WIRED Reviewer Endorses L.L.Bean Zip Hunter’s Tote for Rugged Utility
A recent review from WIRED highlights the durability and water-resistant capabilities of L.L.Bean’s Zip Hunter’s Tote, particularly the 53-litre XL model, for transporting everything from organic produce to soaked camping equipment.
WIRED reviewer Michael Calore has published a detailed assessment of the L.L.Bean Zip Hunter’s Tote, endorsing the bag for its rugged construction and practical utility. The review, part of the publication’s "Bag Check" series where writers share their preferred carryall bags, focuses on the product’s ability to handle wet, muddy, or messy items without compromising the interior of vehicles or the cleanliness of dry goods.
Constructed from 1,200-denier polyester, the bag is described as heavy-duty and water-resistant. Calore notes that the material is so robust it appears nearly indestructible, citing personal experience of checking the bag as luggage on approximately a dozen flights without observing scuffs or tears. The exterior lacks frills such as exterior pockets, padding, or a laptop sleeve, prioritising function over aesthetics.
A key feature of the tote is its interior, which is coated with a thin layer of thermoplastic lining. This design keeps dry items dry and wet items contained, preventing leaks or messes. While the zipper at the top is not sealed, it is described as heavy-duty and functional in rain. The bag is available in three sizes, with the XL model offering a 53-litre capacity and a reinforced bottom measuring 10 by 19 inches.
Calore utilises the XL model for weekly grocery shopping at Rainbow Grocery, an organic food co-op in San Francisco established in 1975. The store’s produce is often unwrapped and earthy, requiring a container that can withstand dirt and moisture. The bag’s beefy handles allow for comfortable lifting on and off an electric cargo bike, even when stuffed beyond capacity.
The reviewer also highlights the bag’s effectiveness for outdoor activities. During car camping trips in Mendocino, California, Calore used the tote to transport soaked tents, boots, and rain shells, noting that the lining protected rental car upholstery from mud and pine needles. After use, the bag can be rinsed out and hung to dry using heavy plastic tabs located at the edges of the zipper.
