell me if that material gets hot in the sun?
Yea me too. It doesn’t get too hot
@@EDG thanks for replying. now I'm on the hunt for one.
@@HelloTasjimodo yep good luck. I know they’re sold out for a while in the US
Is this 26l small enough to fit under airline seats or is it strictly in the overhead comparement?
I'm not familiar with Eurorpean Airline sizing, but I've heard they are stricter so not sure if it fits there. But for US airlines, it fits.
Great review! I don't like how they move the computer accessory pockets to the laptop sleeves compartment, if the bag is compressed, the chunky accessories like power adapter or key may damage the laptop
Thanks! Yea I agree. That hasn’t happened to me yet, but I do wish I mentioned that in the review.
This is perfection if it stands upright.
It actually almost does! It’s kind of squared off at the bottom and has enough structure to almost stand upright
does the hip belt release weight when fully charged? it seems to be "dancing" into the holes... instead of supporting the bag...
Yep, it does support the weight . Thanks for the question.
Really prefer the other black hole material and look more... Comfort is important but looks too😄. Gonna get the 40 L.
You mean the old one? Yea me too. The 40L duffel has the old style and it’s a good choice. It’s just a normal duffel.
@@EDG yeah that one! The material makes it standout from others.
Will this fit in Frontier or Spirit Personal item? Wish the would have made the dimension to fit some of these airlines. Frontier personal item bags must be this 8 x 18 x 14 inches (depth x width x height). Too bad they dont have compression straps to allow it to expand. Nice looking bag tho
ehh, its close. I've flown on both spirit and frontier but when I do, I purposely pack this thing less os it'll compress. Only 1 time did I get stopped and have to get it sized but it was good. Really depends on the front desk person and how stingy they want to be.
@@kerijin thanks!
Great that they added the bottle pocket! Think it’d fit a 1L yeti?
Hmm, yea it should
@@EDG thx
I would love to see a head-to-head comparison of this bag to the Black Hole 32 liter. Since they corrected the volume measurement on this one to 30 liters, I am considering picking up either this bag or the Black Hole 32 as my main one-bag travel pack. I'm wondering how noticeable the extra 2 liters on the Black Hole feels when packing, compared to the MLC. Thanks!
To me, things MLC wins hands down, especially for travel. It has the convertible versatility, a hip pack, and it’s easier to pack having a suitcase style opening. The only advantage to 32 L has, is a bit more space. The only way to 32 wins if you really need those two extra liters, or if you just prefer the looks. But functionally this MLC is better.
@@EDG Thanks! I actually prefer the looks of the MLC. :)
@@arguchik yep! Less flashy and in your face. Oh, I guess the other thing the price difference. If that matters A lot. What bag are you using Y currently for one bag travel?
@@EDG I'm currently using the Evergoods CPL 28L.(Edit: I didn't pay full price for this bag - I got it during one of their pre-sale offerings.) It's not quite large enough. I used to have a Tom Bihn Aeronaut 30. I didn't like that because it doesn't have a laptop sleeve or any way to adequately protect a laptop. I ended up selling that a year or so ago. I've looked at the Evergoods CTB 35L but it's $350 and the bag weighs 4 lbs just by itself. So I am looking for a lighter weight pack than that, which is the other thing that made the Black Hole (32L) attractive to me. The 30L MLC is heavier but light enough I think, at 2lbs 13oz. I have also looked at Tom Bihn's Guide Pack, which is light (2lbs 7oz) but almost seems *too* minimalist, and I don't really want a travel pack with a distinct lid, if that makes sense, not to mention those long compression straps holding the lid in place. So the short answer (ha!) is that the 30L MLC is light enough, has decent organization plus good laptop protection, and I'm willing to pay its current price of $200 if I like the bag. If I can manage it, I would like to be able to look at it in person before buying it, but they are sold out everywhere right now.
@@arguchik Ah ok, so you're no stranger to a more expensive bag. Yep, then I can't recommend this 30L enough! It is lighter than those other bags and has superior functionality. Since you're very aware of how different a few liters of space can make, my only note is that if you don't travel with your laptop often, then the huge dedicated laptop space may not be used as efficiently as possible. But still plenty of room and the square shape makes packing a dream.
