The 5 Best Waxed Canvas Backpacks | Best Value, Most Technical, Coolest, and More!

* Full article + runners up! stridewise.com/best-waxed-can...
* The Top 10 Boots Ever: • THE 10 BEST BOOTS FOR ...
I've spent years drooling over waxed canvas backpacks from all over the industry and I think I've come up with the best curated list you'll find. This material is tough, tear resistant, ages well, and looks cool as hell, but it's not just limited to old timey "heritage" bags - you can find on bags that are office friendly and even trendy bike commuter friendly if you know where to look. Scroll down to see the picks!
1. Best: Filson's Journeyman Backpack
Jack Ryan's backpack of choice, this is the best combination of traditional and useful - it's not just a canvas sack, it's got a padded laptop sleeve, interior zippered pockets, and more.
Shop: filson.sjv.io/6eq1bq
2. Coolest: Bradley Mountain's Wilder
If you DO want something super old timey and heritage, Bradley Mountain has you covered with their extraordinarily thick Wilder backpack. Made by a small Californian company, they have a variety of bags to suit your needs.
Shop: www.bradleymountain.com/produ...
3. Best Value: Frost River's North Bay Daypack
A superb American company with a huge range of waxed bags, the only real downsides are the design could be more modern and you (usually) can only pick one color.
Shop: amzn.to/3Ma2f1y
4. Most Modern: Winter Session's Waxed Canvas Backpack
If you like waxed canvas but don't like the typical old timey look, Winter Session's bag comes in a variety of hip colors and a super simple design that's ideal for students.
Shop: www.winter-session.com/collec...
5. Most Technical: Mission Workshop's Sanction AP
This waxed bag would be completely at home on a bike messenger or any fan of technical backpacks, with waterproof lining, a sternum strap, and features galore.
Shop: fave.co/30oXGf2
6. Best Roll Top: Pack Animal's Rally Pack
An eye catching roll top made with waxed twill rather than canvas, it's a fun mix of old and new with zippered access and bright, veg tan leather. Note that unlike all the other American made bags, this one's made in China and sold out of Los Angeles.
STRIDEWISE10 gets 10% off: packanimal.co/collections/ral...
00:00 Intro
00:22 Why waxed canvas?
01:52 1. Best: Filson's Journeyman Backpack
02:49 2. Coolest: Bradley Mountain's Wilder
04:15 3. Best Value: Frost River's North Bay Daypack
05:02 4. Most Modern: Winter Session's Waxed Canvas Backpack
05:29 5. Most Technical: Mission Workshop's Sanction AP
06:07 6. Best Roll Top: Pack Animal's Rally Pack
06:55 Wrapping Up + More Picks
#filsonbags #waxedcanvas #waxedbackpacks #waxedcanvasbackpacks #heritagefashion

[@Stridewise]

Tiny correction: the Mission Workshop is called the Sanction AP (not the Sanction) and some of Frost River's bags are available in one or two other colors than tan - the North Bay Daypack also comes in black! * Also, check out my Top 10 Best Boots! kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5zYeayvmsuBfac

[@AgentJJones]

Thank you pointing out the fact that these products were all made in America 🇺🇸

[@MihniGaming]

If possible you should do a review on that winter session backpack, I've been looking around and I cant find information on it anywhere on the internet! Also, I was curious about the size of water bottle that you can fit in the journeyman's water bottle pockets. Do those pockets go all the way to the bottom of the pack?

[@redoak3809]

Alder Stream Canvas bags in Maine are awesome and customizable.

[@JMBdevotee]

Took some convincing for me to pick up a Journeyman but the more I use it the more I like it. Great general purpose pack and my perfect “personal item” carry on. I’ve thrown gear in it to head out hunting, yet it looks good going through the airport in a sport coat. As you point out, not many (or any?) others can do that.

[@kloppsliverpudlians88]

Where did you pick it up from? Trying to buy one in the US and they are sold out EVERYWHERE

[@JMBdevotee]

@@kloppsliverpudlians88 I picked mine up directly from Filson about 6 months ago.

[@anthonium.]

Hi Nick. Have you heard of the Land Backpack from Bexar Goods? It has a similar look to the Journeyman. Would love to see a review of the Land Backpack.

[@erth4896]

How about goruck’s GR1 heritage? I picked up the 21liter in dark oak and havent been able to put it down

[@AJMacDonaldJr]

I like the look of these bags 😺

[@Commander_HW]

I bought the Filson one after watching ur video on it awhile back, then it took that bag for a short hike with me at Yosemite, and..... i briefly put the bag on my shorts, then somehow the green color got transffered onto the shorts..... So yea, don't put canvas bag on ur clothing, especially if u just hiked a trail that can get ur things wet. But i still love this bag.

[@df540148]

Great video. Would love to see more waxed canvas in messenger style/shoulder bags too (really trying to hold out for Cravar but not totally in love with the design). BTW, Bradley Mountain has their Muir Pack on sale for $200 and looks pretty slick.

