10 Unexpected Ways to Use Your Boat and Tote

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[00:00:00.17] Hey, I'm Stephanie. And this is a Boat and Tote.

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[00:00:04.36] Text, Stephanie, Outdoor Exert and Tote Enthusiast. Stephan slides a tote bag in front of her. It is off-white with red trim. Tote bags line the walls behind Stephanie.

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[00:00:04.57] Today I'm going to show you 10 of the most creative and helpful hacks I could find, shared with me by L.L.Bean's Bean's own employees. As you could probably tell, I'm a bit obsessed.

[00:00:14.83] The Boat and Tote hasn't changed much since it was first introduced in 1944 as the Bean's ice carrier. And while we don't have to haul heavy blocks of ice anymore, each tote is still hand-stitched in Maine from heavy-duty canvas and reinforced in all the right places, which means they can handle just about anything.

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[00:00:32.19] Hands dig through a filing cabinet and pull out a folder labeled, 1944. In a black and white LL Bean catalog, a tote bag is labeled, Bean's Ice Carrier. On a factory floor, a woman stitches red detailing onto a canvas tote. Text, Do it for the 'Gram. Tote Tip number 1 by Keith T. A tote with navy blue trim reads, LLB.

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[00:00:32.57] So let's get into it. For years, monograms were almost exclusively used for names or initials. But not anymore. Boat and Tote monograms have come a long way, as a popular statement about who you are or a clever nod to your personality. So

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[00:00:46.25] Text, QUICK FACT: Custom monograms come in 48 colors and 15 styles! Stephanie holds a bag with dark green trim that reads G O A T.

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[00:00:46.45] go ahead. Have fun with it. It's what makes this tote the absolute GOAT. You know, greatest of all totes.

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[00:00:53.86] With handles tested to hold up to 500 pounds-- that's right. I said 500 pounds. The Boat and Tote has been helping people haul heavy and bulky things since forever.

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[00:01:03.94] Stephanie heaves a large tote full of wood onto the table in front of her. The bag reads, Yes I Wood. Text, The Hardwood Hauler. Tote Tip number 2 by Stacie S.

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[00:01:04.31] And one of those things is firewood. In fact, Stacie says our extra-large Boat and Tote is one of the easiest ways to bring loads of firewood into your home without leaving a messy trail behind. I know that's something I would appreciate.

[00:01:18.77] This

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[00:01:18.77] Text, Give a Better Gift Bag Tote Tip number 3 by Allison G. A smaller tote with light blue trim reads, Salty. A blue and white ribbon makes a bow around one of the bag's handles.

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[00:01:19.19] is one of my favorite tips. When giving a gift, instead of using a ton of tissue paper that'll go to waste, put it in a Boat and Tote that they'll use forever. And with the right monogram, a special date, a silly nickname, or an inside joke only you and their recipient will understand, the whole thing becomes a lot more meaningful.

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[00:01:37.58] Stephanie puts a card inside the tote and puts on the ribbon.

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[00:01:37.88] I got this one made for a friend who loves the beach. [GASPS] And pretzels. Perfect.

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[00:01:45.73] Stephanie puts a jar of pretzels into the bag. Hands reach out for the bag and Stephanie gives it to them. Stephanie plops another tote onto the counter. It reads, Wash me. Text, The Laundry Helper. Tote Tip number 4 by Christine B.

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[00:01:50.34] When it comes to laundry, Christine has it all figured out. She gives every person in her household their very own extra-large Boat and Tote to fill with dirty laundry. They're plenty big and durable enough to be tossed or kicked down the stairs for laundry day.

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[00:02:03.90] Stephanie tosses the tote behind her.

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[00:02:04.32] Smart and satisfying.

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[00:02:07.17] Text, Customize Your Canvas. Tote Tip number 5 by Desiree L. Writing in metallic gold and silver marker decorates an all-black tote.

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[00:02:07.44] L.L.Bean has so many varieties to choose from, but you can also use markers or paint to create truly custom pieces.

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[00:02:14.42] The black tote slides across the table to Stephanie.

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[00:02:14.79] An all-black tote paired with metallic marker can make an adorable guest book at a wedding or a special event. Plus, it's a perfect keepsake.

