I’ve just bought a backpack from Frost River, the “Arrowhead Trail Eco.” I know that you can’t assume that something is BIFL until you’ve owned it for a while, but waxed canvas definitely fits that long-lasting category, and this one certainly feels solid at first glance.

This is the first waxed canvas backpack I’ve bought. I’ve owned a few backpacks in recent years, trying to find the perfect everyday + work + gym backpack, but I’m new to waxed canvas. So I’m wondering if anyone has anything that I should pay attention to as I use it for the next couple months and develop an opinion about it.

The product page for it is here: https://frostriver.com/products/arrowhead-trail-rolltop-eco

I can post pictures tomorrow if anyone wants them. I’ve just picked up the package and it’s the middle of the night right now, so I can’t even really see what it looks like yet, haha. I usually find “first impressions” reviews to not be very useful (especially for products that you intend to own for more than a decade), but there were surprisingly few reviews for this brand available, so I might just do that anyway.

  • eldain@feddit.nlEnglish
    6·
    11 days ago

    With worn textiles, there will be wear and tear. Textiles exposed to the outside can get dirty from rain, bird poo, mud, vomit… I would want to know, how cleanable is it? Is it allergic to any cleaning agents? Can the waterproofing be reapplied when it fades? For highest review rating: Does the manufacturer offer a repair service with access to original fabric even when your chosen color is out of style to recover holes and cuts?

    • David_Eight@lemmy.worldEnglish
      5·
      11 days ago
      1. Waxed Canvas is water repellent and therefore repels other things like mud etc. You should just be able to wipe everything off with a damp cloth. Oil stains will need some absorbing substance left on stain for a day or two. Avoid using any chemicals or washing machine.
      2. The wax does dry out over time and will need to be “reapplied” at some point.
      3. These look like generic colors that you should be able to source locally or online.

      This is generic knowledge on waxed canvas, not about this bag specifically.