What are Canvas Backpacks? An Informative Blog

What is a Canvas Backpack?

A canvas backpack is a very popular backpack that lasts a long time. A canvas backpack offers different designs that allow people to choose high quality products that are fashionable and perfect for any opportunity.

Canvas backpacks, they are known for being very durable, they are made from high quality, 100% waxed canvas materials. A canvas backpacks can come in many different designs and are available in regular, small, extra large models.

Canvas rucksacks usually come with regular cloth straps or full grain leather straps. Leather straps are more stylish, as they give that extra classy look for the canvas rucksack you are wearing making them look and feel great. Full grain leather straps offer a more authentic and natural look and feel and they also last a long time.

They also come in earthy toned colors and styles. Its easy to dye a canvas backpack so in case you wish to change the color of your canvas backpack at any point, you'll be able to dye it into your new favorite color. The canvas backpack offers many different great benefits like comfort, versatility, durability, and its easy to look stylish wearing it!

Are Canvas Backpacks Durable?

The typical canvas backpack is durable and made to last a lifetime. Most canvas backpacks are made from a high endurance fabric known as waxed canvas. The canvas is a waxed, a densely woven fabric that is water-resistant and durable. The original purpose of waxed canvas was to protect cargo from the weather.

Today, the material is just as useful for carrying your books and folders to work or school. Every gentleman needs a durable, yet a classy backpack for their travel needs. A Canvas backpack is the perfect choice for any man.

The fabric is not only durable but also comfortable and stylish. It is also water resistant, so you never have to worry about the rain ruining your belongings. Canvas backpacks are perfect for men. Our waxed canvas backpacks have a pair of full grain leather straps making them extra durable, so you never have to worry about the straps breaking.

The canvas is water resistant, which is perfect if you need to take your backpack on a rainy day. The waxed canvas material is not only durable, but also stylish, waterproof, resistant to wear, and makes most canvas backpacks smell proof. Made through a eco-friendly procedure waxed canvas rucksacks are durable and have a lifespan of twenty years or more, depending on the model and the use of the backpack itself. In the olden times canvas backpacks were made in poor quality as the fabric was cheaper to make than say a genuine leather backpack, however, as the fabric evolved, nowadays canvas backpacks are as durable and if not even more durable than genuine leather backpacks and vegan leather backpacks. In the past, rucksacks were made from canvas, cloth or wool materials.

Backpacks dating from the 1940s-1980s were usually not sturdy enough to be used as canvas backpacks for school, as they didn't retain shaped that well, unlike the modern waxed canvas backpacks from Gentcreate which ensure sturdiness, allowing you to bring and carry valuables or your books to/from work or study.

So yes, canvas backpacks are durable. A gentleman simply must have a waxed canvas backpack in his arsenal of stylish in the modern day and age also, these types backpacks are great to be used for travel if needed without compromising on the stylish and comfortable qualities.

What is Waxed Canvas and which are its benefits?

Waxed cotton is cotton impregnated with a paraffin or natural beeswax based wax, woven into or applied to the cloth.

The main drawbacks are two: waxed fabric is not very breathable and tends to be heavier and bulkier than modern synthetic waterproof materials. Waxed cotton is a type of fabric that is made of cotton and wax, such as beeswax. It can be woven into or applied to any kind of cloth. Waxed canvas backpacks are durable, but they are not very breathable as these rucksacks have a waxed coating they are usually waterproof or water resistant at best.

Waxed canvas backpacks are usually heavier than a usual canvas backpack which wasn't coated with wax. The waxing of the canvas backpack also prevents the ability of the backpack to be dyed into another color if you decide to change the color of the backpack, you would need to buy a new canvas backpack.

Is Canvas a Good material for Backpacks?

DEFINITELY! Waxed canvas was first introduced in the early 15th century when sailors started coating their sails with grease in order to make the canvas fabric from which sails are made more efficient by making them waterproof and slick.

Ever since its discovery, waxed canvas saw its popularity rise due to its relatively cheap production cost and amazing utilitarian capabilities, allowing you to have an amazing backpack at a fraction of the cost of what a genuine leather rucksack might cost.

Waxed canvas was originally used in backpacks to help them withstand the elements, to prevent common issues like the rain having affect on your modern devices such as phones, laptops and power banks.

Along with being waterproof waxed canvas has a slick surface allowing it to deter most dirt and allowing you to clean your waxed canvas backpack more efficiently as a simple warm cloth and some soap will allow it to spark in a few cleaning strokes, check our list of the most ultimate canvas backpacks to check which one is good for you!

