Swedish brand Sandqvist does an effortlessly stylish line in streamlined urban backpacks and satchels – those smart, practical bags that straddle the line between work and play. This roomy Sture weekender holdall is very much along the same lines, with a sleek, understated design that'll pair beautifully with just about anything. The 30-litre capacity is generous while still being carry-on compatible, and they haven't over-complicated it with a million bells and whistles. Webbing grab handles, detachable shoulder strap, internal and external zip pockets, job done. It's simple and stylish, and the recycled polyester shell fabric is smart and durable.
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.
