I bought the large bag with long arms + zipper and have been using it for months. I ride the train a lot and carrying many things! A great bag to commute to work with. Very sturdy and seems strong like many of the LLBEAN products I've purchased in the past. I have not had any problems with zipper. I also have not had any problems with the color in the rain.
My mom and dad bought this bag for me and I LOVE it! They got it monogrammed but just an, "M" which I really like. I got it in cream and royal blue and the colors look very pretty. It has been through quite a few uses and still holds up great. I use it to carry my clothes, makeups, shoes, etc, to and from home to college, and it is PERFECT! I love all the colored inside pockets that keeps everything organized. All my friends compliment me. I would definitely recommend this to a friend.
I purchased the medium, zip-top with long handles and I LOVE it! I spend nearly every weekend at my boyfriend's apartment and this bag has come with me each time since I got it, one year ago. The navy is classic and looks adorable with my monogram. The long handles are a godsend-- I am able to comfortable carry the tote, even stuffed with clothes, over my shoulder as I commute on various trains and walk around the city. I definitely recommend the zipper as it keeps everything secure and allows me to fill the bag to the very top. It is a great tote for short trips (it holds maybe a pair of shoes, toiletries bag, and an outfit or two) and travels easily. It has carried books and papers, summer wear for quick trips to Long Island, and weekend necessities for a year and still does not look worse for wear. I cannot recommend enough!
Funny anecdote-- my boyfriend agreed to take a gigantic container of coins to the bank for his mother and did not believe my tote could be up the the task. The coins probably weighed 75-100 lbs and needed to be carried seven blocks to the bank. While we needed to stop several times to rest, the tote remained strong! LL Bean is true to its word, I fully believe this bag could hold 500 lbs. Most impressively, the straps showed no wear or stretching from our journey!
We have a monogrammed bag for each family member on a bench at the fireplace as a substitute for Christmas stockings. Holds more, and what a delight to order a new bag for the latest addition to the family!
