I bought this bag 7 years ago when I first moved to Maine. I've used it to hike all around the state, carried it for two summers on tour with drum corps, and it now serves as my every day, and flight carry on bag.
Throughout this entire process it has served me quite well. The treated cotton has worn beautifully, however does not provide much real world weather protection. With a bag cover it has been great though. The space is plenty for me to carry books, a laptop, and assorted items. Organization may be lacking compared ot modern bags, however this has trained me to be more efficient with my packing.
Even today after years of abuse I think it looks fantastic. It has faded gracefully, and the leather softened. The sherpa straps are a bit dirty but nothing gross or embarassing. I still carry this bag into team meetings.
I'm sad to read that the bag has been a victim of cost cutting. The older version is fantastically rugged, and if you can find one I recommend it without reservation.
Prosdependable, classic look, holds a ton of stuff, Durable
I got my rucksack over 6 years ago and still love and use it every day. I'm glad they still make them because my old pack is rough around the edges now and it's time to replace it with a new one.
Looks great, yet suffers from some quality issues. leather buckles and tumpline not thick and strong. Wax treatment offers minimal weather proofing. Back of bag material not in line with archive "look". Oh, and this bag has jumped 40% in price in a mere two years. ridiculous!
I've had this pack for about 2 years. I rarely use it because it is falling apart. All the threads on the shoulder straps are unravelling. This is very poor quality, and not even close to the LL Bean standard. Do not buy this product
