Skip to main content

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

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.

Recommended 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
Image used with permission by copyright holder

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

Barking_Irons_Harbor-Tote-Cherry-Red
Image used with permission by copyright holder

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

Belber_Greenwich-Oyster-beige-B.-Brown-front
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Greenwich Tote by Belber, $480

Billy_Kirk_No.233_Duffle
Image used with permission by copyright holder

No. 233 Duffle Bag by Billy Kirk, $275

Bradley_Mountain_Rambler_1
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Rambler by Bradley Mountain, $279

CockpitUSA_Gym-Bag-WWII-Navy-canvas-navy-back-Cockpit-USA-Z96P005
Image used with permission by copyright holder

WWII Navy Gym Bag by Cockpit USA, $425

Ernest_Alexander_Aiden_Wax_Utility_Tote
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Aiden Wax Utility Tote by Ernest Alexander, $245

Filson_Medium_Duffel
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Medium Duffle by Filson, $395

Filson_Tote_Bag_with_Zipper
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Tote Bag with Zipper by Filson, $170

Fred_Perry_
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Ventile Canvas Duffle Bag by Fred Perry, $225

Hudson_Sutler_a--Yorktown_tote
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Yorktown Tote Bag by Hudson Sutler, $70

Hudson_Sutler_Butler_weekender
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Butler Weekender by Hudson Sutler, $120

John_Varvatos_PEACE-ROCKS-TOTE-001-A_0242
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Peace Rocks Tote by John Varvatos, $65

Workers_Supply_journalist
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Journalist Folio Bag by Workers Supply, $205

Workers_Supply_pilot
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Pilots Weekend Bag by Workers Supply, $329

Christopher Blomquist
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Christopher is a native New Yorker who lives and works (mostly) in Manhattan. A longtime fashion journalist, he served as…
Saucony channels sunrise to sunset in the Matrix Fade Pack release
Saucony releases new gradient Matrix pack
pair of purple gradient saucony sneakers

First released in 1999, the Matrix served as a lifestyle performance sneaker that could easily double as a casual shoe. Now, as part of Saucony’s recent releases that pay homage to archival designs, it appears that the brand is looking to revitalize this silhouette, which easily fits into the current footwear landscape. As more brands seek to merge the lifestyle and performance worlds for a versatile fit, the Matrix is a perfect option for casual days and beyond. In their latest sneaker pack, Saucony showcases their Matrix model with gradient colorways that mimic the transition from day to night. With subtle gradience, these Saucony sneakers offer a chance for a stylish show that showcases pops of color in a unique and elevated way. 

Saucony takes on the day and night with the new Matrix sneaker

Read more
Timeless, bold, and affordable: Stylish watches every man should consider
Affordable luxury: 5 high-quality mid-tier watches for men
Tudor Black Bay 58

In the realm of horology, prestige and exclusivity have long gone hand in hand, from the limited edition complications and handcrafted movements, to the history of the brands that carry an air of reverence. The modern watch industry has experienced a quiet revolution that proves refined aesthetics, craftsmanship, and durability are possible without the exorbitant prices. Some of the most compelling timepieces in the mid-tier range offer many of the same qualities associated with more expensive models at a fraction of the meteoric cost.  

For men who respect heritage and value, these timepieces stand at the intersection of quality and affordability. In today’s market, many mid-tier models look more expensive than they are, and in this article, we present a curated list of watches that allow collectors to possess a luxurious watch to accentuate their look.

Read more
PUMA’s V-S1 sneaker brings soccer energy to men’s streetwear
Puma remixes its soccer cleat into an everyday sneaker
pile of puma sneakers

Puma is no stranger to the soccer world, having become the official sponsor of many of the world's biggest clubs over the course of its history. With an eventful year leading up to the FIFA World Cup, brands are ramping up their soccer-inspired releases with new collaborations and designs. While brands like Nike and Adidas have recently released new sneakers along with teams, Puma’s latest release takes a look at one of the brand’s iconic soccer cleat silhouettes. It transforms it into an everyday lifestyle sneaker. Taking on its V series model, the athletic company has reimagined this soccer cleat style into a sneaker that can be worn on and off the pitch. Keeping the shape of its traditional look, the new sneaker is performance-inspired and is ready for the eventful year of soccer that awaits. 

Puma’s newest sneaker takes on the beautiful game

Read more