If we've got one gripe with smarter urban-style backpacks, it's that a lot of them come up quite small. And we get it – that 18–20-litre size is often the sweet spot for your work essentials. But what if you're carrying gym kit, a change of clothes, a big winter jacket, or paraphernalia for small people? Sometimes, for whatever reason, you just want a bit more capacity – and with a generous 34 litres of space, the Axel might just fit the bill. It's constructed in a durable and water-resistant recycled polyester, and the rolltop design with a hidden zip lets you reduce the size of the pack down to a more compact 23.5 litres if you're carrying lighter loads. There's a 16" laptop compartment, plus two zipped side pockets and a comfortable set of shoulder straps. Oh, and have we mentioned how handsome it is? Hailing from the Stockholm archipelago, the designers at Sandqvist are masters of pared-pack Scandi style, and the Axel is a fantastic-looking pack with sleek lines and leather accents.
| Capacity | 23 L expandable to 34 L |
| Main Compartment (W x H x D) | 26 x 43/63 (expandable to 63 cm) x 18 cm |
| 16" Laptop Compartment (W x H x D) | 26 x 42 x 2 cm |
| Weight | 560 g |
Fusing the style and creative energy of the Stockholm archipelago with the hard-bitten adventure of the Scandinavian mountains, Sandqvist's beautiful packs are as Swedish as cinnamon buns and that funny cod roe in squeezy tubes.
Founded in 2004 by three childhood mates living in Stockholm, the idea was to create bags that weren't tied to a single environment. Razor-sharp minimalist design to look stylish in the city, teamed with technical features and fabrics to perform in the backcountry. We could all do with less stuff in our lives, and Sandqvist's versatile packs will take you from fika in Södermalm to a red-painted summer cabin in the forest – all while looking just about as Grammable as it gets.
These are bags designed to do more with less – and that carries through into the materials and manufacture too. The durable polyester and nylon fabrics are 100% recycled from post-consumer or industrial waste, and supply chains are regularly audited for working conditions and environmental impact. The leather is a by-product of high-welfare Scandinavian meat and dairy herds, processed by independently certified tanneries – and in some cases they also produce vegan versions of their packs.
Speaking as inveterate Scandophiles, we reckon Sandqvist’s packs are everything gear should be. Sustainable, functional, versatile, and seriously good-looking.
