Skip to main content

15 sturdy canvas bags that’ll last through the long haul

15 sturdy canvas bags thatll last the long haul totes
Leather is luxe and nylon can be neat but when it comes to bags made from said materials they are often either exorbitant (the former) or affordable but hardly eye-catchers (the latter). Well-made bags constructed from sturdy cotton canvas, on the other hand, offer a happy medium between the two: they’re usually in the mid range price-wise, are virtually indestructible, easy to clean and have a rugged handsomeness about them that harkens back to when seafaring and prospecting were a guy’s best career options. Waxed canvas and sailcloth are especially durable, which is exactly why military suppliers and sailors have turned to them time and again for centuries now.

Shown here are 15 of my favorite canvas carryalls from a variety of brands in two classic shapes: the duffle, which gets its name from the Belgian town of Duffel which produced the strong cloth to make the first models in the 17th century, and the tote, named for the verb that means “to carry” and a bag style that first achieved mainstream popularity in the 1940s and ’50s after L.L. Bean launched its now iconic Boat Bag pioneer.

Related Videos

Take a look and then decide whether you want to pack your gear into an oblong or square-like valise on your next journey, whether that’s an exotic weekend getaway or merely your daily jaunt to the gym. Either way, with a canvas bag you’ll be sure that it will last that trip and many, many more to come – so you can literally keep calm and carry on….

Barking_Irons_Bowery-Bag-natural-white

Navy-inspired Bowery Duffle by Barking Irons (available June 6, the 72nd anniversary of D-Day), $325

Barking_Irons_Harbor-Tote-Cherry-Red

Harbor Tote by Barking Irons (available June 6), $135

Belber_Greenwich-Oyster-beige-B.-Brown-front

Greenwich Tote by Belber, $480

Billy_Kirk_No.233_Duffle

No. 233 Duffle Bag by Billy Kirk, $275

Bradley_Mountain_Rambler_1

The Rambler by Bradley Mountain, $279

CockpitUSA_Gym-Bag-WWII-Navy-canvas-navy-back-Cockpit-USA-Z96P005

WWII Navy Gym Bag by Cockpit USA, $425

Ernest_Alexander_Aiden_Wax_Utility_Tote

Aiden Wax Utility Tote by Ernest Alexander, $245

Filson_Medium_Duffel

Medium Duffle by Filson, $395

Filson_Tote_Bag_with_Zipper

Tote Bag with Zipper by Filson, $170

Fred_Perry_

Ventile Canvas Duffle Bag by Fred Perry, $225

Hudson_Sutler_a--Yorktown_tote

Yorktown Tote Bag by Hudson Sutler, $70

Hudson_Sutler_Butler_weekender

Butler Weekender by Hudson Sutler, $120

John_Varvatos_PEACE-ROCKS-TOTE-001-A_0242

Peace Rocks Tote by John Varvatos, $65

Workers_Supply_journalist

Journalist Folio Bag by Workers Supply, $205

Workers_Supply_pilot

Pilots Weekend Bag by Workers Supply, $329

Editors' Recommendations

The 5 Best Spring Bags for Your Everyday Carry
the 5 best spring bags for your everyday carry bag

You’ve got your plane ticket all set. The itinerary’s locked in. What’s next? Packing your bag with crisp menswear travel essentials, of course. And it starts with none other than a super sturdy, dependable bag -- the same is equally true whether you’re heading to the office then hopping on a flight, or just packing up and going. The best bags (that is, pieces that are stylish, functional and durable) can even pull double-duty when you’ve got extra gear to bring as you navigate everyday life --- the office, happy hour and back home, repeat. None of the below are terribly cheap, but all of these picks are tough, sturdy, ready for anything .. oh, and they look great. Book your next flight, grab one of our 5 best spring bags, and hit road. There’ll be nobody reaching for your duffel at baggage claim -- they’re one-of-a-kind.
Owen & Fred Voyager Waxed Weekender in Charcoal  ($275)

Owen & Fred excels at making pieces that add a dash of unique, rugged style to everyday life -- be it a sturdy brass bottle opener, a simple tote bag or this beastly waxed weekender bag (a new addition to the American-made brand’s roster). Finished off with 7 oz. harness leather straps and crafted from 10.10 oz. Martexin Original Waxed canvas, it’s a positively stunning weekender that’ll age extraordinarily over time.
Troubadour Fabric & Leather Weekender ($850)

Read more
Make shopping easy: The best gifts for men (no matter what he’s into)
These are the best gifts for men in 2023

Shopping for the best gifts for men can at times seem like a daunting task, whether it be for a birthday, an anniversary, or any gift in between. So, we decided to help you out and lend you a hand and make gift-giving a little less stressful with a thoughtfully curated list of tried-and-true gifts suited for men. And at times, no matter how well or how long you have known someone, you just don't know where to look.

From small everyday carry items and others from the cool tech world to experiences that help you disconnect to reconnect, we offer you a gift guide for every guy on your list or some nice ways to treat yourself, too. Ahead, you will find a list of the best practical gifts for every type of guy. With that being said, here are the best gifts for men in 2023.

Read more
The 10 best men’s workout shirts to help you get fit in 2023

There are multiple things to consider when purchasing new workout apparel. You want to make sure you do your due diligence beforehand. When looking for the optimal workout shirt, functionality often takes precedence over style, for most men. After all, a minimalist cotton t-shirt is ideal, but it won't look (or smell) so great after an hour-long workout, especially if your working out, outdoors. That's why, in the past decade, some of our favorite activewear brands like Lululemon, Vuori, and Under Armour have developed breathable fabrics with moisture-wicking and odor-fighting technology that are now practically must-haves for any exercise gear, especially when it comes to making high-quality shirts.

That being said, not all workout tops are created equal. When it comes to finding the right workout fit, make sure it doesn't feel too tight or baggy around your underarms, your shoulders, or across your chest, i.e., the areas you exercise most. We sifted through some of the most popular brands to select the best workout shirts that are as practical as they are fashionable. Here are our top picks for the best men's workout shirts of 2023.

Read more