Customer Reviews L.L.Bean Stowaway Pack

Cute backpack, great color, has pockets, looks normal for a stow-away bag, has lots of functionality - but folds up a bit big when stored in its stow bag, as a result. Wasn't the right back for my trip, but it's a good bag.

I love this backpack. Perfect for hiking and very comfortable. Has good storage for its size. What I do not like is all the excess straps flapping around. The two straps supporting the outside open front pouch ought to be made of attached elastic and just stretch as needed. No clip. No dangling strap. The waist strap could be shortened by extending the lower backpack forward more with wings. It makes for a better hold. Other than these two suggestions, at least put retaining rings on all the straps. The only retaining rings are on the waist strap.

This pack is not as packable as I expected (it isn't so flat in its pouch), but I found that it does better just laying it flat on the bottom of my larger backpack. This daypack is just the right size for a day trip or exploring around town. On a steep hike, it did well - the hip strap sits too high on my (very tall) back to sit in the correct location when actively climbing up or down sections, but it was still helpful for keeping the bag balanced in the correct location. The open front pocket is just the right size to hold a wet swimsuit and travel towel. The front straps are good for passing through/securing water bottles in the pockets during an active explore. The sturdier fabric means that it doesn't "give away" what is stored inside. Overall, I am quite happy with this small pack, and think it will do well on my continued travels.

I've had an older model of this bag for 2 years now, and it is fantastic super durable, packs away when I need it to (managed to get it into Yankee stadium when packed!), and holds a surprising amount for its size and flexibility. I've only had 2 main issues with it: the exterior material can rip fairly easily if snagged (but this doesn't affect functionality), and the bag itself can get discolored with repeated use in the sun. I've used it for everything from buying groceries, skiing day pack, fishing, and hiking. I particularly love the outer pocket, which is perfect for storing wet towels and other miscellaneous items like sunscreen and bugspray. I also like how the waist strap packs in when you're not using it. The only thing holding me back from buying a new one? The color options!! Please bring back colorblock or some more vibrant colors besides black and navy, LLBean!

Good amount of pockets and storage room. The only thing is the outside pocket tends to open up if you dont have many things in the main compartment. It seems like this would eventually stretch out or something. It felt comfortable on my back. The straps do have a tendency to move around too easily, so i needed to be careful when putting on or removing to not inadvertently adjust the strap length.

Brought this new version of a lite weight day backpack to replace the one I had. The new backpack has two side pockets with elastic tops for holding, for example, water bottles. My old backpack has toggle cords instead which are much better since can tighten the top of the side pockets so nothing falls out. Was very disappointed in this aspect of the new backpack. Other wise the new backpack is fine.

I took this pack to South Bass Island for a day trip. I packed a raincoat (the weather can change quickly on Lake Erie), a lightweight jacket, two water bottles, and snacks. I still had room to spare. I like the different compartments to keep things separated and more easily accessible.

I first got this model of daypack in 2005. It was the best daypack and lasted me nearly 20 years. I got this new one to replace the old one that developed a tear on the seem wear the water bottle holder section meets the bag. This newer version has some advantages but feels more plasticky to the touch. Additionally, I wish they increased the water bottle holder height because taller bottles will fall out. I'm able to carry a MacBook Pro inside a padded case with no problem (along with many other items). I like that it is lightweight and has a lot of space.

This bag is terrific--perfect to pack into travlel bag or luggage folded up, and great on the trail for day hikes. Only gave 4/5 stars because I think the built-in storage compartment could be a bit bigger (in order to refold the backpack up into it).

I bought this bag for Disney, and am super happy with the light weight and the multiple compartments. I just disliked the yellow. It looked kind of dirty to me, not bright as I'd imagined based on the photo. I swapped it for green and am really pleased with it now!

A very good backpack for the money. It fits snugly and doesn't move while you're hiking. Contains enough extra pockets to store water, food, maps, etc.

It is what it wanted mostly. It is nice and light and has several pockets. I have an issue withe the design of the front pocket/flap as it gets in the way of Zipping the zippers that close the pack. I think it could be much better if not for this. Love the color and th touches in contrasting color.

Very light and comfortable. Plenty of room. I didn't give it the fifth star because the main zipper is on the outside, and not against your back when you wear the backpack.

The pack is light weight and would be great for a runner or hiker. It has a place for a water bladder & connector tube at the top. I was looking for a backpack for extra clothes when traveling. I think it is a little too small.

I used this backpack when I flew alone on a cheap flight that only allowed one personal item that could fit under the seat. It was great for that purpose; fits under an airplane seat, but has lots of room & compartments for everything. I am in my 70's, however, and my back was sore after walking through the airport. Best for a younger person.

This was the perfect pack for my trip to Glacier National Park. It's super lightweight and had enough compartments for all of my stuffhighly recommend!

I love the weight and number of pockets in this backpack but the chest strap doesn't move up and down so it's not a useful feature.

I bought this pack to use as a day pack while traveling to Europe. Wanted something that would pack down and store in a small carry on. This seems to fit the bill. However, it is a little tough to pack within the attached pouch, but with time think it will fit easier. I wish the straps were thinner and more packable. Otherwise, I think it will be okay. Used a $10 coupon with this purchase, so price was right.

The size was perfect for travel carry-on. Larger back packs can be abusive to fellow travels when the wearer turns and moves around in crowed conditions. However, I don't recommend placing a water bottle in the side pouches. I have now had 2 insulated containers fall out unbeknownst to me. Forever lost.

I just got this bag, and I look forward to testing it on a cruise next month with a lot of excursions for testing the features, starting with packing it in a suitcase with considerations of size and weight. I have prior experience here with less expensive and less durable packable backpacks; however, they were simpler and easier to fold up and pack. I studied the YouTube video for this feature of this pack and observed the expert work on this. It took me a while to get it done, but I was eventually successful in the folding and packing. The problem is the size of the stowaway packing pocket - it needs to be a little larger to make the stuffing and packing easier and quicker. I understand the desire to make it as small as possible, but the current size only makes a tight and fat package instead of flatter, slimmer pack that overall may not take up any more space in the suitcase. A larger packing pouch pocket will allow this with greater packing ease, less frustration and less stress on the fabric too, thus a longer life for both customer and backpack. Designers - are you listening?

The bag is of good quality. It's a small bag so if you're looking more carrying capacity then you should look elsewhere. I am using it for school and I can fit 2 large books in there. I have a front pouch for a drink or whatever. There's also a small compartment where you can put your pens.

For the cubic inches, it is smaller than I expected. I also don't understand the reason for the outside flap (in front in the photo); it's a flap rather than a pocket and doesn't seem at all secure. There are several other zippered pockets, and sleeves for water bottles, and it is very lightweight. The trip I bought it for hasn't happened yet, so I don't know for sure that it will be suitable. I like how it looks and hope that it will fill my needs.

The pack is a great size for overseas travel. Not too big or too small. The only thing I did not like was that my water bottle fell out of the side pocket.

My wife took this pack to Mexico on its maiden voyage and loved it. She gave it four stars and would have given it five if had a dedicated pocket for pens.

This is my second bag. Light strong low profile look and roomy. the first one was bought 10 years ago and still my partner on the go. Apart from it is made in Myanmar( a dictatorship country probably own this factory by a cronies that do not care about labor rights) as a bag , the price you pay for worth more than a bag.