Customer Reviews L.L.Bean Continental Rucksack

As many other reviewers have observed, the pockets (especially on the side) are just too small. I don't know what the designers had in mind, but nothing of any real use or assistance will fit. I returned it immediately.

Like so many others who watched YouTube reviews with older models of this pack, I thought it would be a great bushcraft pack - Unfortunately, the pockets were so small on the re-designed model that, for me at least, the pack was unusable so I returned it - If LL Bean ever changes back to the older design with LARGE pockets and the extra tie down straps, I would seriously consider buying it again

I bought this to replace the well-worn rucksack purchased years ago- which has been great. The outside pockets of the new one are distressingly small and much harder to access. I strongly dislike the straps used to close the outside center pocket. The zipper closure on the old pack was much better- more secure.

Pockets are almost too tight to be used. All of them should open much easier which would make the easier to use. I thought about returning because it is difficult to use and smaller than I expected but I think it still will be useful, just not on daily basis as I had expected. Redesign the pockets. Please.

This is not the legendary Iconic rucksack anymore, the material is thiner and I don't think it will last for long time, don't go by the great YouTube review videos this is NOT the same rucksack / backpack anymore. You won't be able to fit your canteen or Yeti Rambler on the side pockets, you can barely be able to fit a Gatorade 20oz. or a 17oz water bottle, a small wood stove won't fit in the front pocket anymore, plus they jacked up the price +$30 Bucks like all outdoor companies in 2020. If you are looking for a laptop or school book bag this might be an option, but not for the outdoors anymore. (Written on Winter 2020)

After watching several positive reviews on YT I wanted this bag for myself. I've come to find out this bag had been redesigned in 2019 and is not the same it once was. The overall bag is much narrower, the side pockets are smaller, the straps on the sides are gone as well as the inside zipper pouch. This bag has an identity crisis by trying to appeal to the outdoorsman and college/office. If that's the case than make two different bags! The differences are clear from the photos.

To the folks at LL Bean. In the interest of maintaining Leon's now tarnished reputation. People will gladly pay good hard earned money for great long lasting quality. I own one of these ruck sacks. I bought it in the 1990's. IT goes on hunting and fishing trips with me. Only the plastic clips have been replaced. Find better material. Use larger thread diameter and triple stitching. Give us something we and Leon can be proud to own and manufacture. You've lost your way in pursuit of the mighty dollar.

This is a good pack for a child and not an adult. It seems this isn't the same pack you may have seen in online video reviews. It is missing the inner bag and the pockets are offensively small. It doesn't even come with straps to attach a hatchet on either sides. I don't normally review anything but I feel this is a complete bait and switch.

I purchased this backpack having seen it referred to in videos and outdoor forums. Unfortunately, this backpack is no longer a true outdoor backpack. Instead, it is a no-man's land of a city bag and outdoor bag. It does not serve well as either. Firstly, the build of the pack is too bulky to use in a city setting such as getting on and off of public transportation. Secondly, the ability to use this bag for an overnight pack is hampered by the shortness of the straps, the lack of space in the side pockets for storage(I have a 40 oz. Klean Kanteen which does not fit), and the wasteful laptop sleeve inside. This is not a backpacking appropriate pack, either. Otherwise, the fit is nice for day-hiking.

over the years they have changed this design TOO Much, The side pockets are no longer big enough for Nalgene style water bottles which is one of the main reasons we bought it. It's going back. I don't know why LL Bean keeps messing up good designs and adding Flair when it is not needed. All I wanted was a pack that held 2 nalgenes in the sides for winter camping (when you can't use a bladder).

I wanted a pack that had pockets for water bottles on the sides so I could easily pull them out without having to get into the main compartment of the pack. This looked old-school in design and materials, which appealed to me. What a disappointment! These pockets barely fit a cycling water bottle in their girth and will not close over the top of a tall bottle. I wanted to put 1-liter bottles in there, which is not possible. The best I can hope for is a 20-oz cycling water bottle. The other pockets are designed so the top does not actually fold up out of the way completely, making it difficult to put things in and pull them out. Returned immediately.

The pockets DO NOT hold a bottle the size of the one in the pictures. Older models (tan in photos) are bigger than the new models ("loden" in photos). Overall size and pocket size are different. The price hasn't changed though!