8 Best Waxed Canvas Backpacks in 2024 | Best Value, Coolest, Most Technical, Coolest, and More!

When I discovered waxed canvas backpacks, I knew there was no turning back.

Finally, I found a durable, timeless, and classically stylish bag. Did I mention durable? This fabric makes for bags that will probably outlast me (most have lifetime warrantites) and, unlike me, look better with each passing year. I’ve spent many, many hours and days researching and testing waxed canvas bags so that I could bring you the best, most accurate, and most unbiased list of the best waxed canvas backpacks. Whether you’re a diehard vintage guy, don’t love nylon, or you like the fabric and want to see it on modern, ergonomic bags, you’ll find what you’re after on this list.

But let’s start with why I love waxed canvas.

The Benefits of Waxed Canvas

Waxed canvas is an early waterproofing technology. In the days before nylon and GoreTex, people often used wax to stay dry.

Wax, in fact, got its start as a waterproofer on shipping vessels: sailors realize their sails caught more wind when they were wet, so to mimic the effect and make the material less porous, they started waxing them — and noticed that water beaded right off of their sails once they had.

This tech made its way from sails to coats, tents, and bags, and even with hundreds of years of fabric technology innovation since waxed canvas has maintained popularity. 

Sure, it’s not as lightweight or waterproof as GoreTex, but it has endured for a range of reasons.

1. It’s Water Resistant

Canvas is a densely woven cotton that tends to be so thick that it’s fairly water resistant on its own, but adding the wax makes it less permeable and makes rain roll right off of it.

2. It’s Tough as Nails

Canvas is extraordinarily resistant to tearing and abrasion. A nail once sliced open a leather jacket of mine and it was never the same, but this won’t happen to canvas — there’s a case that canvas jackets and bags are a better pick for durability than leather!

3. It’s Cool as Hell

Nobody covets 10-year-old Goretex, but canvas looks better as it ages, telling tales of its adventures and reflecting your own history in its appearance. Add wax and it ages even better: it provides a glorious depth of color and a range of hues that make the bag stand out as a well-loved character that’s only getting wiser with age.

4. It’s Eco-Friendly

This fabric is plant-based (not petroleum-based like nylon and polyester), biodegradable, wears well, and lasts forever. This is no fast fashion; canvas is the opposite of disposable and has a far lower carbon footprint than synthetic stuff.

Your average pair of jeans is about 11 or 12 ounces per square yard, but the cotton used for bags is usually much heavier — I’ve reviewed some that are over 20 ounces. Canvas is heavier than modern waterproof materials, yes, but if you think the pros outweigh the cons — and they do, damn it! — then read on to find the heirloom bag that will be with you into old age.

[Further reading: The 10 Best Leather Briefcases for Men]

1. The Best Waxed Canvas Backpack: Filson Journeyman

• 18-liter capacity
• 14 oz waxed canvas
• Large, padded laptop sleeve
• Moleskin lined straps
• $395

Filson simply makes the coolest bags in the game, and the Journeyman is the best waxed canvas backpack I own. In fact, it’s my best bag, period: I do own their nylon backpack, but I use the Journeyman every chance I get.

As I must note whenever I discuss this bag, CIA agent Jack Ryan (John Krasinski) himself carries it in his Amazon incarnation. This bag works in the stuffy halls of the CIA and the treacherous Venezuelan jungle because of its extraordinary versatility: it’s straightforward and not covered in buckles and water bottle holders like many waxed bags.

The Journeyman is simple but also functional: padded laptop sleeve and zippered compartment on the inside, a collapsable bellows pocket on the front with slots for your wallet and pens, and that’s just about it. It’s all the pockets you need with none that you don’t, and combined with the bulletproof craftsmanship and a lifetime guarantee to fix any holes or broken buttons that may take place, you’ve got a stupendous bag that fits into just about any environment. 

