New from Sandqvist – those masters of Scandi minimalism – Kurt might just be their most stylish commuter pack yet. Compared to their bestselling Dante roll-top, Kurt is slightly smaller, with a contrast colour-scheme, leather accents, and a boxier design that makes him look extra smart. And there's no style over substance here – our pal Kurt is handy as well as handsome. Constructed in water-resistant 100% recycled polyester and with a capacity of 17 litres, he's got a laptop compartment and an external zip pocket for quick-access essentials. His clean lines are equally at home in the city or the country, and his lightly padded straps are comfortable for all-day adventures. And yes, we know it's odd to talk about a backpack as if it's a person, but Kurt's just that kind of guy
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.
