Review: Db Hugger Backpack (30L 2nd Generation)

I love a good backpack and rarely leave the house without one. Whether I’m getting the train into town for work, off to a meeting, heading to the gym or venturing out on a long walk, I’m usually accompanied by a rucksack. 

A new bag I’ve been trying out for the past few weeks is the Db Hugger Backpack. I went for the 30L second generation edition in moss green. This backpack does come in a few different colours and sizes too – I went for the largest capacity as I tend to carry quite a lot of stuff! 

This post is an honest look and review of the Db Hugger backpack.  

Disclaimer: I was sent a Db Hugger backpack to test out. This in no way influences this review, which gives my honest opinion and insight. 

Db Hugger Backpack Overview

My overall impression of the Db Hugger is overwhelmingly positive. It’s fair to say I’ve been very impressed.

The Db Hugger is minimalist, sleek, really durable, spacious and has a few cool little compartments, which I’m always a fan of. 

The backpack has been made in a responsible and sustainable way too. Db have made use of recycled materials and they are looking into every aspect of their supply chain to reduce their impact on the environment. This is great.

In October 2023, Db joined an illustrious eco-conscious business group by being credited as a Certified B Corporation. 

Onto the backpack itself. As it says on the inside of the Hugger:

“This product was designed to be your home away from home. An adaptable companion that makes you ready for anything.”

• Materials: Made using recycled materials (GRS certified polyester)
• Hugger Sizes: 15L, 20L, 25L, 30L 
• 30L Dimensions: 56cm H x 32cm W x 24.5cm D
• Weight: 1.07kg
• Colours: Including Moss Green, Black Out, Blue Hour, Falu Red, Sunbleached Red, Deep Sea Blue
• Water resistant: Yes
• Db Compatible: Yes, Db Hook-Up System compatible
• Warranty: 2 Years
• Manufactured: Designed in Scandinavia, made in Vietnam

Features: 

• Large top pocket, perfect for smaller items you need to grab
• Main compartment that fully opens
• Two mesh inside pockets in the main compartment
• Two small pockets (one mesh) on the inside of the front panel – great for small, thin items like cables and passports
• Large, padded laptop pocket (room for a 16” laptop)
• Back carry handle and front carry handle (really handy!)
• Super strong and lightweight with rib cage technology to protect your belongings  

We’ll dig into a few more details on the Hugger backpack. Any features mentioned will relate to the specific Db backpack I have – the Hugger 30L second generation – unless stated. 

Hugger 30L Key Features

The Db Hugger 30L backpack is designed to make life easier for both commuters and those who are travelling. Here are some of the key features in a bit more detail:

Main Compartment

The fully openable main compartment of the Db Hugger 30L backpack is spacious enough to fit all your essentials. It’s super handy as it opens on three sides, meaning you get a bird’s eye view of everything that’s in there, as opposed to a top open only backpack where you have to dig around for items at the bottom. 

I’ve been using it for the gym and I can get all my kit in there, including shoes, lifting belt, water bottle, post workout bottle and other accessories. You might find my pre-workout coffee in my Ocean Bottle too. That said, if I’m showering at the gym, I struggle a little to get my towel in, as well as a full change of clothing alongside my basic training kit.  

The compartment features rib cage construction, which provides excellent protection for your belongings while keeping the backpack lightweight. It also means that the bag completely holds its shape even when it’s empty. I like this feature as it’s annoying when an empty bag just flops around. 

Top Pocket

The top rectangular pocket of the Db Hugger 30L backpack is roomy and a bit bigger than it looks from the outside. I’ve been using it for my wallet, AirPods, keys and sunglasses (when the sun decides to make an appearance in the north of England). 

The pocket zips open along three sides and is a great option for those frequently accessed items. It’s also got a small mesh pocket on the underside. Very handy. 

Laptop Pocket

The Db Hugger 30L backpack features a separate laptop pocket that can fit a 16” MacBook Pro or other similarly sized laptops.

My second hand 14” HP laptop from Back Market fits in there with room to spare. It’s really easy to access and a much better option than putting it in the main compartment. 

Inside Mesh Compartments

The 30L Hugger features a total of three mesh pockets on the inside. Two are found along the inside of the main compartment and one is on the backside of the front panel that opens up. 

These are handy for those items that you might not need immediately on your travels, but you need to keep in an accessible location. Items like cables, documents, batteries. Those sorts of things. 

Hook-Up System

The Hook-Up System™ of the Db Hugger 30L backpack allows you to easily attach it to other Db backpacks or luggage. This is useful for when you have multiple bags and want to keep them together for easy transport.

I only have one Db bag so I haven’t had the chance to test this out, but I’ve heard that the system works seamlessly. 

Travel friendly

This rucksack is a great choice for those who want a strong, durable and versatile bag for short trips away.