I wish they had put load lifters on the backpack straps like the Osprey Porter 30 has.
Definitely, huge fan of Ospreys strap design in general. My Osprey transporter is the comfiest pack I have.
Can these fit a pair of shoes? Would it have to be in the large bucket side? Or can fit on the split pocket side?
Thanks for the question. It’s an easily fit multiple pairs of shoes, but it would have to be in the large bucket side. The split pocket size has almost no dimension second hole, charging cables or maybe a shirt or two flat things.
How large is the bottle pocket? Can it hold a 32oz Hydroflask?
No, it can't hold a 32oz hydro flask. It can fit maybe a 21oz.
Hey, i have the 32l black hole pack as my current travel bag. Is this a similar size as the black hole fits under the airplane seats on my european flights, will this be okay under the seat also?
Hey James, yep it’ll be good. This one is actually smaller than the 32 so even better. So you’re flown on European airlines with the 32 as a carryon? Nice! I haven’t myself but always wondered since I heard they’re more strict with size.
@@EDG yeah some airlines are but usually as long as it is on your back and fits under the seat they are fine! So this is 26 litres and the Black Hole 32, but what can fit more clothes in and which is a comfier carry if there is much in it? I assume the 32L holds more clothes but this seems to be geared heavier to be used as a suitcase so curious! Thanks
@@jamessimpson4160 the 32 can carry more based on sheer capacity. However I dont use my Black hole 32 much because I don't top loaders. It's a hassle to access stuff at the bottom of the pack. Weight wise, they're the same. Comfort wise, they are also similar but I'd give the edge to the MLC. They use a similar chest strap But I like the straps on this 26 more...plus it gives option of a hip belt for backpack mode if you need it. Hope that helps.
@@EDG yeah cheers for the help, so the mini mlc is smaller and easier to get underneath an airplane seat you’d say? It looks like it holds a fairly comparable amount to the 32L though and i hoped maybe the layout would allow it to fit a similar amount if not more clothes
@@jamessimpson4160 yea, I'd say it fits better. The problem I had with the 32 is its kinda skinny and long. So it would stick out towards me when I put in under the seat. This mini MLC is a little shorter and just as tall so good clearance there. overall, if you can stomach the price increase and only 1 bottle holder. Tthis min mlc is a great pick over the 32. Sounds like you use it more for travel so it'll be great.
Hopefully I missed it, but no side compression straps? Meaning that if you don't pack it full, the contents, and the bag itself, is going to jostle around... If it doesn't have them, literally would not buy it (but LOVE it otherwise!).
No, it doesn’t have compression straps. But it’s a pretty Slim pack to begin with. So there isn’t too much to compress unless the bag is like empty.
@@EDG Man... that stinks (thanks for letting me know though!). It also stinks for the people who overpack too... this bag is 7" deep... many airlines limit is 7.87"/20cm deep (Icelandair for example) and it's SUPER easy to blow-out to over that, especially with no compression straps. Those super common people WILL at some point find that one authoritarian airport worker and be told no soup for you... go to the checked-luggage line...
@@johnnyg8782 hah, yea 100% that will happen. It’s always exciting to see your luck of the draw on airline agents. Sometimes they’ll let it slide, and sometimes they’ll come down with the iron fist. Luckily, the bag is flexible and can be smashed down a little to fit (hopefully).
Would you prefer this bag or the black hole 32l for a weekend travel one bag?
Hi Adrienne, this bag for sure. Especially for one bag travel.
@@EDG thanks for the response! That’s what I was leaning towards so that’s good to know.
@@adriennerasband2583 of course, thanks for the comment. Glad I could help.
hi,
quick question. i know it says online the dimension of the Patagonia MLC is 20×12×7. if the bag is not full, would you say it is possible to make it fit in the airplane restriction (17x13x6)? is it "soft" and "foldable"? Thanks
Hi Jen, thanks for the question. Yes, I’d say it’s soft enough to compress 3” to make the size requirement, provided it’s not fully packed.
So if you had to pick between this and the 32l black hole as your one bag for travel, which would you choose?
