The L.L. Bean Boat and Tote
Some of the most frequently asked questions I receive are about the L.L. Bean Boat and Tote bags, including how to wash them and how to soften them.
As many people know, they were originally designed for hauling ice, and some still call them ice bags (probably the same people who call refrigerators "ice boxes", like my grandmother). Friends often call them "sail bags", and YWP prefers
Ratsey Bags.
These are tough bags, made of 24oz cotton canvas, with nylon double-stitched seams, and in Brunswick, Maine by Mainers.
 |
| We always use them on boats where I prefer the zip-top version for tossing on the launch.. |
 |
| We use them for travel and going back and forth. |
 |
| It might be obvious which ones are for the males and which ones are for the females. |
 |
| The pink and blue on top of the car are extra-large and the green is large. |
Uses for L.L. Bean Boat and Totes
There are so many uses for these bags. Some uses include:
- As Luggage for Car Travel
- As an Inexpensive Pocketbook
- As Home Storage
- For the Grocery Store/ Markets
- For Hauling Firewood
- For Boat Re-Supply
- As a Baby Bag
- For Permanent Car Storage
- For Garden Tools
- For Gifts
 |
| We use them for hauling wood. This one belonged to my grandmother and must be nearly thirty years old. The handle straps are closer together than they are today. |
 |
| A Bag for Storing Bags (but no, there are no smaller bags inside of these) |
 |
| We use these all over the house instead of plastic bins for storage. Some use the monogram to identify use. Wharf Rat labelled one "4 R DOG." |
 |
| I always use them for groceries and the farmer's markets. |
How do I clean my L.L. Bean Boat and Tote?
Most of the time I only have to spot-clean them with kitchen soap and a moderately abrasive scrubbing tool. I then rinse it under the faucet and put it in the sun to dry.
 |
| This is one of my many "scrubbies" hand made by the older ladies of the Congregational Church to which my great aunt belongs. |
If they are very dirty I sometimes put them in the washing machine, but the risk is that the corners might wear prematurely, like the one below. I have experienced some bleeding with the colored cotton trim fabric.
The canvas gets a bit discolored when wet (such as in the top picture), but dries clear. Eventually, when they get too dirty to appear in public I relegate them to a new position such as wood hauling.
 |
| A lot of mine I use for pocketbooks. This was my husband's tool bag in Medium, which I cleaned and "borrowed". |
 |
| I keep a tidy pocketbook so having my contents exposed is not an issue (obviously not recommended for the city) |
Depending on the use, these bags may need to be broken in. The first thing I always do when using one as a pocketbook is to soften it by soaking it. I next roll it up in a towel once or twice and then let it air dry.
 |
| Glen Green From Two Years Ago |
 |
| This could more easily be done in the bathtub, but there wouldn't be as many ducks. |
 |
| Both of these bags have not yet been used. The one on the left has been soaked, softened and dried. The one on the right just arrived (in the unfortunately named Jadeite) and is noticeably stiffer. |
Buying Tips
I buy them in all four of the sizes that they offer, some with open tops and some with zip tops. I have a few with long handles (necessary if you want to wear them over your shoulder), but most have the regular handles.
Twice a year L.L. Bean comes out with a handful of seasonal colors in addition to their "staple" colors, which include Blue (Navy), Dark Green, and Red. (I pretend that they don't offer Black.) They have had a run of great colors the last few springs. This is not the case this spring, with the only color I care for being Jadeite.
- Good trim colors over the years: Pink Berry, Wild Berry, Glen Green, Sky Blue, Cornflower Blue, Cirrus Blue, Cool Green, Pink Water Lily, Green Tea, Apple Green, Warm Pink, Wild Orchid and this year's Jadeite, which is good but not as good as Glen Green.
- Not my favorite trim colors: Ember, Snapdragon, Green Olive, Mulberry, Celestial Blue, Mango, True Teal and Cayenne.
 |
| My bags in size Small - some with open tops and some with zip-tops, all with regular handles. |
L.L. Bean has occasionally added "Made in China" totes, hung right next to the genuine article or on the same web page, like the Hunter's Tote Bag. So, as always, check if something looks and feels different.
L.L. Bean has discontinued their diamond monogram, one of my favorites. Hopefully they will bring it back.
