The Best Canvas Backpacks

Buying Guide for Canvas Backpacks

Why buy a canvas backpack?

Canvas backpacks are an excellent choice for their durability and style. They are constructed of heavy-duty natural or synthetic fibers, making them resistant to wear and tear. Canvas backpacks are available in a wide range of colors and styles, allowing you to select one that suits your needs and personality. Since many are weatherproof and often contain a good amount of exterior storage, you can enjoy the convenience of having a backpack that serves equally well for school as for traveling or camping.

What should you look for in a canvas backpack?

• Comfort: You certainly don’t want to be stuck with an uncomfortable backpack all day. When choosing a canvas backpack, be sure the straps are padded and adjustable. You’ll also want to look at the back of the bag to be sure the shape contours well to the shape of your back.
• Size: The size to choose will depend on what function you plan to use it for the most. A day’s hike through the woods requires a very different set of equipment than a 10-day camping trip, after all. If you plan on carrying it for days at a time, you’ll want a backpack that suits your storage needs but isn’t particularly bulky or burdensome.
• Organization: Canvas backpacks with exterior and interior compartments are excellent for organizing your belongings. External pockets provide convenient access to items you use frequently or need to grab quickly, such as your water bottle or an umbrella. Inside the backpack, it would be good to have both open pockets for easy access and zipped pockets to keep your items securely in place. If you plan on carrying a sensitive electronic device such as a laptop, be sure the backpack you choose has a dedicated compartment to keep it safe.

How should you clean a canvas backpack?

The most important first step would be to check out the specific instructions on your backpack’s care label, since different brands and styles may have different requirements. In general, however, you should be able to get good results by first spot cleaning any visible stains or dirt with a soft cloth or brush, then washing the bag by hand or in an HE washer on a gentle cycle.

Our Picks for the Best Canvas Backpacks

Pros: This canvas backpack is as attractive as it is functional. It has a vintage look and is made of premium canvas and PU leather. The dedicated laptop pocket can hold a 12 to 17-inch computer. With its two front zipper pockets, one side pocket, and one bottom compartment, you can be sure that your items are secure and organized. The adjustable shoulder strap can be positioned to carry the bag as a backpack, shoulder bag, or tote bag for maximum versatility while traveling.

Cons: The main compartment is accessible only by one side zipper, which can be cumbersome to get to. Also, it may be hard to access your laptop when the bag is full due to the location of the laptop sleeve.

Bottom Line: This canvas backpack gets top marks for its attractive appearance, storage space, and durability. 

 

Pros: This attractive and highly functional backpack comes in six colors and is made of soft canvas and pure leather. It has an easy-access main compartment with a drawstring closure secured by a flap with magnetized snaps. Keep your electronic devices safe from damage in the padded laptop sleeve and organize smaller items like your keys, phone, and water bottle in the interior pockets.

Cons: This backpack may not be the best choice for heavy-duty use, perhaps while hiking, for example. You may run into some trouble with the magnetic fasteners or zippers breaking.

Bottom Line: Perpetually on-the-go students should find this canvas backpack perfect for carrying their books, devices, and other essentials in style.

 

Pros: This canvas cutie is available in several colorful patterns and can be just as functional as mom and dad’s bags. It has a spacious main compartment perfect for clothes or toys and a large zippered outside pocket for easy access to snacks, crayons, or other small items. There are also convenient side pockets that can fit a water or juice bottle and an inside sleeve that a tablet can be slipped into.

Cons: The designs on the bag may vary, so you may not get the exact design seen in the pictures.

Bottom Line: Kids will love having their very own canvas backpack to carry everything they need for school or an overnight trip. It’s the perfect size for a preschooler, and it may come in a ‘surprise’ design.

 

Pros: This handmade, embroidered bag is made of high-quality canvas with a copper buckle and zipper. It’s lightweight and has a soft, casual look in a bohemian style. The large main compartment has space for your books, laptop, and other essentials. Inside, there are two open pockets and two zipped pockets, while the large zippered pocket on the outside will be an excellent spot to keep items you want to have easy access to. The closure has an anti-theft design to keep your belongings secure while you’re on the go.

Cons: Due to the bag’s anti-theft design, the straps block the opening a bit, making it somewhat a challenge to get into.

Bottom Line: This canvas backpack is stylish, durable, and lightweight. There may be a bit of a learning curve to getting into the bag quickly, but the anti-theft features are there to ward off pickpockets and keep your valuables safe.

 

Pros: This canvas backpack takes us back to basics. It’s made of high-quality, super soft, lightweight canvas and has a zipper closure. The bag is medium in size, measuring 10 inches long, 14 inches tall, and four inches wide, with one main pocket, one inner pocket, two side pockets, and one front zipper pocket. You can adjust the straps to a length of 30 inches, and the inside compartment offers enough room to hold a 10-inch tablet, clothing, books, and other daily necessities.

Cons: This lightweight backpack is not built to accommodate more than six pounds of weight, so it may be limited in what you can pack inside.

Bottom Line: This is a basic canvas backpack that can be used for school, travel, or even as a casual purse. Choose your favorite from four available colors, but keep in mind that it’s not designed to carry very heavy items.

Final Thoughts

A great backpack is an accessory that will never go out of style. Whether you’re traveling, camping, or darting around a university campus, one of these stylish and durable canvas backpacks can provide the function you need in a classic look you can feel good about.