Under Armour Hustle 6.0 vs Hustle Pro - Which is Better?
If you’re considering a new backpack from Under Armour, the Hustle 6.0 and Hustle Pro 6.0 might catch your eye – but which one is the better buy?
The Hustle Pro offers a bit more storage, a few extra features, and a higher price tag – but does that really translate into better functionality? Or is the standard Hustle 6.0 still the smarter choice?
In this comparison, we’ll walk through every key difference – from size, comfort, and features to pockets, compartments, and water resistance. By the end, you’ll have a clear answer on which backpack best fits your needs.
Video Review
Quick Specs
 |
 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Volume | 29L | 31L |
| Materials | Polyester | Polyester, Polyurethane |
| Laptop Sleeve | Up to 16" | Up to 16" |
| Front Water Bottle Pocket | No | Yes |
| Sternum Strap | No | Yes |
| Waist Belt | No | No |
| Price |
Hustle 6.0 vs Hustle Pro 6.0 Size Comparison - Model Height 5'6" (1.67m)
Size and Comfort: UA Hustle 6.0 vs Hustle Pro 6.0
The first noticeable difference between these two backpacks is the size. The Hustle 6.0 offers 29 liters of space, while the Hustle Pro 6.0 gives you 31 liters. While that extra capacity might sound like a game-changer, the difference in real-world use is surprisingly minimal as you’ll see below when we compare the main compartment.
The extra space in the Hustle Pro comes from added depth, meaning it sticks out a little more when worn.
Despite carrying the Pro label, the Hustle Pro and Hustle 6.0 use the same exact padded mesh back panels and near identical shoulder straps. As a result, both feel about the same when worn.
Under Armour Hustle 6.0 vs Hustle Pro 6.0 - Extra Features on the Hustle Pro
Hustle Pro Comfort Upgrades
The Hustle Pro adds three small but noticeable upgrades:
UA Strap Clip:
The UA Strap Clip on the Pro’s shoulder strap allows you to attach a duffel bag, making it easier to carry both bags at once. But if you don’t use a duffel bag, the regular Hustle 6.0’s daisy chains on the shoulder straps for attaching small accessories might be more useful.Sternum Strap:
The Pro includes a sternum strap, but with a catch – it’s not adjustable or removable.Leveled Straps with Numbered Adjustments:
The shoulder straps are printed with numbers to make sure both straps are evenly adjusted. No more lopsided backpacks!
Pockets – What’s Different?
UA Hustle Pro vs Hustle 6.0 - The regular Hustle 6.0 backpack is missing the front water bottle pocket.
At first glance, the pockets on the two backpacks look very similar, but the Pro does offer one extra front pocket that fits a 32oz water bottle. However, it raises the question: Do you really need it?
Under Armour Hustle 6.0 vs Hustle Pro - Side pockets with 40oz bottle inside
Both backpacks already come with large side pockets that can easily hold big water bottles. We found that both side pockets can easily fit a 40oz water bottle. The difference here lies in the material.
Hustle 6.0: Mesh side pockets – stretchier and more accommodating for odd-sized bottles or other items.
Hustle Pro: A combination of polyester and mesh, making the pockets more structured but less flexible, especially when the bag gets full.
Top Pockets
Under Armour Hustle 6.0 vs Hustle Pro - Soft-lined top pocket
Both Hustle backpacks feature a soft-lined top pocket that’s perfect for storing sunglasses, phones, or anything else you don’t want scratched. The top pockets on the UA Hustle Pro 6.0 is slightly larger than the one on the Hustle 6.0, offering more space for smaller valuables.
Compartments – Identical Layouts
Despite the "Pro" label, both UA Hustle backpacks have the same compartment layouts and internal pockets.
Front Compartment – Shoes and Clothing
UA Hustle 6.0 vs Hustle Pro - Both have the same front shoe compartment
Each bag includes a front compartment designed to store shoes or a change of clothes. This is a big compartment and our test showed that it can easily fit a pair of size US 12 men’s running shoes with lots of room to spare for larger sizes. However, the photos in this comparison will show what the compartments look like with a women’s US size 8 shoes.