A good, durable bag
L.L. Bean recently added this bag motif to their "Bootmobile" (shown
here) and I can see why. This bag has many of the properties I most value. They are strong, durable, simple, flexible, a good value, and good looking. While there are plenty of alternatives, L.L. Bean's take on this classic design is my go-to choice; I believe it shows what happens when a company stays true to their heritage.
Link to L. L. Bean Boat and Tote Bag here.
65 comments:
There are indeed so many uses for these durable bags. My mother used to keep one in our station wagon for holding toys when I was a child. Now that I have a child of my own, I do the same thing for her.
-Erica in Cazenovia, NY
I also love LLBean's Boat and Tote bags. We use them as beach bags, too. I also have some from Land's End. I prefer the LE ones when using them as purses, except they are imported. :-(
Thanks so much Muffy...I check your blog almost every day and have been trying to decide on a new 'work' bag for my laptop and books I bring back and forth...I was back and forth about the LLBean bag and now you have convinced me! They have also served our family well through the years...as diaper bags, school bags and overnight bags!
I also love the LL Bean Boat and Tote bags. I use them for travel, as a purse when I travel, to carry my lunch, kindle and magazines to work, etc. So many uses.
When they get dirty, I put them in a sweater bag and toss them in the washer and wash them on the gentle cycle. I let them air dry.
@Margaret Mangan Murtagh - Hi Margaret! Give my regards to John!
Besides the uses mentioned, I would add school book bag and laundry bag. A few years ago I found mini bags that we use for pencils and pens. You can never have too many of these bags.
What is your opinion on curly, script monograms and on which items should one monogram? (ie sweater, car, laptop,-- trends in the south)
Love your blog!
Small size perfect for carrying
4 boxes/100 shotshells for a round of sporting clays at Quail Creek Plantation. http://www.quailcreekplantationevents.com/index.php
Son & I each carried such over Xmas holidays.
CJV
We keep dozens of these around the house for various purposes. Like Tammy B, I have had success washing them in the washer on the gentle cycle (minus the sweater bag). This does a good job of cleaning the bags without undue wear. I, too, let them air dry. They also make good gifts for new parents, filled with baby goodies (and some for mum and dad). The baby's monogram is a nice touch, if given after the child is named. Nothing like starting out life with a good boat bag!
As soon as I saw you using the small tote as a purse I ordered one in navy. I too was disappointed I couldn't get the diamond monogram. I already had two Land's End totes in navy but ordered the large and medium LL Bean totes also in navy. I'll have to start adding totes in red and green next.
We, too, have dozens in all sizes. Wonderful bags. We have a small one for our dog for car trips. Right size for her water, treats, etc. nice to know they are still being well made.
I really should pick up a couple of these, just to have them. I seldom seem to have much occasion to carry much stuff around, but if you can carry wood in them, surely I can think of something! And of course I always love the pictures of your Volvo. Yours is the color I really wanted when I got mine!
@Anonymous 8:28 -- If I may offer my two cents' worth, the recent proliferation of swirly script monograms on unexpected objects is interesting. But I'd like it a lot better if they started appearing on sweaters like they were 30 years ago!
I love my extra large pink (berry?) Boat and Tote and still remember my 11 year old hiding inside of it at age two. One day it will be retired from its purpose as "pool bag," and your lovely post gave me many ideas of alternate uses (and at ten years old, you can bet I'll be using the cleaning tips, too). Definitely an iconic American product that holds a special place in my heart.
I can never decide if the pictures of your organized, clean house make me feel inspired or depressed...do you have a junk closet? A junk drawer? Anything?!? It would make this Pig-Pen feel much better : ) Seriously, one of my New Year's resolutions is to keep a neater handbag and the picture of yours will stay in the back of my mind.
I have a few, all large or XL. One in all-natural that they unfortunately don't offer except through custom-configuration. An ancient navy that long ago transitioned to grocery duty, and that I've more recently used for hauling driftwood and other things collected at the beach in winter. I recently bought an XL in dark green with the zip, which is the perfect size for a long weekend in winter, since it has plenty of room for sweaters, jackets, boots, and the like.
I, too, missed the diamond monogram option when I was ordering Christmas gifts this year. I think the B&Ts I ended up ordering were all in Regatta Blue, which aside from the great name is basically a crisp cobalt that I liked a lot in person.
