We have eight size large boat and tote bags. They all see heavy use, weekly or more, primarily for hauling groceries, but also for camping, picnicking, hauling rocks, gift delivery, and anything that is better bagged than hand-carried. I have jammed them with up to 64 pounds of groceries, and I don't want to guess at how much the cobbles weighed. Some of these bags are nearing 20 years old and still work as well as they did on day one. They have outlived seven cats, several moves, dozens of boots and shoes and hundreds of presents. They've been to the beach, to the mountains, to the canyons, to the plains, in the rain, in the snow, in the dirt, on the ice (but not in the ocean...yet). They just don't destruct. The worst that happens is after ~10 years of abuse, the stitching on the handle eventually starts to unravel, and so I get out the heavy coat needle and re-stitch, and they're good for another... who knows how long.
There just aren't that many reasonably priced items you can buy that last for decades despite heavy use and abuse. We gift these to friends and relatives, and they're always a hit. They're a superb product I never see us without.
In 1981, I visited the LL Bean store for the first time. I was a stay-at-home mom with a 2 year old. Money was tight and the trip from Indiana to Maine was a splurge in itself. I really wanted a boat/tote bag but couldn't justify the price of $25 for the large one. I found one on a "seconds" rack for $20. I am happy to send you a picture. It has been used as the "lake bag" most often. With 4 sons and a daughter, it has taken a beating. The handles are a bit frayed and it has sprouted a hole. It has been used and washed more times than I can count. I can't imagine how much better the $25 tote could have been! I am now looking forward to toting bathing suits and towels for grandchildren in it. I wish all stores had the same quality of products.
Bag is great but HUGE. Having 2 kids needed big bag but this bag would be so heavy if you put stuff in ther. Easy exchange with LL Bean for size large!
