Rated 3 out of 5 by soccerfan173 great duffle except for the clasp on side flap
Duffle durability stands up to the rough handling on my international travel. However, the clasp that closes the side flap does not stay closed, it constantly opens. Then, on the last trip the clasp tore off the bag. Taking the duffle to a luggage repair shop tomorrow to see if they have a better idea for securing that flap.
May 5, 2013
Rated 3 out of 5 by TheCardGuy DIRTY AND WORN OUT
I've had the bag for about two years. It does, as others have noted, show dirt a lot. Some see that as added charm. The "charm" feature of the dirt has worn off. Now it just looks "dirty". The main character of the bag is excellent. Sturdy, stable takes a lot of abuse....all over Italy by bus, train etc. Dragged over the cobble stones walks and streets day after day. The flaps on the exterior pockets do not stay closed but that is not a great problem since they are just a cosmetic feature of the bag. They do look good. The main problem I have results from the fact that the bag is amorphous. It has no frame or structure. Consequently, the end of the bag drags when it is being wheeled. It has worn a hole. I'll contact Bean today about an exchange. Over all I really like the bag but I can't have holes in my luggage.
January 4, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by Arheolog The Luggage
I got this bag as a 21st birthday present and have now had it for three years. I have the rucksack as well and travel often. Since I received the set, I have not taken anything else on a single trip. My boyfriend and I have used this as our one checked bag for ski trips, tropical vacations, and trips to both Italy and Iceland. This bag can fit 1-2 weeks of clothing for two people, depending on how much cold-weather gear you will need and how many pairs of shoes you insist on stuffing in there. We always fill it to capacity.
Two caveats:
One, this is NOT a carry-on. It is large and heavy, and while you can carry it by the shoulder strap it makes far more sense to roll it, and the bag is clearly designed for this. The leather handle and zipper end do dangle, but I have never found this to be an issue. You can easily roll it through an airport, and while it practically BEGS to be abused by baggage handlers, the only damage it has sustained so far are a few scuffs. VERY durable item. (Plus, you'll NEVER have trouble recognizing it when picking up your baggage!) Also, it usually will stand on end by itself, which is something I expected to sacrifice in exchange for a retro design.
Two, the buckles on the side pockets. They always come undone and flap around, which my boyfriend hates. There are zippers underneath, so there is no danger of anything falling out, but it's irritating. However, after reading reviews of the rucksack I found that several reviewers said that the buckles on the rucksack lock. I tried the duffle immediately, as the buckles are the same type, and voila! Insert the buckle into the keeper, press down on the point of the v-shape of the buckle, and the buckle locks. You can tug on it all you like; it won't come out.
I'll be taking this bag to Carnevale this winter, and I expect to be able to fit a week's worth of normal winter clothes plus four elaborate costumes. A great bag, roomy and practically indestructible. Well worth the price. If I ever need to replace it, I'll do my best to get the same item again.
December 9, 2012
Rated 1 out of 5 by Leahmalta Very disappointed!!!!
I purchased this lovely luggage with the matching Maine Guide Waxed-Canvas Rucksack and the handle broke on our trip to Africa for Safari. The rucksack also had a loose seam on the front pocket which literally fell off on the day it arrived! I had to sew it back on myself. This luggage fell apart during the trip making it impossible to carry the bag by handle. One piece falling apart is bad enough but BOTH pieces, that is really unacceptable! I am so disappointed as I shop at L.L. Bean a lot and am going to demand a full refund/or full repair including shipping costs to and from L.L. Bean!! Very, very disappointed indeed.
September 25, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by AlanUK Excellent travel bag
I am very pleased with this bag. It's plenty big enough to take all your travel needs and the outside pockets are convenient for those extras you may need to get to quickly. The wheels make it easy to move even when full; and it looks great too. Easy to pick out when the luggage is off loaded.
June 19, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by Yote great bag after...
I loved this bag and bought another one. I can pack clothes or equipment, for the plane or in and out of my convertible. But I took apart the spring clips and replaced the little springs with heavier springs (from hardware store) and the clips stay closed all the time. Why, because this bag is so authentic.
May 30, 2012
Rated 2 out of 5 by fingershopper Close but no cigar
The quality of the bag was almost acceptable except the latches on the outside flap covering the two pockets always came undone on several trips. The pockets do zip but for the price paid for this signature product of LLBean, it really bugged me that the latches simply didn't work! I returned the bag for a refund.
February 23, 2012
Rated 3 out of 5 by Tryingtomakeitwork Looks cool, but quality not present
Zipper binding has frayed; steel wire frame is exposed to main compartment entry; flap to saddle bags never has stayed closed. Interestingly, I am surprised the airline has not torn this thing to pieces, considering all the dangling parts that could get hung up on the conveyors, etc.
December 18, 2011
Rated 5 out of 5 by jdripper WOW
Have been an L.L. Bean customer for many years. This bag is everything and more of what I desired. Yes there could be a bit more space, but I never intended to take my sofa with me. I recommend this bag for the frequent traveler as I am who doesn't want to come home with duct tape holding your luggage together from the gentle treatment of airport baggage handlers. Looks great, light enough to carry using the shoulder strap, and tough as nails you won't go wrong having this bag.
October 12, 2011
Rated 5 out of 5 by WASPORTSMAN excellent dufflel
JUST WHAT I WANTED, HAS A SMALL FOOTPRINT BUT PLENTY OF ROOM FOR A 2 DAY OR 2WEEK TRIP. CANVAS IS THE PERFECT WEIGHT, DURABLE BUT NOT TO HEAVY. I LOVE WAXED CANVAS AS MY LUGGAGE ALWAYS SEEMS TO GET WET. OPENS WIDE FOR EASY PACKING. THE HEIGHT IS WHAT MAKES IT SO UTILITARIAN. I HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH THIS BAG. OTHERS HAVE SAID THE SNAP TO ATTACH THE END OF THE STRAP IS NOT VERY GOOD. THE STRAPS HAVE BUCKLES AND THEN THE END OF THE STRAPS ARE ATTACHED TO THE BAG WITH A SLOT STYLE SNAP. THIS IS NOT EVEN NECESSARY BUT JUST AN ADDED FEATURE. MINE WORKS GREAT BUT I NEVER USE THEM AS IT ISN'T NECESSARY. EXCELLENT LEATHER ON THIS BAG. I HAVE 4 GUN CASES WITH THE SAME MATERIAL AS THIS BAG, THATS WHY I BOUGHT THE BAG, I ALREADY NEW IT WOULD BE AN EXCELLENT BAG. I HUNT AND FISH AND THIS BAG IS A MUST HAVE.
September 9, 2011