Cotton, heavy or waxed canvas
Cotton canvas is the softest and settles against the body when the bag is half empty. Heavy canvas holds its shape even when half full and wears in without tearing. Waxed canvas, impregnated with wax, sheds rain: it is the material of the old field bags.
What the flap changes
The flap covers the whole opening and protects the contents from rain and eyes, and it opens with one hand. Some models close it with buckles, a detail inherited from military bags. For other messenger shapes, see our men's messenger bags.
Frequently asked questions
Is a canvas messenger bag rainproof?
Waxed canvas sheds water. Untreated cotton canvas handles a short shower but eventually gets wet. In both cases the flap protects the main opening.
How do I wash a canvas messenger bag?
By hand, in lukewarm water with a mild soap, then dry it flat. Keep waxed canvas out of the machine, it would lose its coating.