My favorite use of these on other people might be as a haul bag for papers and other office detritus. Yesterday I saw a senior member of the Connecticut judiciary with one, given as first prize in one or another regatta. And I once saw Robert A.M. Stern with one outside the architecture school at Yale. It's a great juxtaposition to a business suit.
Several years ago I received a fancy LL Bean tote bag with a plaid lining, leather handles and "Subaru" embroidered on the side. Subaru sent it to me since I had bought an LL Bean Subaru Forester! I use it when we're going on a car trip. We usually take our Toyota Rav4, though.
That first picture could read:
The LL Bean Boat Tote becomes the boat.
You know me, I love a gentle stockpile and you definitely have it going on with your assortment. It's a beautiful sight.
You're a trend starter, I now use my totes while shopping at Costco. I did so after I saw your post about shopping for environmentally safe products.
Good on ya Muffy.
I wanted to buy a coupla these for Christmas presents but was told they are not cool; ours we toss library books in; its our out-bin for returns.
Just thought I would add...they are good feed bags for horses.
I accidentally forget the horses feed bucket while collecting their grain one day and found a tote in the barn, so I used it to haul feed.
I've also used it as an ice chest. Fillit with ice and cold drinks, it works, it does not stay dry though.
I went online to check out the new season’s Boat & Tote colors and was disappointed with the selection. The one color that appealed to me was the Wild Berry but that was only available in a custom configuration. So I bit the bullet and decided to spend the additional money to get something I would really love. I went online and tried to order a Medium zip-top in Natural with Wild Berry handles and bottom, but encountered an error message which I emailed to Bean. Less than 10 minutes later a very nice customer service woman called to try and help me with the order. It turned out that the Wild Berry color is not available. I expressed my dismay and suggested they remove that option so other people won’t be disappointed. It’s frustrating that Bean’s color choices are so often wrong. If they were smart they wouldn’t make a move without consulting Muffy first!
I have two small that I use for purses, and a bunch of mediums that I use for laundry supplies, groceries, and regular toting. I used LE totes for work as they have the interior pockets but now I splurged on the leather field tote and use that.
I prefer the LE totes because of the pockets, but they aren't made in America >:( To me though, this style of tote is truly an American classic! Thanks to all for the info on how to clean and soften, definitely will come in handy at some point in my life. I have one that is looking rather dingy......
Anonymous 11:07--someone said these are not cool???? **GASP** I gave several as Christmas gifts and all were well received!
Still have 40+ yearold boat bags that belonged to my Dad :-)
Muffy - Love your Daily Prep! Very helpful when my wife and I bought Barber jackets.
Separately, not sure if you have commented on this, but is there such a thing as preppy or preferred scents, i.e. deodorants/colognes for men, perfumes for women?
I realize it may be a very individual thing, but just curious...I've been Old Spice Original most of my life.
Hi Muffy,
Great post! I'd never thought of using them for groceries! Thanks.
I love those LL Bean totes, a variety of size, color, and style, what more could one ask for? I do have a question for you, Muffy. In one picture, I noticed you use Seventh Generation dish soap. Do you happen to use the dishwasher gel? If so, I'd love to know your thoughts - specifically about the scent and if it imparts to plasticware, etc. My Cascade now only comes in a gel with a wretched scent which is wreaking havoc on our Rubbermaid and Tupperware. It's becoming permanently scented. --Holly in PA
@Michael - I am probably the wrong person to ask as I dislike all scents or smells that can be purchased. :)
@Holly - I actually do all of my dishes by hand and have been doing so for years. I prefer it. I don't have to worry about my grandmother's old plates and cups or silver nor do I have to worry about which detergent to use.
I have found that if I turn the totes inside out before tossing into the washer, it's easier on the corners. I use my oldest tote as a January door decoration. I fill it with cut branches from various evergreens and add a few faux branches with red berries. I suspend it with a bright red ribbon. Really pretty after it has snowed and there is a dusting. It's also monogrammed which I have facing front. I always get compliments for being 'clever'.
Re: scents... Do you make your own? Or do you prefer au natural? ... That's fine for my wife as I love her "own" scent ... As for me, I can get a tad odiferous after a work out if I don't shower right away ... Hence the Old Spice.
