Patagonia Black Hole Mini Hip Pack Review

Bottom Line

The Patagonia Black Hole Mini Hip Pack is a lightweight, packable option for carrying essentials on short hikes, travel, and everyday outings.

Its durable, weather-resistant fabric holds up well against abrasion and light precipitation, and its minimalist design makes it easy to stash when not in use.

The pack is comfortable as both a waist and sling bag, though we find the slippery strap loosens while we wear it and needs re-tensioning, especially while jogging. While its 1L capacity limits what you can carry, it’s perfect for those who prioritize a compact and efficient storage solution. For travelers, urban explorers, and minimalists, this fanny pack is a favorite from our guide to the best hiking fanny packs.

How We Tested

We use this mini pack for airport travel in lieu of a purse on urban outings and on day hikes around the Boise area. A targeted fabric abrasion test was performed with 160-grit sandpaper, and the zippers were stress tested by opening quickly to check for snag points or blowouts. Water resistance was measured during a rain simulation and also a brief submersion test.

Comfort

Ideal for light carries and short hikes, the Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack offers a compact and comfortable way to carry essentials. Its flared webbing anchors and slim padding on the back allow the pack to conform to your body without adding unnecessary bulk.

The 1-inch strap makes it more comfortable as a sling bag than worn around the waist, though it can be adjusted from 15” to 44” for a versatile fit. Its sleek design also makes it a great option for wearing under a layer as a secure travel wallet or for winter urban walks.

However, while the soft webbing feels nice, it tends to slip through the buckles, which can loosen the fit during long hikes or running. The lack of structure in the webbing also means the straps can easily get tangled, making adjustments more difficult. Despite these minor drawbacks, the pack remains a solid choice for minimalists on the go.

Durability

The Black Hole collection from Patagonia is renowned for its functionality and durability, especially as travel bags. Despite the 70D recycled ripstop nylon feeling thin, it passed our abrasion test with minimal signs of wear and tear. Instead of pilling or thread breakage, the material showed only slight fading. 

True to the brand’s reputation for quality, the construction is well-finished, and any issues that arise are covered by Patagonia’s “Ironclad Guarantee” and repair center. Cleaning the fabric was easy, requiring only a quick hand wash with soap and water. 

While the dark green color we tested didn’t show noticeable staining, lighter colorways may require more care to maintain their appearance. For its relatively low price tag, this mini hip pack provides long-lasting performance without compromising on craftsmanship, making it an excellent choice for those seeking both affordability and reliability in their gear.

Features

Despite being a relatively simple, pared-down pack, Patagonia incorporated several thoughtful features into the Black Hole Mini Hip Pack. A standout is its ability to stow into its own pocket, making it perfect for travel or as a backup pack stored in your glovebox for spontaneous outings. 

Dual strap keepers help keep everything neat, while the long zipper pulls offer convenient one-handed access, making it easy to grab what you need while on the move.

The weatherproof-coated fabric performed well in our rain simulation, keeping the contents dry, but it did soak through during submersion and remained damp for two days afterward. If you plan to use it in wet conditions, consider lining it with a plastic bag for waterproofing. Patagonia frequently updates its color options, offering vibrant designs that stand out on the trail and more neutral tones for those looking to blend in with the crowd.

Organization

With one main compartment and a front zippered pocket, this pack provides the essential storage options you’d expect from a 1L pack. The zippers curve over the corners, allowing for easy storage of items like a smartphone or large wallet. 

Inside the main compartment, there’s a key clip for added organization, and the pack can be flipped inside out to stow the straps for compact storage. The padded back adds some structure, helping prevent the contents from shifting, though the small size ensures there’s little risk of things getting lost.

While the curved zipper is a useful design feature, the bag’s dimensions—tall and wide with minimal depth—can make it a bit challenging to access items. 

Although it’s sleek enough to fit both a phone and a full wallet, removing them from the pack can be less convenient, requiring a little more effort due to the limited 2” depth.

Should You Buy the Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack?

The Patagonia Black Hole Mini Hip Pack should be on your list if you’re looking for compact storage for impromptu hikes, airports, dog walks where you want a secure place for essentials that won’t swing around.

The pack’s low weight makes it versatile for many uses: toiletries, travel wallet, personal med kit, or first fanny pack for a mini-adventurer. While it does look like a pack that belongs on the trail, some more subtle color options are available for folks who plan on using it in an urban-only environment. 

The Black Hole Mini Hip Pack has moderate adjustability, but it is less ideal for hikers needing a wider fit or seeking multiple wear options. Other packs on our list are better suited for longer hikes, foul weather, and those who like to pack more than the bare essentials.

What Other Fanny Packs Should You Consider?

See our other tested and reviewed favorites in our guide to the best hiking fanny packs. Here are a few similar to the Black Hole Mini that might be up your alley:

Atom Packs – The Roo Review: If you were eyeing the Mini Hip Pack as an option for day hikes or additional storage on long trails, consider the Roo from Atom Packs. It offers half a liter more of storage with only a ~half ounce of additional weight. While it does have a higher price tag, that’s considering the high-quality materials and supporting a small business.

KAVU Spectator Review: The KAVU Spectator has a playful aesthetic and comfortable storage for essentials, making it a great alternative for those searching for an airport travel bag or everyday carry. The thicker waist belt offers a more secure fit than the Black Hole Mini, and stays snug once adjusted. 

High Tail Designs – the Ultralight Review: The Ultralight from High Tail Designs stands out for its high-quality Dyneema fabric and waterproof construction. Sleek, trail-ready, and durable, it’s perfect for ultralight hikers. Though it comes at a premium price, it’s a solid investment for those who plan to use it frequently.