Who should buy Filson’s Journeyman

• Men who shy away from the ultra rugged, overbuilt designs 
• Those who value simplicity and versatility; this is a mature bag that works in the office and with casual wear
• Guys who like a lifetime warranty; my carry strap broke and they fixed it for free, no questions asked

Who shouldn’t buy Filson’s Journeyman

• Guys who think $395 is too expensive. Filson is overpriced, but I still love having this bag in my life.
• Men who need a lot of compartments; you get one internal zippered compartment and a laptop sleeve
• Anyone who needs a sternum strap or micro-adjustable shoulder straps; these straps are adjustable, but only along belt holes, so options are limited
• Anyone who wants heritage products made in America, this is made in Asia, albeit with the same British canvas

2. Coolest Waxed Canvas Backpack: Bradley Mountain Wilder

• 28-liter capacity (3.5-liter front pocket)
• 20 oz waxed canvas
• Unpadded laptop sleeve on interior
• Exterior water bottle holder
• Belt cinches can strap items to the exterior
• $479

While plenty of guys value versatility as much as materials if you’re someone Googling for best waxed canvas backpacks, there’s a good chance that what you’re after is exactly this: Bradley Mountain has twenty-ounce waxed canvas, bristling with vegetable-tanned leather accents and looking completely ready for a hike through the Yukon in 1850.

This is so made in America that even the canvas comes from New Jersey (Filson’s is from Britain). Bradley Mountain is also great for guys who prefer to support small businesses: about half a dozen guys work out of their San Diego facility, meaning that while it’s fifty bucks more expensive than the Journeyman it carries more, the canvas is thicker, and your dollar goes further with the small team. It’s true that it’s hard to pull off such an ostentatious bag with suits or shorts, but with jeans and boots, it looks divine.

Note that if this is a bit much for you, Bradley Mountain has a couple of smaller bags — the Muir and the Biographer — that might better fit your needs. But for a weekend trip, I always break out my Wilder.

Who should buy Bradley Mountain’s Wilder?

• Guys that want the toughest, thickest canvas around
• Fans of really vintage inspired design
• Guys looking for a large waxed backpack that can handle a weekend trip
• Anyone who wants to support a small company that makes everything in the US

Who shouldn’t buy Bradley Mountain’s Wilder?

• Guys who don’t need such a large backpack; 28 liters might be a bit much for everyday carry. But it’s great for a trip, and again Bradley Mountain has some smaller bags.
• Guys who prioritize modern features like micro-adjustable shoulder straps, sternum straps, or padded laptop sleeves
• Men who need to be able to open and close their bag quickly; the stud closure system isn’t as quick as a zipper
• Guys who want a versatile bag; this is hard to wear with shorts or a suit

3. Best Value Waxed Canvas Backpack: Frost River North Bay Daypack

• 18 oz waxed canvas
• 17.5-liter capacity
• Exterior slip and exterior gusseted pocket, both with zips 
• Interior sleeve (optional padding) with three slip pockets
• Uses leather from Red Wing’s tannery 
• $180

It is very hard to get an American-made waxed canvas backpack for under 300 bucks, but the best that I found at this price point is from the Minnesota brand Frost River, which is actually a bag used by Indiana Jones in his last movie.

This brand makes a massive range of waxed canvas bags and backpacks, and they can even personalize yours by stitching your state onto it. The canvas is a hearty 18 ounces per square yard and uses leather from Red Wing‘s own leather tannery, SB Foot Tanning Co.

Most of their stuff is very outdoorsy, suited (and designed) for canoeing, trekking, and the like. Of all their backpacks, I’d consider the North Bay Daypack as the most city friendly and ideal for everyday carry.

Who should buy Frost River’s North Bay Daypack?

• Value-minded guys; you can’t find cheaper waxed backpacks
• Those who prefer American made goods
• Folks after unusually thick canvas

Who shouldn’t buy Frost River’s North Bay Daypack?

• You need to a laptop bag larger than 12”
• People who like choosing from fun colors; there’s just drab tan and black available for this bag.

4. Best Roll Top Waxed Canvas Backpack: Pack Animal’s Rally Pack

• Innovative, modern design 
• 18 oz waxed twill
• Easy access zippers 
• Sternum strap
• Waterproof lining
• Can be mounted on a motorcycle or rolling luggage
• 25-liter capacity
• Made in China
• $297

Pack Animal’s Rally Pack is a very funky pack that I really enjoy.

