XD-Design: the story of the brand and Boban backpacks
2016 / FIRST BOBBY BACKPACK
How the XD-Design story began
XD-Design is a Dutch brand that introduced Bobby Original through a Kickstarter campaign in 2016. The idea: a backpack for city life and travel combining a neat look, practical organization and security details.
A concealed main opening and thoughtful compartments became part of the Bobby story. Later came business, travel and city models — for different habits, not just different laptops.
How did Bobby become Boban?
We imported the first Bobby backpacks soon after the Kickstarter campaign and immediately renamed them Boban. Bobby sounded like a dog's name. Boban? Boban can guard your laptop.
That is how our local nickname for Bobby backpacks came about. We kept the original names of some later models, so you will find both Boban and Bobby here. They aren't two different brands — XD-Design is behind both names.
From the first parcels to new collections, we've watched the models change and how people use them. That's why we write about them from our experience as a shop, with a little of our own humor.
How the collection evolved
After the first Bobby, the collection expanded into work, workouts, travel and everyday carry. These are important steps from the official XD-Design history.
- 2017
A business direction
Bobby Bizz combines a backpack and a business bag
See Poslovni BobanA year later, XD-Design introduced Bobby Bizz, a hybrid of a backpack and business briefcase. This model expanded the Bobby philosophy to business travel, meetings and everyday laptop work.
Security, a neat appearance and practical compartments become a recognisable part of the brand's identity.
- backpack + briefcase
- 2018
Urban security
Urban Lite introduces locking around fixed objects
See Urban LiteUrban Lite showed that a lightweight backpack could offer serious protection. A roll-top closure, steel-reinforced lock and the option to lock it around a fixed object marked an important step towards safer urban backpacks.
- combination lock
- 2020
Flexible travel
Flex Gym Bag and Flex Foldable Trolley
See Boban FlexIn 2020, XD-Design expanded into flexible travel. Flex Gym Bag brings expandable capacity for work and workouts, while Flex Foldable Trolley targets short trips and easier packing.
Both directions retain the brand's hallmarks: anti-theft details, thoughtful compartments and materials with a lower impact.
- 16-24 L expansion
- RPET materials
- work + travel
- 2022
Sustainability
AWARE introduces verifiable material tracking
See XD Design productsAWARE technology allows the origin of recycled materials to be verified through a digital product passport. For XD-Design, this was a way to make sustainability a fact customers could check, rather than just a marketing claim.
- AWARE tracking
- QR digital passport
- verifiable material content
- 2023
Lightweight every day
Soft Daypack simplifies the everyday backpack
See Bobby Soft DaypackSoft Daypack was created as a lightweight daypack for the city, short journeys and users who do not need large capacity but want a neat design and a more secure closure.
This model shows a gentler, softer side of XD-Design: less rigidity, more everyday freedom.
- compact format
- recycled materials
- lockable zipper pullers
- 2024
A new generation
Bobby Edge introduces a more modern urban anti-theft backpack
See Bobby EdgeBobby Edge continues the Bobby line with a more modern shape, ergonomics and a water-repellent exterior made from recycled materials. It's designed for people who want a clean business-city look without giving up security details.
- lockable zipper
- water-repellent exterior
- recycled materials
- 2025
Urban line
The new Urban line for a dynamic city rhythm
See the Urban backpackThe new 2025 Urban line expands the city range: a classic backpack, a flap-top version and a sling bag. The focus remains the same: water-repellent materials, safer zippers and enough space to keep belongings organized.
- Urban Backpack
- Urban Flap Top
- Urban Expandable Sling
- 2025
Soft Tote
Soft Tote Backpack brings two styles in one backpack
See Soft modelsSoft Tote Backpack shows how XD-Design increasingly combines minimalist looks, a softer silhouette and practical security details. The Shape Shift zipper changes the form, allowing the same piece to work for the office, university or leisure.
- Shape Shift zipper
- Twist Lock zipper pull
- work, studies and leisure
- Today
Design with a purpose
XD-Design today: more than backpacks
See XD-Design productsToday XD-Design develops backpacks, bags and travel accessories for people constantly on the move. The brand is known for simple styling, security features, more responsible materials and products that solve real everyday problems.
GeekShop shares this story because these products are useful, long-lasting and thoughtful enough to make sense both as a personal purchase and a corporate gift.
- security
- functionality
- minimalist design
Originals and copies: why the difference goes beyond looks
The backpack's popular shape quickly attracted many copies. They may look similar in photos, but the materials, zippers, finishing and internal organization are a different story.
We compared the original Bobby and its copy up close. To see the specific differences, take a look at our photos and comparison. Security features vary by model, so always check its specifications.
Find your XD-Design
Some need a slim laptop backpack, some need weekend space, and others a bag for everything they are always searching for in their pockets. Start with what you carry and how you spend your day.
In the catalog you can compare models, colors, prices and current stock. Boban will wait while you choose the right one.