I grew up in Maine, which means I grew up in LL Bean. I've always had LL bean backpacks, shoes, coats...now that I spend my life gallivanting around the world for work and play, I usually look like (and am happy to act as) a walking ad for LL Bean. When I was home for a few weeks last winter, I went to the Freeport store and, after just one look, fell in love with this rucksack. I hemmed and hawed and went back and forth. I didn't really NEED another bag, for one thing, and it is kind of expensive.
In the end, of course, after debating for a few weeks, I got one. Boy, what a good decision. This bag, first of all, is outrageously gorgeous. It's timeless, it's classic, it's handsome. The leather feels like you've had it for years; any scrape and scuff that can't be rubbed out by hand (the beauty of waxed canvas) just makes the bag look that much better. It will age beautifully. Every time (and I really do mean every single time) I have worn this bag, people drool all over it. It's just fantastic.
The looks don't detract from the features. The side pockets are large but, more importantly, deep, so tall objects stuck in there (water bottles, e.g.) stay put. The interior space is roomy and I've done two weeks out of this bag before on light trips without a problem. The brass buckles that are actually REAL brass buckles are a useful piece of design + security. The concealed zipper on the back pocket is another nice touch. The padded shoulder straps are the most comfortable of any bag I've ever had, from LL Bean or anywhere else.
I have a few small complaints. It is a heavy bag - that canvas and leather construction is rugged and certainly looks better than nylon, but comes with some significant weight. The buckles, while beautiful and secure, do seriously diminish the speed and ease with which you can access the pockets and main compartment. For instance, I wouldn't keep my camera in the side pocket with the buckle closed if you thought you might need to take a quick snapshot. The drawstring closure on the main compartment is neither secure nor watertight, something to consider when traveling in wet or dodgy locales. This is also not a very "cool" (temperature) bag: the shoulder straps, though comfortable, make you sweat like the dickens and the weight and design of the bag means it's firmly planted against and molded to your whole back, which (at least in my case) also increases sweating. And I wish they had used a brown or tan mesh for the back panel instead of black. If you look at the bag full-on toward this black panel, it looks totally incongruous and jarring compared to the beautiful tan and brown everywhere else.
That said, those complaints are small (but they are mostly functional complaints, so if you are looking at this bag for a specific purpose, do consider them). For me, after owning this piece for seven months, none of my little niggles comes close to being a dealbreaker. I adore this bag overall and it's easily my favorite current piece of LL Bean gear. This is probably not the bag for you if you're looking for a technical hiking pack or if you really prioritize low weight, ease of access, or speed of access. But if you want a gorgeous piece of craftsmanship for day to day use or slinging around the world, you can't do better than this. Just get ready for the envious compliments.
This has been my best purchase of the year! The bag has an exceptional amount of space, and the thick padding on the shoulder straps and back provide a lot of support. I ride my bike to class every day and often times in the rain with my heavy laptop and usually about 3 or 4 books, and this bag has kept all of my stuff COMPLETELY dry and my back and shoulders very happy.
My only problem: one seam on the drawstring of the main compartment is coming undone. Nothing serious though.
I have only had this rucksack for a short time now but I am already very satisfied not only with the quality and the utility of this sack but also the look. It has plenty of space and i was even able to fit my 17" laptop inside with room to spare.
ProsDurable, Great Value, Performing as Expected, vintage look
There were 98 reviews ahead of me - and I read each of them. So I don't know anything I am adding is particularly unique, but I will add my 2 cents - just in case. I have another Rucksack that it incredibly well made - also made in the USA - which ALWAYS figures into to my purchasing decisions, but is a bit small for my day hiking and does not have padded straps. Also, it does not have a mesh backing which makes it hotter on my back in the summer. I then looked into - and bought a pack designed for light hiking. It is also well made and made in the USA, but I felt it sat high on my back and wondered why the heck the design had the buckles and straps on the bottom on the bag. But that could be just my hangup - as it did get excellent reviews. Anyhow, I sold it privately - at a loss to buy LLBean's Vintage Rucksack. Just as a side note, the 2 bags mentioned above are yes, higher quality, but at twice the price too. I only used Bean's Rucksack a few times, but here are my thoughts and impressions. Upon receiving the bag and taking it out of the box, I was impressed with the looks and feel of the bag. The look is what is shown in the web pics and that is a good thing - no off colors. It appears to be well made and was comfortable on a 3 hour day hike. I like the straps - wish they were real, not faux, sheepskin though. However, they proved comfortable. I think the bottom strap which holds the bag to your waist is a plus too - the other 2 bags did not have this feature. This is a "vintage" bad and as such, does not have some of the more modern features that newer bags posses - straps and buckles as opposed to zippers and snaps. It is also a pound or so heavier and I suppose in time will stain or perhaps rip quicker than a nylon bag, but that's ok for me. It's a quid pro quo that I am willing to make for that vintage look and in a daypack it really ain't that important anyhow, IMHO. What I am not so impressed about (and only because I am a stickler about this) - I found only by reading the very thorough review by a customer who has this bag and an earlier version, did a comparison and found a few shortcuts (minor) taken on the newer version. I would love to see this particular bag be manufactured in the USA (as it used to be), but that aside, I would recommend this bag a for anyone looking for a well made, reasonably priced, comfortable daypack that is a non like "every one elses" pack - possessing a charm of it's own. Finally, as another plus, purchasing any product from Bean is totally worry-proof and guaranteed.
