Union Backpack - Waxed Canvas Backpack

 Production times:

Because our items are handcrafted for each individual order, they take time to complete. Orders are typically completed and shipped within 2-3 weeks  

Custom orders and orders for multiple items may take longer. 

 Shipping

All orders ship free (to the lower 48 states) via UPS Ground. 

You will recieve an email with a tracking number once your order is on the way. 

 Questions? Contact us here.

What is Waxed Canvas? Learn more here.

Waxed Canvas Care:

All Cottonwood waxed canvas goods are made with Martexin Original Wax Waxed Canvas, produced in the US since 1930. Martexin Original Wax is a highly specialized textile that precludes normal cleaning. Just as you wouldn't wash a leather product such as shoes, gloves, or jackets, you won’t be able to wash or dry clean your Martexin Original Wax. Wax fabrics have been successfully used for many years without washing.

Cleaning:

A periodic spot cleaning with a damp cloth is all that is needed. Over time, you may want to refinish your item. This can be done with Martexin Original Wax Refinishing Compound, available for purchase here.

Please note:

You may notice a slight waxy feel to your new item. This is normal and will dissipate quickly.

Leather Elements:

We use only veg tanned leather on our bags, aprons, portfolios, and tool rolls. Veg tanned leather has many benefits, including being more environmentally-friendly than chrome tanned leather. 

The alternative to veg tanned is chrome-tanned leather. It often has its edges treated with acrylic varnish, causing it to crack, peel, and split after just a few years. In addition, the mineral chromium is a heavy metal and is quite toxic to the environment as well as to the people processing it.

Further benefits of veg tanned leather include:

• The time consuming, traditional techniques used to process hides for vegetable-tanned leather means that these goods continue to soften and develop a beautiful patina as they age.
• The edges of vegetable-tanned leather is burnished or turned, meaning it will last for decades. 
• Vegetable-tanned leather has that distinctive “leather” aroma, rather than the typical chemical odor of chromium-tanned goods. The fragrance is sweet, woody, and rich.
• This is a more natural process, leaving the leather with unique variations in shade and color. The original features and imperfections of the animal’s hide can easily be seen, adding to its character. A piece of vegetable-tanned leather is truly a one-of-a-kind product.
• Due to its artisanal nature, the vegetable tanning process produces some of the sturdiest, most durable leathers available and is more expensive than chrome tanned leather. It is often used for high-end items that are made to last, such as saddlery, holsters, wallets, journals, and handbags. 

Leather Care:

Veg tanned leather will benefit from the occasional conditioning or moisturizing. Basic olive oil is an excellent leather moisturizer. Just rub it onto the leather, allow to soak in and then wipe off. You can also use a commercially available leather conditioner.