[@Stridewise]

Yeah that pack just came out! I love it.

[@df540148]

@@Stridewise Though it doesn't specifically say it's waxed.

[@Stridewise]

Thursday just released some canvas messengers!

[@damianseals]

Any chance you could take a look at the Builford Classic? It's a bag that seems to have flown under the radar in terms of coverage on the internet

[@GAUROCH2]

I liked my Filson Journeyman in tan so much that I bought another one in green-otter...and here they are expensive because of taxes, almost the double!

[@redskeith4737]

I'm not sure if it's been asked but what was your opinion on the Rucksak from Nutsac?

[@jacobpeterson1165]

Check out Hill People Gear, Duluth Packs, and the Hidden Woodsman.

[@CC-kj4yc]

Do you have any experience with bellroy products?

[@markjacobo1991]

I know you’ve been doing a lot of boot-related videos lately but if you could somehow do a review of Frost River’s North Bay Day Pack that would be awesome. Their bags have little to no reviews online.

[@Stridewise]

It's interesting isn't it, I'd really like to review Frost River but they have so many darn bags I don't know what to review!

[@tatescharnberg1205]

Frost River! Love my isle royale

[@Stridewise]

Been dying to try them!

[@anthonygomez446]

What are your thoughts on DULUTH PACKS? BESIDES BEING A LOT OF $$$

[@josecortes6485]

Speaking of Pack Animal, I'm surprised you haven't looked at their Extra Mile bag. Just seems like a cheaper and equally as good quality version of the Wilder. Solid list though!

[@Stridewise]

I haaate the drawstrings dangling down the front on that bag, I can't with it! Maybe I should be nicer to it, I'll add it to the written review!

[@mihaiilie8808]

Never heard of these brands but i have 2 Romanian army backpacks and a Tornister from 1937 ( Offenbach SS). I think the Tornister its the most beautiful in the world and the Romanian army its the ancestor of the Tornisters and also the japanese imperial army Randoseru. Tornister and Randoseru are tiny,romanian its quite big and rugged ,with verry thick leather like you wont see on any otther bag .

[@justintran3586]

4:03 your shearling jacket looks so beautiful! what's the name of that jacket?

[@Stridewise]

Thursday's Flight jacket but they don't sell it anymore! Satchel and Page have a similar one

[@yrivesnin1276]

Cool video,actual😎

[@dm9078]

Have you reviewed the Nutsac Rucsac? It’s waxed canvas and very very minimalist. Well, not the price but it’s USA made so that’s just how it is! But curious if you’ve seen it and what you think of it!

[@Stridewise]

It’s in the full list in the description ! I don’t love the look but the materials are good. Read more in the article lol

[@CarlosValentor]

Not made in America but I think my nobull backpack is pretty cool and modern too 💪🏻

[@TheSpiikki]

Nick, Please tell me which leather jacket you're wearing in the thumbnail? looks so good!

[@Stridewise]

Thursday's flight jacket but it's been discontinued!!! Satchel and Page have a similar one.

[@TheSpiikki]

@@Stridewise Thank you :)

[@coryjones9573]

I really like the canvas.what do you think about travel luggage?or like?

[@Stridewise]

Yeah it's great for travel luggage too Cory! I use Filson's Twill duffle for traveling, it's not really waxed but it does the job. Most of these companies also have travel bags

[@tomgarcia9200]

Been a while since i had my canvas waxed

[@StolenAlias]

Do you have like a Russian nesting doll thing going on but with waxed bags?

[@jujitsujew23]

What about Duluth?

[@Phlegm_Thrower]

Do a video on that Shearling jacket you wear around 4:04 mark. I don't really like heavy canvass backpack regardless how cool they look.

[@Stridewise]

I'm putting it in a future video called 'the best jackets you can't buy' because it's been discontinued hehe

[@Phlegm_Thrower]

@@Stridewise lol that's too bad. I might have missed it but I don't think you've ever done any video on Shearling jacket. Too bad Sydney is just too hot to wear one, but I'd still love to own one since I always to go to the Snowy and Japan for snowboarding.

[@Paul-up3pb]

Thank you 👍.

[@Stridewise]

You are welcome!

[@Paul-up3pb]

@@Stridewise Buying the Bradley Mountain. I never heard of them prior to seeing your video.(Was looking at Duluth Trading, Filson & Frost River.). - Just bought the Bradley Mountain. 👍 I never would’ve known about this pack if it wasn’t for your channel. Thank you again. (Re: cost … if it’s made as well as you say, it will be an heirloom item. Generally, you get what you pay for. Pay once .. cry once.)

[@assadn5082]

Billy Kirk's No. 297 Standard Issue is a really nice 20L 10.10 oz backpack with a full grain veg tanned leather made in US. It even sometimes goes on sale for under $300. I picked up a J Crew collaboration one over 10 years ago and it's still serving me well today. Edit: I just saw that you included it in your article 👍.

