ProView – Db Roamer Split Duffel 50L Review

This bag is where style meets functionality. It is super chic, all black to blend at a black tux event or bring it along for gear haul, change of clothes post adventure etc. I would recommend this bag for any flight travelers and car packing adventurers.

Fit/Comfort 

This duffel is designed to be worn like a backpack, and it’s easy to take on and off. Although it lacks a hip belt (for better or worse), I’d be reluctant to recommend carrying heavy loads for long period of time. This is a perfect carryon on airplanes or for short travels. As to its claim that it does not “sag on you ass”, it is true! It sits high on the back.

Look/Style

The sleek look beats all duffels. I’ll be using it for most, if not all, travel packing — whether its gear or clothing. The split middle has an attractive and clean appearance. 

Features

I tried a 50L pack and I reckon its true to size. Although, the split opening limits the packability of awkward sized gear, example: helmets. There are two large packing zones, along with one doubled zipper for papers/documents/itineraries etc. There are a couple of interior zipper pouches that provide plenty space for separation of toiletries, hairbrushes etc.

There is also an exterior side zipper pocket provided for sliding passports or even larger phones. This pocket is easily accessed while wearing the pack so it’s an excellent addition for airport travel. This bag is a compartmentalizers dream. The bag does provide external gear webbing like climbing packs but it can do without in my opinion — I only ever use that while walking into the mountains and I cannot see myself carrying this pack for alpine climbing.

This bag features a sternum strap, and I cannot not emphasis this enough, it is the best design on any bag I have ever owned (alpine, duffels, backpacking etc). It clips on/off single handedly without fumbling and the magnets hold strong. I wish I could replace all my packs sternum straps with this. 

Durability

I have no doubts in its durability with its 840D 65T ballistic fiber exterior. It can take a 500 ft tumble on the side of the mountain, and I foresee the smooth yet hardy exterior to hold up just fine. Although, due to the cylindrical shape of the bag I would not advise giving this experiment a try as the bag might not stop until it reaches the bottom of the mountain, choose your adventures wisely.

Room for Improvement

There are couple of design features that could be improved upon. The lack of center handle for pickup is a major inconvenience. Movement of bag from, say, a car trunk to the ground requires awkwardly holding either on to the shoulder strap or the 2 off-center carry handles provided. Secondly, as a result of the split design, the main zipper snags in the middle, while closing the pack and requires fiddling 7/10 times, even with the large YKK zipper. 

Friendliness to the Earth

The brand is committed to reducing its environmental impact and most the material used in their products are recycled. DB is transparent (on their website) about their status and future goals with regards to emissions, material sourcing, sustainability etc. 

The Final Word

I will be using this duffel for years to come. Its sleek looks are remarkable and smooth yet the tough exterior provides durability for travel. Its storage is designed with intention and precision. This bag fits the needs of city slickers, alpine climbers, and everyone in between.

The price points for these Scandinavian designed bags are rather high, and with couple of major inconveniences such as missing center handle and zipper snags, I’d expect better. Having said that, this bag is designed to seamlessly hook onto a larger airline checked size bag and I would not hesitate to buy it in the future. After all, if I can fashionably carry my gear, then why not.