I have had this bag now for over 2 years (may even be 3). I use it everyday to go to work and it still looks fantastic. The leather is great quality and holds up to abuse. It's a lovely soft leather also. The only issue you may have with it is there is no padding for a laptop (I bring mine home everyday). Personally this is not an issue for me, but you could fit a sleeve in it if you wanted to. I love the top zipper also so when I travel I can pop it into the overhead bin on the plane and not worry about items falling out.
ProsDurable, Great Value, Performing as Expected, superb. a+ !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I bought this bag in June last year. This is the best quality leather tote that I have ever seen. I enjoy using the tote for trips. I would love to use it as a purse on a daily basis to work, but it is too big. I wish that LLBean would offer a smaller version of this tote similar to the medium size canvas tote, add outside pockets, and make the shoulder straps longer.
I've had this bag for SEVERAL years and wouldn't go anywhere without it. It is durable, waterproof and has lots of pockets, compartments, zippers, etc. Everything has its own place.
The best part of the bag is the top zipper - as anyone knows when traveling - placing objects on their sides in overheads, airport screening lines, etc., you need a top zipper to keep things from falling out. I would order other LL Bean bags for my collection, IF they all had the top zipper.
Had my eyes on this bag for some time, but foolishly thought that a leather bag at that price would not hold up very well. Then I started reading the positive reviews. Finally saved the money to buy it, and am SO glad i did! It works hard for me no matter the occasion. I haul my stuff to work daily in it; I pack my must haves for vacation in it; I carry my essentials in it (in lieu of a purse); I pack everything for knit-alongs in it. I ask a lot of it and it still looks like new. I get compliments on it all the time. For the price, this is one Wonderful Bag! I bought the smooth bag in black and it does the job for me. The bag is nearly perfect. There are only two things i would add: metal feet to protect the bottom leather and straps just a wee longer to fit more comfortably over a bulky winter coat. If you are considering this bag, do not delay. Buy it. You won't be disappointed if you are looking for one of the most versatile, reasonably priced large leather totes ever made !
