The Kirkby — Sand & Cognac Waxed Canvas Backpack

The Kirkby is a flap backpack in waxed canvas: a tall, clean body with a leather base, two buckled straps on the flap and a leather grab handle on top.

Sand canvas, a shade lighter and warmer than stone, with cognac leather that deepens toward chestnut with use.

It is 12 inches wide and 16 inches tall, with a padded sleeve for a 15-inch laptop, and room behind it for a sweater, a notebook and a water bottle.

The padded shoulder straps adjust at the base, and inside there is a zip pocket and two open pockets for a phone and chargers.

Choose the Kirkby if you would rather carry the weight on both shoulders: on a bike, on foot or on the first day of a new job. See more in graduation gifts for him, or browse all our waxed canvas bags.

The canvas

We use 18 oz waxed cotton canvas, the same cloth as our Ellis totes. The wax makes it water-resistant: rain beads and runs off, and a shower will not soak through. It sheds weather rather than sealing it out, and it is not meant to look new forever: fold lines and darker hand marks build up into a finish of its own. Every edge that takes wear, the handles, straps, corners and base, is full grain leather.

How it is made

Made to order in our own workshop. Every piece is cut by hand, the seams are stitched with waxed thread, the edges are sanded and burnished rather than painted, and the hardware is solid brass. Three initials are pressed free on the leather patch, in gold foil, silver foil or a blind press.

Care

Brush off dry dirt and sponge marks with cold water. When water stops beading, usually once a year, rub in a little fabric wax and warm it with a hair dryer. Never use detergent or a washing machine, and condition the leather trim twice a year.