Last Updated on July 28, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Choosing between the Cotopaxi Allpa and the Patagonia Black Hole starts with one question: how will you use the bag? The Allpa Getaway 55L is a large convertible duffel for road trips, checked luggage, and gear-heavy travel. Patagonia’s Black Hole options are smaller and more specialized, with the Micro MLC 22L built for personal-item travel and the Black Hole Pack 25L designed for everyday carry.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. If you click a link on this page and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Quick Answer
Choose the Cotopaxi Allpa Getaway 55L for maximum space, road trips, or checked-bag travel. Choose the Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L for under-seat travel and laptop organization. Pick the Black Hole Pack 25L for daily commuting, or the Batac 16L when low weight and packability matter most.
Key Takeaways
- Best for more gear: The Allpa Getaway 55L has far more packing room, but its published dimensions make it an unreliable standard carry-on when fully packed.
- Best personal item: The Black Hole Micro MLC 22L combines under-seat-focused dimensions, a padded laptop area, and three carry modes.
- Best everyday backpack: The Black Hole Pack 25L is lighter than the Micro MLC and adds bottle pockets, an airmesh back panel, and a luggage pass-through.
- Best packable daypack: The Batac 16L weighs only 12 ounces and folds flat, but it lacks the structure and padding of a dedicated laptop or hiking pack.
Note: This comparison uses current manufacturer specifications and published warranty policies. Prices, colors, Amazon listings, and airline baggage limits can change, so confirm the exact product version and your airline’s rules before buying or flying.
Cotopaxi Allpa vs Patagonia Black Hole: Main Differences
The bags share recycled materials and travel-friendly details, but they are not direct size-for-size rivals. The Cotopaxi Allpa Getaway 55L is a large duffel with removable backpack straps. The Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L is a compact travel pack with dedicated tech storage. The Black Hole Pack 25L and Batac 16L are daypacks rather than luggage replacements.
| Feature | Allpa Getaway 55L | Black Hole Micro MLC 22L |
| Best use | Road trips, checked luggage, long weekends, bulky gear | Personal-item travel, short trips, work travel |
| Published capacity | Marketed as 55L | 22L |
| Dimensions | 23.5 x 13.5 x 12.25 in | 18 x 12 x 5.5 in |
| Weight | 2 lb 5 oz (1,049 g) | 30.7 oz (870 g) |
| Carry modes | Duffel or backpack | Backpack, shoulder/cross-body bag, or briefcase |
| Laptop storage | No dedicated padded laptop compartment listed | Padded area for most 15-inch laptops |
| Airline role | Usually better treated as checked luggage unless underpacked and approved by the airline | Designed for tighter under-seat requirements, but not guaranteed on every airline |
Warning: Weather-resistant does not mean waterproof. Neither bag should be submerged, and water can enter through zippers or seams during sustained rain. Protect electronics and documents in a dry bag or waterproof sleeve.
Our Top Picks for Cotopaxi Allpa and Patagonia Black Hole
| Cotopaxi Allpa 55L Getaway Duffel Black |  |
Best for More Gear | Capacity: Marketed as 55L | Material: Recycled 840D nylon shells with recycled polyester lining | Carrying Options: Duffel straps, removable backpack harness | Check Price on Amazon | Read Our Analysis |
| Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L | |
Best Personal Item | Capacity: 22L | Material: Recycled 300D polyester ripstop with recycled TPU-film laminate | Carrying Options: Backpack, shoulder/cross-body bag, briefcase | Check Price on Amazon | Read Our Analysis |
| Patagonia Black Hole Pack 25L, Smolder Blue | |
Best Everyday Pack | Capacity: 25L | Material: Recycled 300D polyester ripstop with recycled TPU-film laminate | Carrying Options: Backpack | Check Price on Amazon | Read Our Analysis |
| Cotopaxi Batac 16L Backpack – Del Día | |
Best Packable Daypack | Capacity: 16L | Material: Deadstock nylon and polyester | Carrying Options: Backpack | Check Price on Amazon | Read Our Analysis |
How We Compared the Bags
This guide compares published capacity, outside dimensions, empty weight, materials, carry systems, laptop storage, organization, airline suitability, warranty language, and sustainability claims. It does not treat a large duffel, a personal-item travel pack, and two daypacks as interchangeable products. The best choice depends on your trip length, load, and need for structured tech storage.
