Back to school Sandqvist backpacks

Sandqvist, a bag born from a need in 2004

The brand Sandqvist was created in Stockholm in 2004, from a design project led by three childhood friends, Anton, Daniel, and Sebastian. That autumn, Anton Sandqvist sews his first bag because he can’t find any that he likes: a backpack sturdy enough for his adventures in the wild, yet simple enough for everyday use in the city. After about thirty hours of work, the model is ready. This dual requirement forms the brand’s identity: Scandinavian lines without flashy logos, bold or muted colours inspired by Swedish landscapes, and a design intended to last for many years.

Rolltop or zipped flap: comparing the Bernt and the Dante

Two designs share the range. The rolltop closes by rolling the top of the bag down onto itself, then securing it with a strap and buckle: the Bernt thus goes from about forty-five to sixty-five centimeters tall and holds twenty-five litres, with a thirteen-inch laptop compartment accessed via a side zip, at the back. The Dante combines a rollable flap with a zip closure, offering a capacity of sixteen to twenty-three litres and an inner pocket that fits a sixteen-inch laptop. Classic zipped bags, on the other hand, open easily between classes, at the cost of a fixed volume.

Organic cotton, recycled nylon, and leather: the materials Sandqvist

The Sandqvist bags are made from three types of materials. The organic cotton canvas, thick and often coated, gives the classic models their shape and matte feel. The recycled nylon, lighter, dries quickly after a shower and retains its colour in the sun. The leather, sourced from suppliers that adhere to strict animal welfare standards, is used for handles, closure tabs, and reinforced bottoms; it darkens and softens over time. Some vegan options with no animal materials replace leather with a synthetic equivalent. The canvas can be cleaned with a damp sponge, never in the washing machine, and the leather should be conditioned with a balm twice a year.

Other bag brands

The other brands in the selection, Eastpak, Herschel, Rains, adidas Originals, Reebok, Urban Classics, are gathered on the backpack page for back to school.

Adjusting and packing a backpack for daily commutes

A backpack is worn on both shoulders, with the straps shortened so that the bottom rests in the small of your back rather than on your hips. If it’s too low, it pulls on your shoulders and arches your back. The laptop, the heaviest item, goes in its padded pocket against your back, while lighter items should be placed towards the outside, to keep the centre of gravity close to your body. On a bike, a tightly secured rolltop won’t sway and keeps the contents dry in a brief shower. Unused straps can be folded and secured, to avoid getting caught in a wheel or subway door.

Frequently asked questions

Is a Sandqvist backpack waterproof?

Not entirely: the coated fabric and well-rolled rolltop can withstand a shower, but not prolonged heavy rain. For a long journey in the rain, slide your laptop into a sleeve before putting it away.

How do you pronounce the name Sandqvist?

In Swedish, it's pronounced roughly "sannd-kvist," with the q followed by a v sounding like a k. It’s the last name of Anton Sandqvist, who sewed the brand’s first bag.

Is a Sandqvist bag suitable for cycling to class?

Yes, its compact lines stay close to your back, and the rolltop keeps the contents splash-proof. Adjust the straps a bit shorter than when walking so the bag doesn’t slide to the side while riding.

Does a twenty litre bag fit as cabin luggage?

A bag of fifteen to twenty-five litres generally fits within the cabin luggage dimensions set by airlines. However, check the specific measurements imposed by your carrier, as a rolled-out rolltop may exceed the allowed height.

What capacity of backpack should I plan for university?

About twenty litres is enough for a laptop, two notebooks, a pencil case, and a water bottle. A rolltop offers ample space on library days and can be tightened to stay compact in a lecture hall.