Customer Reviews L.L.Bean Zip Hunter's Tote Bag with Strap Large

I wanted to replace a wonderful tote from several years ago that has gotten a hole in the pocket. Nothing like that currently on the LLBean inventory. This one has no interior pockets and boring colors. On its way back

First, this is a great looking bag. It's masculine, it's understated and it sort of looks like a regular boat tote. However, the aspect ratio of this tote to standard totes is too narrow. By a lot! Why isn't it the same shape as all other Bean totes? The handles are well placed but the shoulder strap is a hilariously built and untested piece. With every step one takes, the strap ever-so-slightly stretches, and when it does, it squeaks like an antique spring bed or an upset goose. Nothing stealthy about it. Don't bother taking it in the woods, if you are stalking anything! At first, I thought it was the "shoulder pad" on the strap, but I slid that out of the way, and with every step, "creak, squeak" (repeat). Oh, and that should pad must be Teflon coated, because it sure does not stay on one's shoulder. About every 10 steps, it slides off. (I've used shoulder straps for 50 years, nothing I've used is this useless). Inside the tote, there's not one pocket. Nothing. So one can't organize anything. My suggestion: please make it the classic shape of all of your other boat totes, put a sturdier shoulder strap material on it, test it by taking it for a walk, loaded. (The bag, not the person). Put a suede pad, or some other grippy fabric on the one side of the strap and please see in some organization pockets. Like one on each of the four inner walls, for starters. And put a snap flap or something on it it keep bits in place. Then, you'll have an unbeatable bag. But right now, it's just "cute".

I am disappointed in how difficult is is to close the zipper. It is so difficult to start the zipper that, at first, I thought it was broken. I thought maybe it was just a problem for first-time use, but it is difficult to start the zipper each time. I am returning the bag because it would be repeatedly frustrating to use it. The quality is not what I expect from L. L. Bean.

This is my second time trying to post this review, it was denied the first so hoping this makes its way through... The interior rubber like lining on this bag started disintegrating and flaking off after very little use. I had probably used it 15-20 times mainly as a beach tote and it is now unusable. The interior flakes in to very little pieces that gets all over everything you put inside and is very difficult to get off. The quality is definitely not good, I would avoid and purchase a different bag.

The bag was handsome & well made, but much LARGER than described in LLB's online catalogue. Customer service kindly sent a 2nd bag, but it had the same huge dimensions. After another call, the agent finally made returning both bags easy enough. But I'm still without a new book bag.

I purchased the large zip-top hunter's bag as a first time customer as an inexpensive alternative to a professional bag for work. Carrying a lot of books, binders, and a lunch in one bag seemed like a great buy for $55. I had it monogrammed as I was confident in the L.L. Bean brand for quality. I read the reviews and read about the noise but thought it can't be that bad. When I got the bag, filled it with all my stuff and walked around with it, each plastic part of the shoulder strap (including the plastic part to adjust the length) squeaked. Not just occasionally but with every, single step. It is like a chorus of three squeaks over and over again. Walking down a hallway or even in a public parking area was embarrassing as EVERYONE could hear me coming. It is very annoying and loud. I like the bag but the squeaking is unbearable. Even the zipper on the bag is incredibly loud when opening and closing. I can't imagine hunting with this bag and being very successful at catching anything. I am so disappointed because the bag does fit my needs and was a decent price. The plastic fasteners must be replaced with metal or something that won't squeak! Will return and likely buy from somewhere else...

I purchased this bag 5 months ago and very disappointed with quality. First, the monogram was stitched crooked, but I accepted that...Now, the zipper broke off the tote. Mind you, this was with minimal and truly gentle use of the product. Extreme waste of money.

The nylon Hunter's Tote is my favorite carry-on bag, and I'm ready to buy 4 more for my family. But we're traveling for work or visiting the in-laws, not headed to summer camp, so I've always ordered this bag in black. Please L.L.Bean, let me buy this bag in black again.

I feel this bag overall is a poor design. I don't like it's structure and wish that it would hold it's shape better to accommodate loading items into it without having to hold it open with one hand. The strap is way too long. At it's shortest position it still falls beneath my back-side and bounces awkwardly as I walk along. Biggest issue with the bag is the buckles where the shoulder strap attaches. They squeak incessantly, non-stop with each step It's true that the bag would be more useful if it incorporated a few pockets. That said although I really find it quite handsome I can't deal with the annoying noise it makes.