More Details on Our Top Picks
-
Cotopaxi Allpa 55L Getaway Duffel Black
The Cotopaxi Allpa Getaway 55L is built for travelers who need one large, soft-sided bag. Cotopaxi lists dimensions of 23.5 x 13.5 x 12.25 inches and a weight of 2 pounds 5 ounces. Its shell combines 100% recycled 840D TPU-coated nylon and recycled 840D ripstop nylon, with a recycled polyester lining.
The layout favors open packing rather than office organization. You get a large main compartment, zippered interior pockets under the flap, two exterior accessory pockets, a key clip, grab handles, and daisy chains. Stowable duffel straps and a removable backpack harness let you change how you carry it. The included storage sack also works as a packing cube.
The size is the main tradeoff. Its outside measurements total more than the 45 linear inches the FAA says is the maximum for most airline carry-ons. A soft bag may compress when lightly packed, but that does not guarantee acceptance at check-in or the gate. Treat it as a road-trip or checked-luggage bag unless your airline confirms otherwise.
Cotopaxi’s warranty covers manufacturing defects for the lifetime of the product, which the company explains is not an indefinite period. Its repair program may also help with some damage outside warranty coverage. The brand describes its factory partners as Fair Trade Certified or as promoting fair labor practices, so avoid assuming every specific Allpa unit comes from a Fair Trade Certified factory unless the exact listing says so.
Pick this if: you want maximum packing room, prefer a duffel that can be worn as a backpack, and do not need a dedicated laptop compartment.
- Published Capacity: Marketed as 55L; some official regional pages have shown inconsistent converted capacity figures
- Dimensions: 23.5 x 13.5 x 12.25 in (60 x 34 x 31 cm)
- Weight: 2 lb 5 oz (1,049 g)
- Material: 100% recycled 840D TPU-coated nylon and recycled 840D ripstop nylon shells; recycled ripstop polyester lining
- Carrying Options: Stowable duffel straps, removable backpack harness, grab handles
- Pockets: Large main compartment, zippered interior pockets, two exterior accessory pockets, key clip
- Additional Feature: Included sack doubles as a packing cube
- Additional Feature: Daisy chains on both sides
- Limitation: Published dimensions exceed many standard carry-on limits
-
Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L
The Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC is a 22-liter travel pack made for short trips and tighter under-seat spaces. It measures 18 x 12 x 5.5 inches and weighs 30.7 ounces. The body uses 300-denier, 100% postconsumer recycled polyester ripstop with a recycled TPU-film laminate.
The main compartment holds a change of clothes and shoes, while a mesh divider helps stop packed items from falling out when the bag opens. A dedicated tech area fits most 15-inch laptops, with room for documents and cords. The laptop carrier opens flat to simplify screening, although TSA procedures and airline rules can still vary.
The Micro MLC can be worn as a backpack, carried as a shoulder or cross-body bag, or used like a briefcase. The backpack straps tuck away, and a rear webbing loop can serve as a grab handle or slide over rolling luggage. Patagonia states that the bag is made in a Fair Trade Certified factory.
The main limitation is capacity. Twenty-two liters works well for a tightly packed overnight or short trip, but it may feel restrictive if you carry bulky shoes, cold-weather layers, or camera gear. It is also heavier than some simple 22-liter daypacks because of its convertible harness and organization.
Pick this if: you want a compact personal-item travel bag with laptop storage and need it to look appropriate from the airport to a meeting.
- Capacity: 22L (1,343 cu in)
- Dimensions: 18 x 12 x 5.5 in
- Weight: 30.7 oz (870 g)
- Material: 300D postconsumer recycled polyester ripstop with recycled TPU-film laminate
- Carrying Options: Backpack, shoulder/cross-body bag, briefcase
- Pockets: Main compartment with mesh divider; padded tech area for most 15-inch laptops, documents, and cords
- Sustainability: Recycled fabrics; made in a Fair Trade Certified factory
- Additional Feature: Laptop carrier opens flat
- Limitation: Compact capacity requires disciplined packing
-
Patagonia Black Hole Pack 25L, Smolder Blue
The Patagonia Black Hole Pack 25L is a daypack rather than a suitcase-style travel bag. It measures 18.8 x 11 x 5.9 inches and weighs 22.6 ounces, making it lighter than the 22-liter Micro MLC despite offering slightly more published capacity.