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[00:02:23.91] Stephanie slides the bag away. Text, Make a Roadside Rescue Kit. Tote Tip number 6 by Beth C. A white tote with blue trim reads, rescue me! Pliers and water poke up from inside.

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[00:02:24.69] When going on an adventure, it's always smart to have a plan, just in case things go a little sideways. Beth told us she uses The boat and Tote for stowing everything she needs in an emergency. Things like a first-aid kit, jumper cables, towels, water bottle, headlamp, and for those of us that get a little hangry, snacks.

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[00:02:46.01] Stephanie pulls the items from the bag.

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[00:02:46.80] Keep it stashed in your car, and you'll always be prepared for anything.

[00:02:51.61] [ZIPPER ZIPS]

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[00:02:52.55] She zips the top closed. Text, Picnic Perfection. Tote Tip number 7 by Pauline B. A baguette pokes ip from a white tote with dark green trim that reads, Foodie. A smaller tote with pink trim reads, Yum.

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[00:02:53.02] I love a good picnic, and these large Boat and Totes are perfect for carrying multi-course meals and plenty of snacks and beverages to satisfy everyone. There's even an insulated version to keep everything chilled until you're ready to chow down.

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[00:03:08.31] Stephanie lifts snacks from the larger bag. Hands five Stephanie the insulated tote that reads, Yum. Text, Get Your Beach On. Tote Tip number 8 by Julie M. Beach towels stick up from a tote with pinkish trim and a blue monogram that reads, Island Time.

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[00:03:08.65] One of the most popular ways that L.L.Bean employees use their totes is as a beach bag. My favorite feature are the long handles. It's super easy to throw over your shoulder, even when it's overflowing with beach stuff.

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[00:03:19.92] Text, QUICK FACT: Go long (or short). Boat and Tote handles come in two lengths! Stephanie slings the beach bag over her shoulder.

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[00:03:20.20] And you won't feel bad about putting a sandy wet towel into it at the end of the day.

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[00:03:24.18] Text, Add Some Organizers. Tote Tip number 9 by Whitney A. Smaller canvas bags sit in front of a white tote with lavender trim that reads, Not Fussy.

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[00:03:24.50] I don't know about you, but my work bag is a mess. One extra-organized L.L.Bean staffer uses Boat and Tote zip pouches to contain the clutter in her bag, making everyday work items easier to find. In this one, I have my headphones and my cords.

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[00:03:40.03] Stephanie pulls the two zip pouches from the tote. One has a botanical-patterned bottom, while the other has a blue stripe pattern. She shows the top of an unzipped pouch.

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[00:03:40.51] In this one, I have pens and pencils. And what I dig most about this idea is that I never have to dig through my bag again.

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[00:03:47.92] Stephanie puts the pouches back in the bag. Text, The Frequent Flyer. Tote Tip number 10 by Jeff D. A bag with yellow trim reads, Off Clock.

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[00:03:48.22] When traveling, you want a reliable and durable bag. That goes double for flying, when baggage handling isn't exactly gentle.

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[00:03:55.75] The bag flies onto the table in front of Stephanie. She eyes it. Text, Quick Fact: Choose from four sizes, from small to extra large - just enough for your stuff.

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[00:03:56.64] Boat and Totes come in the perfect carry-on sizes. The zippered top, heavy-duty canvas, and stiff sides keep your carefully packed clothes, accessories, and other delicate items from shifting when stowed. This bag is ready for takeoff.

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[00:04:12.82] Stephanie tosses the bag away. She leans over the table, now filled with the different totes, and rests her arms on them.

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[00:04:13.86] I hope you're inspired to use your Boat and Tote in some new exciting ways, or at least have a few new reasons to collect as many as you can. Also, a huge thanks to our brilliant L.L.Bean employees for sharing their super-creative tips. Now it's your turn. Tell us all about the unique ways you use your own Boat and Totes at llbean.com/dearllbean.

[00:04:34.32] And don't forget to and subscribe to make sure you never miss a how-to video and visit llbean.com/explore for more outdoor tips and inspiration.

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[00:04:44.26] The totes from the video flicker by. Text L L Bean dot com slash explore