Oilskin canvas has been around longer than most modern outdoor fabrics, and it’s still here for one reason: it works. The waxed 100% cotton canvas from Walker & Hawkes is one of those honest, no-nonsense materials that earns its keep through toughness, weather resistance, and the way it ages in the real world.
This cloth is a mid-weight 8-ounce canvas with a dry, antique wax finish. It’s firm in the hand, built to take abuse, and wide enough for serious projects at a full 150 centimeters. Nothing flimsy here. This fabric was born for rain, fieldwork, and the kind of everyday use that would shred ordinary cotton.
What makes it special
Waxed cotton behaves differently from modern synthetics. It doesn’t try to be flashy or high-tech. Instead, the wax saturates the cotton fibers, giving it natural water resistance and a windproof feel without losing the warmth and grounding of a natural fabric. When it creases, those creases lighten. When it’s folded, the lines stay. Over time, every mark, scuff, and bend turns into character, which is exactly why traditional oilskin gear still has a following.
You don’t need to baby it. Brush it off, wipe it clean, keep soap to a minimum, and re-wax it once in a while. That’s enough to keep it working for years.
How it performs in craft
For makers, oilskin canvas is dependable. It holds shape without sagging, stitches cleanly with slightly longer stitch lengths, and gives bags or covers a structured form that looks sharp and rugged. It’s ideal for projects where the final product needs to feel substantial — tote bags, field satchels, aprons, tool rolls, outdoor cushions, bike bags, jackets, or anything meant to live out in the weather.
It’s not the right material for drapey clothing or lightweight designs. It’s not meant to be soft and flowy. But if you want gear that looks like it came straight out of an old workshop or a countryside barn, this is the path.
Why do we use it
At Trailcraft & Co, this fabric fits our philosophy: gear that feels real, works hard, and doesn’t hide behind trends. Waxed oilskin canvas has a heritage weight to it. It belongs in the field, on the trail, and in the hands of people who value long-lasting craftsmanship.
It’s practical. It’s tough. It’s honest. And that’s exactly the kind of material we want our gear built from.
