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The 10 Best Clear Top Canvas Bags: Tested & Reviewed 2024
The Best ClearTop Canvas Bags (2024Buyers Guide)
When it comes to keeping your gear organised and easily accessible, a quality storage solution is essential. Clear top canvas bags offer the perfect combination of durability and functionality. In our quest to find the best clear top canvas bags on the market, we’ve rigorously tested and reviewed a range of options to bring you our top picks for the best clear top canvas bag in 2024 (and designed one of our own).
In this guide, we delve into the key factors to consider when choosing clear top canvas bags. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision based on your specific requirements. The top list features a diverse selection of clear top bags, each evaluated for its performance, durability, and overall value. From spacious utility bags to compact toiletry pouches, we’ve handpicked the top contenders to suit a variety of storage needs.
So let’s jump right in!
Quick Picks – Our Top 3
#1 Best Overall: Echidna Offroad The Pouch XL Clear Top Canvas Bag
- Volume: 26 litres
- Dimensions: 46cm x 36cm x 15cm
- 520 gsm hard-coated canvas
- Waterproof from the outside
- Robust PVC lining on the inside
- Thick but transparent PVC lid
- Removable divider
- 4mm open cell foam
#2 Great For Drawer Systems: Blacksmith Clear Top Large Drawer Bag
- Volume: 28 litres
- Dimensions: 44cm x 40cm x 16cm
- 100% Australian made
- Heavy and durable canvas
- PVC lining on the inside
- Movable padded divider
#3 Great For Reliability: Crashpad Crashpod
- Volume: 23 litres
- Dimensions: 45cm x 32cm x 16cm
- Waterproof PVC lining on the inside
- Foam padding between the canvas and the internal lining
- Two sturdy padded handles on the sides
Buying Guide: What to Look for in Clear Top Bags
So what exactly makes one style of clear top canvas bag better than another? They all look quite similar, they are all made of canvas, and they all have transparent lids, right? Well, there are actually small differences that can have a big impact on the overall feel when using the bag. Here is what to consider:
Related: The 10 Best Spare Wheel Bags Australia: Tested & Reviewed 2024.
1. Size
Size is obviously one of the most important factors when choosing any kind of bag. With most bags (like backpacks for example), we usually think about their capacity in terms of volume (litres) But if you are looking for a bag to store your camping gear in your 4×4, you’ll also need to think about the exact dimensions that can fit the space you are working with. Getting a bag that fits exactly into the space you have will result in optimal use of storage space.
With that in mind, we recommend measuring the compartments/areas where you plan to keep your storage bags so you know what you are working with in advance.
Then, look at the volume of the bags (litres) to get a general idea of how much stuff can fit inside, but also refer to the exact dimensions to see what works for your vehicle (or whichever other space you plan to store your gear in).
2. Materials
The main purpose of a storage bag is obviously to keep its contents safe. For this reason, we always want to see quality, hard-wearing materials. Today we are talking about canvas bags, so, as expected, all of the bags on our top list are made of canvas. But are there differences?
Well, yes. The bags are all made of the same type of fabric (canvas), but there can still be a lot of variation when it comes to the quality and the overall feel of the canvas. This is hard to judge if you can’t see the bag in person and feel the fabric, but one thing that can help you somewhat is the “gsm”.
You’ve probably seen these numbers in product descriptions and are wondering what that means. GSM refers to grams per square metre. In other words, the higher the GSM the heavier the fabric. So if the canvas used in the bag you are looking at has a higher GSM number, you can expect the fabric to be thicker and more hard-wearing.
3. Structure
Now, the cheapest and simplest clear top storage bags will feature a single layer of canvas. There is nothing wrong with that – canvas is a tough fabric and also fairly water-resistant. However, there are better options. Higher quality bags will also feature a PVC lining on the inside which actually makes the bag waterproof, not just water-resistant. We definitely recommend this option.
