Under Armour Hustle 5.0 vs Hustle Pro - Hands-On Comparison
In this backpack comparison we are getting hands-on with the Under Armour Hustle 5.0 and the Under Armour Hustle Pro backpack to find out what the real differences are. We'll break down how they fit, the various pockets they offer, and what you can fit inside each.
Under Armour has always been known as a brand that caters to athletes and we believe both packs do a great job at offering similar features. Both the Hustle 5.0 and Hustle Pro backpacks are made with a water-resistant construction to protect from rain and snow thanks to UA Storm Technology. You can also find a dedicated shoe compartment and a large main compartment for packing books or daily essentials. Whether you are student athlete or just looking a reliable everyday pack, you really can't go wrong with either.
Now, the big question: Is upgrading to the UA Hustle Pro worth it? Let's find out.
Video Review
Quick Specs
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 |
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|---|---|---|
| Volume | 29L | 31.5L |
| Materials | Polyester with UA Storm water-resistant finish | Polyester with UA Storm water-resistant finish |
| Dimensions | 20.1” (H) x 12.6” (W) x 6.3” (D) | 20.1” (H) x 12.6” (W) x 8.9” (D) |
| Laptop Sleeve | Up to 15" | Up to 15" |
| Insulated Water Bottle Pocket | No | Yes |
| Sternum Strap | No | Yes |
| Waist Belt | No | No |
| Price |
Size and Fit: UA Hustle 5.0 vs Hustle Pro
Despite the UA Hustle Pro having a larger capacity, there isn't a huge size difference between these backpacks.
Exterior Dimensions:
Under Armour Hustle 5.0: 20.1” (H) x 12.6” (W) x 6.3” (D)
Under Armour Hustle Pro: 20.1” (H) x 12.6” (W) x 8.9” (D)
Where you'll see a difference is in the depth of each backpack. The Hustle Pro will stick out a little bit more on the back when you wear it. This is due to the larger front compartment which we will take a closer look at later. However, the height and width are the same on both backpacks.
Shoulder Straps
The shoulder straps are where you will begin to see the biggest difference in fit and comfort. The Hustle 5.0 features cushioned and soft straps. On the other hand, the Hustle Pro has stiff, structured straps that are a little wider. Specifically, the Hustle 5.0's straps and are just under 3 inches wide and taper down, while the Hustle Pro's are a little over 3 inches wide.
The Hustle Pro comes with some upgrades for the shoulder straps. The first is a removable UA strap clip that lets you attach an Under Armour duffle bag. This strap clip is adjustable as needed and can be placed on either shoulder strap.
In addition the Hustle Pro comes with a sternum strap that is missing on the Hustle 5.0. However, it's important to note that the sternum strap on the Hustle Pro is fixed in place and cannot be adjusted up and down. If we are being honest, this is not the best sternum strap backpack design since you cannot control where the strap sits on your chest. Although it is an upgrade, Under Armour could have done a much better job here.
Lastly, the Hustle Pro includes Under Armour's LEVELED strap system, which have numbers printed on them. These numbers help you adjust the straps precisely for better weight distribution. The Hustle 5.0, in contrast, has regular straps without this feature.
Construction
It's worth noting that the Hustle 5.0 and Hustle Pro both have use identical materials and feel about the same. Both the Hustle 5.0 and Hustle Pro are made with polyester and use water-resistant UA Storm Technology to make protect your gear in the rain. Each back panel is made with breathable air mesh and is the same design. Lastly, Under Armour uses the same exact zippers on both backpacks.
Exterior Pockets
Moving on to the pockets, this is the area where these backpacks show the most differences.
Hustle 5.0 & Hustle Pro Shared Pockets
Like many Under Armour backpacks, both the Hustle 5.0 and Hustle Pro provide a tricot-lined valuables pocket on at the top for keeping items like sunglasses or tech gadgets. Additionally, there is a mesh water bottle pockets on each side of the backpacks. However, this is where the similarities come to an end.