[@akinigiri]

Hi! The link to the Filson bag seems to be directing to a general backpack page. Is the journeyman backpack gone?

[@alexreiser6325]

Yes, they only have one in leather now, for about 1000. However, even that one is almost gone prompting its "final sale" for about 500 or so. (Last I checked)

[@Stridewise]

Yeah it sucks! They're moving production of the bag to Asia, I hear, so for now they're off the market. Happened like the day I published the video, great timing right?

[@Pumpamentals]

Minor update: The Filson Journeyman is now made in Vietnam. Not a big deal, but indicative of the direction the company is going!

[@KernowEDC]

The Filson bag is made in Vietnam I believe, not America… also, pretty sure I’ve seen Ryan Gosling rocking the second bag btw.

[@Stridewise]

haha when I made this video it was made in America but now it's made in Vietnam, yes. Or it might be Bangladesh, Filson is made in both

[@markmoreno7295]

You didn’t like Bolt WaterField backpack? Was it too expensive?

[@Stridewise]

To be honest I just found it kind of squat and ugly hah but I put it in this article stridewise.com/waxed-canvas-backpacks-filson-alternatives/

[@jacobpeterson1165]

Heavy or not, waved canvas is one of the best materials in PNW bush.

[@willburdette8065]

Goruck GR1 Heritage

[@jackwjack9831]

Jack stillman ???

[@MrBunio2012]

Hi, did you sell your Tag Heuer Formula 1? 🥲

[@Stridewise]

You're asking why I don't wear it much anymore? I wear it with black/white/grey outfits, my black leather jacket, and when I work out/am in sweatpants.

[@MrJbarreda]

You missed Duluth Pack, not Duluth trading co. And I agree with Frost River, I’ve had some of their outdoor bags, 20 times better made than Filson. Filson has style, but now lacking in quality, their clothing has fit issues as well, they are also very expensive for what they offer, excluding the Mackinaw jackets and some accessories, belts, hats, etc. Duluth bags have the same quality as Frost River but they offer allot of options in color and city type bags, and my fav, conceal carry, although you have to search for that.

[@Stridewise]

Duluth is fine but I don’t think they’re waxed, right? Filson bags and mackinaw are fantastic, agree on their clothing being meh.

[@MrJbarreda]

@@Stridewise I buy my own wax, usually Greenland, or Filson, easy to put on and a blow dryer soaks it in perfectly. I redo all my waxed products twice a yr.

[@osmansyt91]

The Journeyman is sold out and I cannot find this backpack anywhere!

[@Stridewise]

Pretty bad marketing decision on my part including it, right?? But it's just the best, I couldn't lie! You can usually get new ones on eBay :)

[@stevev2730]

It’s been sold out for about 2 months. Great channel.

[@kloppsliverpudlians88]

Sold sold sold. All gone!

[@jrbarilla]

They are moving production over to Vietnam on the journeyman. If USA made is important to you, just keep looking over on eBay. They’re there. 1sts and 2nds in NWT condition. You will pay a premium however over the $395. I’ve seen slightly used even going for $500 🤦‍♂️ I snagged two one in tan and the other in green.

[@adriancharles]

Nothing from Waterfield?

[@Stridewise]

stridewise.com/waxed-canvas-backpacks-filson-alternatives/ I put them in here but I don't love the squat appearance

[@adriancharles]

Yeah, I hate the Bolt backpack. It’s my least fave of their five? alternatives. 🤷🏾‍♂️ There’s a large “Pro” backpack, a travel suitcase/ backpack, and then several others that are EDC worthy - Mezzo, Sutter, and Tuck. I may be missing a couple.

[@buttguy97]

I counted 6

[@Stridewise]

Under promise and over deliver, Jeremy!

[@denofearthundertheeverlast5138]

For survival situation and durability you don't want a bag with zippers, flip flaps and roll tops and buckles only for me, they last forever one those zippers break you gotta have a seamstress/ alterations expert to fix it

[@Stridewise]

Yeah it's an interesting angle, the no zippers because they break. Cravar has no zipper backpacks you might like

[@denofearthundertheeverlast5138]

@@Stridewise Thanks for the recommendation I'll check them out

[@gabepaz2640]

I’ve owned 2 colors of the journeyman during different times of my life and both times I believed it to be the most over rated product I have ever owned by far. Too small for almost anything, only useful for a few hours away from home to be honest.

[@warlock.420]

Not for the people with lower income that's for damn sure.

[@Forested-pz9cp]

Nothing compares to Filson. Not even close. One of Americas greatest company’s

[@FFFFYOURWOKE]

Take some shooting classes 😂

[@chaaazgould4828]

No Duluth Pack? Oldest American made canvas packs? Do your research dude.

[@Stridewise]

I did, they're ugly and impractical. Might do an update video and include them tho

[@dameonerichathway2298]

Is this a joke? The best waxed backpacks and bags are made by Saddleback Leather Co. 🙄