Additionally, some bags also have a foam layer between the canvas on the outside and the PVC layer on the inside. This is to give the bag a bit more structure (it makes the walls stay upright, for example). This layer makes the bag look and feel more sturdy, but doesn’t add much functionality. So, in our opinion, it’s not a must-have feature.
4. Zippers, Handles and Other Features
Canvas storage bags are fairly simple, so there are not too many extra features you can expect. One thing to pay attention to are the zippers. They are typically the weakest point of any bag, so look for zippers that look as rugged as possible and open and close smoothly.
Another feature to pay attention to are the handles. For this type of storage bag, we like short handles on both sides (bonus points if they are padded). This is because these handles actually allow you to lift the bag in a sensible way.
However, many clear top canvas bags come with long webbing straps as handles. These won’t hurt the function of the bag in any way, but they tend to be completely useless when it comes to lifting the bag when it’s full (unless you want to tumble up all the contents you’ve carefully arranged).
Many storage bags also come with an internal divider. Not everyone needs this, but it can be quite useful if you have lots of small items you want to organise. Bonus points if the divider is moveable.
My Picks For The Best Clear Top Storage Bags in 2024
#1 Best Overall: Echidna Offroad The Pouch XL Clear Top Canvas Bag
- Volume: 26 litres
- Dimensions: 46cm x 36cm x 15cm
- 520 gsm hard-coated canvas
- Waterproof from the outside
- Robust PVC lining on the inside
- Thick but transparent PVC lid
- Removable divider
- 4mm open cell foam
Volume: 26 litres
Dimensions: 46cm x 36cm x 15cm
Australian Made: No
The Echidna Offroad Clear Top Canvas Bag is designed to make your life easier – and to keep doing that for a long time.
The exterior of this bag is made with 520 gsm hard-coated canvas. This makes the bag extremely resistant to regular wear and tear and perfect for outdoor adventures. Thanks to the coating, the bag is actually waterproof from the outside, but for extra protection, we’ve also added a robust PVC lining on the inside. The lining makes the bag extremely easy to clean (just wipe it down with a damp cloth) and it will keep any accidental spills safely contained.
The lid is made from a thick but transparent PVC to keep the contents clearly visible. The lid attaches to the bag with strong but flexible zippers. The padded handles on the sides complete the experience by allowing you to lift the bag comfortably even if it’s filled with heavy gear.
As a bonus, the bag includes a removable divider. The divider attaches using velcro straps and lets you organise the inside better. Especially useful when you need to store lots of small items.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Rugged and spacious bag | Only one size currently available |
| Heavy-duty waterproof canvas will take anything you throw at it | |
| Sturdy PVC lining on the inside | |
| Durable transparent lid | |
| Quality zippers | |
| Comfortable handles | |
| Removable divider included |
#2 Great For Drawer Systems: Blacksmith Clear Top Large Drawer Bag
- Volume: 28 litres
- Dimensions: 44cm x 40cm x 16cm
- 100% Australian made
- Heavy and durable canvas
- PVC lining on the inside
- Movable padded divider
Volume: 28 litres
Dimensions: 44cm x 40cm x 16cm
Australian Made: Yes
Blacksmith Camping Gear claims this bag is 100% Australian made, with materials made in Australia too. While I haven’t been able to independently check that, what I can say is that they do make decent quality bags.
The canvas used for the exterior of these bags is quite heavy and feels durable, although not as bomb-proof as the fabric used by Echidna Offroad. The bag features a PVC lining on the inside to keep it waterproof and easy to clean as well as a movable padded divider to help with organisation (extra dividers can be purchased separately if you need them). As expected, the lid is transparent and closes with a pretty standard YKK zipper.
The one thing I didn’t like about the Blacksmith drawer bag is the design on the handles. There is one long handle on one side and another shorter handle on the side right next to it (not on the opposite side). If you are using these bags as part of a drawer system, one of these handles will be useful as it allows you to pull the bag out easily. But if you want to actually lift the bag, well, good luck with that! Using the handles won’t help you, unless you want to shake up all the contents.
