LLBean’s Zip Hunter’s Tote Is Just What You Need

Photo: Michael Calore

The walls of the bag are durable enough, made from 1,200-denier polyester, which is lightweight and waterproof, not to mention durable enough to be indestructible. I have researched it like property for a dozen or so trips, and shows no scuffs or tears. The zipper at the top doesn’t fasten, but it’s heavier than it should be and works well in the rain. What really sets this bag apart is its enclosure. The interior of the entire tote is covered with a thin layer of thermoplastic, increasing its resistance to moisture.

Photo: Michael Calore

Photo: Michael Calore

Now, of course, the purpose of this type of bag is to keep the contents dry when using the bag in a wet environment, such as on a boat trip, mountain biking, or duck hunting in the Maine wilderness. And of course, I’ve used the bag on a boat and on a lot of rain gear (I’ve never been duck hunting), and the stuff inside has really held up. I also believe in a bag big enough to carry electronics and musical instruments to the office or studio in the morning without rain. But for me, the utility that the bag provides is very different: it is the perfect place to carry things that are, muddy, wet, or thin.

For example, I have taken a bag car parks several times. Once, I used it to pack my tent, groundsheet, boots, and rain mask. On the last day of the trip, it poured outside, and when it was time to head home, my rain jacket and tent were soaked, the ground cloth was covered in wet pine needles and bark, and my shoes had a thick layer of Mendocino, California, muck underfoot. I put all the items in a Hunter Tote, zipped it up, and tossed it in the back seat of my rental car. The interior was a mess, save for the rental car’s tuck-and-roll upholstery. When I got home, I emptied the tote, put it inside, and blasted the floor with the hose.

There are two heavy duty plastic tabs on the edge of the tote, one at the end of the zipper. This is where the belt is attached. I’ve never used a belt (really, it just gets in the way), but the tabs are great for hanging the tote up to dry after washing.

The Hunter’s Tote comes in three colors. I have the largest, the XL, which holds 53 liters. (That’s big for a tote bag.) I like the larger size because when you put the floor on a regular surface and open the mouth of the bag, you have a generous floor space between 10 and 19 inches. All the room makes the bag more versatile, so my opinion is that it’s bigger.

Also, note that there are no frills here: no outer pockets, no hoods, no laptop sleeves. The only durable carrier that’s ready for your dirtiest work. Whether you’re packing a dozen La Croix or bags of Buffleheads, it’s a must.

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