Fabric types and color options
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Fabric choice and colors: #8 Cotton Duck
#8 100% cotton duck is the standard material used in most Waxwing bags. It is sturdy, durable and treated with commercially applied water repellant making for a bag that will last and perform for decades. The color options abound! If water-permeability is a concern, don't let that stop you from choosing cotton duck. I've made a bowl shape with this fabric and filled it with water. Nothing happens... it just sits there, for hours! 
Medium Handlebar bag in Bluebird, Terra Cotta and Butter with black trim
Medium Saddlebag in Navy and Terra Cotta
Black with multi-color vertical stripe
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xPac options:
x10 Cotton Duck, vx42, vx21, and x50 -X10 combines natural cotton duck with Dimension Polyant's signature X-Ply™ reinforcement and 100% waterproof polyester film backing--there is no PU coating to leak or peal off. It has the look and feel of classic cotton with a nice sturdy quality combined with the reassurance of a completely waterproof backing. It's also incredibly lightweight. -VX21 is a combo of X-Pac™ Ripstop Polyester, Hydro State waterproof construction technology, and 200 denier nylon fabric face that provides an ideal balance of weight and durability -VX42 uses a 420 denier CORDURA® nylon. The combination of X-Pac™ Hydro State waterproof construction technology, and 420 denier nylon fabric face provides an extremely abrasion resistant, waterproof, tear resistant fabric. -x50 rugged X50 with a 500d Cordura® face fabric in a traditional Multicam® pattern for a highly abrasion-resistant, tear-resistant, waterproof material. 
Frame bag in Dark Pine
Saddlebag in Black x10 with Sierra Tan and Terra Cotta accent stripe, plus reflective.
Mini Front bag in Red Rocks x10 with black leather and cotton trim details.
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#8 and #10 Waxed Canvas
If its a time tested classic look you are after, waxed canvas is lovely! It acquires a wear and patina over time that speaks of use and adventure. Waxed canvas is heavier than the non-waxed version, but the look and feel are hard to beat! Note: Additional $20 for waxed fabric per bag 
Saddlebag in waxed Navy with custom waxed accent stripes
Medium panniers in Deep Forest with Honey Brown leather trim
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Brass or Nickel Hardware
You have a choice with your bag order between brass and nickel. Left to my own devices, I tend to pair brass with bags that get honey leather trim, while bags with black trim tend to get nickel, but that's not to say you can't have it otherwise. |
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Weight
I often get asked about relative weight. To generalize, the x10 is about 2/3 the weight of #8 canvas, but the various added materials such as leather banding, elastics and hardware balance that out slightly. #8 waxed canvas is heavier than #8 canvas.
Here is a quick guide:
-#8 cotton duck: 610g/m2
-1000D cordura: 366g/m2
-500D cordura: 271g/m2
-x-pac X10 cotton duck: 355g/m2
-x-pac VX42: 284g/m2
-x-pac VX21: 203g/m2
Here is a quick guide:
-#8 cotton duck: 610g/m2
-1000D cordura: 366g/m2
-500D cordura: 271g/m2
-x-pac X10 cotton duck: 355g/m2
-x-pac VX42: 284g/m2
-x-pac VX21: 203g/m2
Front Pocket Style:
(mostly applies to handlebar and porteur bags)
Handlebar bags come with either a "3d" front pocket or a flat, pleated pocket; the difference being that the 3d pocket is squared off and has depth (usually about 1.25" deep), whereas the flat pocket lays flat on the face of the bag and expands via the pleats when loaded.
For long term storage, the 3d pocket is probably the better choice, but for occasional extra capacity the pleated pocket will be fine.
The chief difference is mostly aesthetic. The pleated pocket with bulky items won't look so good, but it's got a great look when flat.
For long term storage, the 3d pocket is probably the better choice, but for occasional extra capacity the pleated pocket will be fine.
The chief difference is mostly aesthetic. The pleated pocket with bulky items won't look so good, but it's got a great look when flat.
