The vintage canvas backpacks in the catalogue compared
| Model | Stated size | Closure | Material and laptop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flap backpack, waxed or washed canvas | not stated, 20 to 35 litres | flap with straps and buckles | waxed or washed canvas, laptop compartment |
| Backpack with cowhide leather flap | 33 x 15.5 x 47 cm, 1.3 kg, 20 to 35 litres | flap with straps and metal buckles | waxed canvas, cowhide flap and straps, laptop compartment |
| Roll top backpack, leather straps | 31 x 13 x 45 cm, 1.1 kg, 20 to 35 litres | roll top, two leather straps and a buckle | oil-waxed canvas and cowhide, laptop compartment |
| Roll top rucksack, Crazy Horse leather | 30 x 17 x 40 cm, 20 to 35 litres | roll top, leather strap with metal buckle | waxed canvas and Crazy Horse leather, laptop compartment |
| Multi-pocket canvas and leather backpack | 30 x 18 x 49 cm, 20 to 35 litres | zips | waxed canvas and Crazy Horse leather, laptop up to 15.6 inches |
| Khaki waxed canvas daypack | 28 x 11 x 45 cm, 0.7 kg | zips, front zip pocket, two side pockets | waxed canvas and cowhide, polyester lining |
Flap, roll top or zip: which closure for which use?
The strapped flap protects the main compartment and gives the look of a travel bag, at the cost of a few extra seconds each time you open it. The roll top adjusts to the load and suits days when the contents change. The zip is the most direct: the multi-pocket model and the khaki daypack have one. The first five models state 20 to 35 litres, while the khaki daypack gives no capacity.
Waxed or washed canvas: what the product pages state
Five models are in waxed canvas and one comes in waxed or washed canvas depending on the finish. Waxed canvas has a marbled look, shows creases and differs from one bag to the next; washed canvas is more matte and softer. The pages describe a canvas that repels light rain, with no waterproof test or standard, and where it is stated, no rain cover is supplied. Cowhide is used for the flap, straps and handles.
Frequently asked questions
Is a waxed canvas backpack waterproof?
No, a waxed canvas backpack repels splashes and light rain, but no product page in this selection states a waterproof test, and where it is stated, no rain cover is supplied.
What is the difference between waxed and washed canvas on a backpack?
Waxed canvas is smoother and more protective, with a marbled look that varies from bag to bag, while washed canvas is more matte and softer, according to the flap backpack page.
Which vintage canvas backpack suits a laptop?
The multi-pocket model of 30 x 18 x 49 cm states a compartment for a 15.6 inch laptop; the other backpacks here, except the khaki daypack, state a laptop compartment without giving its size.