Waxed Canvas Bag: The Ultimate in Durability and Style
While some materials are just passing trends, waxed canvas has always been a constant. For decades, it has been the go-to textile for rugged, reliable, and stylish bags. Known for its durability and a distinct aesthetic that improves with age, waxed canvas is a material with a rich history.
Superior Durability and Water Resistance
A bag is only as good as the material it's made from, and waxed canvas is built for the long haul. At WaterField, we use a heavy-duty, 15-ounce waxed canvas sourced from a U.S. mill that has been producing these specialized textiles since 1930. The tight, dense weave of the fabric is naturally resistant to everyday wear and tear, making it an ideal choice for a bag you'll carry daily.
Additionally, each bag is treated with Martexin™ Original Wax, which coats the canvas fibers and creates a formidable barrier against moisture. This natural water resistance means your belongings stay protected from light rain and accidental spills. Unlike synthetic waterproof materials that can crack or peel over time, waxed canvas improves with use, developing a unique character while maintaining its protective qualities. It's a testament to functional design that doesn't compromise on durability.
An Aesthetic That Tells a Story
Waxed canvas bags possess a unique aesthetic that melds vintage charm with modern style. The material has a naturally distressed appearance that gives each bag a sense of character right from the start. This isn't the worn-out look of a lesser fabric; it's an intentional, rugged elegance that synthetic materials simply can't replicate.
Over time, your waxed canvas bag develops a unique patina. Every scuff, crease, and fold tells a story of your adventures, making it uniquely yours. This evolving character ensures your bag looks better with age, gaining a rich, weathered look reflecting years of reliable service.
Maintenance That Is Minimal and Easy
Caring for a waxed canvas bag is refreshingly simple. For most daily cleaning, all you need is a damp cloth to wipe away dirt or stains. The Martexin™ wax coating does much of the work for you, preventing dirt from setting deep into the fabric.
When the wax coating eventually rubs off after years of heavy use, you can easily restore it. Refreshing the finish is a straightforward process. By gently applying a product like Martexin Original Wax™ and using a hairdryer on low heat, you can redistribute the wax and restore the bag’s protective layer. This simple maintenance ensures your waxed canvas bag will serve you faithfully for years, even decades, to come.
Discover WaterField's Waxed Canvas Collection
At WaterField Designs, waxed canvas is one of our core building materials and is incorporated into most of our designs.
The Vitesse Cycling Musette
The Vitesse Cycling Musette is the perfect urban transit messenger bag. Its design is elegantly simple, featuring an open interior with two pockets to organize your essentials without unnecessary complexity. It’s the right size for carrying a laptop in a protective sleeve, a tablet, and a few other items, making it ideal for your daily commute or a weekend outing. The full-grain leather handle and signature paragliding-style buckle add modern touches to its vintage aesthetic.
The Vitesse Messenger
For those who need more capacity, the Vitesse Messenger is a classically styled canvas messenger bag designed to last. Its tapered profile and angled strap allow it to sit comfortably on your back, making it a great choice for commutes, trips, and busy workdays. The main compartment has ample space for larger gear, including a dedicated laptop pocket, while waterproof zippered front pockets keep your smaller items secure.
The Vitesse Brief
The Vitesse Brief combines the rugged appeal of waxed canvas with the professional silhouette of a modern canvas brief. Its minimalist design showcases the natural character of the 15-ounce canvas, which is complemented by full-grain leather accents and robust hardware. The main compartment is secured with waterproof zippers to keep your contents dry, and a double-layer of canvas on the bottom fortifies it for a lifetime of use.
A Legacy of Craftsmanship
Choosing a waxed canvas bag is about more than just buying a new accessory. It’s an investment in a piece of gear that is durable, stylish, and full of character. These bags are built to withstand the demands of daily life while developing a patina that tells the story of your journeys.
Explore our full collection and find the waxed canvas bag that’s right for you.
