The Forest Hike from Swedish brand Sandqvist is a pared-back version of their technical Mountain Hike pack. They've switched out the traditional lid for a simpler roll-top closure and reduced the size slightly – allowing them to dispense with the padded waist-belt. The result is a pack that's 30% lighter than its big brother, while retaining unbeatable outdoor functionality. The Forest Hike has the same ergonomic back panel and padded shoulder straps, plus roomy slip pockets on the outside. Pole loops and daisy-chain webbing make it easy to attach extra gear to the pack, while internal zip pockets help you keep your stuff organised. In common with Sandqvist's other technical outdoor packs, the shell fabric is 420D recycled nylon – tough as old boots and treated with a durable water-repellent (DWR) coating for extra weather resistance
| Capacity | 20/29 L |
| Main Compartment | W 28 x H 43/63 x D 16 cm |
| Laptop Compartment | W 26 x H 35 x D 1 cm |
| Weight | 0.84 kg |
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.
