Nomad Essentials
Since 2008 • Made in AustraliaA trusted travel companion
When you combine an engineer and craftsperson, you always go back to the best material for the job. And canvas always lasted the longest.
Marnie Statkus is an adventurous Aussie with a love for designing adaptable travel bags and accessories which function well beyond the last trip.
After years on the road, Marnie dreamed of finding the ‘perfect bag’—good-looking and durable that could be used in the office, on a dusty trail or bike path, around the globe and back again.
From this dream, Nomad Essentials® canvas bags and accessories was created and continues to evolve.
On open mind on the open road
Marnie is a seasoned traveller who thinks nothing of blizzards, biking down vertical cliffs, Bali belly, or exploring New Zealand’s south island in an old van.
After hauling backpacks into rickshaws, strapping on day bags to trek wild terrain to unforgettable vistas, and testing the limits of straps, zips and buckles exploring crowded markets and cities, Marnie’s ‘research phase’ was as enlightening as it was memorable.
After travelling through much of Asia and the Pacific, Marnie headed home to where her heart beckoned.
In 2008 Nomad Essentials® was formed, celebrating a passion for great design, exploring the unknown, and a love of the open road.
Our quality guarantee
- We only use the highest quality 8oz, 12oz and 16oz 100% cotton canvas.
- All zippers are YKK® – the #1 quality zipper on the planet.
- All plastic buckles and retainers are Acetal, an incredibly strong thermoplastic (also used to make car bumper bars).
- All our products are stitched using high density nylon thread.
- Guaranteed 100% vegan friendly.
Water proofing
- Canvas has natural semi-waterproofing properties in light moisture conditions.
- We custom treat our canvas with an environmentally friendly compound which makes textiles hydrophobic.
- If you need more weather protection or a re-treatment, we recommend using NIKWAX® Cotton Proof for a wash-in solution, or NIKWAX® TX-Direct for a spray-on solution (or similar).
- Be sure to test any product in an inconspicuous area on the back of your bag to check for undesirable changes.
Cleaning
- All our canvas products are washable.
- Add a dash of mild, eco-friendly detergent to cold water and soak for 1-2 hours.
- Avoid heavy chemical detergents.
- Rinse in cold water.
- Air dry in the shade.
Sustainability
Click to learn about Nomad Essentials sustainability practices
FAQ
Who is Nomad Essentials?
Nomad Essentials® was founded by Marnie Statkus in 2008 in Melbourne, Australia.
A multi-talented designer and maker with a deep connection to nature, Marnie has a desire to create enduring products using sustainable materials and ethical practices.
Everything Nomad Essentials produces sprouted from a love of the great outdoors, festivals and travelling, being conscious of our footprint and impact.
Why canvas?
“Canvas is an extremely durable plain-woven fabric used for making sails, tents, marquees, backpacks, and other items for which sturdiness is required. Modern canvas is usually made of cotton or linen, although historically it was made from hemp. It differs from other heavy cotton fabrics, such as denim, in being plain weave rather than twill weave.” — Wikipedia
Canvas is so much more than that.
Having spent a childhood in the hills of Melbourne and by the beach, being outdoors was a big part of everyday life. Seeing modern plastics infiltrate the outdoor industry, natural cotton canvas took a back seat to synthetic materials and shiny bling buckles.
And yet I still have my first canvas backpack, soft after years in the weather, faded like it’s seen a thousand sunsets, but still ready to tackle more of what life throws at it. The canvas still breathes and moves, like a reliable best friend.
So I started making bags for myself. I thought about what was missing from other travel gear and what I wanted from the materials which plastic just could not deliver. That’s why Nomad Essentials make canvas bags. Unique, breathing, and evolving with every new adventure.
What’s with the orange?
Orange ochre is our brand’s signature colour and represents the Australian landscape and the setting sun.
If you’ve ever had a bag with dark lining, you know how frustrating it can be to find anything inside. Orange provides brilliant contrast so you never lose your keys or important travel momentos.
What happens if something breaks?
We will fix it!
At Nomad Essentials we go the extra mile. We want to be a company you remember because there is no problem, just solutions which make your life better.
Send us a message via our Warranty and Returns page and we’ll have you back on the road in no time!
