Upgrade Your Everyday Essentials: America’s Best-Selling All-Purpose Utility Bag Just Got a Major Makeover

A Timeless Carryall Gets a Modern Twist

A New Kind of Carryall

The L.L. Bean Boat and Tote has been a staple at farmer’s markets and fashion events for years, but its origins date back to a very specific purpose: hauling ice. Yes, you read that right – ice! When L.L. Bean first released the bag in 1944, it was called Bean’s Ice Carrier, and it was designed to carry massive amounts of ice. Today, the bag is still tested to hold over 500 pounds, making it a true workhorse.

Formerly known as Bean’s Ice Carrier, the L.L. Bean Boat and Tote is an American classic with utilitarian roots.

Photo by Jack Seemer for Gear Patrol

Now, Japanese retailer Beams is putting its own spin on the classic design by incorporating elements from another L.L. Bean archive find: the L.L. Bean Zipper Duffle Bag. The result is the Beams x L.L. Bean Boat and Tote, available in navy and tan with olive green accents.

tote bag — Leather handles replace canvas on the original design.

This new iteration of the Boat and Tote features heavyweight canvas and the same deep-bottom silhouette as the original from the 1940s. The result is a bag that’s both nostalgic and modern, perfect for carrying your gear or just looking stylish.