Basic Maintenance is Important
Keeping your AWOL canvas duffle looking sharp and adventure‑ready only takes a few minutes of TLC. Follow these simple, ranch‑tested steps to clean, pack, and store your bag so it lasts for years—and looks good doing it.
1. Quick Gear Check
Empty every pocket. Shake out sand, hay, or stray socks.
Unclip hardware. Our U‑SA‑made snaps & D‑rings (shout‑out to Custom‑Metal) won’t rust, but they’ll thank you for the airflow.
2. Cleaning Your Canvas Duffle
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| What You Need | Why |
|---|---|
| Soft‑bristle brush (or an old toothbrush) | Lifts dust & mud without scuffing fibers |
| Mild soap (castile or gentle dish soap) | Strong enough for grime, safe for waxed canvas |
| Bucket of lukewarm water | Hot water can strip protective wax |
| Clean terry towel | For blot‑drying |
| Optional: canvas wax bar | Re‑proofs water resistance after wash |
Step‑by‑Step:
Dry brush first. Knock off dried dirt before you introduce water.
Spot‑soak. Mix a few drops of soap in the bucket. Dip the brush, scrub stains in small circles.
Rinse with a damp towel. Wipe away suds—don’t soak the whole bag.
Air‑dry flat out of direct sun. (Sunlight = fading.)
Re‑wax high‑wear areas once dry. Warm the wax bar with a hair dryer and rub it in.
Pro Tip: Still see oil spots? Sprinkle cornstarch, let sit overnight, then brush off.
3. Packing Like a Pro
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Ranch‑to‑Runway Method:
Roll, don’t fold. Rolled clothes compress better and avoid creases.
Bundle heavy items (boots, dopp kit) at the bottom near the shoulder strap side—keeps weight balanced.
Fill dead space. Stuff socks or bandanas inside shoes.
Use packing cubes to quarantine dirty gear—canvas breathes, but you don’t want funk.
Keep quick‑grab items (passport, charger) in the exterior side pocket
4. Storing for the Off‑Season
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Clean & bone‑dry. Moisture breeds mildew—no shortcuts.
Shape it. Stuff with unbleached kraft paper or an old T‑shirt to hold its form.
Choose a breathable space. Top shelf of a closet beats a sealed plastic bin.
Avoid extremes. Attics and basements swing temps—canvas hates that.
Check quarterly. Quick sniff test; wipe hardware with a dab of mineral oil if needed.
5. Ready for the Next Outing
Your AWOL canvas duffle is now battle‑ready—whether that’s a weekend rodeo or a red‑eye to NYC.
Need a fresh duffle or custom leather patch? Swing by awolbrand.co and build one that tells your story.
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Share & Tag
Show us your freshly cleaned rig—tag @AWOLBrand on Instagram and let the crew see where your bag’s been.
Happy trails, and keep it AWOL!
