Rambler Waterproofing Waxes

Rambler Bags’ proprietary blends of waterproofing waxes are made in small batches in Pennsylvania using all natural materials, and are now available in two distinct blends: a plant based option suitable for vegans and a beeswax based option using locally sourced beeswax. While the exact details of the wax recipes are a closely guarded secret, I can proudly say these waxes contain no soy wax, no palm wax, and no petrochemicals like paraffin wax either. Each bar is a minimum weight of 3¼ oz.

While the end result with either wax is a fully waterproof layer with a similar darkening of tone, there are several differences between the blends. Plant based wax is slightly lighter, while beeswax based wax adds a distinctive yellow tone. While both blends of wax are formulated with oils and other natural additives to apply easily without the need for special tools or heat, the plant based wax has a stiffer feel, making for a more rigid finished fabric and requiring slightly more force on application, while the beeswax blend is softer and applies more easily. Other than beeswax, there are no additional animal products used in the beeswax blend. While there are minor differences in the blends, the largest difference comes from application style IE: top layer only, multiple layers set with heat, wax melted and applied with a brush, etc.

The wax applies easily, just rub it in with the bar and use your finger or a clean rag to press it deeply into the fabric. During application it will feel a bit sticky, but will dry out within the hour and fully cure in 1-2 days. You can use a heat gun or hair dryer to get the more “factory-waxed” matte look that I do on bags here, just heat the wax until you see it just turn liquid. This will draw the wax deeper into the fabric, so it’s common for this method to require two or sometimes three layers. A 3oz bar is large enough for a moderate coat on even my largest bags, and should cover 2 or 3 small pieces. For very large projects like garments, or for multiple heat-set layers, you may need a second bar.

SPECS

• 3 1⁄4 oz minimum

• Recycled kraft paper box

• All natural

• Biodegradeable

• Waterproofs canvas and similar materials

• Plant based blend contains no animal products and is suitable for vegans

• Beeswax based blend has no additional animal products (except beeswax of course)

As seen in this guide from Bikepacking

Available wholesale to other makers as bars or in bulk.

I no longer offer in-house waxing for bags I make.