I'm a freshman college student and I wanted a backpack that would last me the rest of my college years and hopefully I would never have to buy another backpack in my life. I've been toting the bag around for a month now and I'm absolutely in love. This bag is HUGE! I love it's sturdy quality. It's beautiful craftsmanship is amazing and I get compliments on it all of the time! I thought the bag might've looked out of place here in the city but it's absolutely perfect. Other reviews have stated that the bag is heavy and the locks are hard to manipulate. Although the bag is heavy, I've had no trouble with the locks whatsoever! I love it so much and I couldn't be happier! Thanks L.L Bean for making such a great product!!!
Oh, I hate to say it but I can't recommend this bag. It is stunning to look at and I though when we bought it (years ago) that I would use it all the time. Truth is I've probably used it 5 times max. The reason is, it's too heavy! I took it on an overnighter to Boston and I couldn't stand it. Im relatively small framed 5' 4 1/2" 115lbs and I found that I would try it on one shoulder then the other. Wearing it like a true backpack was uncomfortable. The compartments were not user friendly for me either. I got to the point where everything ended up at the bottom of the main compartment.
ProsDurable, Great Value, Performing as Expected, heavy but manageable, beautiful leather, quality workmanship, secure outside pockets
My first thought when removing it from the box was " wow, this is really heavy". I had read from other reviews it was heavy, but I didn't realize how heavy. I need a secure bag to take to the Olympics next month, so I was impressed with the secure pockets and ample room to hold jacket, umbrella, water, iPad, etc. Lightly loaded, it is really heavy, but it's not too bad when securely resting on both shoulders. The leather is absolutely beautiful, and the quality of workmanship is superb. I don't know if I will take it to London, but it's so beautiful I'm keeping it anyway. I have used it once to try it out and 2 strangers approached me to ask where I bought it. It is well worth the money, it will last forever!
What a rugged, beautiful bag. The pictures do it no justice, it is so well made, very smart details and innovations such as the easy click snap buckles disguised in old school leather straps. The materials are wonderful, it smells very nice. It will be very waterproof. All seams and craftsmanship details are superb, and it is a wonderful size, works for small amounts of things, but can be stuffed full of gear. 100% worth the money.