Although Under Armour labels this front compartment as a shoe compartment, you can use it for separating whatever you want from the main compartment. This makes either Hustle backpack a good option for work, school or the gym.
Main Compartment – Why is It called the Pro?
UA Hustle 6.0 vs Hustle Pro - Same 16" laptop sleeve and organizer pockets inside the main compartments.
The main compartments on both backpacks feature the same padded laptop sleeve that fits devices up to 16 inches. The sleeves are soft-lined to protect your laptop from scratches, and both models also include:
Three pen pockets
One slip pocket for accessories
What Fits Inside?
Although the UA Hustle Pro 6.0 is larger, the difference in capacity between the two (29L vs 31L) is not that different.
When testing these backpacks, we found that both main compartments can fit a full sized basketball. If you are using either as a school backpack, the extra space in the Hustle Pro 6.0 allows it to fit a couple of more extra notebooks.
Under Armour Hustle 6.0 vs Hustle Pro 6.0 - The Hustle Pro can fit a few more notebooks and books
Materials – Hustle 6.0 vs Hustle Pro 6.0
Both backpacks use polyester for their construction, but the Pro offers a small upgrade with a polyurethane front panel. This material has a soft, premium feel that makes the Pro look more stylish (in our humble opinion).
The one area of concern was with how well the polyurethane would hold up to scratches and scuffs over time. We conducted a quick scratch test with a key on the polyurethane panel, and it held up well – no visible marks. However, only time will tell how it handles long-term wear and tear.
Under Armour Hustle 6.0 vs Hustle Pro - The Hustle 6.0 has more webbing for attachments.
The webbing loops placement is also different and we are giving the win to the regular Hustle 6.0 here:
Hustle 6.0: Offers more webbing loops for attachments, both on the front and sides. You could even attach a bungee cord to the front daisy chains to expand storage.
Hustle Pro: Gives you limited attachment options with only two webbing sections on the front.
Water Resistance – A Tie Game
Both backpacks come with UA Storm Technology, which means the fabrics and zippers are treated with a water-resistant coating. However, despite the Pro’s polyurethane front being naturally more water-resistant than polyester, both backpacks perform the same in wet conditions.
This is because the zippers and main sections are identical, and the coating on both bags provides similar protection. So when it comes to water resistance, it’s a draw – our test showed that neither backpack has a significant advantage over the other.
UA Hustle 6.0 vs Hustle Pro: Which Should You Buy?
UA HUSTLE 6.0
UA HUSTLE PRO 6.0
When it comes down to it, choosing between the Hustle 6.0 and the Hustle Pro 6.0 depends on what features matter most to you. Both backpacks offer similar comfort, compartments, and durability, but the Pro adds some extra functionality at a higher price. Here’s how to decide which one fits your needs best:
Choose the Hustle 6.0 backpack if you want a more affordable option without sacrificing functionality. Both backpacks offer the same core features where it matters: the same back panel, shoulder strap padding, and identical compartments. You’ll also benefit from extra webbing loops for attachments. If you don’t need extras like a sternum strap, duffel bag clip, or additional water bottle pocket, the Hustle 6.0 delivers the best value.
Choose the Hustle Pro 6.0 backpack if you need every bit of extra storage space, as the Hustle Pro offers slightly more capacity, and you love the look of the premium polyurethane front panel. The upgrades are small—like the UA Strap Clip, leveled shoulder straps, sternum strap, and extra water bottle pocket—but they may be worth it for the added comfort and functionality.
MORE HELPFUL RESOURCES:
Backpacks for Gym and Work - Find alternatives to the UA Hustle Pro 6.0
Under Armour Hustle Sport backpack review - A more affordable Hustle 6.0 alternative
Best Backpacks with Shoe Compartments - We test and review backpacks with shoe compartments