Back to boat bags ... I had one made in Maine several years ago when I was visiting that had deep and shallow pockets on the inside (water bottles, cell phones, etc.), a lanyard with clip for keys and a small zippered pocket inside for a wallet.
Could have sold many of them based on compliments.
If you ever come to Annapolis, let's all go sailing!
Best ... Michael
On Jan 10, 2013, at 15:50, Muffy Aldrich
@Michael - I am probably the wrong person to ask as I dislike all scents or smells that can be purchased. :)
Try washing them in the dishwasher. It's my go to for things that don't fare well in the washing machine - baseball caps, cotton sun hats, etc.
You could also probably have them done when you get your sails washed.
Thank you for a lovely post. I find the photos inspirational. I should probably get a few more of the boat and tote bags to help me organize things around the house.
If I may comment on the question about deodorants and scents, I'd suggest Tom's of Maine deodorants as preppy deodorants. I usually buy their unscented deodorant. I don't wear any cologne or eau de toilette at all. They seem like things that have gone out of fashion in the past three decades or so. I do still own some Hermes Equipage eau de toilette. It is very subtle and is the scent I'd recommend for a man who wants some scent to use sparingly on rare occasions. They also make a deodorant that is very nice IMHO.
--JR
Seconding JR above about Tom's of Maine for "D.O. Juice." However, my favorite scent, (unpurchased!) is Essence du Manege. Which is at least a step up from the Eau de Bait-Barrel that frequently stuck to my Topsiders back in the Eighties! ;) Authenticity, folks!
Love the boat bags, I've got a couple of the "special" ones from a few years back that are cute--one in light green with dragonflies, one brown with foxes. Both are zip-top which is good for the City.
Whomsoever said these are "not cool," needs to seriously update their "cool." (Yeesh!)
Great post.
I don't think I've ever owned a more useful bag. From luggage to hauling wood, it delivers. I love them for dog toys, kids toys, shopping, tool bags, laundry, and on and on. I love them the best for traveling because if you stop at a rest stop and you have to rifle through them real quick to find something, usually for me it's dog related, and one can find it quickly.
I love that color of your wagon, by the way.
I have one of the "unfortunate" colours by LLBean. When I moved back to the States, I needed a b+t bag, so went to the LLBean store close to me. Their selection was pathetic, so I grabbed the one that was least offensive - it's persimmon. Kind of an odd orangy red colour. At least I know it's mine - no one else would want it.
Love your Volvo. I am shopping right now for an XC one. I've had a S80 for a few years now, and want a sportier/taller model. Been driving Volvos since I would drive... even in the UK!
"Cool" definitely seems to be in the eye of the beholder here! If cool means something with logos emblazoned on every available surface that doesn't carry anything bigger than one's car keys, I dare say it's vastly overrated.
So should a guy monogram his Boat and Tote? This is asked, of course, with the assumption that it would be done in something a little more low-key than the afore-mentioned swirly script. :)
I broke one in for a friend on our trip to Duck, NC last year, that I had given to her as gift. Salt water and sun does the trick for sure. P.S. Bean's new circle monogram looks super on a bag. Wish I could attach photos here! I'll tweet it to you!
Nice post. I've been thinking about getting a few totes for grocery shopping and carrying things in and out of our pet sitting client's homes. I plan on replacing my 20+ yr old Bean field jacket (actually keeping it for the rough stuff) with a Barbour soon.
Your opinion please: Do you think that a Hinckley (gold) cove stripe in place of pin stripeing on an XC70 is over the top...how about a license plate with my initials and year of birth?
I have two B&T Bag stories:
- my daughters and I regularly sift through ALL the bags at the North Conway and Freeport Outlet Stores and always find hilarious monogrammed items. Whether it's a typo, an unfortunate set of initials, or mysterious wording, we never leave empty handed.
- I was once standing at the Customer Service/Reception Desk at the Freeport Store pouring myself a cup of coffee (it was about 1:30 AM) when a couple of twentysomethings strolled up with a bag that looked like it had been tied to the back bumper of their car and dragged from Dartmouth. The young woman asked to make an exchange and was instructed to bring her new choice back to the counter despite not being able to produce a sales receipt for the bag.
Regardless of the origin of many of their products, and their evolving neglect of their traditional goods, that was a pretty good example of "satisfaction guaranteed."
