For work, for leisure, for workouts. Why SANDQVIST's totes and backpacks are so useful.

SANDQVIST, a brand that values durability

Based in Stockholm, Sweden, SANDQVIST is a brand specializing in bags, founded in 2004. They excel at creating bags that combine style and functionality, designed to be loved for everyday use over the long term.

SANDQVIST's designers say they are influenced by Sweden's great outdoors, and that this inspires them to seek out bags they themselves want to use—bags that are practical for everyday life alongside nature.

"Our ambition is to make long-lasting and sustainable products.”

— Our ambition is to make long-lasting and sustainable products.

As this statement suggests, the brand has a strong environmental awareness when it comes to bag-making. Beyond rigorous selection of materials, they also ensure transparency and disclosure throughout the production process, and audit the working conditions of the people who make their products.

Each year, they publish a Sustainability Report on their website, disclosing the brand's initiatives, the materials used, and their direction for the year ahead—a thoroughness that speaks to their commitment.

This time, we're introducing three of SANDQVIST's bags: two totes and a backpack. We took a close look at what makes them so easy to use—the brand's interesting choices in materials and colors, as well as the original functionality designed with specific use cases in mind.

From Work to Work out: the "HELLEN" tote bag and "THEA" tote bag

Tote Bag HELLEN

Tote Bag THEA

The concept here is "From Work to Work out"—in other words, a bag for both work and working out.

There's HELLEN, a larger tote bag reminiscent of a Boston bag, and THEA, a slightly smaller version. Both use the same material: a thin, lightweight recycled nylon twill fabric. It has a slightly rustling texture and a refined sheen, giving it an elegant impression that suits it well as a bag for work—and, true to its concept, as a bag you can take straight to the gym after work.

Both HELLEN and THEA feature a pocket on the front of the bag where you can slip in a rolled-up yoga mat. This means you don't have to carry your yoga mat separately when heading to yoga class—very convenient. This pocket also comes in handy for holding a magazine you're reading on the go, or as a temporary spot to stash a jacket or cardigan you've taken off.

Tote Bag HELLEN. Slip a yoga mat into the sleeve pocket on your way to the gym.

There's one more feature that supports your gym routine: an included drawstring dry bag. Use it to store your training sneakers, or to hold sweaty clothes and a towel after your workout—keeping the inside of your main bag dry as you head home.

So, how much can it actually hold?

Tote Bag HELLEN: approx. 28L

Tote Bag THEA: approx. 24L

We packed the Tote Bag THEA with items to see just how much it could hold.

We chose items based on a scenario of going to work and then stopping by the gym on the way home.

Items packed: a laptop (13-inch), an A4 document case, a pen case, a notebook, a long wallet, a business card holder, headphones, workout clothing (top and bottom), a face towel, and sneakers

Material: recycled nylon twill fabric, leather

Specifications

　Exterior: 2 open pockets, 1 sleeve pocket for a yoga mat

　Interior: 1 padded 13-inch laptop pocket, 1 zippered hanging pocket, 2 pockets for small items

Undoing the belts on either side widens the gusset at the top of the bag, so it can hold more than you'd expect. Since the bag's own material is thin and light, it doesn't feel much heavier even when packed full—a real plus. And though the fabric is thin, it's doubled up, so there's a reassuring sense of sturdiness.

It's a size that works well for a one-night trip (or even two nights if you're a light packer).

The brand's icon, the classically designed "Backpack STIG"

Capacity: 14L

Material: 65% organic cotton, 35% recycled polyester, leather

Specifications: 1 padded 13-inch laptop pocket, 1 zippered hanging pocket, 1 deep open pocket

Made from a heavyweight 18-ounce organic cotton canvas, this backpack takes on a more mature, refined look thanks to the leather strap hanging from the flap as an accent, toning down the casual feel.

With its clean, straight cylindrical shape, this bag can hold a surprising amount of luggage.

With this type of tall backpack that only opens from the top (and not from the side), packing items in vertically helps keep everything in place. Since this particular STIG model uses a thick, firm canvas fabric, the bag itself doesn't sag or lose its shape, which means the contents are less likely to become a jumbled mess inside.

So how much can it actually hold?

Let's put this one to the test as well.

Items packed: a laptop (13 inch), glasses, a pencil case, a T-shirt, a lightweight hoodie, sneakers, and a large pouch

A bucket-shaped bag that holds plenty and shows it off: the "GITA Backpack"

Capacity: 19L

Material: 100% organic cotton, leather

Features: 1 pocket for a 13-inch laptop (no cushioning), 1 zippered pocket, 2 small-item pockets

This bucket-shaped bag is perfect for anyone who likes to toss their belongings in without much fuss. The opening has no flap and instead cinches shut with a drawstring, making it a great choice for those who find flaps bothersome to open. The lower part of the bag is made of sturdy leather, so you can enjoy the character of both canvas and leather in a single bag.

Its half-circle shape with generous gussets also makes it reassuring to carry a bento box inside.

So how much can it actually hold?

We packed it as if preparing for a one-night, two-day trip.

Items packed: a change of clothes for one night, toiletries, a small pouch, a sub bag, headphones, sunglasses, and an A4-size document case

Even though the drawstring closure cinches the top of the bag, we didn't feel any shortage of capacity at all.

Unlike the STIG backpack, this GITA model has leather in both the drawstring cord and the gathered section it cinches around, so it may feel a bit stiff at first. Over time, though, it will soften and become easier to handle—enjoy watching it change and develop over time.

Caring for and Handling Your Bag

【Leather】

・If the leather gets wet, wipe it off immediately and let it air-dry naturally. (Avoid using a hair dryer, as this can cause the leather to dry out excessively.)

・Moisturize the leather regularly with a leather cream. This not only removes dirt and keeps the leather hydrated, but also helps it become softer and easier to handle over time.

【Cotton Canvas】

・With use, canvas fabric will gradually change color due to friction and exposure to UV light. Much like breaking in a pair of jeans, enjoy watching your canvas bag age and develop character over time.

・If the bag becomes dirty, gently clean it with a damp sponge and mild soap (do not use bleach). Please be careful, as scrubbing too hard may leave stains.

・We recommend applying a fabric water-repellent spray beforehand, as this helps protect against both water and stains.