dhb Waterproof Rucksack 25L review

The dhb Waterproof Rucksack is, as the name suggests, completely waterproof, featuring sealed seams and a watertight zip.

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The construction is solidly durable and that’s carried right through to the reinforced feet on the base that help keep it upright and off wet ground. The straps are well-padded as is the back, and it also has both a chest and waist strap for added stability.

Its large size made packing a cinch; shoes fit in width-ways at the base with everything else following. There’s no laptop sleeve but, in its own case and with the waterproof outer, I didn’t feel like my laptop was that exposed.

What the interior lacks in organisational details it makes up for in the ease of just chucking everything in. Finding it again is another matter because it’s a dark and cavernous interior. Bring a light if you throw everything in loose, or use packing cubes (highly recommended).

The waterproof pocket is convenient and reassuring because you really don’t want to undo that top waterproof fastening until you’ve reached your destination. This one has a good 28cm opening and is 22cm wide, so I stuffed my phone, gloves and small bits of shopping in it.

The logo is reflective, but I’d like a light fitting too.

As for wearing the dhb, it felt bulky and lumpy compared to the other bags I had on test and, despite adjusting, it sat higher than I personally like. It’s likely that the material will soften over time, and it works for every day. It also has enough extra space to bulk up the contents when needed.

The construction is ruggedly solid and the pack comes in at a budget price. It will last and you’re unlikely to stress when, as I did, you take it off-road and have to deal with the mud-splattered consequences afterward. Gravel might be its spiritual home.