This Minimalist Bag Collection Proves that EDC Can Also Be Ultra-Luxe

The Carl Friedrik Sonder Collection sees a trio of classic bags transformed with understated styling that lets their refined materials do the talking.

Closeup of Carl Friedrik Sonder Collection backpack

By Sean Tirman

Published April 4, 2025

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The things you wear and carry — whether for everyday use or travel — say a lot about you. That includes the obvious items — like your apparel EDC knife and so on — but it also extends to your bags. They’re not just containers; they’re a part of your kit.

To that end, the new Carl Friedrik EDC and travel bags will likely appeal to those who appreciate refinement and minimalism. The Sonder Collection contains a trio of classic bags with some seriously luxurious, stylish updates.

Carl Friedrik Sonder Collection backpack worn on back — The Ayrton Backpack is probably the most classically EDC-friendly of the collection’s trio.

Basic bags, elevated elements

The Sonder collection encompasses a trio of classic bag styles: a backpack, a weekender duffle and a briefcase. While their silhouettes are fairly traditional, their styling is incredibly minimalist and the materials are ultra-luxe.

All three bags are virtually free of extraneous detailing, save for their small, subtle brand logos. They have no boastful flourishes or unnecessary design elements, allowing their exterior materials to speak for themselves.

[The bags’] beautifully textured material offers depth and beauty without being loud or busy.

Furthermore, the whole trio gets the same external treatment: full-grain, semi-aniline pebbled leather. This beautifully textured material offers depth and beauty without being loud or busy.

The bags are also offered in just three classic colorways: Chestnut (tan), Dark Olive (green) and Black. This allows a measure of personalization but, again, doesn’t venture beyond the tried-and-true classics (nor does it need to).

Carl Friedrik Sonder Collection briefcase next to trophies — The Dunloe is a magnificent alternative to stuffy, boxy, classic briefcases.

Made for the modern commuter

Despite their pared-down exteriors, these bags are all still very thoroughly modern. It’s clear the brand designed them for modern commuters and travelers.

For instance, all three have sleeves that can accommodate laptops, even the weekender duffle. That means, whichever you’re choice, you won’t have to worry about where to put your travel computer.

The bags also have other internal and some external storage options, like magnetic pockets and zippered pouches. The weekender and briefcase have external sleeves, while the backpack has a secondary zippered pouch.

The trio of bags offers a stellar blend of external minimalism and internal modernism, which should keep interested customers satisfied. The craftsmanship and materials are also top-tier.