The Skier's Carry-On? Db Hugger 30L

[Tony S]

Santa (@Wending) brought this really slick-looking bag. I already have a Db ski bag that has been working very well for a few years, so last winter I put this backpack on my wishlist. It won't be all things to all skiers, but I'm liking the look of it and will post how it works or after a trip or two.

It is NOT something that takes the place of your Kulkea or Transpack or whatever. What it DOES appear to do is allow you to carry your boots and one day's worth of ski clothes on the plane comfortably and with as much assurance as possible that it WILL be allowed down the aisle and into the overhead bin with ease. Yes, I have had trouble with this, especially on the "regional jets" you're prone to fly on when you have a route like Portland, ME to Bozeman, MT.

The design details are really nice. It stands up when you put it down. There is a top pocket that's right at hand when you do that. The handle is at the balance point. It has internal pockets. Even a laptop sleeve, if you are that sort of ski traveler. It appears to be totally bombproof. It is very comfortable on my back. It also looks like luggage, not like a hitchhiker's rucksack, for what that's worth.

 

[RNZ]

I love my one of these bags, fits heaps of stuff and I can confirm fits easily into overhead bins on smaller regional planes. I've used it for work trips as well as non-work and it is not showing signs of wear. It also fits packing cubes really well. But the best thing is that it is currently sitting packed ready for take-off to Japan in 9 hours.

 

[LiquidFeet]

I am so glad to see that the big obvious word "douchebags" is printed on a disposable paper label and is not something sewn permanently into the surface of the unit. That's what I first thought when I skimmed through the photos.

The subtle, barely visible "Db" is much better. I am now interested in getting one of these.

Just looked online at the backpacks. On many of these backpacks the full name "douchebags" is printed huge in a contrasting color, screaming for attention, where it can't be missed. I can't see myself carrying one of these through an airport if the word is visible. What were they thinking?

Glad they make some without it.

 

[James]

Looks nice!
Can you post a photo with boots in it? Wondering how much room is left.

 

[LiquidFeet]

That jello-green thing peeping out of the storage pocket in the second photo is a boot.

 

[Jilly]

I like the look and practicality of that bag. I have the Salomon Go to Ski bag. It's only good for skiing (all though that really isn't a problem). This bag you could use for work travel too. Have to see if available in Canada. Oh, saw my first Kulkea yesterday. Haven't seen them in Canada.

 

[Tony S]

That jello-green thing peeping out of the storage pocket in the second photo is a boot.

Right. Except it's not a storage pocket, it's my black ski pants folded up on top of the boots.

But @James is right to wonder. It's definitely on the small side compared to the shapeless but workable bag I have been using for this purpose. Also, those are small boots (23.5). On the other hand, a pair of boots is going to take up much of the room in any legit carry-on sized pack. Just have to wait til I pack properly to see if it will actually work. Thus the question mark in the thread title.

 

[EricG]

@Tony S - can you try a bigger boot in the bag & post pictures? I’m trying to find a new bag to travel with instead if just carrying my boots thru the terminal. My last bag got destroyed by baggage folks when they made me check it as we boarded (BTV baggage folks).

 

[cantunamunch]

@EricG , have you seen the new Transpack Boot Slinger Pro? Flat L7 boot packing, room for 27s and a helmet/ laptop?

 

[EricG]

@EricG , have you seen the new Transpack Boot Slinger Pro? Flat L7 boot packing, room for 27s and a helmet/ laptop?

i have not. I’ll check it out now.

 

[crgildart]

I guess you wear the helmet hahaha.. Or that's your personal item?

 

[bbinder]

I can't see myself carrying one of these through an airport if the word is visible. What were they thinking?

I get some funny looks in airports but have not been assaulted yet. I read somewhere that the word douchebag is a Norwegian word for something. Probably means douchebag

 

[MarkP]

I can't see myself carrying one of these through an airport if the word is visible. What were they thinking?

I get some funny looks in airports but have not been assaulted yet. I read somewhere that the word douchebag is a Norwegian word for something. Probably means douchebag

The Google does Norwegian.

 

[Drahtguy Kevin]

I guess a Douchebag by any other name is a douchebag just the same...

 

[LiquidFeet]

 

[cantunamunch]

Yes, we know^, and we're pretty sure the brand owners know. We're pretty sure they picked the name for that reason. With glee.

Welcome to brand-building in the age of chronic disruption.

 

[crgildart]

It's also what people get called by other passengers when they're "that guy" that takes way too much stuff on the plane and should have checked some of it.

 

[Pdub]

Tony, is that the Hugger 30L? Will a helmet fit in there with your boots?
I've been looking for something like this.

 

[cosmoliu]

I've got a Hugger 30L which, for a variety of reasons, didn't work out like I wanted it to. It is gathering dust and I'd be happy to part with it. PM me if interested. Color is grey. It was a carry-on for exactly one trip. Condition essentially new.

 

[Turoa Kiwi]

I love my one of these bags, fits heaps of stuff and I can confirm fits easily into overhead bins on smaller regional planes. I've used it for work trips as well as non-work and it is not showing signs of wear. It also fits packing cubes really well. But the best thing is that it is currently sitting packed ready for take-off to Japan in 9 hours.

Does it fit your ski boots. If so what size boots?