On a side note, the bag is available in three colour options, including black with grey or black PVC lining, and khaki with black PVC lining. So if a perfectly matching car interior is important to you, there’s a chance you’ll find the right colour here.
Overall, it’s a decent, durable bag with a few minor design flaws.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Australian-made canvas and PVC materials | Limited size options |
| Adjustable padded divider included for customized organization | Questionable handle design |
| Clear PVC lid provides visibility of contents | |
| Available in multiple color options to suit individual tastes |
#3 Great For Reliability: Crashpad Crashpod
- Volume: 23 litres
- Dimensions: 45cm x 32cm x 16cm
- Waterproof PVC lining on the inside
- Foam padding between the canvas and the internal lining
- Two sturdy padded handles on the sides
Volume: 23 litres
Dimensions: 45cm x 32cm x 16cm
Australian Made: No
From the outside, the Craspad Crashpods look softer and less rugged than other canvas bags, but they do actually withstand the test of time quite well. Sure, the canvas on the outside won’t look spotless after years of abuse in outdoor adventures, but it will not fall apart.
Just like most other clear top canvas bags, those from Crashpad feature a waterproof PVC lining on the inside. What makes them unique is the addition of foam padding between the canvas and the internal lining to give the bag a bit more structure.
The bag also features two sturdy padded handles on the sides. This way, you can actually lift the bag even if it’s full of heavy stuff.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cute design | Narrower than other options |
| Foam between layers gives extra structure | More expensive than most competitors |
| Removable divider included | |
| Sturdy side handles |
#4 The Stylish Option: Rainger Clear Top Bag Medium
- Volume: 16 litres
- Dimensions: 45cm x 22cm x 16cm
- Smooth black canvas
- Sturdy rubber grabs
- Sleek PVC lining
Volume: 16 litres
Dimensions: 45cm x 22cm x 16cm
Australian Made: No
The Rainger Clear Top Bag is one of the most stylish storage bags we have seen. But keep in mind, this bag is only 22cm wide which is considerably less than most other bags on our list. This might work for your setup, but if you want to maximise the use of space, wider bags usually work better (and can fit larger items).
The bag features smooth black canvas on the outside with a clear top lid. The handles on the sides are especially well made. They include plushy but sturdy rubber grabs which is something I personally like a lot. It just makes lifting the bag feel so much nicer.
As for the interior, the Rainger bag features a sleek PVC lining and includes a divider.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cool design | Smaller than other options |
| Comfortable padded handles on the sides | |
| Cell foam between canvas and lining gives structure | |
| Adjustable divider included |
#5 The Cheapest: Kings Clear Top Canvas Bag
- Volume: 15 litres
- Dimensions 40.5cm x 25cm x 15cm
- Discounts on multi-packs
- Single layer of canvas
- No lining
- No padding
Volume: 15 litres
Dimensions 40.5cm x 25cm x 15cm
Australian Made: No
If you are just looking for a simple celar top bag that will let you organise your stuff so you can actually see it and not break the bank at that, you can go with these bags from Kings. Especially if you need many of them, as there are discounts on multi-packs.
Now, you do get what you pay for in this case. These bags are definitely not as sturdy as the more expensive options. They feature a single layer of canvas. No lining and no padding.
However, canvas is a pretty durable fabric that can take a lot of wear and tear. Just keep in mind that these bags feel a lot more flimsy than many other options.
