Granted, it's well built with leather and can hold a whole lot of items. But this bags weighs too much even before putting anything in it. The shoulder straps do not easily adjust. and it would be nice if it had a pocket for a water bottle. My bag is less than a year old I hardly use it and would gladly sell it for half the price
Waxed Canvas Rucksack: Easy-release: easy to LOSE!
PostedMarch 20, 2013
The three easy-release buckles are also easy to lose! I've owned this pack for two weeks and have already lost two of the tabs. When you release the three-inch tab from its holder BE CAREFUL not to ALSO unbuckle it from the old-fashioned buckle, because if you do, you may easily walk off later without checking and inadvertenttly leave the three-inch tab behind. LL Bean Customer Service is sending me a whole new rucksack, which is princely of them, but I do think this is a design flaw.
I was hopeful when I saw this backpack ... alas, I am disappointed. First, it's quite heavy. Second, it's bulky - I keep hitting the door when I'm leaving the house and it's on my back. Third, the front straps hide the quick-release mechanism - so you have to fumble a bit to open and close the pack.
on the other hand, the overall quality of the pack is good - the leather is high-quality and attractive, and it's really well made.
I'm conflicted about returning it - on the one hand, it doesn't suit me well. But on the other hand, I can't find a comparable leather pack from a company with a good return policy like LLB's.
I have owned the Maine Guide Rucksack for over a year and it has become my everyday bag.
Whether worn to classes or weekending, this bag has yet to let me down. Within it I easily store my 15" laptop (even in the BookBook case) and the charger, water bottle, sweater, and a few text books. The two front pockets make great holders of pens, pencils, calculators, or even a flask.
The bag, with it's waxed cotton finish, is great for all weather including rain, snow, and freezing rain--nothing in my bag becomes wet after walking for hours in the snow/rain. As the wax finish is beginning to dull, I hope to rewax the bag this summer, though I am sure it is unnecessary.
If you are put off by other reviews mentioning faulty button closures, know that I have not experienced issues with the quick-release buttons coming undone.
I am certain this bag will continue to wear well and last for many more years.
