Over the past few months, I have purchased five boat and tote bags of differing sizes and styles. I like that they are made in the USA and I give them as gifts. Some of the bags I have received have been beautifully crafted, while other were just passable with inconsistent stitching and loose threads. All of the monograms I have had done turned out well, but the pocket on one custom boat and tote wasn't made in the color I had ordered, for which I was promptly given a partial refund by LL Bean without having to send the bag back since I still liked it. I suspect the quality of the construction of individual bags may depend on which person does the stitching or if they are rushing to complete orders. All of the boat and tote bags I have received have been of acceptable quality, but a few of them were slightly disappointing. Since they are made in Maine instead of China, are very useful, and make great gifts I will continue to buy them but I hope the quality problems are temporary.
ProsDurable, Great Value, Performing as Expected, simple chic
I purchased this because I wanted a new tote that would be easy to get my notebooks and textbooks in and out of. Even though I do love my LL Bean deluxe backpack, I wanted to carry my things in a bag that is a little more "grown-up" since I am in my 40's and returning to nursing school full-time. I LOVE this tote bag.
Thank you LL Bean for always being there giving us the good stuff. I will carry my Boat & Tote to class with pride! Oh, I got my tote monogrammed. You should too! It's a nice touch!
I ordered the bag from here because it's the only place where I could get a long-handled tote bag with a zippered top. After having received it, I'm disappointed with the sizes available, lack of features, and lesser quality.
Size: I ordered a Medium custom tote, but only after I received the Extra-large tote and found out it was WAY too big for my needs (18" bottom, 26 1/2" across the top). After receiving the medium, I wish it was a little bigger (it's 13" on the bottom and 17 1/2" across). But I didn't order the Large because it would still have been too big (17" bottom, 23 1/2" across). I wish LL Bean made a bag that was 15" on the bottom, 20" across, and an inch and a half taller than the current 12".
Features: I wish there were pockets on the inside.
Quality: Compared with a tote bag I already have from somewhere else, this bag is made with lesser quality materials in certain areas and lesser quality construction.
Overall, this isn't a bad bag: the quality is still decent, and it would function well if it were the only bag of this size I had. I'm just frustrated it's not as nice as my current bag, and I couldn't get it a few inches bigger.
I will say customer service was FANTASTIC in helping me exchange the Extra-large bag for the Medium.
I bought the large zip top tote with long handles and I love it! I brought it to the beach this summer and was able to fit two towels, water, sunscreen and loads of other things with room to spare. I also brought it on our trip to CA this fall and used it as my carry-on. It fit perfectly in the overhead storage. I would highly recommend the long handles as it is easier to carry and fits nicely on your shoulder. I love this bag!!