There are 2 handles on the sides which are ok but not a great design for lifting the bag since it has no structure.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable | No waterproof lining |
| Lightweight | Thin and no structure |
| Clear top |
#6 Best Bang for Your Buck: Drifta Clear Top Utility Bags
- Volume: 8 litres
- Dimensions: 29cm x 24cm x 12cm
- Two sizes: S (6 litres), L (8 litres)
- Two colour options: Green, Grey
- Rugged seams
- No dividers
- Small back pocket
Volume: 8 litres
Dimensions: 29cm x 24cm x 12cm
Australian Made: No
Next, we have these utility bags by Drifta, which are more compact than most other picks on the list. The bags come in two sizes: S with a capacity of around 6 litres, and L with 8 litres, and both can easily fit into larger drawers or utility bags. They come in two classic colour options: green (which is more of a light olive) and grey.
The canvas exterior and the seams feel pretty rugged, allowing you to confidently fill the bag with heavier stuff like tools without it getting ripped open. The transparent PVC lid gives you a peek at what’s stored inside while the bag is zipped up. Speaking of zippers, Drifta is loyal to Vislon zippers, and this model is no exception. The bag features a head-to-head zipper system, meaning both sliders can move independently.
When it comes to the inside, Drifta keeps things simple. Since the bags are on the smaller side, the fact that they don’t have any dividers is not a deal breaker. Plus, there’s a small back pocket for essential but tiny things.
Overall, these bags are pretty good. The only real complaint one can have is the handle. A single, unpadded lid handle is by no means comfortable in your hand while lifting a full utility bag.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Two size options | Smaller compared to other picks |
| Head-to-head zipper system for easier opening | The uncomfortable unpadded handle |
| Small inner pocket for essentials | |
| Australian-made materials |
#7 For Storing Clothes: OZTrail Clear Top Canvas Bag Large
- Volume: 15 litres
- Dimensions: 40cm x 25cm x 15cm
- 400-gsm cotton canvas
- No padding or structure
- Two side handles
Volume: 15 litres
Dimensions: 40cm x 25cm x 15cm
Australian Made: No
OZTrail is known for making quality outdoor gear at an affordable price, and this bag is no different. This particular model has a volume capacity of 17 litres, which means it’s somewhat of a middle ground between other bags on this list.
This bag is made of 400-gsm cotton canvas, which is robust, durable and lightweight. When empty, the bag weighs just 340 grams, yet the bag fabric is durable enough to withstand the weight of the content inside.
With that being said, keep in mind that this bag has no padding or structure. This means you want to pack it full to prevent the things inside from moving around. But at the same time, content that’s too heavy will distort the shape of the bag while it’s being carried.
The two side handles make carrying easier, as they allow you to distribute the weight between them evenly. They aren’t padded, but that shouldn’t be a problem unless you’re filling the bag with stones.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| YKK head-to-head zipper system | No padding or structure |
| Very lightweight when not in use | |
| Rather affordable | |
| Heavy-duty canvas |
#8 Stackable: Canvas Clear Top Bag With Collapsible Crate
- Volume: 33 litres
- Dimensions: 48cm x 36cm x 19cm
- Stackable storage
- Australian-made canvas
- Collapsible crate
- Marine-grade PVC lid
Volume: 33 litres
Dimensions: 48cm x 36cm x 19cm
Australian Made: Yes
If you’re looking for stackable storage bags, this product by Underkover is definitely worth a mention. This bag is designed with versatility in mind, so you can surely make good use of it regardless of your drawer system setup.
The bag is made of Australian-made canvas which is sturdy but without structure. This means it’s rather lightweight when empty and it packs down flat when not in use. However, that also makes the bag flimsy when packed with heavier things.
This is where the collapsible crate comes into action. The crate is solid enough to hold a bag full of cans, so simply pop it inside the bag when you need more structure, and collapse when not in use. Of course, you can buy the bag without the crate, but that’s what makes it so special.
