Best Canvas Bags for Men

By Peter Klaven , last updated June 25, 2011

Canvas bags for men have recently had a resurgence, and with good reason. They are durable, versatile, and now, with many brands catching on to the trend, available in a wide range of designs. The three main categories of canvas bags are messenger, tote, and weekend. No matter your profile, there is a canvas bag out there that will suit your lifestyle. Here are some of the best canvas bags out there for men.

Messenger Bags

In the messenger bag category, one of the reliable performers is Timbuk2. Founded in San Francisco in 1989, Timbuk2 has developed a strong brand that appeals to the active, on-the-go urban male. Their bags are durable and come in an assortment of designs and colors to suit your specific needs. Before investing in a canvas bag, consider what you will be typically carrying in the bag. If you have a laptop, be certain of the measurements to make sure that it will fit comfortably inside the bag. On the Timbuk2 company website, you can customize the Classic Messenger Bag in canvas to your exact specs. Depending on the size of the bag and add-ons, the cost can end up at around $200, give or take. On the site, you can access user reviews of the Classic Messenger Bag, which are very positive.

Tote Bags

In the tote bag category, Jack Spade is a good option to consider. Jack Spade has a strong reputation designing reasonably priced bags for men that balance style and utility. The Boat Canvas Weekend Tote retails at $235, coming in several colors. One attractive feature of the design is a tarpaulin panels built into the base of the bag. They help create a water resistant base that will keep your cargo safe and dry.

If you are less brand conscious and more focused on a finding a simple, functional canvas tote bag, Zazzle is great way to go. On the Zazzle site, a number of unique designs for canvas totes are featured. If you want to purchase in bulk, there are discounts offered that will drive the price down to under $20 a bag. So, for example, if you want to design some basic canvas totes for your company softball team, Zazzle may offer exactly what you are looking for.

Weekend Bags

For weekend bags, there are extensive options to choose from. One classic brand that offers a fine line of canvas men’s bags is J.W. Hulme. Operating since 1905 out of St. Paul, Minnesota, J.W. Hulme is noted for the fine craftsmanship that goes into each one of its bags. While the prices are not cheap, starting at $370, a canvas bag from J.W. Hulme is built to last. The Classic Duffle Bag comes in four sizes: small, medium, large and extra-large. There are several colors to choose from, as well as three personalized brass plate monogram options. The signature green canvas is complemented by brown leather to create a sophisticated look suited for both the inner city and rural locales. The Classic Duffle Bag is the flagship J.W. Hulme product, but other designs, such as the Club Carry-On Bag, are equally stylish and durable.

Duffle Bags

A close cousin of the weekend bag is the straightforward duffel, another great style for men’s canvas bags. Brooks Brothers right now has a Canvas Duffel Bag priced at $98. Coming in either red or navy, the Brooks Brothers Duffel has a minimalist outer design with few markings. There is an option to monogram the bag, which will require an additional couple weeks for shipping. The bag has one large compartment, inside of which there are two zip compartments for storing smaller items, such as toiletries. The bag also features a removable shoulder strap, giving it some added versatility. The web site features only one review, but it is resoundingly positive.

On the higher end, the Mulberry Medium Clipper Holdall Bag is a sleek new design aimed at the fashion forward, city dwelling male. The bag is composed of coated canvas with a leather base to maintain the integrity of the bag. The carrying capacity is roughly 32 litres, making it a good size for the weekend trip out of town. Priced at $650, the bag falls at the more expensive end of the scale.

While there are many canvas bag options for men, the aforementioned designs and brands are some of the best on the market. Whether you’re looking for a messenger bag for work, a small tote to carry on daily errands, or a weekend duffle for short trips, you can’t go wrong with any of these options.

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