How to choose the best canvas backpack for you.

Backpacks have been around for years - originally designed for the US Army, the word backpack was first recorded in 1914, and since then has become synonymous with school, hiking, commuting, camping and a life lived outdoors. They were designed to allow the wearer to walk and move freely whilst carrying a load, and to evenly spread the weight across the upper body and shoulders, rather than the lower back as previous bag designs did.

In recent years, backpack design has been moving back towards its roots, with more and more companies shifting towards using waxed canvas, leather and other naturally durable and weatherproof materials. Many businesses are not only thinking about how they can create the best possible product for their buyers, but also what effect their bags have on the environment when they’re made, and when they’re no longer needed.

The design has been evolving for over 100 years, and there are thousands of backpacks out there to choose from. So how do you choose which one is right for you?

First of all, what do you want to use your backpack for?

Do you need a new hiking pack for long-distance treks, are you looking for a commuting backpack for all of your work essentials, or do you need something smaller for dog-walking or a gentle day out in the countryside? What you want to use your bag for will change the size of the backpack required and the materials it’s made from.

For example, if you’re planning to use your bag outside you’ll probably want a backpack that’s weatherproof or waterproof. There are many available, but if you’re looking for backpacks made from natural materials, waxed cotton or canvas is your best bet. It’s weatherproof whilst being plastic free. 

The best commuting backpacks can also survive a shower, and ideally fit a laptop. Any bag you’ll be wearing for long periods of time needs to be comfortable too.

What size of backpack do you need?

Consider how much stuff you want to be able to fit in your bag. If you’ll be carrying a laptop around, go for a bag with a built-in laptop pocket that’s big enough for your laptop and its case. If you need a bag for travelling, you’ll want the maximum capacity within airline carry-on restrictions.

If it’s a school bag you’re after, you’ll just need space for some books, a pencil case and maybe a water bottle. For day hikes, you’ll probably want a medium-sized bag that has enough space for a jacket and spare layers, a larger bottle or flask, lunch and any other hiking essentials.

Make sure it fits.

This is the most important thing to consider. If your backpack is the wrong size, not only will you spend a large part of your day feeling uncomfortable, you’ll also stop reaching for it. And there’s no point in buying something you’ll never use.

Think about how wide your shoulders are, and where on your back you want the bag to fit. Strap length is also important - make sure the straps can be adjusted to your preference. You might want to consider a bag with padded shoulder straps, or buy additional shoulder strap padding.

Depending on how much you’ll be carrying around, you might also need a chest strap to keep the bag secure on your back and help distribute weight further. Lots of bags come with these built in, but not always!

All our Wildish bags are photographed on real people from our community, with their measurements included, so you can be sure to buy the right size of bag for you.

What design features do you want?

Some people value simplicity. Others want bags with all the bells and whistles included. Different bag brands put different features on their bags, and which one you pick will depend on what you want to use the bag for, and what kind of design appeals to you. Lots of backpacks have a zip over the top and down the side, but more and more urban and lifestyle backpacks are designed with roll tops so that they have an adjustable capacity.

There’s a trend towards the minimal at the moment, but most backpacks will still have a side pocket or two for a water bottle, at least one small internal pocket for valuables, and a laptop sleeve.

Our waxed canvas backpacks are all designed with simplicity in mind, but the Jorvik 25-30L has some extra features we added after we chatted to our existing customers, like an extra flat pocket on the outside, increased capacity side pockets, and a heavy-duty hook for your keys or wallet.

Is sustainability important to you?

Backpack materials are important when thinking about what you want to use your bag for, but if you’re interested in living and consuming more sustainably, what your backpack’s made of can be a big part of the decision making process. Recently, the use of PFAs or ‘forever chemicals’ in waterproof outdoor accessories has become a talking point, and both businesses and consumers have started moving towards less environmentally damaging materials. We spoke about PFAs and their impact on the outdoor industry in this article.

Waxed canvas is a great plastic-free option for the conscious consumer looking for a new backpack. All of our bags and backpacks are made using GOTS-certified organic cotton waxed canvas, which is weatherproof, durable and ages personally.

Here are some of our favourite waxed canvas backpacks:

• Jorvik 25-30L roll top waxed canvas backpack in black. Our largest capacity rucksack.

• Gouthwaite 18-23L roll top waxed canvas backpack, our most popular mid-capacity bag.

• Gouthwaite Mini II. Our smallest waxed canvas backpack, with an 8L capacity. Perfect for school or short walks.

Bonus feature: our Pateley Tote can transform into a backpack!