Materials

About

"Each bag is constructed with the finest and most seaworthy materials, including real duck canvas, oil-tanned leather and genuine New England Rope..." Real Duck Canvas... the original sailcloth. Duck canvas is made from the densely woven fibers of spun cotton. In the old days, this rugged material was used for almost everything aboard the ship including sails and sail covers, cargo covers, sun shades, hammocks, slings, water buckets, pipe berths, and even foul weather gear. With modern advancements beginning around the 1940's, various types of synthetic materials became available to the mariner... most notably Dacron for sailcloth, and blended acrylics for lightweight covers and awnings (i.e. Sunbrella, Acrylan, etc .). By the 1960's, these petroleum-based alternatives had all but replaced the use of duck canvas aboard recreational craft, mainly due to their weight savings. However in the commercial shipping and fishing industries, and even aboard military vessels, heavyweight duck canvas is still the preferred material for many on-board applications. That's because real duck canvas offers a unique combination of properties that are still unmatched by the best synthetics - even to this day - Real Duck Canvas Is: Breathable. Prevents condensation and moisture buildup. No greenhouse effect or 'plastic' feel. No coatings or laminates to peel or wear off. Naturally water repellent - water beads off the tightly woven fibers. In case of extreme wet conditions, including immersion, the fibers swell to form a watertight seal, just like a canvas water bucket. Extremely rugged. Abrasion resistant; doesn't scratch or tear easily. Firmer and stronger than acrylics, but never "crackly" or stiff like modern sailcloth. Natural, non-toxic composition, not "sticky" in hot weather... doesn't irritate skin or emit gasses when exposed to tropical UV light or heat. Virtually maintenance free. Doesn't require chemical treatments like silicone or scotchguard. Can be waxed, if the 'antique