Its 300-denier recycled polyester ripstop body uses a recycled TPU-film laminate for weather resistance. The main compartment includes a padded sleeve for most 15-inch laptops and a zippered mesh pocket. A large front stash pocket, small top pocket, and two stretch-woven side pockets make daily items easier to reach.
An airmesh back panel, padded shoulder straps, and a sternum strap improve comfort for commuting and city walking. The back-panel handle doubles as a luggage pass-through, while a front daisy chain and reinforced haul handle add utility. It is made in a Fair Trade Certified factory and covered by Patagonia’s Ironclad Guarantee.
It is less suited to suitcase-style packing than the Micro MLC. The backpack opening and single carry format make it better for work, school, and day use than for travelers who want a clamshell compartment or hidden straps.
Pick this if: you want an everyday laptop backpack with bottle pockets, ventilation, and enough room for a commute or day trip.
- Capacity: 25L (1,525 cu in)
- Dimensions: 18.8 x 11 x 5.9 in
- Weight: 22.6 oz (640 g)
- Material: 300D postconsumer recycled polyester ripstop with recycled TPU-film laminate
- Carrying Options: Backpack
- Pockets: Padded sleeve for most 15-inch laptops, mesh pocket, front stash pocket, top pocket, two side pockets
- Comfort: Airmesh back panel, padded shoulder straps, removable sternum strap
- Additional Feature: Back-panel handle doubles as a luggage pass-through
- Limitation: No clamshell opening or alternate carry mode
-
Cotopaxi Batac 16L Backpack – Del Día
The Cotopaxi Batac 16L Del Día is an unstructured daypack made from 100% deadstock nylon and polyester. It measures 19 x 11 x 4 inches and weighs 12 ounces, so it is easy to lay flat inside a larger suitcase or duffel.
The layout includes a zippered main compartment, an internal sleeve divider and hanging pocket, a front vertical-zip pocket with a quick-access sleeve, two mesh side pockets, ultralight mesh shoulder straps, and an adjustable sternum strap. It provides more organization than a bare packable sack without adding a rigid frame.
Each Del Día colorway is selected by the factory worker assembling the bag, so the product you receive may look very different from the listing photo. Cotopaxi says its Del Día products are made in the Philippines from remnant materials. The company’s estimate that deadstock products have an average carbon footprint about 30% smaller than equivalent products made with new fabric applies to the collection generally, not as a measured Batac-specific reduction.
The Batac is best with light loads. It has limited back structure and no dedicated padded laptop compartment, so a laptop or camera should be placed in a protective sleeve. The surprise colorway is part of the appeal, but it is a drawback if you need a precise color match.
Pick this if: you want a light daypack that packs flat and you enjoy receiving a one-of-a-kind color combination.
- Capacity: 16L (976 cu in)
- Dimensions: 19 x 11 x 4 in (48 x 28 x 10 cm)
- Weight: 12 oz (340 g)
- Material: 100% deadstock nylon and polyester
- Carrying Options: Backpack with ultralight mesh shoulder straps and adjustable sternum strap
- Pockets: Main compartment, internal sleeve divider, hanging pocket, front zip pocket, two mesh side pockets
- Design: Unstructured and packable with a one-of-a-kind Del Día colorway
- Additional Feature: Made without intentionally added PFAS chemicals, according to Cotopaxi
- Limitation: Minimal padding and structure for heavy loads or unprotected electronics
Factors to Consider When Choosing Cotopaxi Allpa vs Patagonia Black Hole
Focus on the bag’s job rather than the logo. Capacity, outside dimensions, carry comfort, organization, laptop protection, and airline rules matter more than choosing one brand across every use case.
Storage Capacity Comparison
The Allpa Getaway is the clear choice when volume comes first. It is marketed as a 55-liter duffel, while the Micro MLC holds 22 liters, the Black Hole Pack holds 25 liters, and the Batac holds 16 liters. Cotopaxi’s regional product pages have shown an inconsistency between the Allpa’s 55L name and a 3,052-cubic-inch figure that converts to about 50 liters. Use the published dimensions and your real packing list rather than relying on the label alone.
