Carradice panniers use Cotton Duck for making most of the bags

No, we’re not going to talk about ducks. Let’s talk about saddlebags, let’s talk about Cotton Duck, and let’s talk about Carradice. Cotton Duck is the specific name given to the material used in Carradice saddlebags.

What is Cotton Duck?

Cotton Duck is a cotton material.

How is it made?

Cotton Duck is a common heavy, tightly woven cotton material. Cotton Duck is woven with two threads together in the warp and a single thread in the weft. The lengthwise threads are called the warp, and the crosswise threads are called the weft.

Cotton Duck is graded according to weight in a numerical system, with grade 1 being the heaviest and grade 12 being the lightest variety. The numbering system is used to describe the various weights of fabric, based on the weight of a 36 x 22 inch piece. For bags, and formerly for sailor’s bags, a Cotton Duck 3 or 4 (15 or 16 ounce) is generally used.

What is Carradice Cotton Duck?

Cotton Duck is a high performance fabric used in many of Carradice’s saddlebags.

It is strong, tough and can take a lot of beating. The fabric is pressure impregnated with paraffin wax to make it water resistant. This means there is no coating to come off. It also allows the fabric to breathe, so your belongings won’t “sweat”.

Carradice uses 100% water resistant Cotton Duck from Halley Stephenson. They have been making this material for 150 years, although their factory today uses the latest technology to ensure perfect quality.

How does it work?

When rain falls on Cotton Duck fabric the outer cotton filaments swell, effectively closing the gaps in the weave and around the stitching. Combined with the wax barrier, it stops water very effectively. It’s a system that has worked brilliantly for 200 years – waxed cotton really is the original waterproof fabric.

Still unsure… here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we get.

Are Carradice bags made from Cotton Duck waterproof?
Yes, and maybe not, but yes. Here’s why. Cotton Duck bags are 100% waterproof. But maybe not 100% waterproof as water droplets can still seep through seams, flaps that aren’t closed properly or external pockets on those models that have them. In comparison to the Carradry range, the Carradry is fully sealed and has welded seams.

However, Cotton Duck keeps water out 100% while the material breathes from the inside out.

How do I clean a Cotton Duck bag?
The easiest way to clean your bag is to first thoroughly dry the material. Then brush any loose dirt off the bag. For stubborn stains use warm water and a nail brush or similar. Never use detergent as it will strip away the waterproofing.

How can I keep my Cotton Duck bags in good condition?
You should always let the bags dry out after a trip especially after a wet or rainy day. Emptying the contents speeds up the process. If bags are left wet for a prolonged period of time they could become prone to mould. Avoid accidental spillage of acids and if possible store your flashlight and spare batteries in a sealed plastic bag. Clean your Cotton Duck bag regularly.

How can I improve water resistance after a period of use and how often can I do this?
The frequency of reproofing will depend on how much the bag is used. To test this you can pour a drop of water on the flap of the bag. If water seeps through the fabric, it’s definitely time to add wax to the material. Use Carradice’s “reproofing” wax by rubbing it on the outside of the bag with a rag. Let it soak into the fibers overnight and you’re ready to hit the road again.