Hi Muffy,
I know New Englanders use the term pocketbook, but might handbag, or just tote, be more befitting a utilitarian article like a boat tote? I would think pocketbook would refer to a true shoulder bag, satchel or clutch? Thank you for enlightening me on the use of this term.
Sincerely,
A Reader from Chicago
@Anonymous 8:28 - The only items that I have with them are some cut glass/sterling dressing table jars (Theodore B. Starr) that were given to us by one of our grandmothers. And on those I think the swirly monograms are wonderful. When I make monogram selections on my own, I tend to favor the simpler styles. (I do like mary anne's icon in pink and green.) I don't go overboard with monograms.
@LG - I am sorry to report that not only do I not have any junk drawers or closets, but my attic and basement are virtually empty. :) However, the dog hair in the house (Golden Retriever) is a constant challenge and one that I do not always meet.
@Michael - I am with JR and Greenfield on the Tom's of Maine unscented. (Some products I use.)
@John - It is funny that you ask, as none of the men I know (including my husband) do, or would, monogram their own bags. Their bags have all been monogrammed by women, in the simple styles.
@JSprouse - I think it is tough to put gold on a car and I would stick with the usual pin stripes. (Or a Swan arrow?) I like plain initials on a license plate. Personally I would skip the date of birth.
@A Reader from Chicago - It's an old Yankee thing.
Thanks Muffy. I will. He is finishing the last part of his training and is in the infantry school and will be heading home from Quantico in March!
Boy do I hear you on the Golden Retriever hair being a constant challenge, when we had ours we went through more vacuum cleaners than I care to think about. Not quite as bad with a sheltie, but still there. We refer to accumulated dog hair as "dog hair tumbleweeds".
And my mom, my grandma, my aunt--all called it a pocketbook, regardless of style, shape, size or material. I'm a "purse" girl LOL
I never get script monograms because I know these totes will out live me and will be passed down to my sons. I think we Southerners like our script monograms because they look like a "Royal Cipher" I swear I don't know how we won the Revolutionary War since so many of us LOVE royalty LOL!!
I have at least ten LLBean B&T bags - all monogrammed and a couple with a golden retriever embroidered on the outside from maybe 15 years ago. I give them as gifts and use them for just about everything. I've been meaning to check to see if I can still do a special colour combination. Love them - wish old LLB would return to their legendary quality of the past. I need a couple of the Hudson Bay Blankets and am afraid they won't meet the standard of the ones I inherited from my grandparents and parents.
This is in reference to the anonymous post at 3:54.
Since many of the same goods are available at so many stores and online now, good customer service is the only reason to shop at one place over another. However, I find the example you cited irritating for a couple of reasons.
If a store takes back every and anything it sells - with no stipulations - other customers end up paying for abuse of that policy. As far as I'm concerned, if I buy something from LLBean, use and wear it for a year and then decide to return it, I'm basically stealing from the company. That cost has to be made up in the form of higher prices to the rest of us.
It makes the customers who don't do this look like fools to a certain extent, don't you think?
It's just like "free shipping"; it doesn't truly exist. If a company offers it, but the prices have been jacked up on everything 10,20, or 30% to cover it, then it's not truly "free".
*sarah*
I recently was forced to acquire a new pair of Bean Blucher Mocs as my old ones were worn literally to shreds. The stitching had popped in such a way that asking anyone to fix them would have been a waste of time to the point I'd have felt I was insulting the "fixer." I suppose Bean would have taken them back had I asked, but I DO feel that would have been "abusing the privilege." Those shoes gave about 7 years of hard service and owe me nothing--and neither does Bean. BTW the new ones look and feel great!
If I may clarify, I was speaking euphemistically. The question was not so much "should a guy monogram" as "should a guy have things monogrammed," or is it primarily regarded as a feminine custom? I don't embroider...unless it's the truth, or my grammar.
Hi Muffy,
I recently found your blog and am very much enjoying reading it. A question: do you find that the softening process for your totes requires saltwater? I grew up in coastal Masschusetts, but, since my move to Chicago ten years ago for college, (real) saltwater has been in short supply. I'm wondering if course salt and a bathtub might get the job done.
Oh God! "Coarse" salt in my previous post! Feel free to edit this shameful autocorrect.
Thanks,
Mortified English Teacher
@windycitywilderness - No salt necessary. I just always look for an excuse to be in it.
