Meet the sophisticated, stylish canvas bags you didn’t know you needed

It’s true: many of us hold onto our trusty old book bags or backpacks from our middle school days, even though they're worn out and tattered. They're like an old friend, familiar and comforting. But it's time for an upgrade - one that matches your rugged and sophisticated style. Whether you're a young creative or an aspiring adventurer, it's time for a change.

The problem with a briefcase is that it can be limiting in terms of what and how much you can carry. You can only fit your laptop and some paperwork, and it's mostly used for business purposes from Monday to Friday. If you need to transport gear and files to and from work meetings or work in a more formal office, a nice briefcase is a must-have. However, if that's not your style, a sleek rucksack is perfect for everyday use - from weekdays to weekends.

However, assuming you've moved on from your campus days and are ready for an upgrade, you'll need to choose between leather and canvas backpacks. While a full leather backpack like the Saddleback Front Pocket Backpack or the Coach Bleecker Backpack may cost you quite a lot, some argue that it's a luxury, while others insist it's a necessity.

And if you're looking for a more budget-friendly option that still has the style and durability of leather, consider a canvas backpack with leather trim. The Filson Rucksack and Saddleback Mountainback line are two excellent options that are far from ordinary. Let’s see what they’re all about.

Saddleback Leather Mountainback

Saddleback Leather Mountainback is the latest collection of waxed canvas and leather backpacks from the Saddleback Leather company based in Texas. The brand is renowned for using exceptionally thick leather and prioritizing quality. Their tagline says "They’ll fight over it when you’re dead," and we think it’s entirely accurate. We tested out the Medium Gear Bag, the Simple Canvas Pack, and the Rolled Duffel.

The company's founder, Dave Munson, turned to Halley Stevensons Baltic Works in Dundee, Scotland, to obtain the finest canvas sailcloth available worldwide. Since 1864, they have been the dominant force in canvas production. Not a small feat.

The Mountainback's superior construction and materials are where it excels. The 24 oz waxed canvas is extremely dense, making it entirely waterproof. The old bull leather is an impressive 5/16" thick. The bags are assembled by hand using solid copper rivets and stainless steel hardware, which are commonly used in shipping and sailing. Double stitching and continuous filament polyester thread are used for the seams - as seen in parachutes and boat sails. The hardware on these bags is even more impressive in person. The Mountainback series' distinguishing feature is the thick leather backing on each bag, providing leather's durability and support while keeping the bag as a whole pliable and lighter than a 100% leather bag. However, there is a minor trade-off for all that weight; it weighs in at 4.6 pounds.

In summary, the Mountainback collection is not designed to be delicate or sophisticated. It's intended to be an extremely durable and resilient tank that can endure continuous wear and tear. Saddleback's 100-year warranty on its products emphasizes the importance of investing in high-quality items, as they are meant to last a lifetime.

The Filson Rucksack

There’s no surprise that many people have a deep admiration for Filson products. Established in 1897 by C.C. Filson to serve the logging industry and the Klondike Gold Rush, this Seattle-based outdoor outfitter produces durable and top-quality goods designed to last a lifetime.

Their Rucksack comes in Otter Green, Black, and Tan and is constructed with saddle-grade bridle leather and 22 oz. canvas. The solid brass zipper construction is a standout feature, while the buckles and straps are more reminiscent of standard book bag hardware. In addition to the main compartment, there are two small bellows pockets and one rear stow pocket. The Filson Rucksack is a chic and well-crafted backpack that exudes elegance. This results in a bag that is both robust and lightweight, but with a more designer feel rather than an outdoorsy vibe. If the price gives you pause, take comfort in Filson's lifetime warranty.

Ultimately, you can't make a bad choice between these two backpacks. The Filson boasts a more polished appearance while the Mountainback has a rougher, more utilitarian aesthetic. Filson is a reliable brand with a long-standing reputation, while Mountainback exudes genuine, handcrafted quality. Regardless of which you choose, you can trust that they will both perform well, look great, and improve with age.