In its latest move towards using 100% renewable and recycled materials to produce its clothing and gear, Patagonia has released a new line of its core Black Hole bags made from 10 million recycled plastic bottles.
If you’re unfamiliar with the cult-favorite line of travel bags, Black Hole gear is recognized for its spacious, lightweight, tough-as-nails, water-resistant designs. In essence, they’re built to be durable travel workhorses that can take a routine beating. It’s well-loved by gearheads and travelers alike, and it’s one of Patagonia’s core offerings. It also doesn’t hurt that they’re all backed by the company’s standard Ironclad Guarantee.
The new generation of Black Hole bags utilizes upcycled plastic bottles in the body and webbing. The line has a total of 25 styles ranging from wheeled duffel bags to backpacks to hip packs in a variety of colors. Prices range from $29 for a mini hip pack to $179 for a 100L duffel. To make way for the new line, the company is alsodiscounting its previous generation of Black Hole bags.
The new 100% recycled-plastic line is no great surprise. Patagonia is considered one of the most transparent brands in the world, and has gained approval from shoppers for donating 100% of its Black Friday profits in the past to grassroots nonprofits working to conserve air, water, and soil quality. It’s on a mission to reach 100% recycled or renewed materials in its offerings, and the company says 69% of this season’s line is made with recycled materials. Its 95%-recycled cashmere line was the most sustainable no-compromise option we found this past winter, and its Patagonia Provisions line of camping-friendly meals and snacks makes a concerted effort to reshape our food chain using organic, regenerative farming practices, so the foods we consume are better for us, the people growing them, and the environment.
If you’re looking for a go-anywhere travel bag that can both stand up to years of rough handling and align with the values of sustainability, we highly suggest checking out the new line. If they’re a little bit more expensive than your budget allows at full price, you may want to check out the previous generation Black Hole bags that are on sale.
