We all know the reputation of the canvas boat totes from LL Bean; however, my small tote with my name on it, is very, very special! It holds all my important "extras" - my digital camera, my notary stamp and my GPS. I really have to graduate to the next size!
My dad bought each of my little girls the small size totes in different colors with their names on them. I decided to pack them like a diaper bag and they are perfect for it! I could fit diapers and wipes (which they no longer need), a small first aid kit, a change of clothes, snacks and a few toys. Zip it up and away you go! When we are going out and about I just grab the bags which I keep packed and hanging by the door. I am expecting a new baby any day and I would like to order one for him as well! Great little tote!
- Zip top folds down out of the way to give the full advantage of an open top boat bag for tall items. Easily popped up to cover other items when desired. This is excellent versatility.
- Biggest drawback is that the bag is not waterproof. Set it down in a puddle, and everything inside at the bottom immediately gets soaked. Rain wets the bag through to the inside as well. Not all boating is done in the sunshine, and small boats do not always have dry bottoms where bags are loaded for transport.
Yes! Washing can be done! After I gathered my courage, I faced the wind and decided I would put my bag in the scary washing machine. I washed on the "handwash" cycle, which has very low agitation on Cold. I used Woolite and a little bit of Shout stain remover to get an ink mark off of the canvas. The color did not run at all (I have the natural canvas with navy trim). Also the stiffness of the bag did not change. This is the first time I have washed my bag in the almost 2 years of owning it and I am very relieved. So if your bag needs washed, I say go for it!
