A lot of brands shy away from attempting waterproof packs because they're tricky to get right, but the Ruben 2.0 manages the double-whammy of being a seriously good weatherproof daypack and also looking awesome in the process. Sandqvist's super-stylish Stockholm roots show through in the Ruben's clean lines and minimalist design – it's genuinely smart enough to wear to the office, and with its reflective webbing it makes a great pick for a rainy cycle commute. The big difference between Sandqvist's 'Stream' line (including this one and the smaller Konrad) and their other packs is the waterproof TPU coating and YKK AquaGuard zips – which take the already water-resistant 100% recycled polyester fabric and beef it up against pretty much anything short of total immersion. It's also got a lot of capacity for your stuff, with a 27-litre main compartment, inner and outer slip pockets, a roomy external zip pocket and a 15" laptop compartment.
| Capacity | 21/27 L |
| Main Compartment | W 27 x H 42/65 x D 16 cm |
| Laptop Compartment | W 27 x H 31 x D 2 cm |
| Weight | 780 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.
