Top 5 uses for waxed canvas bags, with reviews

Waxed canvas backpacks and bags can be used for pretty much anything. They’re versatile, comfortable and durable, perfect for a day spent in the city or a blustery dog walk. 

But what are the top 5 uses for waxed canvas backpacks and bags, according to our customers?

Read on to find out…

1. Commuting and work

Shane B bought the Gouthwaite 20L. He said the ‘product feels very premium. Bag appears quite narrow but fits an amazing amount so ideal for commutes. In particular on tube when busy its slim profile avoids clattering into people. Couldn’t be happier with the product.’

Caitlin says the Gouthwaite 15L ‘is the best backpack I have ever had: I use it daily for commuting and can fit my laptop, lunch, books, umbrella, water bottle and jumper in with still some space.’

Simon agrees: ‘It’s great - comfortable with laptop and weight in it, and big enough for headphones, book etc’

K bought the Pateley Tote for work, as she ‘wanted one that is from natural materials and definitely PFAS-free. And as with my backpack search, the wildish tote was the answer :) The Pateley tote is not only very good looking, but has great capacity and the short and long carry handles are practical. Plus the backpack carry option!’

2. Braving the elements

Josh was ‘waiting for a slightly larger bag and boom, the Jorvik 30L was released!...Anyone who buys one of these bags will feel they could climb Everest, navigate the Amazon and trek across the Sahara. The cobra buckle sounds stunning, the craftwomanship behind the bag is a sight to behold, Amy is a master!’

Another customer bought the Gouthwaite 20L ‘after going through three rucksacks in under two years. I carry a lot of heavy items on a daily basis and needed something that would be durable. So far I'm immensely impressed with the quality of the backpack, it feels very sturdy, it fits all my essentials, and thanks to a very wet hike I can now confirm it's definitely waterproof. If it lasts me another five years minimum then I'll be happy, if it lasts more than ten it'll be one of the best purchases I've ever made.’

Mr D.I.T agreed, saying ‘I've been really impressed with my bag. It's very comfortable, I've had compliments in an office environment and very impressed with how it dealt with a rain storm!! (I cycle into work). All in all, what a star!!’

3. Travel and holidays

Jonathan bought the Jorvik 30L backpack twice and loves it for travelling: ‘I bought the first for my wife when staying in Pateley Bridge - it was perfect for her daily commute in London. I got the larger one for short flight stay-overs and is the perfect size to carry everything I need and put in the cabin overhead lockers.’

Daniel ‘took it on a two week holiday and it was great. The whole thing feels sturdy and premium. It was comfortable to wear. The strap in the front pocket allowed me to easily carry it in my hand when in more confined spaces.’

Mandi and partner ‘love our Gouthwaite 15L backpacks! We have backpacked a lot in Alaska and in Hawaii and are really impressed with the quality stitching and material used in these backpacks. We plan on using them in Portugal this spring, and look forward to taking them on the trip.’

H. B. wanted the Ramsgill 2.6L ‘for my travelling adventures as an alternative to my day pack and to be able to keep my valuables nice and close when I’m out and about. It’s absolutely perfect - fits so much in for the size. Such a great shape - really feels nice to wear with an extendable strap to make it any length. All the material and fabric are really sturdy so I know it will last a long time.’

Clare thinks the Ramsgill 1L is ‘perfect for keeping holiday essentials handy - passport, phone, and driver’s license, exactly what I wanted it to do :-) thank you so much for the amazing product and super-efficient service.’

4. Walking the dog

Kat bought the Ramsgill 2.6L ‘to use when out dog walking and it's absolutely ideal, fitting in everything you need for a stress free walking adventure close to home. This particular purchase was for my sister for her birthday, knowing she has been jealous of my bag it was such an easy decision and purchase to make, knowing it'll last her a lifetime!’

Ann said the same thing: ‘my Ramsgill pouch is just perfect for carrying all the things I need on a dog walk, wipes clean if it’s raining and is very easy to open. A bonus is it holds my trip camera and I can change the length of the straps if needed.’

Georgie loves the Ramsgill 1L ‘to take on dog walks - as the warmer weather arrives and I don't need a coat, I needed somewhere other than pockets to put the essentials (i.e. phone and poo bags!). The bag is a great size and is really well made with great quality materials. I would (and do frequently) recommend it to anyone!!’

Johanna found the Brimham 8L ‘tough enough for muddy dog walks but also looks neat and cute enough to use as a handbag. I love that it came with a little personal note and that I know it was made by 'Amy'. Thanks Amy!!’

5. Anything and everything else

Hannah uses her Gouthwaite 20L for ‘commuting, all day hikes, small shops and generally looking fancy. It’s sturdy but flexible, the bag material is fab and I *love* the climbing clip. I am also a big fan of the care and attention that has gone into sustainability ethos. I am really very happy with my bag and if you are dithering just go for it. You won’t regret it, I wish I’d got mine sooner!’

Simon loves the Jorvik 30L for everyday trips out: ‘The construction and quality is evident and the attention to detail is superb. It does exactly what one would expect from a bag for walks and trips out, even if only to a NT property. It’s waterproof, stylish, doesn’t faff with hundreds of unnecessary pockets, it’s handmade in England, and the ethos and spirit of Wildish who are the designers runs through every part of it.’

Alex wishes he ‘had discovered this bag sooner! Great quality and functional for everyday use. It has a number of compartments inside which are handy. This bag has quickly become my go-to and was absolutely worth the investment.’

Julie uses the Brimham 8L for all sorts of things, as she ‘wanted something a bit smaller and smarter than the usual rucksack so I could use it around town too. I've found it carries more than I thought so I also use it for my weekly ballet class. It fits my water bottle, purse, phone, hair brush, ballet shoes, T-shirt and leggings. Love the fact it's as locally made as possible. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend.’

Duncan bought it because he ‘needed a man bag but couldn’t find anything until I saw this, and it’s perfect! Just the right size for all that junk I used to carry in my pockets. It’s sturdy, well made, and looks good.’

Nicholas likes the Ramsgill 2.6L ‘for when you have slightly too much stuff to fit in pockets, but not enough to need a proper bag. The strap is adjustable to a good variety of lengths, including longer than in the photos. I fit my wallet, keys, a few pens, a notebook, phone, paperback, and hand gel pretty easily, and could probably squeeze in a small water bottle too.’

Jayne bought it for ‘volunteering at a festival for Oxfam. I was very aware that I would need a bag that I could wear at all times that could contain my valuables. Having just got back from said festival I can confirm that the bag was perfect - held all that I needed at all times - purse, phone, keys, hand sanitizer, loo paper (!!). It was comfortable to wear for many hours at a time and wiped down well to remove any marks. Perfect for my needs!’

What will you use your Wildish bag for?

Take a look at all of the product-specific reviews by following the links in each paragraph.