Top 10 Brands Nailing Waxed Canvas

Having to endure covetous glances round every turn and bend. Thwarting twitching fingers that try to sneak a loving caress at every opportunity (and that’s just your own, never mind onlookers’). Waxed canvas bags are a sort of pleasurable torment. You can fritter away hours simply looking at and touching them. But that’s what makes them so great. You want to use them. An almost fiendish desire takes hold of you in the quest to chart a unique road map of your journeys through the distinct patina of the waxed canvas. Well, perhaps that’s just us…but there’s no denying that waxed canvas is an awesome bag material. But for true carry magic you need to combine this beautiful fabric with the skill and knowledge to maximize its potential.

In recognition of their sterling efforts, we’re shining the spotlight on the top 10 brands nailing waxed canvas in carry. The most renowned waxed canvas hails from the UK, which is why there are quite a few British brands on the list…

–

Trakke

Winner of several Carryology awards, Scotland based Trakke are proof that the right approach, the right materials, and the right team, result in world-class carry. Waxed canvas is used across the whole line, covering backpacks, messengers, totes, and cross-body bags. Sourcing materials directly from their Scottish supplier, the weatherproof bags are a fitting way to cope with the conditions they’re accustomed to around their Glasgow workshop. The highly awarded Wee Lug Mk II is a versatile messenger for work and play, the Fingal Daypack, and the alpine inspired Assynt range, are ideal as an EDC that’s just waiting for a chance to hoof it over the hills. Particular mention to the “Salt & Pepper” Bannoch backpack, created from a WWII inspired nettle/cotton fabric blend, and perfect as an urban pack.

Bedouin Foundry

Bedouin Foundry nail that careful balance of practical design and casual-chic aesthetics. Their bags are meticulously handcrafted with fabric sourced from waxed cotton heavyweights British Millerain and Halley Stevensons (both with well over 100 years of history behind them). These bags are built to last – yeah, we know, every brand says this. But Bedouin stands by their claim to the extent that they offer a lifetime guarantee on materials and workmanship (based on normal wear and tear, not a one-to-one with a bear – frankly, not much will survive that). With sleek styles like the Delireis roll-top backpack and Barbary messenger on offer, these are bags you’ll enjoying looking at just as much as using them.

Teranishi

Not a lot of brands can zone into carry Zen the way Teranishi does. How do they do it? By utilizing the ethos of wabi-sabi to create bags that are clean, functional and beautiful. We particularly dig the Teranishi Venture with its simple elegance but Teranishi has a range of other handsome waxed canvas bags, all carefully crafted by hand with top-notch materials. If cool, calm and collected could be expressed in bag form – well hey, Teranishi just did it.

Tanner Goods

Tanner Goods doesn’t know how to make a bad-looking bag. Seriously, just look at them (but not too long; beware the time frittering…). Combine this with rugged durability, solid craftsmanship and premium materials and you’ve got a bag for life that will draw appreciative glances wherever you roam. The Tanner Goods waxed canvas range covers a host of carry scenarios with styles including backpacks, totes, duffels, bike bags, boot bags and dopp kits. From the Wilderness Rucksack to the Everyday Tote, these attractive and hard-wearing haulers have travel, outdoor adventuring and day-to-day carry needs well in hand.

Archival

Embracing the less-is-more approach, Archival dumps all the design distractions in favor of sleek minimalism. The streamlined silhouettes of Archival’s bags are complemented by durable construction and functional features, resulting in carry that looks classy in the office or out and about on your day off. Peek the chic with pieces such as the Roll Top Backpack, Roll Top Messenger, Rucksack and Tool Roll.

Filson

A history spanning over a century and a reputation for long-lasting goods has garnered Filson a global fanbase. Is that fame well deserved? Heck yeah! You don’t clock up over a hundred years by messing about. Focusing on what they’re good at (creating functional, enduring and versatile gear), the brand has built up a wide choice of bags that bolster their solid rep. Ready to travel the world, head to the office, protect your camera gear or pick up some supplies at the local market, Filson’s range includes briefcases (such as the 24-Hour Tin Cloth Briefcase), duffels, photography bags, backpacks, luggage and more.

Billykirk

There’s a knack to ageing gracefully, and Billykirk bags have it down pat. Creating items that are made to last and only get better with age is a key factor in Billykirk’s design philosophy – and it shows. Stylishly practical, Billykirk’s waxed canvas bags fuse form and function for everyday and travel use. Cart their No. 166 Large Carryall or No. 233 Duffle Bag on your next weekend getaway and you’ll be carrying plenty of compliments back home.

Ally Capellino

“Let’s bung every bell and whistle we can on our bags.” Those are words that will likely never be uttered in Ally Capellino’s design HQ. Stripped back and refined, the British brand’s range of waxed cotton canvas bags bring class and versatility to your carry, with designs to suit work, leisure and travel. Pieces like the Robin Waxed Canvas Briefcase and the Arron Waxed Canvas Travel Bag keep things chic in the office and suave on trips.

Treesizeverse

Treesizeverse knows how to showcase waxed canvas: the beautiful fabric is front and center in the Belgium-based brand’s range of eye-catching designs. Hear a lot of whispering? It’s not whispering. Those are appreciative sighs (okay, perhaps some jealous whispering) as you turn heads with one of these fine pieces by your side or on your back. But there’s substance to go with the style. Crafted by hand, these are practical bags for daily use that range from totes and briefcases to backpacks and panniers.

Azo Equipment

Fashion-friendly aesthetics meet travel-friendly durability and performance with Azo Equipment’s carry. The British brand crafts bags that are designed for relishing life on the move, whether it’s the daily commute, a fun day trip or a weekend away. The Amhara and Bashilo both feature weatherproof construction and an interior sleeve for a laptop, while the Dessie Pouch includes a waterproof lining and corrals those smaller items that love to taunt you from the dark recesses of your bag.