Extra Pockets on the Hustle Pro
The Hustle Pro comes with three extra pockets on the front. On the one side there is a zippered pocket that features a small sleeve on the inside, which is perfect for securely holding a phone.
On the opposite side, there's a pocket with insulated lining to keep a water bottle cool. We found that it can fit a standard-sized sports squeeze bottle or even a couple of beverage cans.
The final additional pocket is an open compartment that is secured with a clip. This pocket is designed for quickly grabbing and stowing away items. It's great for things like hats, sweaty shirts, or workout accessories that you might want to access easily.
In summary, while both backpacks offer side mesh pockets for water bottles and a soft-lined top pocket, the UA Hustle Pro takes it up a notch with three extra front storage pockets that are missing on the UA Hustle 5.0.
Interior Compartments
Front and Shoe Compartments
Although the Hustle 5.0 and Hustle Pro do include a front compartment and a seperate main compartment, only the Hustle 5.0 includes a bottom shoe compartment. This roomy bottom compartment is designed to hold laundry, athletic shoes (we tested it with US Men's Size 12 shoes) and it's spacious enough for a full-sized basketball. However, this bottom compartment isn't present in the Hustle Pro.
Both backpacks feature a front zippered compartment, but only the Hustle 5.0 boasts organizer pockets inside for pens and small items. The Hustle Pro doesn't have these internal pockets. The lack of pockets is due to the front compartment in the Hustle Pro being intended to serve as a space for shoes and laundry. Although this front zippered compartment is larger than the one on the Hustle 5.0, we found it too small for a full-sized basketball.
The placement of the shoe compartment has its pros and cons with each backpack. It's important to note that the bottom compartment on the Hustle 5.0 shares it's space with the main compartment. So the more you pack inside that bottom compartment, the less packing space you'll have in the rest of the bag.
The UA Hustle Pro elimates this problem by giving you a gussetted front compartment for shoes and laundry on the front of the pack while keeping the packing space in the main compartment intact. But this design eliminates the extra pockets for pens and daily essentials that are featured in the Hustle 5.0. The design of the Hustle Pro makes it better suited for athletes who primarily carry lots of sports equipment, while the Hustle 5.0 might be a better fit for college students and those who need smaller organization pockets for daily carry.
HUstle 5.0 vs Hustle Pro MAIN COMPARTMENT
Overall, the Hustle 5.0 offers 29 liters of packing space, while the Hustle Pro offers 31.5 liters. Despite this difference, both main compartments are approximately the same size.
Both compartments feature a 15-inch soft-lined laptop sleeve positioned against the back. If you're using these backpacks for school, both can accommodate the same amount of books, folders, and notebooks.
For sports or gym use, both main compartments are capable of holding large items such as boxing gloves and toiletry bags. Yes, both compartments can also fit a basketball.
The additional packing room in the Hustle Pro is primarily attributed to its front shoe/laundry compartment. This is where you'll notice the most significant difference in packing as this front compartment adds extra packing room.
UA Hustle 5.0 vs Hustle Pro: Which Should You Buy?
UA Hustle 5.0
UA Hustle Pro
So, how do you make the decision between these two backpacks?
Both the UA Hustle 5.0 and UA Hustle Pro are excellent options for athletes, college students, and even travelers. They offer versatility to suit various needs thanks to their roomy main compartments and useful pockets.
The Under Armour Hustle 5.0 should be best looked at as a hybrid backpack. It provides a front compartment with enough smaller pockets for keeping your daily school or work essentials organized. The added bottom shoe compartment gives you the flexibility to use it as a gym bag or a daily laptop backpack, depending on your requirements for the day. This is because the main compartment and bottom compartment space is shared.
On the flip side, the upgrades in the Under Armour Hustle Pro are more tailored for student athletes and those who frequent the gym. Bonus features like the insulated water bottle pocket, the duffel bag attachment clip, and the replacement of small organizer pockets with a dedicated shoe and laundry compartment make it the perfect backpack for carrying sports and gym gear. While you can still use the Hustle Pro as a school bookbag or daily laptop backpack, the upgrades are primarily designed to cater to the needs of active lifestyles.
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