Airline Fit and Carry-On Rules
The Allpa measures 23.5 x 13.5 x 12.25 inches, totaling 49.25 linear inches. The FAA says the maximum carry-on size for most airlines is 45 linear inches and advises passengers to check the carrier’s current rules. The Micro MLC measures 18 x 12 x 5.5 inches and is designed for tighter under-seat limits, but personal-item allowances vary by airline, fare, route, and aircraft.
Pro Tip: Measure the packed bag, not the empty bag. Soft luggage can bulge beyond its listed depth, and gate agents may require it to fit inside a sizing frame without forcing it.
Carrying Options Overview
The Allpa focuses on moving a large load between a vehicle, terminal, and lodging. It has stowable duffel straps, a removable backpack harness, and grab handles. The Micro MLC is more adaptable in professional settings because it converts among backpack, shoulder/cross-body, and briefcase carry. The Black Hole Pack and Batac are standard backpacks, which keeps them lighter but gives you fewer carry choices.
Material and Durability
The Allpa uses recycled 840D nylon shells, including a TPU-coated panel, plus a recycled polyester lining. Patagonia uses 300D postconsumer recycled polyester ripstop with a recycled TPU-film laminate on both featured Black Hole bags. Denier alone does not prove that one complete bag will outlast another because zipper design, seam construction, load, abrasion, and care also affect service life.
Weather Resistance
Patagonia describes the Micro MLC and Black Hole Pack as resistant to light weather and scuffs. The Allpa’s TPU-coated nylon panel also adds protection, but none of these products is a sealed waterproof dry bag. For heavy rain, place electronics, medication, passports, and paper documents in waterproof inner protection.
Design Features Evaluation
The Allpa has a large, open duffel layout with several smaller pockets and an included sack. The Micro MLC is the strongest option for suitcase-style organization and tech carry, with a mesh divider and flat-opening laptop area. The Black Hole Pack favors quick everyday access through front, top, side, and main-compartment storage. The Batac keeps the design simple and flexible so it can fold flat.
Weight and Portability
The Batac is the lightest at 12 ounces, followed by the Black Hole Pack at 22.6 ounces, the Micro MLC at 30.7 ounces, and the Allpa at 2 pounds 5 ounces. Empty weight is only part of the comfort equation. A 55-liter duffel can become difficult to carry when filled, especially because it lacks the load-transfer system of a framed trekking backpack.
Comfort and Load Support
The Black Hole Pack has the most daypack-focused comfort features, including an airmesh back panel, padded straps, and a sternum strap. The Micro MLC adds padded tuck-away straps but is designed around travel versatility rather than trail suspension. The Allpa’s backpack harness is useful for short transfers with a large load, while the unstructured Batac works best when the contents stay light and soft.
Sustainability Practices Highlight
All four bags use recycled or repurposed materials. Patagonia states that the Micro MLC and Black Hole Pack are made in Fair Trade Certified factories, where the company pays a premium connected to the product. Cotopaxi uses recycled fabrics in the Allpa and deadstock fabric in the Batac. Cotopaxi describes its manufacturing partners more broadly as Fair Trade Certified or as promoting fair labor practices, which is not the same as confirming that every product is made in a certified factory.
Organization and Accessibility
Choose the Micro MLC if your laptop, documents, and cords need their own area. Choose the Black Hole Pack if you want water-bottle pockets and quick-access daily storage. Choose the Allpa if you prefer a large central compartment with accessory pockets and packing cubes. Choose the Batac if you need only basic separation and want the bag to flatten inside larger luggage.
Warranty and Repair Support
Cotopaxi’s warranty covers manufacturing defects for the lifetime of the product and explains that product lifetime is not indefinite. The company also offers repair options for some nonwarranty damage. Patagonia’s Ironclad Guarantee offers repair, replacement, or refund when a product does not perform to the customer’s satisfaction; normal wear-and-tear repairs may involve a reasonable charge.
Versatility in Use
The Allpa is versatile within gear-heavy travel because it changes from duffel to backpack. The Micro MLC is versatile across travel and work because it changes carry modes and protects a laptop. The Black Hole Pack is the most practical all-around daily backpack, while the Batac is the easiest to pack as a secondary bag. No single model is the best choice for every task.
