Is the L.L.Bean Boat and Tote Bag Worth It?

During my honeymoon, I picked up two canvas tote bags in the small size from L.L. Bean — one with short, green handles and another with long, black handles. As a born and raised New Englander, I had heard of the L.L. Bean tote bag, and have seen it many times in addition to its backpack, but was influenced by TikTok to actually get it.

This bag is a simple, canvas bag that comes in four different sizes: small, medium, large, and extra large. There is an option of whether or not you can have a zip-top or an open one. It also comes in several different colors — classic and seasonal. And, to add to the decisions to make, there’s an option to embroider whatever you wish — initials, name, phrase or order. I currently have the small in both short handles and a long handle with a zipper, medium open top with long handles, and a large one with open handles. And I love them all.

Each of these bags have a different purpose, for the obvious reason. For me personally, I constantly reach for the small and medium one. However, I can see myself using the large one for travel and trips, because it’s just so large.

And, the quality of these are just unmatched. One thing that L.L. Bean is known for, without a doubt, is the quality of their bags, and you can see that with every bag. I really like that there is a little card that is in each of the bags that gives the name of the person that created the bag.

Now, what fits?

Well, in the medium, large, and I’m assuming the extra large, pretty much everything that you could think of could fit. I personally use the medium one for work, because it’s the perfect medium, for lack of better word. It’s large enough for me to fit everything I need to for work — iPad Pro, a lunch bag, book, change of clothes and shoes for the gym, and a bottle of water. However, it is not so large that it is overpowering. I find that with the large size.

That being said, I do see myself reaching for the large one during trips and the beach, since it could fit everything I need and then some.

However, if you’re looking for a little tote to take with you to markets or errands that can fit your wallet, a bottle of water, and more, then the small will be your BFF. I could even fit a hardcover book in there, with room to spare.

Overall, this bag will be useful for many years to come, and I’ve been loving using each and everyone of them. I could also see myself giving them as gifts, because they are so handy and easy. This is an essential, not only in the summertime when the living is easy, but for year round.