How to paint a canvas backpack and how to wax it?

First prepare the backpack for painting by cleaning it thoroughly with a warm cloth and soap.

Begin to scrub any impurities by stroking the backpacks surface with the clean cloth in circular motions.

Proceed to dampen the backpack with soap or fabric softener, scrub again, then let the backpack dry on a heater or somewhere warm without any dirt or impurities lying around.

Pick your favorite acrylic colors, take a brush and start painting the backpack in a pattern or with an image you would like to have on the backpack.

If you would instead like to change the color of the entire backpack, you can proceed to add a mixture of water, corn starch, salt and acrylic paint, then put the backpack inside and let it stay for at least 24 hours.

Proceed to check up on the painted backpack within 24 hours and squish the backpack around so that the paint gets into all surfaces.

A canvas backpack can be created by using waxed canvas, dye, and paint. The first step is to create the design on the canvas. Waxed canvas is durable and can be machine or hand-washed. Next, paint or dye the canvas with the desired color.

After you are done painting the canvas backpack. Waxed canvas backpack can be inserted into a washing machine only up to 40 degrees, as higher temperatures will having it lose some of the color saturation.

Finally, to complete the process, wax the canvas backpack with a sealant such as beeswax to protect the color and the fabric, and at the same time making it waterproof.

Waxed Canvas Retro Duffel Bag for Men Gentcreate

How to waterproof a canvas backpack?

To protect your backpack from the rain or any dampness, it is best to use a waterproof coating that will not allow water to penetrate the fabric. Here are the steps to waterproof a canvas backpack.

1. Prepare the backpack by washing it in warm water with a mild soap to remove any dirt or stains.

2. Next, dry the backpack using a towel or air dry it.

3. Apply a water-resistant spray to the fabric or apply wax to the canvas materials.

4. Allow the spray to dry or the wax to dry.

5. Repeat the process if needed for extra waterproofing.

Are canvas backpacks good for school?

Definitely, canvas backpacks, more specifically waxed canvas backpacks are perfect to be used as a laptop rucksack or a book backpack for either men or women.

The waxed canvas backpack is perfect for men or women, in the sense that men have a tendency to have a larger laptop rucksack, which can easily fit a laptop, lunch, and a few textbooks in the bag. Women are more likely to have a smaller laptop rucksack, which can be used to carry a laptop, textbooks, and a few personal items.

The durability of the waxed canvas backpack will come into play as a laptop rucksack will have to withstand the weight of a laptop, which can be up to seven pounds in weight.

The sturdy, waxed canvas material also offers the all-weather protection to help prevent water, dirt, and even oil from seeping in. It is also important to keep in mind that the waxed canvas backpack is waterproof, which is perfect for the rainy weather. Other backpacks are made of nylon which is not waterproof.

Small Canvas Backpacks or Large Canvas Backpacks?

When you are looking to buy a canvas backpack, its important to find the style of the rucksack which you are trying to choose and how it would fit your current wardrobe. Does the color of the backpack compliment your jacket, shoes, shirt or does it contrast the colors of your current wardrobe.

However one of the major selling points of a canvas backpack is the size of the package, and how you rock it. Having a large canvas backpack makes it perfect for some and terrible for other things and vice versa for a small canvas backpack.

- Ask yourself, what is your reason to buy a waxed canvas backpack? Will you use your knapsack for travel, work, school or gym? Or do you plan to simply have a backpack to fit in your necessities where ever you are going, for example when you go out to the market, you can stuff some basic stuff inside instead of jamming your pockets full of keys, wallets and nowadays mobile phones tend to be massive.

A small canvas backpack is perfect for someone who is not carrying a lot of stuff and is not wearing a lot of things. A small canvas backpack is perfect for someone who is looking for a light weight, easy to carry and easy to wear backpack. A large canvas backpack is perfect for someone who has a lot of stuff to carry or has a lot of things on their body.

A large canvas backpack is perfect for someone who is looking for a bag that can carry a lot of items and can cover a lot of space on their back.

Top 5 pros and cons of buying a large canvas backpack:

1. You can use it for travel, hiking or you can use it for the gym and never lack any space for gym shoes.

2. You can carry a lot of items including books, water, snacks, camera, wallet, phone, make-up etc.

3. The straps are long enough to carry on your back and you can wear them comfortably for hours on end.

4. A large canvas backpack is easier to find in stores and online.

5. A large canvas backpack is also more durable and you can easily use it for many years to come.

Top 5 pros and cons of buying a small canvas backpack:

1. You can easily squeeze in a lot of smaller items in a small waxed canvas backpack or use it for weekend travel, unlike the large canvas backpack which is fit for longer travel - read our guide on canvas backpacks for travel.

