12 Best Canvas Backpacks for Travel
Canvas backpacks are making waves as a versatile and fashionable choice for modern travelers, since they strike the ideal balance between style, durability, and functionality. Whether you're an urban adventurer, a nature enthusiast, or some blend of both, a canvas backpack can be your trusted travel companion for any and all outings you have planned.
To get you started on your search for the perfect bag, we’ve made a list of the 12 best canvas backpacks for travel in 2024. Keep reading to learn more.
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12 best canvas backpacks for travel in 2024
1. Best overall canvas backpack: Terra Thread
Real talk: We love *everything* about the Earth Backpack from Terra Thread. For starters, this pack is spacious, durable, and made of natural, sustainable materials (AKA organic cotton canvas). It also boasts an impressive 16L capacity, a designated laptop sleeve, an internal hanging pocket, and two external water bottle pockets. Even better, every TT purchase supports Feeding America's campaign to end hunger by helping donate meals to families in need.
Price: starting at $70
2. Best affordable canvas backpack: Qyoubi
Trying to save some money ahead of your trip (so you can spend more at your destination)? If so, you should definitely check out this affordable backpack from Qyoubi. This casual pack is a modest size but still offers plenty of storage. For example, you’ll find an interior zip pocket, two interior slot pockets, a front zip pocket, and two more zippered spots on the sides. And if you’re traveling with devices in tow, the main compartment can comfortably fit up to a 12.5-inch screen.
Price: starting at $26
3. Best classic canvas backpack: Seemeroad
When we hear the words ‘canvas backpack,’ we almost always picture a bag like this one from Seemeroad. This classic design is made from a strong, 16 oz canvas (for exceptional durability) — but it’s lightweight enough to use on a daily basis. With the 28L carrying capacity, you can tote everything you need for traveling, studying, commuting, and every stop in between. Give this style a shot if you want a functional, no frills backpack that won’t break the bank.
Price: starting at $34
4. Best luxury canvas backpack: Longchamp
Travelers looking to splurge will love this high-end canvas backpack from Longchamp. The brand’s Le Pliage Energy design is made from recycled textiles and features a sturdy zippered closure, detachable (and adjustable) straps, a roomy laptop pocket, and an exterior zippered pocket to protect your small must-have items. While this backpack is obviously a larger investment, the quality and attention to detail are sure to hold up to years of wear and tear.
Price: starting at $425
5. Best lightweight canvas backpack: LuckyZ
If you travel on a regular basis, the last thing you want is for your luggage and accessories to weigh you down. The good news is, this canvas daypack from LuckyZ is super lightweight but still offers tons of storage space. There’s a sizable main compartment, an inside pocket, two side pockets, plus another zippered pocket on the front. You can use this cloth bag to carry your books, devices, an extra set of clothes, or any of your other everyday travel essentials.
Price: starting at $29
6. Best durable canvas backpack: L.L.Bean
This trusty backpack from L.L.Bean is a “well-outfitted pack for travel or everyday use.” Crafted from durable, weather-resistant waxed cotton canvas, this bag is equipped with a large main compartment, cushioned back panel, and adjustable (ergonomic) shoulder straps to maximize your comfort. In addition, there’s also a padded, fleece-lined pocket that holds a laptop up to 15 inches — and a zippered side opening that makes it easy to grab whatever you need.
Price: starting at $149
7. Best compact canvas backpack: Lacoste
Minimalist travelers will love this compact, yet functional backpack from the team at Lacoste. Their Piqué-Effect bag is a gorgeous take on the traditional backpack shape, but this one has a smaller size that’s specifically designed to move with you. On top of that, this bag is constructed with clever pockets, adjustable straps, and a cotton piqué fabric to add a touch of sporty chic. Bring this one with you for an afternoon of sightseeing or when you’re cafe hopping for the day.
Price: starting at $188
8. Best vintage canvas backpack: PaCanva
Even though PaCanva’s canvas rucksack isn’t a true vintage piece, it still has a classic, vintage aesthetic that’s sure to make a style statement. Constructed from cotton canvas with leather accents, this bag comes with a 20L carrying capacity and features a dedicated laptop sleeve (sized to fit most devices up to 15 inches). Along with that, you’ll find an interior zippered pocket for your small essentials, plus two more zippered pockets on the sides to hold your bottles.
Price: starting at $69
9. Best hip canvas backpack: Billabong
Okay, how cute are these canvas backpack designs from Billabong? The Schools Out bag is made from sturdy cotton canvas materials and features a “main compartment with dedicated laptop sleeve, a front zip pocket for easy access to your essentials, and padded shoulder straps to let you travel in comfort.” Not bad, right? And of course, we love that the bold colors and patterns will help you stand out at the airport, train station, or wherever life takes you.
Price: starting at $46
10. Best rolltop canvas backpack: Horizn Studios
The SoFo Rolltop Backpack from Horizn Studios is a lightweight and durable canvas design that comes with a spacious main compartment and a hidden zippered pocket for a little added security. Better yet, the recycled cotton materials have a tight, high-density weave and synthetic wax finish that’s unaffected by water or heat. Translation? You can bring this bag with you in all kinds of climates and situations and it’ll stay looking good as new everywhere you go.
Price: starting at $135
11. Best water-repellent canvas backpack: Carhartt
Carhartt’s Jake Backpack is made of water-repellent, recycled polyester canvas with a specialty Cordura® base — i.e. a high-tenacity polyester that’s designed for total durability. Along with those fabric features, the Jake Backpack also comes with a cushioned back and adjustable shoulder straps to amplify your comfort. Inside this bag, you’ll find a padded laptop pocket that’s detailed with a smaller mesh pocket where you can stash your charging cables for safekeeping.
Price: starting at $98
12. Best canvas backpack for parents: Mayko Bags
Traveling with small children? Make things a little easier on yourself with the Waxed Canvas Diaper Bag from Mayko. This stylish backpack is handcrafted from “100% high-quality cotton waxed canvas” that’s both water-resistant and incredibly durable. The outside of this bag features two side pockets for baby bottles (or your own water bottles) — but there are also magnetic closures along the outside flap to allow for easy access to diapers, wipes, and more.
Price: starting at $121
Common FAQs
Do canvas backpacks last?
Yes, canvas backpacks can last several years if they have quality of materials and construction. Look for backpacks from brands like Terra Thread, L.L.Bean, Longchamp, Quince, and Carhartt for durable, yet stylish bags that will stand the test of time and travel.
How do I clean a canvas backpack?
To clean a canvas backpack, start by emptying its contents and shaking out loose dirt or debris. Then, spot-clean any stains using a mixture of mild detergent and warm water, gently scrubbing the fabric with a soft brush. Allow your bag to fully air dry before using it again (to prevent the growth of mold or mildew).
Are canvas backpacks machine washable?
In general, it’s not recommended to machine wash canvas backpacks since submersion in water can damage the material and weaken the bag's structure. Instead, you can spot clean canvas bags (by hand) using a mild detergent mixed with warm water.