While the L.L. Bean famous tote bag needs no review as it has a strong reputation of durability and functionality, I must add my two cents that this is by far the best bag that my family owns. We each have one in a family of four. My parents are both teachers and find that these tote bags are the only ones that can stand the test of children, classrooms, the teacher's breakroom, and home. We love the zippered ones as well and will continue to purchase these wonderful bags.
I ride a Honda 600 Silverwing Scooter. I use it to run errands all summer long. I bought a large boat n tote to put groceries in when I go shopping. It works great. I've even gotten comments from baggers in grocery stores. They love being able to put all my stuff in one big bag. And its not flimsy at all; its very sturdy. I have several other boat n totes from LL Bean and I love them all. They work great for toteing around my crocheting projects when I'm on the go. I use them for lots of stuff. I even got a pink mini lobster one for a granddaughter and she just loves it. The year after I bought it for her she noticed the matching flip flops so I got those for her for her next birthday. She loves them.
My husband purchased this tote for me for our cruise a year ago. This tote is awesome! Still looks new after toting it throughout 10 day cruise. Stop, shop, unzip and drop! Very sturdy yet light weight, wonderful when you tend to add heavy items. Comfortable wide flexible staps which is something women look for in a purse...so why not a tote that you might carry all day? Great choice for gifts...which I will do for my kids this year for Christmas! Personalized, makes it personal as well as "unique" gift!
I purchased the large with the long handles. I have plenty of room for my towels, magazines, books, masks, sunscreen, and everything else my family asks me to carry with room to spare! Very sturdy and nice looking.
