When it comes to outdoor gear, nothing beats the enduring beauty and functionality of a good waxed canvas bag. This durable and waterproof material shrugs off rain, snow, sand and dirt, letting your gear stay dry and comfortable for years to come. It also ages better than most fabric bags, developing a deep patina and beautiful colors that tell the story of your adventures. Of course, like any outdoor gear, waxed canvas bags require care to keep them looking their best and performing at their best.
The key to keeping your waxed canvas bag looking fresh is regular reproofing, which should be done once or twice a year. This is a simple process of applying a reproofing product to the surface of your bag, which then needs to be dried and hardened using a blow dryer or hot iron. There are a variety of different products on the market, including reproofing sprays and solid waxed bars. Always check with the manufacturer’s recommendations before you choose a reproofing method.
Depending on how often and where your bag is used, you may need to reproof it more frequently. If you are using it for a hiking trip in the rainy season, for instance, you might want to reproof it more frequently than if you were only carrying it to run errands in your home city.
With proper care, a waxed canvas bag should last for 10 to 20 years or more, depending on how much it is used and where it is stored when not in use. The best way to protect your investment and ensure that the wax is still in place is to reproof it with neatsfoot oil or beeswax once or twice a year.
If you don’t want to invest in a full-size waxed canvas backpack, check out this small duffel from Go Forth Goods. It’s a compact option with the same great looks and weather-resistant materials, featuring an 18-ounce Martexin waxed canvas in field tan, mod-green or navy and veg-tanned leather straps.
Nobody covets a 10-year-old Goretex backpack, but the same could be said for a well-worn waxed canvas bag. The lines, creases and wear will tell the tale of your adventure, while the colors will reflect your own history in a beautiful way. And of course, this type of durability has the added benefit of being vegan and biodegradable.
Whether you are looking for a weekender bag or something to carry around town, these rugged bags will help you get the most out of your outdoor adventures. And of course, you can even use them for a day at the office, as long as you have a padded laptop sleeve in there to protect it from bumps and bruises. This rugged bag is a fantastic choice for hikers and campers, with a massive storage capacity, water-resistant zippers and an exterior pocket that can fit up to a 32oz Nalgene water bottle. The bag’s interior is lined with a 500-denier CORDURA material and features military grade hardware for strength and durability.
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