With dimensions of 56cm H x 32cm W x 24.5cm D, the 30L version is suitable for most airlines’ carry-on size restrictions. Do always check this beforehand. The backpack can also easily fit into overhead compartments on trains. As the material is tough, waterproof and easily wipeable, you can stick it almost anywhere with confidence everything will be fine inside. 

If you travel with electronics or a laptop, the fully openable main compartment and laptop pocket make it easy to sort out and arrange without any fuss. 

What about the comfort of the Db Hugger?

The Db Hugger 30L is a really comfortable, very lightweight backpack. I’ve worn it for hours without any issues. 

As you’d expect, the shoulder straps are padded and adjustable. The straps aren’t heavily padded and thick, so if you’re carrying a very heavy load, there’s potential for them to dig in a little. But for everyday wear and light travelling for weekend breaks, the shoulder straps are more than fine. 

Like the sides, the back of the Db Hugger is ribbed, which gives a nice sturdy and robust feel. I always feel like I’m walking with a straight back and proper posture when I’m wearing the Hugger. 

One thing to note, this backpack doesn’t have a chest strap or a waist belt to distribute any weight or make sure the backpack doesn’t fall off. For me, this hasn’t been an issue at all.

Who are Db?

Ok, we’ve heard about the Db Hugger 30L backpack and it certainly gets a thumbs up from me. But what about the company itself? Who are Db and what are they all about? 

Db designs and makes bags, backpacks, luggage and accessories for people who love travel and the outdoor lifestyle. Db is a Norwegian company, founded in 2009 by freeskier Jon Olsson and engineer Truls Brataas. They’re still an independently owned company.   

Formally known as Douchebags, they’ve since rebranded to Db but continued to make innovative and stylish products to cater for the needs of adventure seekers and travellers. The company’s backpacks and luggage products are designed to be functional, durable and visually appealing.

Db is committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Their mission is to ‘Do Better for our people, our planet and the places you go’. With this in mind, Db tries to create products with the minimal possible impact. Their aim is to become a truly circular business.  

Db Sustainability

As a website focussing on sustainable living, it’s important that I look at the sustainability credentials behind any products I try out. 

Bag materials

The Db Hugger Backpack 30L is made of durable and high-quality polyester-based materials, which are known for their strength and resistance to wear and tear. Polyester isn’t good for the environment, which is why Db incorporates as many recycled materials into the production process.

The Db website states:

“We use the Worldly tool suite to monitor our materials’ and products’ impact on global warming, eutrophication (excessive richness of nutrients in water degrading biodiversity), water scarcity, and their reliance on fossil fuels and chemistry. All materials and products must meet our Chemical requirements & restricted substance list, which goes beyond the REACH regulation. We are also working on nominating 100% of our materials suppliers to improve our environmental impact, the quality of our products, and ensure the social compliance of our partners.”

Some of the common materials used in Db bags include:

• B recycled coated nylon ripstop 210D
• Recycled waxed nylon 500D 
• Recycled polyester 900D
• Recycled dope dyed polyester lining
• Nylon TPU ripstop 400D
• Vegan leather
• Recycled polyethylene foam
• Recycled polycarbonate shell 
• Recycled webbings
• Metal trims

It’s clear that Db are doing their level best to reduce their environmental impact through the materials they source. 

B Corp certified

Db became a certified B Corp company in October 2023. This means the company met rigorous standards across social and environmental performance, governance and community.

Going for B Corp puts everything on the line in terms of business details, which creates greater transparency for customers and stakeholders. The B Corp certification demonstrates the company’s commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices.

You can read more about what B Corp status means here.

Environmental Performance

Db has taken several measures to reduce its environmental impact. This sits under their ‘Do Better’ CSR strategy established in 2020. 

Db has also set a clear science-based roadmap to reduce their carbon emissions. They are committed to reducing their scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 50% by 2030 from a 2019 baseline. The ultimate aim is to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. 

This will primarily come from improving material production and product manufacturing, which accounts for 70% of all emissions, as well as transportation, which accounts for 25% of emissions. For example, by 2025 Db wants to use 100% renewable energy at their warehouses and make sure at least 50% of tier 1 suppliers are powered by renewable energy. 

The company has implemented a circular approach to production, which involves using recycled materials and designing products that are easy to repair and recycle. Db has the aim of reducing water usage by 20% by 2030 

You can find Db’s latest CSR report from this page. 

Wrap up on Db Hugger

The Db Hugger Backpack 30L is a top choice for those who want a functional, stylish and responsibly made backpack. With good storage space, a separate laptop compartment and sleek design, it’s a winner for me. 

Db admits itself that they are not a fully sustainable company. Not many are. But they have a clear science-based road map to reduce their environmental impact across their own operations, as well as all of their suppliers. 

Publishing reports and targets in a public domain is important because it keeps a company accountable. Db has done this and are committed to making big sustainable improvements.