I’d pick this for sure. It’s far more versatile, has more organization and is better for travel. The advantages of the 32 is pretty minor - Lower price, if you like the looks better, dual bottle pockets, and more anchor points. Do you like using packing cubes?
@@EDG I guess the main benefit of the black hole 32 is the weight saving, it's around 300g lighter. Is it noticeable to you if you pick them up?
@@spacehoppity3127oh yea, forgot about that. Yes it’s a bit noticeable. However, if you’re in backpack mode and remove the hip straps, it helps. Personally I don’t have the hip strap on to reduce weight. Would you use it in backpack mode more?
@@EDG Yeah, it's a tough one. I think as it's a travel bag to get to and from somewhere (which I would keep a smaller daypack when I am actually walking around) the pack would spend most of it's time in backpack mode. But I do like the feature of the MLC where you can tuck away the straps when it's being used as a duffle. It just looks smarter overall. It's a hard choice!
@@spacehoppity3127 when In doubt ….get both! The MLC is pretty straight forward, but you’ll have to try the black hole to see if you like that style. The top loader and veryyyyy minimal organization just gives 1 enormous space that you need to load from the top only, if that’s your thing.
Does anyone know where I could find additional anchors that are depicted at 1:33? I don't know what they're called, so don't know where I could order them.
not that I know of. Patagonia is the only packs I've seen that use these clips.
How's the fit for a 16" Macbook pro? I think this video will singlehandedly sell out all of their stock haha - thanks for the review!
You’re too kind….but also…..they’re already sold out. I just snuck in. Haven’t even gotten to use it as much as I usually do before review. It’ll fit a 16” MacBook.
@@EDG hopefully there's some set aside for internal patagonia international stock, my local store in Hong Kong is ordering one for me apparently 🤞
@@m4ngo100 ohh good luck, I hope you get it.
Quick question, couldn't you put the shoulder strap on the other side then the water bottle will be at the top? Of course you'll miss the handle, but that's better than letting water bottle stay at the bottom.
I wish! But the anchor straps are only on one side.
Thanks for the reply! And sad face :(
@@taropoo5157 yep no problem, thanks for the question.
Is this a personal item bag or carry on bag? I'm looking for a personal item bag to take with my cabin suitcase
Depending on the airline, it can be both. I fly in the US, and I use this as a personal and suitcase as my carryon. But for EU airlines, this will barely qualify as a carry-on if you compress it a bit.
@@EDG thank you
@@smaao yep, no problem!
The bare nylon on the back of the bag is likely to last longer than the laminated TPU on the other sections. I'd actually love to see less laminated areas, overall.
Yea, functionally it is improvement, probably why they did it becuase I did see complaints about delamination..
I want the glossy black material!
team glossy material all the way. I'm with ya
how much does it weigh without the waist strap?????
9 oz less
is this your favourite commuter bag-pack ? or the Black Hole 25L? or any other brand?
What do you mean by commuter back pack? Like one I use everyday? I would say that this Patagonia backpack is my favorite travel backpack, but the favorite one I use everyday is my Osprey Transporter 20L (I also reviewed that one). It's smaller, more of a backpack and far less expensive than this Patagonia.
@@EDG yes I mean like a daily bac-pack that I can use in the city to carry my laptop while I’m biking around
@@JuanTamames Ok, yea check out the Osprey Transporter 20L. I got it for like $90 USD on sale, and it's perfect. I also like biking to work so I carry a laptop, and this bag is waterproof, super comfortable, and has a latch for a bike light. Let me know what you think! Another option are the cheaper Aer backpacks.
@@EDG Thank you :)
@@JuanTamames yea no problem
I'm confused, is it 26L or 30L?
It’s 30L. An explanation is in the description
What size laptop can it hold ?
16"
What is on the bottom of the bag? Any attachment points?
The very bottom has nothing, its just a flat bottom. The anchor points are all on the outside (the outward facing panel).
@@EDG I have been looking for my perfect backpack for months and this is the one that has come the closest to my ideal. I was so excited when I was watching your review. Thanks for a great informative video.
@@IanSkelley Thanks! Glad I could help. I feel the same way after using many packs. This one, though not perfect, checks the most boxes for me personally.