@Mortified English Teacher - We all do it! Thank you for the kind words on your blog. Was your husband in Cohasset when they were filming the Witches of Eastwick? My husband was, visiting a childhood friend who grew up there.
Nope. He's a native midwesterner (Omaha), but I grew up in Duxbury. Thanks for the tip on softening up my purse-tote!
@ Sarah. The "satisfaction" guarantee has been turned into a "lifetime" guarantee in the minds of many customers. I work at an LL Bean in Upstate NY. Here are some of the reasons given by our customers for their returns; gained weight, lost weight, child grew, no longer like pattern on back pack, stood too close to heat source and coat melted, dog died, dog chewed shoes. My personal favorite I hear time and again is that it is just time for a new one. That's right folks. Buy once and get replacements or upgrades forever! I agree with Sarah. It is theft and all our customers are paying for it.
The "guarantee" has worked for decades. But it requires a certain type of products, a certain type of customers, and a certain type company. I have a hard time imagining L.L. Bean Signature customers, with their dated, hipster clothes, being completely satisfied with their purchase two years later. I believe L.L. Bean's guarantee has shifted from a long term strategy (if you buy from us, you will be happy with your purchase for a long time) to a short term strategy (don't worry about the quality and styling - buy it now and then just return it later). I see the post-Chris leadership having to not only rebuild customer relations and production strategies but also deal with what is the equivalent of open ended liability.
I wish I were shocked at the lengths people will abuse a retailer's guarantee. I've never returned anything to LLB except when I bought the wrong size. Returning items for anything but a quality issue is a reflection of our unfortunate 'new' society.
Muffy, I read your blog everyday and am slowly reading the archives. You draw an exceptionally nice group. Cheers!
scotmiss
Dear Muffy, your link to the daily beast article resonated with me. I will not embarrass Brooks Brothers by posting a picture of a man flannel shirt in a Black Watch pattern next to one similar from Uniqlo. The Uniqlo shirt is indeed mass market and not a prep brand. Today, the shirt from Brooks Brothers is made in China and of inferior quality. It looks awful, piled and loss of shape. The brand commanded 3x the price tag of the mass market uniqlo shirt and looked much worse after same amount of careful wash and wear. I am prepared to pay a premium for quality and US or old world made quality but I am giving up of brands that sell low quality and dilute their brand and the trust of their customers. I love your blog as I look for signals and tips for brands that do mean quality and respect of us the customers.
Thanks for this blog and the good and useful information.
Thanks also to the well behaved readers and their thoughtful comments.
Bean totes aside, why is black exiled from the preppy world?
So far I have only had one; the large zip-top in Cayenne (hey, I like it!) I got from Grandma my senior year of college. An unfortunate bleach accident has relegated it to use for storage only and I'm expecting another one in the mail soon. It's the best airplane carry-on ever.
I am thinking about buying my first B&T, an extra large for my kids swim lessons. I currently use a large DEANO SCOUT bag but obviously that disnt hold up so need a durable xl tote. Has anyone ever gotten the long handles with the XL tote? Am I better off with the regular handle. I tend to be a shoulder bag person so wondering if I can really fit the regular handle over my shoulder. the scout bag has a medium handle (I guess ) casue I can hold with my hand and it can go over my shoulder - kind of a perfect length.
I need your help! My good friend is retiring and plans to sail the chesapeake(sooooo jealous) I am buying the the monogrammed boat bag..others are filling it. Do I want the zipped top or open, large or extra large?? Thanks!!
@Anonymous 7:55 - I can only speak for our small circle but we use almost exclusively the extra large zip top on the boats.
Thanks so much for your immediate response! I hope she invites me...then I will have to buy a zipper closed bag for myself!! I have 2 open ones that I used for the beach for many years
Question--Do you know what times of year LL Bean comes out with the seasonal colors? I'd like to know ahead of time for gifting purposes.
Thank you!
Eleni
PS: When my Grandmother was a child, she would go with her Grandfather to purchase farming supplies from "Mr. Bean" himself!
@Eleni - What I always do is to call them (usually about six months ahead) and ask them to tell me what the back-ordered colors are. These are usually the next season's colors and they are often available several months before they appear online or in the catalog.
Mr. Bean himself - wow!
Post a Comment