L.L. Bean introduced the world to its famously heavyweight tote bag in the 1940s. But it wasn’t made for carrying blankets and beach towels on the shore. No, its history was decidedly more hardcore.
Before it went by the name Boat and Tote, this canvas bag was known as Bean’s Ice Carrier, referring to its intended use case: hauling ice to and from boats.
“Tested to hold up to 500 pounds, it’ll carry more than you can carry,” the brand claims. “We promise.”
You probably aren’t hauling hundreds of pounds of produce on your way home from the farmer’s market, even though it might feel like it sometimes. However, there’s still reason for extra room — especially in a city, where the likelihood you can dump a day’s worth of stuff into the back of a sedan is incredibly slim.
And when it comes to carrying, well, literally anything, few bags are better at the task than the L.L. Bean Tote and Boat. Here’s why, according to eight style insiders, it remains one of the best carry-alls 80 years after its release.
L.L. BeanL.L.Bean Boat and Tote
1. It’s down-to-earth
“The L.L. Bean Boat and Tote is the most classic and democratic way to haul your stuff,” said consultant Chris Black of Done To Death Projects, who calls J. Crew, Thom Browne and Balenciaga clients. ” It’s customizable, hard-wearing and discreet. A holdall for anyone and everyone!”
2. It balances form and function
“The Boat and Tote strikes the right balance between easygoing style and intense practicality,” said menswear icon David Coggins, author of multiple books including the recent title The Believer: A Year in the Fly-Fishing Life. “It’s like a good military watch or a Duralex glass. It has not been improved upon because it cannot be.”
Coggins owns a rare blue-on-blue version of the bag that he purchased on eBay. “It gives me a fleeting sense of pleasure when I see certain menswear aficionados eye it jealously,” he said.
3. It can take a beating
“I have a small one that is a Subaru-branded one. It’s great!” said creative consultant Kyle Kivijarvi. “I use it to hold all my bike tools and love how sturdy and strong it is. I beat the crap out of it and it never fails.”
4. It’s classically American
“The Boat and Tote is such a classic piece of Americana,” said designer Todd Snyder, whose collaboration with L.L. Bean granted him access to the brand’s historical archives.
“One thing I learned through that research was the origin of the style. It was first created for practical reasons — to move ice and goods on and off of boats (hence, the name),” he said.
5. It’s an EDC essential
“New Yorkers usually have oddly personal relationships with tote bags, as we generally don’t have cars (or boats!),” said Bombas cofounder Randy Goldberg, who owns two L.L. Bean tote bags — “one that is well worn, repaired and loved; and one that is brand new, a gift from a friend,” he said.
6. It’s a trusty travel companion, too
“My L.L. Bean Boat and Tote was my first ‘I think I’m gonna be alright’ piece of luggage. I went nuts with a zip top and didn’t look back,” said Jeremy Kirkland, host of Blamo! Podcast.
“I have since traveled with it all over the world, and every time I look down at it I’m reminded of how much joy it brings me,” he added, “which is a massive stress relief when you’re waiting in lines or stuck at whatever spot you’re at.”
If you want to travel with it, heed Kirkland’s advice and err on the side of oversized. “Go big or go home and play a game of how much stuff you can put it in it,” Kirkland said. “It’s been a diaper bag, portable podcast studio and grocery carrier all in less than 24 hours. Utility will forever be my vibe.”
7. It can carry anything
Marcus Ford, who runs the design and DIY blog Prepford Wife with his wife, Victoria, described the Boat and Tote as “timeless and versatile.”
“They fit in any era and any location from the farmer’s market to the beach,” he said. “My wife and I have used these bags in so many ways, as laundry hampers, as welcome kits in our guest rooms. We even have one at the front door for package deliveries.”
8. It’s affordable
“Value is the first word that comes to mind when I think of the L.L. Bean Boat and Tote,” said Brian Davis. “For thirty or forty bucks, you get a virtually indestructible, made-in-USA tote that you can use every day for years on end.”
Just don’t go calling it cheap.
“The best part, they get better with age!” Davis added. “As someone who has spent years dealing in some of the best vintage on earth, I can tell you that Boat and Totes from the Sixties, Seventies and Eighties are still going strong today. In fact, the older and more character they develop.”
L.L. Bean
