Db Hugger 30L Travel Backpack Reviewed in 2025

A UNIQUE BACKPACK AND CARRY-ON

The Hugger Backpack looks unlike any other backpack. Like a pear drop, lined with ribbed padding, it makes sense when hooked up to another bag–most ideally onto a Db rollerbag.

It sits well on the shoulders, with its ergonomic design and extra padding. But its size isn’t going to work well with anyone under 5’8’’.

The shoulder padding is great. The one thing missing is a sternum strap. It’s only when the bag is filled up and weighing more than 10 lbs that this strap is missing. We felt it even more so when biking.

The 30L version holds a lot of equipment, including camera pouches or gym clothes, including shoes.

A clamshell opening the front completely makes it easy to organize everything. The top compartment makes essentials easy to reach and that gives it extra points. It is a great solution as an everyday backpack or a travel backpack.

We liked that the Hugger can be combined with other travel bags or rolling bags from the same series because of the unique hooking system and solve the everlasting carrying-multiple-bags problem!

It is worth mentioning that it can become part of a set that addresses the transportation of challenging sports gear like ski, snowboard, surf and bike bags. Db has bags for these sports and, if money is not an issue, the purpose is going to be well-served.

As a personal view, we liked that the design is sleek and there are no straps hanging which means you don’t risk getting tangled.

Overall, we loved The Hugger, it is versatile and practical. And here is a fun fact! If you were to buy a bunch of Huggers, you could build an insulated igloo by hooking them together, as the manufacturer has featured on their website. Take a look, it’s fun to see.

FEATURES, DURABILITY AND COMFORT

The Hugger Backpack is made of solid material and is a good investment for a variety of uses. The main compartment is large and its capacity allows for different activities, with both everyday commuting and travel in mind.

The hook-up system is very convenient but keep in mind that it is compatible with products from the same line, so you would need to invest in products within the brand ecosystem which is a limitation.

G-hooks work to securely connect to lash points on another bag. Additionally, the lash point strips that run down the front of the bag can also work with carabiners.

We give the top compartment extra points for accessibility and space. The laptop compartment is large and can fit a device up to 16”.

Price/Quality Ratio

The Hugger Backpack is at the high end in its category regarding price but it is durable and made with consideration to the environment.

Overall, it’s unique and purpose-driven, which we like. For traveling with sports gear, there is something very practical about the Hugger when part of a system. That unique shape might make it less appealing as a daily driver as a matter of taste.

COMPARING EVERYDAY BACKPACKS 

We compared a few backpacks within the same category and style, to give you a more rounded opinion. The Amazon Basics Carry-On Travel Backpack, for example, is a less costly option and has many different compartments, mesh pockets and a laptop pocket. But it’s not nearly as elegant as the Hugger or durable.

The Timbuk2 Spire Laptop Backpack 2.0 is another affordable option for everyday use which also offers good padding, great support, laptop and water bottle pocket and is water resistant.

DO WE RECOMMEND IT?

We would recommend it as a great solution for gear and as a gym bag. As part of a Db system, it makes a lot of sense too. It is easy to access the laptop compartment, which has extra padding for protection and we loved the top compartment for essentials like headphones, wallet, sunglasses and phones.

We love that it is lightweight and ergonomically shaped to sit well on the shoulders and the front opening completely makes it easy to pack and unpack.