I ordered the largest one, we live in AZ and the lakes are surrounded by mountains, so it is hard to get down to the dock, everything I am going to take has to fit in the bag, so that we can take the golf cart down to the dock, it holds everything and is very sturdy. I even ordered the small one as my "boat purse" and had my initials put on it. Great quality, would definately recommend
I have three of the medium bags and one large (all long-handled), and wouldn't do without them. I use the large one to tote yarn around to show shops (I'm a spinner), and the medium ones for, well, everything! They've served as school bags, carry-ons, craft show totes...I love them. I have had no problems with them wearing out (even as a carry-on, to contradict another user's review).
My only wish is that they were more easily washed. The ones I used as school bags have a fine coating of pencil lead across the bottom (which doesn't come off on the contents, just looks messy). I machine washed my oldest one as an experiment, and it came somewhat clean, but also shrunk some. As machine washing is against LL Bean's recommendations, I don't hold this against them!
I have 4 totes in different sizes and color, my first tote was given to me as a gift 16 yrs. ago. I still use it; no holes, tears, the color hasn't even faded. I have both open and zip tops. I use my totes for classes, as handbags, packing, carry-ons, ect. The totes are great, trustworthy bags and I have yet to find anything close.
Those dainty diaper bags are great for your first baby, but nothing compares to this behemoth bag for trips to family and friends' homes with two or more little ones and all their stuff. It sits wide open on the kitchen floor, waiting to be filled with everything you might need for a day trip to someone's house, the beach, or a park. There **might** even be a little room leftover for YOUR stuff (if you remember to bring it). I love to give this bag as a gift to a family with the family name monogrammed on it. Love this bag!
