Rated 5 out of 5 by browniebaker Best value -- Maine Guide Briefcase, Leather
I am tremendously pleased to be able to buy a briefcase of this quality for this price. As a lawyer I need a case that can take a lot of wear and tear, has compartments that function well, feels good in the hand and on the shoulder, and looks good, too. I looked at a lot of briefcases out there and decided on this one because it fulfills all my requirements for the lowest price. First, the pebbled black leather looks beautiful and feels very soft and supple. It's the kind of leather on which scratches can be "healed" with a rubbing of wax or lip balm. As soft as the leather is, the case stands up on its own. The handles are reinforced on the underside with tough nylon webbing, the same webbing as on the straps, so I have no doubt the handles and straps can bear the load. There are plenty of differentiated compartments to keep everything organized and secure. Finally, I feel good knowing that my briefcase is backed by L. L. Bean's unconditional warranty. A best buy, for sure.
December 19, 2011
Rated 5 out of 5 by CoastalSailor Top Notch in every way
I have purposely waited to comment on this briefcase until I carried it at least a year. It has been through you know where and back again and looks great still. It has a wonderful weathered look now and has not failed in any way. It is roomy and just the perfect size. Hats off to LL Bean for making such a traditionally styled and well crafted product.
July 2, 2010
Rated 5 out of 5 by Brevard Well made and tough
I've used the Maine guide briefcase for over 4 years on a daily basis and couldn't be more pleased. It shows wear but still has many years of use.
May 16, 2013
Rated 2 out of 5 by WyoJake Maine Guide Briefcase
Great briefcase . . . but began to tear and rip at the seams about one and one-half years into use. Only used moderately about 3 - 5 days a month, very disappointed about the quality.
May 7, 2013
Rated 2 out of 5 by DApp1122 Not Up to LLBean Standard
I've had two of these Maine Guide Waxed Canvas bags. I love the style and functionality. The problem is the quality -- they don't hold up well and, more important, my most recent exchange of the original bag (it was defective) was itself defective. I'm not sure what the problem is, but it's not up to the LL Bean standard -- a concern. I've returned the latest version as well...and will be replacing it with an old "Flying Tiger" bag -- which LL Bean no longer makes but is far more durable.
March 30, 2013
Rated 2 out of 5 by tmatt D-rings that hold strap just don't work
I will be returning yet another of these Maine model briefcases -- for the fourth time. In other words, I like the product but there is one crucial, fatal flaw in the design. The D-shaped ring that connects the bag and the strap keeps twisting and eventually cuts the thin leather connecting loop. It take about nine months to a year, but you can bet your life on this happening if you use the bag every day and you walk any significant distance with this over your head or shoulder. The precise same problem has developed on four straight bags.
March 20, 2013
Rated 3 out of 5 by DemolitionMan Just like they say, strap broke and clips keep ope
If this wasn't from LL Bean I would be really annoyed, because the D-ring that holds the shoulder strap broke and the clips on the side pocket keep coming open. WHY CAN'T THEY FIX THIS.
Otherwise, I like the bag and luckily Bean's still carries it so I can get a replacement.
January 18, 2013
Rated 2 out of 5 by CanadianLLBeanFan2 Weak Points
I was initially very satisfied with this briefcase. There are ample pockets and the size is ideal for the various items and papers I carry to work. However, after approximately four months of use, the shoulder strap detached as I got off the bus this evening. The leather tab that holds the D ring to the briefcase is too flimsy. It tore off along the stitching where it is sewn to the canvas. I would like to get a replacement, but only if the manufacturer comes up with a more secure way of attaching the D rings.
January 10, 2013
Rated 4 out of 5 by Canuck3 Maine Guide Briefcase
I've had the bag for over a year and it is certainly very durable. The # of dividers surprised me - and seemed to limit storage - so I actually cut some of them out. The snaps are also constantly coming undone. I see from other reviews that others have found the same thing. That's really been my only complaint.
It would also be nice to have a separate storage compartment for your laptop power cord. I always end up stuffing it in one of the main compartments - it doesn't fit well in the same compartment as the laptop.
October 24, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by ITConsultant Handsome and functional.
Very happy with the aesthetics and design of this bag. Not too complicated, everything is easy to get to. The central pocket is padded for a laptop and is just the right size to snugly fit my 15.4" widescreen.
June 6, 2012
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