Customer Reviews L.L.Bean Zip Top Boat and Tote Large

Absolutely love this big, rugged but still cute tote. Zipper is a MUST. The only thing keeping this from 5 full stars is that it needs a zipped interior pocket (PLEASE!) Otherwise, its my favorite carry-on/carry-all/all the time.

PROS: Good quality, sturdy, sits right, holds A LOT. There's no way it will tear. This is what I need for travel and just carrying stuff around when I need to go somewhere. CONS: Surprised no one else has said this but here I go. The shape is not like that of a cute tote bag. It's the literal shape of a boat on the edges and not like a nice rectangle/square shape. The handles. They don't sit right. One handle does and the other falls off so expect to continuously have to pull it up. Same issue with the medium one. I made an order with 3 different sizes and 2 have shipped separately. I think the handles are so thick in size and the material is also so thick that they don't sit quite right. Finally, the zipper. It's hard to pull to close, it's not a practical situation. These are very good quality, and overall, I do like them. I'm liking the XL more than the M though. Not going to return because they're good quality, and too much of a hassle to return. Looking forward to getting the L because the M does not fit my needs.

Great bag. Perfect size. Long handles a must! Only reason not perfect review is the limited and restrictive embroidery options.

I bought this bag three weeks ago. I wanted it for my swim bag to and from the YMCA. It is so stiff. I'm not sure I like it. My big beach towel fits in it nicely, along with my shoes and change of clothes. I'm not sure what I will use it for, because of the stiffness. I also wish it had a pocket or two to put things in. Don't think I would recommend it to a friend.

Just fine! A fine product! Colors (pink) were true!

It is sturdy and exactly the right size. Unfortunately, there are many places where the threading is frayed- looks messy. I clipped it off, but didn't expect that from an L.L.Bean product.

I love everything about this bag the size is perfect, fits absolutely everything for a day at the beach or on the boat; the material is excellent, sturdy and attractive; the zip top makes it secure; the colors are vibrant and the monogram makes it easy to identify. Absolutely love it EXCEPT. it doesn't have a front pocket option. That little pocket would make this absolutely perfect.

I bought a tote back in 2010. It's still going strong. From the beach to the pool vacations you name it. I love it. Fast forward a couple of years ago I decided to buy a new one. Same great construction but missing a strap to attach car keys. I really miss that feature.

I love my tote. I only wish the handles were longer.

The bag is large enough to fit my entire family's beach towels. One disappointing aspect is there is no smaller compartment inside or out. A small pouch inside for keys/ phones etc would make this perfect.

I think it is very nice bag. If you order the large you should know it is very bag. It can be over night tote.

Good sturdy Bag, I like the zipper. It was smaller than I expected but overall a good bag.

Love my totes. A little side pocket inside or outside for wallet/keys would be great. Maybe a thought for improvement.

The color is nice but the size is not representative of a medium. It's slights smaller than what you would need for a work bag. The structure is nice.

I love the tote. It's cute, sturdy and perfect for my ipad. I wish it had a pocket inside for little thing like ear pods. I had it monigramed with my initials and the font is too big for the small bag.

I got this bag as a replacement from my standard college backpack because I had lighter classes. So far, it's a good replacement and I use it often. One minor complaint is that the bag has threading issues in the zip covering. I also wish there was a small pouch for water bottles/smaller items.

I love it so so much!! It's so cute and functional and just feels so well made. my only wish is that is had a single inside pocket! I got the thin script embroidery!

Love it. Very well made and sturdy. Just wish it had inside pockets :( it's a huge bag and things get lost in it. Otherwise it's perfect and embroidery is divine!

Zipper is a little stiffer than I would like but hoping it loosens with some use.

It's ok. Nothing wrong with it. Good size. Attractive. Well made.

I love all of your Boat n Tote Bags, love the choice of handle lengths and zip top/No zip top, but adding 1 small zip pouch at the top of those bags for keys or phone would be positively perfect! Otherwise, don't change a thing. Color choices are awesome too!!!

Arrived in time for Christmas. Well made as advertised. The problem is the paid for monogramming was not done. Too late for 12/25 replacement. They offered replacement but it's out of stock and won't be available until Feb. no offer of discount or any other benefit.

Beautiful tote. Large was quite a bit bigger than I thought? But it will last a lifetime.

I wish that you could preview the monogram on the actual bag that you are buying. I took a risk and the colors unfortunately didn't quite match but it still looked cute. The bag itself is great quality and I love the zip top so I don't have to worry about stuff flying out if it falls over. I bought the large bag with regular handles and wish I would have bought the long handles as the bag doesn't quite fit on my shoulder when full. I used as a carry on and was actually surprised with how much I was able to fit in the bag. It fit in the overhead bin no problem.

Grew up having a large boat and tote for beach days, pool, etc. Decided to buy my own first tote for an upcoming trip for those days when I need more than just what can fit in my purse. The color is beautiful and the zip top is great so things don't fall out. However, I was disappointed in the quality control. I don't believe my bag should have been cleared by QC to be sent out. Inside had tons of lose threads, stitching that looks like it's about to unravel. I was surprised actually. I debated returning it, but after Black Friday the bag in this color and style was out of stock until February and I needed it way before that. So I decided to just keep it. I've been using it and have no issues, but if I wasn't in a rush to have it for my trip I would have exchanged it. Still love the bag just wish the stitching inside wasn't so sloppy. Hopefully it holds up over time.