It stands out in the market for its innovative design that melds tradition with, well, I want to say post post-modern. It’s almost like a futuristic old-fashioned bag, with bright colors, eye-catching leather, sternum strap, and micro-adjustable shoulder straps for extra ergonomics, external belts for strapping your jacket or an umbrella to the outside, a zippered front compartment, and another zipper that gives you easy access to the interior when you don’t want to go through the rigamarole of opening the roll top.

Some prefer standard zips over roll tops, but a zippered side-entry fixes the roll top’s access-on-the-go problem while also making for a very water-resistant bag. In fact, it’s not just the wax and the thickness of the twill that keeps this bag waterproof: it also has a bright red ripstop lining to keep your valuables safe and dry.

The main downside, besides the fact that some guys don’t like the fact that it’s made in China, is that it might be a bit too rugged and casual for some offices, and it’s pretty large for everyday carry at 25 liters. People tend to love it or hate it, but from the moment I saw it I couldn’t stop thinking about it. The Rally Pack is an earworm of a backpack, and I mean that in the best way possible. 

Who should buy Pack Animal’s Rally Pack 

• Anyone who wants a combo of vintage materials and modern functionality
• Guys who want a sternum strap and micro-adjustable shoulder straps to distribute the load best
• Men who like the extra water-resistance of a roll-top closure and nylon lining
• People who want to attach their bag to rolling luggage

Who shouldn’t buy Pack Animal’s Rally Pack 

• Anyone who doesn’t like roll tops
• Guys who buy American-made 
• Folks who like more subtle, minimalist designs
• People who need something versatile that can fit in at the office

5. Best Waxed Tote Bag: Billykirk’s No. 297 Standard Issue Backpack Tote

• 10.10 oz waxed canvas
• 12.6-liter capacity
• Tote style backpack
• Water resistant nylon lining
• Available in 4 colors
• Four interior organizational pockets and a laptop sleeve
• $275

Billykirk gets the heritage crowd. Their motto is “the proof is in the patina,” and they take extra care to make high-quality goods in the US, finished in New Jersey. The No. 609 Backpack Tote by Billykirk bridges the gap between a tote and a backpack, allowing users to switch to hands-free mode easily. As someone who rides the subway in New York and travels a lot, this is super functional.

It’s rugged, and I think it’s more professional-looking than the other bags on this list; it’s not suitable for a conservative office, but it does not look like you just returned from the wilderness like the Buffalo Jackson bag (next up on the list).

With a volume of 12.6 liters and weighing just 1.8 lbs, it’s an ideal choice for carrying smaller loads in the city or small town. Billykirk’s Backpack Tote is equipped with a spacious 15″ laptop compartment, water-resistant nylon lining, and enough pockets for organizing your everyday carry items like phones, pens, and notebooks. Its slim design ensures a smooth transition from professional to casual settings, making it a versatile accessory for any occasion.

Who Should Buy Billy Kirk’s Backpack Tote

• Guys looking for a mix of professional and rugged for daily commuting
• Perfect for those who prefer to travel light and require a bag that can adapt to different situations.
• Folks who don’t want to choose between a backpack and a tote
• Lovers of American-made goods

Who Shouldn’t Buy Billy Kirk’s Backpack Tote

• Not suitable for those who need to carry heavy or bulky items regularly.
• Might not be the best fit for outdoor enthusiasts who require more robust and specialized gear.

6. Best Vintage: Buffalo Jackson’s Waxed Canvas Commuter Backpack 

• 15-liter capacity
• 15 oz waxed canvas
• Exterior quick-access opening
• Padded shoulder straps and laptop sleeve
• 3 interior pockets (one zippered)
• Made in Mexico
• $330

With a pronounced outdoorsy yet vintage look, the mesh water bottle holders might not be everyone’s cup of tea but this bag can be a nice way to signal to other commuters that you’re ready for a hike at a moment’s notice. 

Besides the water bottle holders — which have nice leather pull tabs to tighten — there are a lot of great things about this 15-liter bag: the distressed veg-tanned leather, 15-ounce wax coated canvas, cool vintage backpack carry straps, and the exterior quick access opening (so you don’t have to fumble with buckles). 

The Dakota happily carries a laptop and whatever you can stuff into its three interior pockets, and the fact it’s made in Mexico keeps it cheaper than Filson.

