I'm replacing this lunchbox this year, but only because my son has chosen a new pattern. We've used his current one for three years and I'm confident that it's got (at least) one more year in it! He usually carries a sandwich sized container, and two other plastic containers--1 cup and 1/2 cup-sized. All fit easily into the lunch box, with his Thermos tucked into the top section.
I've hand-washed the inside as needed (several times weekly!) and let it air dry; it's ready for use the next day.
I purchased 2 of these flip top lunch bags about 3 years ago because I hate buying cheap things that don't do what they should and a product should last at least 1 school year...if not more. No fraying, no issues with the interior lining, and I hand wash them inside and out at the end of the school year, hang to dry. I am reading some of the reviews that adults are trying to use these, they are clearly under the kids lunchboxes. Plasticware/containers do take up a good portion of your space--so if you are one who relies on plasticware instead of re-usable bags maybe not for you. I use both and we get along fine even for my hungry middle schooler. The top area for a thermos is a little tricky to get a thermos in and out, but we don't use that area for a thermos mostly snacks. If you do put a thermos in the lid it gets top heavy. My kids carry/use a large waterbottle so the lunch box was not even considered for this. In general I have got my money back in that I can clean/wipe out these for several years and haven't had any zipper, stitching or structure issues--even if I did I know LL Bean has a good guarantee. It even came with a strap so you can carry your lunch cross-body if you choose. Thanks LL Bean.
I was disappointed in this product, especially considering it comes from L.L. Bean. It is small. Smaller than any lunch bag I have used before. I know what the bag dimensions are, but I feel they are deceptive, and what its designers failed to realize (seemingly) is that once you begin to pack it with items, the useable space inside the bag is greatly reduced. I have a lot of 6x6-inch reusable plastic containers that I use for food storage, and after filling the front pouch with some everyday culinary items (cutlery, spices, condiments), these containers would no longer lay flat in the bag. I never had a lunch bag that was not big enough for these containers. Fortunately, I also have some 5x5-inch reusable containers that meet my needs, but the limitation is annoying. I think the issue is the bag’s lack of flexibility. It’s well-built; solid, stitched tight, but because of that there is no give, and thus, useable space is easily reduced. I would have also liked to have seen another exterior pouch other than the single one that is open via webbing. I like the webbing pouch, but it alone is not practical for dry storage. It forces me to store spices and cutlery in zip bags. That said, I think it was worth the price. Its construction is durable, looks sharp, and the inside holds temperature well, but the fact that it forces me to rethink how you pack lunch - either in configuration or amount – I think is a failing. A bag should conform to my needs, not the other way around. I would encourage L.L. Bean to redesign this one. It’s a good start, but it misses the mark.
Response from L.L.BeanBy L.L.Bean Customer Satisfaction Team, May 17, 2016
We're so sorry our Flip-Top Lunch Box did not meet your expectations. We are always looking for ways to improve our products, and your feedback is appreciated. We have a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and are glad to help if you would like assistance in returning this item. Please email your information to llbean@llbean.com, or call us at 800-341-4341.
