Based in Stockholm, the folks at Sandqvist essentially make two sorts of bags. Commuter packs that are functional enough for the outdoors, and outdoorsy ones that are smart enough for the commute. Either way, versatility is the point. The Ridge Hike is – as you might have guessed – one of their more technical packs. With an 18-litre capacity and water-resistant recycled nylon fabric, it's ideal as a daypack for hiking. The shoulder straps, padded back panel and optional hip belt make it comfortable for all-day wear, while the side pockets can be adjusted to keep your water bottles and other gear from tumbling out. When the weekend's over and it's time to get back to work, you'll find the Ridge Hike is ready to head to the office along with you. The stylish, streamlined design looks great in the city, and it's even got a special sleeve for your laptop.
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.
