I had been looking for a new tote for a long time. As a pre-nursing student, I need a bag that can carry at least one heavy book, notebooks, etc. at a time. I have a competitor's tote, which is just too small for carrying everything I need.
I ordered the medium sized, long handled, zip-top in pink waterlily with a monogram, and so far I LOVE it. It holds everything I need - currently, an mini netbook, the powercord, 5-subject notebook, novel sized book for class, planner, leather journal, zip wallet, pack of highlighters, pen case/pens, sunglasses, clutch (for smaller objects - chapstick, cell phone), car keys, small bottle of lotion, and a .5 liter waterbottle. In other words, everything.
The zip-top is key in that it adds a little bit of room to the bag, and nothing falls out. If you don't want to use it, it folds down around the inside edge, like it is not even there.
Some reviews said the pink is too pink (?!), but if you are looking for something pink, this color is beautiful, especially for spring/summer. It's kind of a lighter, floral pink. It reminds me of flower petals (like, a waterlily...).
I debated heavily between a medium and large, but I once ordered a too-large bag from another company and the size completely overwhelmed my body. Medium is perfect - doesn't look too big but still holds everything. The wide base is what allows so much stuff to be in the bag, and it opens up nice and wide so you can see everything at once. Like other reviews said, the bag stands up on it's own which is wonderful because stuff gets lost in floppy bags.
If you want a quality, cute, perfect, useful tote - this is definitely it.
I bought the Large Tote to keep in my SUV to help organize things in the back but I have used this for a variety of things. I've used it as a dirty laundry bag, grocery bag, and on a recent week long trip, to carry things back and forth from the hotel room that I didn't want to leave in there. It also seems like it will be good to use for camping and beach trips as well. The canvas is thick and sturdy and I can see myself using this for years. I will end up buying an extra-large and medium as well. The monogramming adds a nice touch as well.
ProsDurable, Great Value, Performing as Expected, outstanding!, strikingly beautiful!, high quality!, american craftmanship!, made in the u.s.a.
Excellent top-of-line custom made tote bags. I purchased two large custom totes with the front pocket and zipper top. Lovely natural and navy blue and the so kool 50's look in that famous pink and black. I've tried cheaper versions, but absolutely no comparison in quality or beauty. The script monogram is just lovely. Only one thing could make these tote bags better: POCKETS AND MORE POCKETS! Would love to see pockets on the front and back of these totes. Also, ladies need a nice wide pocket sewn inside the back of the tote bag too. All ladies need pockets for keys, cell phones, ipods, lipstick, money, etc. I sincerely hope Bean will offer more pockets on their custom totes; as well as their regular off-the-shelf boat & tote bags. How great would that be? Oh... did I mention these high quality totes are made in the good old U.S.A. I can't tell you how much I appreciate American craftmanship and the option to buy American! Thank you Maine wokers! We love you in Dayton, Ohio.
Never thought id even think about a canvas bag!!!!
PostedFebruary 17, 2012
ProsDurable, Great Value, Performing as Expected, the last bag you'll need.
I got these as a gift.... When I got them, I was totally underwhelmed. What am I going to do with a bag?! The short answer is, everything. These bags are indestructible, carry a ton and I am fairly certain, will last me until I am in the ground, and then they will just go to another member of my family (im 33) I dont ever review things online, but this is an exception I will gladly make. Rugged, perfectly built, amazing. I used to have to carry 5-8 plastic bags of groceries up 5 flights of stairs. My hands would go numb, things would break. Two of the large bags and it all fits, I put one on each shoulder and never have a problem.
Thank you LLBean. More things should be built to last forever, like these bags