Who Should Buy Buffalo Jackson’s Dakota Backpack

• Those who like outdoorsy looking backpacks 
• People who carry heavy loads; the bag’s tough and the shoulder straps padded 
• With its array of pockets and compartments, it’s ideal for those who value keeping their belongings neatly organized.
• People who use iPads; there’s a padded sleeve for one in addition to the laptop sleeve

Who Shouldn’t Buy Buffalo Jackson’s Dakota Backpack

• Guys who don’t like looking like they’re off for a hike
• People who prefer American-made

7. Best Minimalist Waxed Canvas Backpack: Nutsac’s RuckSac

• 20-liter capacity
• Leather enforced bottom
• Side zipper access
• Available in 3 colors
• Made in USA
• $379

One of the better known waxed bag companies, Nutsac has exploded in popularity with its simple designs and dopey brand name. Schoolyard humor aside, this is an American made bag that deserves recognition.

I’m a big fan of easy-to-open stud closure on bags, as they give you a rugged look without the need to fumble with buckles. Simple to the nth degree, the design includes collapsible side pockets, an internal laptop sleeve with side zipper access, padded straps and back for comfort, and a leather bottom for durability.

As a digital brand with the consumer in mind, the RuckSac comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, which is followed up with a lifetime guarantee after that, a rare plus that may justify the price. So long as you’re fine with the word “NutSac” stitched to the front of your pack.

Who Should Buy NutSac’s RuckSac

• Those who appreciate straightforward, no-fuss designs in their gear.
• Individuals who prioritize purchasing products made in the USA.
• With its 20-liter capacity and laptop sleeve, it’s well-suited for daily commutes and students.

Who Shouldn’t Buy NutSac’s RuckSac

• Guys who don’t want the word ‘NutSac’ stitched on their bag (though you can pick out the patch)
• People who prefer high-tech designs might not find this bag appealing.

8. Most Modern: Trakke Bannoch Waxed Canvas Backpack

• 17-liter capacity fits a 15-inch MacBook Pro
• Dry-finished wax
• Micro-adjustable and ventilated shoulder straps and back panel
• $339.00 for G-hooks and $389.00 for COBRA buckles.

Straight out of Scotland, The Bannoch Backpack by Trakke is built for the rugged highlands; the Bannoch stands out for its contemporary features and stylish design. It boasts a sleek, minimal design with colors like Olive, Black, and Whisky. They use very cool materials and hand-make these bags in Glasgow.

One example of cool material is the dry-finish waxed canvas; it has a less oily or sticky feel than traditional waxed canvas. For storage, it has multiple pockets, including exterior water bottle pockets, an A4 document sleeve, double bellows pockets, an interior zip pocket, and a laptop sleeve for a 15” MacBook Pro.

Why does it have two prices? You can upgrade the buckles to COBRA quick-release buckles for 50 bucks. These buckles work kind of like your seat belt for easy detachment; you squeeze the sides of the buckles, and they open. It makes it easier to get inside the bag. The less expensive G-hooks for the lid are a bit more finicky; you’ll need a bit more dexterity to open them, especially if you’re wearing gloves or it’s cold. My favorite features are the micro adjustable and ventilated shoulder straps and vented back panel, which improve breathability throughout the day — perhaps the biggest downside of bags made with more traditional and dense materials. It’s not surprising this bag was voted “the Best for Work” bag by Carryology.

Who Should Buy the Bannoch Backpack

• Perfect for individuals who need a stylish yet functional backpack for work.
• Functional backpack for day hikes and hill walking, but sleek and simple enough for a casual office.
• Anyone who likes more modern aesthetics than is common in vintage style canvas packs

Who Shouldn’t Buy the Bannoch Backpack

• Those who require a backpack big enough for weekend trips 
• Guys who prefer a vintage, old timey look

Wrapping Up: The Best Waxed Canvas Backpacks

Gone are the days when waxed canvas was only found on hulking rucksacks designed to hold canoe oars. In the 21st century, this unbeatable fabric graces countless brands with bags that range from heritage to bike commuter, vintage to ergonomic, and drab tan to bright blue. It’s true that most of these designs lean vintage, but wherever you fall in your apparel sensibilities, we’re confident you’ll find something you love here — and it’ll be with you for decades to come.