French Canvas Duffle Bag, Surplus

TL;DR - Overall, you cannot go wrong for the price! At the time of writing, this bag is $22.99 CAD. You simply cannot get a more robust bag at this price point. If you need a large-volume bag that is in "like-new" condition and are tired of cheap products breaking, then this is the product for you! I got frustrated with typical "duffel bags" not having enough capacity and the zippers popping open even with minimal amounts of contents. Enter the French Canvas Duffel Bag. Complete with carry handle, sling, and NO ZIPPERS! The closing mechanism is robust and serves its purpose. Now being surplus, I was expecting it to be rough around the edges; to my surprise, it looked as if this was unused! The smell test reveals that it indeed was used, but I have left instructions below to be rid of this smell. Be warned, cleaning this bag likely removes the treatment which may have given it waterproof properties. I recommend looking into fabric wax (Sarma Fabric Wax works wonders) or making your own paraffin and beeswax version. Much like the Czechoslovakian M60 Rucksack, this bag needed a clean. My go-to method involves several steps: - Hang the bag outside in direct sunlight, flipping it inside out so it can get the sun treatment as well - Soak the bag in warm water with some borax (or a similar product) for 24 hours; give a thorough rinse both inside and out - Soak the bag again, but this time with a detergent (not Tide pods) and borax, and allow it to sit for over 24 hours - Rinse thoroughly both inside and out; hang and allow to dry thoroughly before use - If the smell persists, repeat steps 3 and 4.

For $22 CAD I'm very pleased. My bag has no signs of wear.

I love this bag. I cut the strap next to the handle, extended it and sewed it to the base. That allows me to carry this bag like a one-strapped backpack. Very comfy and huge. Oh and the other day I left it out in the rain for 1.5 hours. The outside was completely soaked but the inside was still DRY. Strong smell of military surplus, especially when wet. I love it though.