With the Alde pack, Stockholm-based Sandqvist have skimmed down their bestselling Otis travel bag into a more minimalist overnighter/weekender version. They've reduced the size from 34L to 28L, and trimmed away the external grab handles to make a clean and compact companion that's ideal for city use. In fact, the Alde also makes a great daily commute or gym bag, particularly since there's a useful shoe compartment in the base. Constructed in water-resistant recycled polyester, the minimalist design puts everything within easy reach – with side slip pockets, outer zip pockets and direct zip access to the interior. A laptop compartment in the back panel fits most machines up to 16", and the inside features organiser pockets and a zipped mesh compartment for tidy packing. Crucially, it's also a really comfortable fit, with plenty of padding in the shoulder straps and a removable sternum strap.
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.