Pros and Cons by Bag
Cotopaxi Allpa Getaway 55L
- Pros: Highest capacity, durable recycled nylon, removable backpack harness, useful grab handles, included packing-cube sack.
- Cons: Too large for many standard carry-on limits, no dedicated padded laptop area, can become uncomfortable when heavily loaded.
Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L
- Pros: Under-seat-focused dimensions, three carry modes, padded laptop storage, flat-opening tech area, luggage pass-through.
- Cons: Limited room for bulky trips, heavier than simpler daypacks of similar capacity, not guaranteed to meet every airline’s personal-item rule.
Patagonia Black Hole Pack 25L
- Pros: Good daily organization, laptop sleeve, bottle pockets, ventilated back panel, light weight, luggage pass-through.
- Cons: Backpack carry only, no clamshell opening, less convenient for suitcase-style packing.
Cotopaxi Batac 16L Del Día
- Pros: Very light, folds flat, two bottle pockets, simple organization, unique use of deadstock fabric.
- Cons: Minimal padding and structure, surprise colorway, not designed for heavy loads or an unprotected laptop.
The best bag is not the one with the most liters. It is the smallest bag that safely fits your load, meets your airline’s rules, and remains comfortable from door to destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC fit under an airline seat?
Patagonia designed the 18 x 12 x 5.5-inch Micro MLC for tighter under-seat requirements used by many airlines. It is not a universal guarantee because personal-item limits vary by carrier, fare, route, and aircraft. Check your airline’s current dimensions and measure the bag after packing.
Can I use the Cotopaxi Allpa Getaway 55L as a carry-on?
Do not rely on it as a standard carry-on. Its published dimensions total 49.25 linear inches, while the FAA says the maximum for most airlines is 45 linear inches. A lightly packed soft bag may compress, but the airline can still require it to be checked.
Why does a Del Día bag look different from the product photo?
Cotopaxi makes Del Día bags from leftover deadstock fabric and gives factory workers creative control over the color combinations. Each bag is different, so the listing photo shows the general design rather than the exact colors you will receive.
Do these bags come with a lifetime warranty?
Cotopaxi covers manufacturing defects for the lifetime of the product, not an unlimited period, and also offers repair options. Patagonia’s Ironclad Guarantee can provide repair, replacement, or refund when a product does not perform satisfactorily; normal wear-and-tear repairs may carry a charge.
Is the Patagonia Black Hole Pack 25L big enough for a weekend trip?
It can work for a light one- or two-night trip, especially in warm weather, but its layout is designed for everyday carry rather than suitcase-style packing. The Micro MLC is easier to organize for clothing, while the Allpa offers much more room for bulky items.
Are Cotopaxi Allpa and Patagonia Black Hole bags waterproof?
No. Their coated or laminated fabrics resist light weather, but the bags are not sealed dry bags. Water can enter around zippers and seams. Use waterproof inner protection for electronics, medication, passports, and other sensitive items.
Which bag is best for carrying a laptop?
The Micro MLC has the strongest travel-focused laptop setup, including a padded area for most 15-inch laptops that opens flat. The Black Hole Pack 25L also has a padded sleeve for most 15-inch laptops. The Allpa and Batac need a separate protective sleeve.
Conclusion
The Cotopaxi Allpa Getaway 55L is the better pick when capacity matters more than airline carry-on compliance. The Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L is the strongest choice for personal-item travel, laptop organization, and multiple carry styles. The Black Hole Pack 25L is better for everyday commuting, while the Batac 16L Del Día works best as a light, packable secondary bag. Match the product’s outside dimensions and structure to your real load before comparing color, brand, or headline capacity.
Sources
- Cotopaxi Allpa Getaway 55L Duffel — official features, materials, capacity name, weight, and carry system.
- Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC 22L — official dimensions, weight, materials, storage, and carry modes.
- Patagonia Black Hole Pack 25L — official dimensions, weight, pockets, laptop sleeve, and back-panel design.
- Cotopaxi Batac 16L Daypack – Del Día — official dimensions, weight, deadstock materials, and pocket layout.
- Federal Aviation Administration Carry-On Baggage Tips — general carry-on sizing guidance and the need to confirm airline rules.
- Cotopaxi Sustainable by Design — context for the company’s average deadstock carbon-footprint estimate.