I went ahead and pulled the trigger. Was able to score it for $142.
@@IanSkelley nice! Damn where’d you get it for that price
Why would you adjust the chest strap a lot?
I adjust mine depending on how full it is. Sometimes using it for the day isn’t too full, and sometimes for a weekend I pack this thing to the max. Changes the fit and strap.
I don't see it available to buy on patagonia site. it only has the blackhole version, not this 2022 version.
It’s probably sold out at the moment. I’ve n noticed that the supply has been hard to keep in stock. They currently sell the teal and orange colors of the pack.
@@EDG the other color on their website it's not the 2022 version. i guess just not available anywhere. too bad.
@@wendyw4235 yea darn, I’m sure they’ll restock soon
@@wendyw4235 Wait, I see it listed on their website. It says Expected in-stock date 1/21/23 - 1/28/23, and you can join the waitlist to be notified.
@@EDG Too bad. Can't order one for Christmas travel
Has Patagonia stopped making the UL black hole 20L backpack?.
Not sure actually
Yes, sadly they discontinued it. I have my rincon red one and really enjoy it
is it 26 or 30 ? :)
It's 30. When I originally reviewed and bought it, it was listed as 26L. However, they corrected the listing to reflect 30L. They didnt' physically make the bag bigger, they just fixed a calculation error or something.
this or cotapaxi allpa 35? same price.
Great question, I was literally struggling with that too. It’ll come down to size/weight but Cotopaxi offers a 28l that is closer competition to this MLC. Cotopaxi if you like the clamshell opening. MLC For general travel, I like this one with versatile backpack carry. Personally I like the MLC for its versatility better.
What do you plan on using it for?
@@EDG I'll be going on a 2 week trip to Portugal so I feel like I might have a lot of clothing. From a tech standpoint, its just 2 charges, an iPad Pro and a powerbank. Primarily clothing.
I agree with you these 2 bags seem the best in the price range and it's hard. The weird thing is the Cotopaxi 35 fits my airline's carry on limits so I considered the bigger brother of the 28 as the other option to this MLC instead.
@@gurtajchhabra4532 If you're going for 2 weeks, I'd go with the Cotopaxi 35. you'll definately need the space. This MLC is best for 4-6 days trips, or a week if you pack light.
@@EDG Awesome thanks. I might get this bag in the future still because of how good it is but for my use case now I will stick to Cotopaxi 35
The price is hilarius
they don't call it "Patagucci" for nothin!
Patagonia said 30L on their website now, without changing anything on the bag?!!
Last time I checked,, yes! My video still has the old screenshot that shows 26L, however, if you compare the actual dimensions to the website, the dimensions haven't changed, so it must have been a calculation error.
@@EDG wow, thank you for the reply. Yes, I noticed the dimension hasn't change so Patagonia changed the number from 26L to 30L but still the same bag? That seems rather shady. I wonder what's the actual volume it has.
@@i2harry eh, probably just a calculation error. And I’m happy the actual volume is bigger so that’s good.
The big logo is the deal breaker to me.
Yea , can’t argue with that. Got other comments about that too. Definitely wish it was smaller.
Almost perfect except too much branding. Nobody has ever said "I wish the brand was written in giant font across the front". Totally ruins it for me. Take it from AER. Less branding is more.
Yea agreed, Patagonia’s branding is always large, and this one especially has more visible branding.
Thinking of spraying that logo with plastidip.
@@IanSkelley What does that do? Protect the logo?
@@EDG Plasti dip Spray can be used to cover and seal things....and it can be peeled off if need be.
@@IanSkelley ahhh ok, that would be good.
Ryanair says no
Not surprising. European airlines are more strict. And to think, this is supposed to be the "mini". No way the full sized 45L is fitting anywhere.
@@EDG I would pay for extra carryon room and so would a lot of people. Who wants to pick up bags at the carrousel anymore?
@@Clembo couldn't agree more. I haven't checked in a bag in 15+ years and not looking to do it that anytime soon.
I‘ve taken the old version on many Ryanair flights without issues.
@@EDG Not really an option if you‘re traveling with kite gear ;) I fit all my clothes for a few weeks in the large MLC (minus the wetsuit).