Db Equipment: The Brand Behind The Name

We get it…the name. Some think it’s funny; others not so much.

But dig deeper and you’ll find a growing brand with loyal fans and amazing, battle-tested travel and urban bags, all in Db’s unique Nordic style.

Where did the idea come from?

In 2009, Swedish professional skier Jon Olsson and Norwegian designer Truls Brataas met surfing in Hoddevik, Norway. They bonded over the need for better bags that could make traveling with skis and gear a whole lot easier.

In 2012, Db unveiled its first product: the original Douchebag – the world’s lightest, fully compressible wheeled ski bag. The OG Douchebag remains a huge hit to this day, and since then Db has continued to expand its product line to include backpacks, duffels, rolling gear haulers, a rollaboard, a technical ski bag, and travel accessories. Db’s limited edition collections are always a hit, and late the 2017’s White Camo collection – with a slick military-inspired print designed by Olsson himself (and also applied to a Rolls Royce Wraith) – sold out in a matter of hours.

What sets Db apart?

With input from over 150 skiers, snowboarders and surfers, (as well as luggage handlers and airlines), the Db team identified five critical travel bag needs:

Adjustability – Making bags suitable for a variety of gear
Easy Carrying – Comfortable handles and straps
Protection – Durable bags with protective elements to keep gear damage-free
Lightweight – Avoiding overweight charges; easier to carry
Compressible – Easy to store

The Douchebags team also designed a patented hook-up system – featuring “G-buckles” – that allows travelers to easily attach their Db backpacks and duffels to the strong loops on all of the Db rolling bags (Douchebag, Aviator, Big/Little Bastard).

The G-buckles (pictured below) have become a Db signature.

What’s up with the name?

Douchebags was coined when Olsson asked his blog followers for input on the name of his soon-to-be-launched bag company. The people spoke, and Douchebags was the fan favorite. Olsson liked the humor and – not one to worry about the naysayers – knew the brand would stand out.

Douchebags was born.