ProView – Db Freya Backpack 16L Review

When I received the Db Freya 16L backpack to test and review, I wasn’t so sure it was the pack for me. Upon further inspection, I found that the organizational pockets, padded laptop sleeve, and ergonomic design make it a great everyday commuter backpack. 

Features

The sleek, minimalist exterior of this pack is coated with a PFC-free DWR coating to keep your pack clean and your load dry while you travel from here to there. The front of the pack sports a laser cut “daisy chain” which is a part of their integrated hook system. Best experienced by pairing multiple Db packs, I found the hook system was also a great tool for adding a rear light to my back on my morning commute via two small quicklinks. 

The subtly padded shoulder straps feature stowable hooks for the hook up system and the back panel is ergonomically designed to fit a smaller frame. Though the stowable hooks tended to not stay tucked away for me, I didn’t seem to notice them too much behind my head. Just above the shoulder strap is a padded laptop sleeve with a hidden pocket that sports enough room for a 16” laptop and has a pull tab to aid in extracting your device. 

Supple zipper pulls give way to ample storage and organization inside of the Freya pack. One of my favorite features of this pack is the main zipper which allows you to completely open the pack and lay it flat. This feature allows your items inside to be packed neatly and opened like a suitcase for easy access. 

Once unzipped, you’ll see four large zipper pockets where you can organize everything you need and find it easily. Three of the zipper pockets have a mesh outer facing for quickly locating gear and the largest pocket has an opaque fabric to protect important or personal items. An internal stretch pocket allows for larger items to be held more securely in transit. The generous amount of organization allowed me to neatly fit all my essentials and gear for work including my lunch, water bottle, planner, notebook, radio, daily essentials, wallet, an extra layer, and laptop. 

Durability

The Freya pack is made from 100% Recycled High Tenacity Nylon 100/210D twill with PU back coating and PFC-free DWR. This fabric is incredibly abrasion resistant and also water resistant. The pack feels really well made and seems like it will last for a long time. Db has a limited warranty for their pack of “not to exceed 20 years” but only if you are a Db Black member.

Fit/Comfort 

This small yet capable commuter pack has an excellent volume and is sleek enough to bring into any space and not feel like a total dirtbag, junk show. My only complaint with the fit of this pack is that the back panel padding sits oddly on my back while exhibiting poor posture on my bike. In other words, while walking around or biking with good posture, the fit of this pack is great. 

Friendliness to the Earth

I’ve been really pleased to see how well this pack can carry all of my essentials in a snazzy yellow shell which is made from 100% recycled materials. For as eco-friendly as the actual pack is, I was surprised it shipped in a big plastic bag. It would be really nice if the company could switch to recycled paper or even recycled plastic for shipping needs. 

What sets this pack apart from the rest?

Not only is this pack made from 100% recycled materials it also feels like it is going to last. I’ve never had a pack before where I’ve felt as though my belongings were organized, protected, and looked this good. The patented rib cage construction keeps your gear tight and tidy exactly where you left it. 

Final word

The Db Freya pack surpassed my expectations in functionality and design. I love having a spot for every item I carry with me day to day as well as enough space for the things I don’t always need. Sporting a sleek and stylish pack really vibed me up for my morning commute to work and gave me peace of mind knowing my lunch wasn’t shifting too much in transit. If you’re looking for a small day pack to take you anywhere, consider the Db Freya!