I have been reading some "make your own gear" forums, and making waxed canvas bags seems to be a popular craft.
I recently did a little research into ripstop nylon (for another SE, here), and it seems to have the same desirable qualities as waxed canvas - tough, strong, waterproof. However, nylon weighs a lot less, so I'd think it would be preferred over waxed canvas for serious hikers and backpackers.
My guess is that for DIY'ers it's mostly aesthetics - waxed canvas bags usually look pretty cool compared to a nylon sack. But I've never used a waxed canvas bag myself, so I'm curious if there are other advantages.
What are some reasons you might prefer a waxed canvas bag over a nylon bag?