While all bags on this list have clear top lids, this one is particularly nice. It’s made of marine-grade PVC, the same material used on high-end boat windows. This type of vinyl is very durable and resistant to abrasion and elements.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Collapsible crate provides more structure | Only comes in one size |
| Marine-grade PVC is resistant to long-term wear and elements | |
| YKK dual sliders | |
| Australian-made canvas and handles |
#9 The Taller Version: AOS Drawer Bag Tall
- Volume: 12 litres
- Dimensions: 34cm x 20cm x 18cm
- 3 sizes – All 18cm tall
- Ripstop polycotton canvas
- Treated with a waterproof finish
- Two handles with rubber grabs
Volume: 12 litres
Dimensions: 34cm x 20cm x 18cm
Australian Made: No
While storage bags come in different sizes, what’s typical for most of them is a height of 16 centimetres or under. But depending on your drawer system, that might not be high enough to maximise your use of space. In that case, the extra three centimetres in height of these AOS drawer bags will make quite a difference.
This model comes in three sizes, all of which have the same height of 18 centimetres, so choosing the right one depends on your needs. There’s one thing to keep in mind when selecting though, and that’s the divider. The small and medium versions feature a divider that’s attached to Velcro tape, so it can be adjusted or removed if necessary. The large version, however, has no divider, so it’s more suitable for storing bulkier things.
The bag is made of ripstop polycotton canvas, which is a dense material that’s resistant to tearing and ripping. It’s treated with a waterproof finish, so you don’t have to worry about potential spillage.
The handles are also worth a mention. Situated on the sides and covered with rubber grabs, the handles make carrying a piece of cake
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Three sizes available | The large model doesn’t have a divider |
| Extra height to fit larger drawer systems | |
| Canvas is resistant to water, ripping and tearing | |
| Rubberised handles make carrying easy |
#10 Best Mini Canvas Bag: CAOS Canvas Clear Top Toiletry Bag
- Volume: 5 litres
- Dimensions: 24cm x 15cm x 14cm
- Mini canvas bag storage solution
- Made of heavy-duty canvas
- 2 Colours: Storm grey, Big red
- PVC lining for waterproofing
- Side handles
Volume: 5 litres
Dimensions: 24cm x 15cm x 14cm
Australian Made: No
Whether you need it for actual toiletries or other small items, this mini canvas bag by CAOS is an excellent storage solution for that. With the dimensions of 24.5x15x14.5 centimetres, it’s big enough to fit, for instance, two rolls of toilet paper.
Although small, this is one sturdy bag. It’s made of heavy-duty canvas, which comes in two colours: storm grey and big red. The material isn’t coated with a waterproof layer, but it doesn’t need it. Like regular canvas, it can be seasoned by soaking and allowing it to dry multiple times before use.
The red PVC lining makes the interior of the bag completely waterproof. That way, even if your shampoo gets spilled inside, not a single drop will get out of the bag. This is also thanks to the high-quality double zippers that let nothing through the teeth.
The bag features two decently sized handles on the sides. They’re not padded, but that’s not too much of a deal, as it’s very unlikely you’ll carry something too heavy inside.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| PVC lining prevents leakage | Somewhat expensive given its size |
| Side handles for easier carrying | |
| Two colour options |
My Final Verdict
Our research has shown that clear top canvas bags mostly look very similar on the outside, but that doesn’t mean they are all the same. Little details like padded handles and movable dividers are nice to have and convenient, but what matters the most is the quality of the materials used if you want your bag to stand up to the test of time.
The Echidna Offroad clear top bag was designed with that in mind. With a focus on quality materials and components, it will keep you organised on every adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
While the canvas material itself may provide some water resistance, it is usually not waterproof. Many clear top canvas bags feature a waterproof PVC lining on the inside to ensure complete protection against moisture.
Yes, most clear top canvas bags can be hand-washed using mild soap and water. However, be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific care recommendations.
While clear top canvas bags can be used for storing non-perishable food items, it’s important to ensure that the bags are clean and free from any contaminants before use. Additionally, be mindful of storing food items in sealed containers within the bags to prevent potential contamination.
Cleaning a spare wheel bag depends on its design and materials. Bags with PVC lining or waterproof coatings are often easy to clean with a hose. For fabric bags, check the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning recommendations.