2. It is perfect for someone who is not carrying a lot of stuff and is not wearing a lot of things.

3. The straps are shorter so wearing it feels a bit more snug and doesn't feel like the backpack is wearing you, if the backpack is too large.

4. A small canvas backpack is easier to find in stores and online and is usually cheaper than your average large waxed canvas backpack.

5. A small canvas backpack is also more durable and you can easily use it for many years to come.

Small Canvas Backpacks or Large Canvas Backpacks?

Top 5 Best Canvas Backpacks to Buy for Hiking and School

1. Men's Waterproof Leather Backpack for Hiking

Prepare for your next excursion with this stylish waterproof leather bag, constructed from waxed canvas materials and leather. The Waterproof Leather Backpack is composed of high-quality waterproof and water-resistant materials and has a retro vintage design.

Urban adventurers who prefer street and urban culture will appreciate our waterproof canvas bag. The waterproof leather backpack has a large interior with a compartment for a 15-inch laptop, two inside slit high-quality pockets, a zip pocket, outside pockets, and a pen pocket to keep your belongings organized.

You also won't have to be concerned about the weather outside. Our waterproof leather backpack is created from a combination of high-quality leather and a waterproof and water-resistant waxed canvas material.

The Men's Waterproof Leather Backpack for Hiking

2. The Waterproof Retro Backpack For Hiking & City Life

With the waterproof retro backpack on your back, you'll be able to go on a day hiking trip and then assume your role as a college student, attending courses and keeping your possessions dry in any weather!

This specifically designed waterproof retro backpack allows you to stroll around the streets of gorgeous cities, stow your water bottle in the side pocket, or bring your 15-inch laptop inside the laptop compartment and browse a modern art gallery while on a river cruise.

Our customers rated this waterproof vintage backpack as one of the finest backpacks for hiking, college, and school backpacks.

3. The Vintage Canvas Backpack "OG" Small Canvas Backpack

The Vintage Canvas Backpack "OG" is a great choice for a hiking backpack. It has a zippered pocket on the front and a large zippered pocket on the back. The OG is a vintage canvas backpack that is made by hand.

Our waxed canvas hiking backpack is handmade from cotton canvas and features a two-way zip that opens from the top or from the side. This small canvas backpack has certain distinct features like a double front pocket and a vintage canvas backpack look worth wearing at any time.

Unlike most models, this rucksack is considered as a small canvas backpack liter-wise, as it can hold 16 liters, and that being said, its best used for short trips where you get to store your laptop, water bottle, some food and smaller gadgets.

4. Retro Backpack "Esme" Waxed Canvas & Leather Backpack

The Retro Backpack "Esme" is a product specifically made for hiking and urban city life at the same time. Our "Esme" Retro Backpack is handcrafted from water-resistant and waterproof cotton canvas.

As a result, you won't have to be concerned about the weather. Take the canvas leather bag to university, college, or camping with your kids; it's also functional and adaptable. One thing is for sure: it will not let you down!

The Retro Backpack "Esme" water-resistant shell and well-padded interior will keep your possessions dry even in the midst of a downpour. The ability of waxed fabric to repel water is significant and also helps in preventing odors generated by dampness in the bag.

This waxed canvas backpack can be a perfect choice for a person who is always on the go and needs to carry most of their items with them within this medium canvas backpack.

5. Roll Top Retro Vintage Canvas Backpack "Deliciae"

Our retro vintage canvas backpack "Deliciae" is inspired by the 1950s and 1960s backpack styles that left quite an impression on modern fashion. Our vintage backpack mens collection offers a wide variety of vintage backpacks for sale, created from the highest quality canvas fabric, and top quality canvas shoulder straps which are both durable and tear-proof.

This 1950s and 1960s inspired vintage style backpack is the perfect backpack for women as well, it's built for men originally, however, our customers at Gentcreate are women in a large number, who really love our rugged vintage canvas rucksack backpack styles.

Leather straps provide the rugged practicality of nature to your everyday look. As far as canvas hiking backpacks go, this large canvas backpack this 32 liter rucksack does the job.

Hiking requires you to not only bring functionality with your backpack, you also need to have enough room inside the backpack to be able to store necessities like water bottles, hiking shoes, a jacket if it gets cold and a lunch inside the lunch compartment. You can't go wrong with choosing to buy the roll top canvas backpack "Deliciae"