After receiving a comparable bag made by an LL Bean competitor, I ordered 3 of these as gifts from LL Bean, which is my preferred brand. I returned 2 of them. I was disappointed for several reasons. The LL Bean bag has no pockets inside or outside, although I thought I had specified an outside pocket. The monogramming color didn't match the color of the bag, it is "off", which looked odd. The monogram was also much too small for the size of the bag (XL), which also looked odd. I think it's an okay utilitarian bag, but the quality and "bells and whistles" don't compare to the competitor's version. I am reordering the returned two gifts from the competitor.
I bought it originally for my office bag to carry books and papers. I feel in love with it and bought a second one for casual travel and daily use. The bag zippers up and I have traveled with it on all my plane trips. I also use them for local day and overnight trips. The bag is sturdy and attractive. I recommend the long handles so you do not have to hand carry the bags. The bags have been a great purchase and both appear to have longevity. Very well constructed. I highly recommend them.
Make sure your happy with the handle lengh before buying. The regular handles CAN NOT go over your shoulder.
I received the med. boat and tote bag as a gift and I'm disapointed in the handle length. I got the regular handles and it won't fit over my shoulder and I wanted to use this bag as a diaper bag but that's not possible with the short handles. If it wasn't monogrammed I would exchange it for one with long handles.
