Tote bags are one of those accessories that always come in handy for all my daily activities. They work for errands, shopping, work, travel, carrying groceries and more. I store a collection of different cotton bags in my closet from different brands and events, but the L.L.Bean and Lands’ End canvas tote bags have remained my go-to accessory for casual activities. They offer effortless comfort, versatile styling and sturdy construction.
In the tote bag space, these two brands have sparked a lot of debate over which is better. Both offer multiple uses, designs and efficacy. At a glance, they look very similar. To the touch (including schlepping your belongings), they feel different.
To find which one is best for certain activities, I put in the work to test Lands’ End and L.L.Bean tote bags. I tested storage, multiple commutes and weight to figure out which works better in different scenarios.
How I tested the canvas tote bags
To determine if I’m a Lands’ End or L.L.Bean person, I decided to carry the same amount of essentials in each bag. For fairness, I tested two L.L.Bean medium tote bags and two Lands’ End tote bags in the same size. Each brand offers an open tote design and a zip tote version.
I included the same amount of essentials including a laptop, planner, a book, wallet, toiletries, a makeup bag and other essentials to determine how much each bag holds. Later, I weighed each bag to determine if volume and dimensions plays a role in the extra heaviness of each bag. In another weight test, I packed the tote bags with gym weights up to 50 pounds to evaluate the handles.
Later, I inspected the stitches and nylon to see if any threads or seams came apart. Finally, I rested the bags overnight with damp towels to evaluate if the fabric was water-resistant.
After putting both bags to the test, I realized they serve different purposes. One is my pick for grocery shopping, while the other is better equipped to carry work essentials. Here’s a closer look at how each tote is designed and where it stands out.
Best for organization
In my search for the best tote bag, I found myself gravitating toward the Lands’ End Open Top Canvas Tote thanks to its durable yet soft fabric and comfortable shoulder straps, which made carrying it during my daily commute a breeze. The bag features four interior pockets, a key ring attachment for securing my home keys and an exterior front pocket for easy storage.
For my personal needs, this tote bag checks all the boxes. It comfortably fits my laptop, a lightweight cardigan, wallet, phone, small toiletry bag and other daily necessities. The lightweight canvas feels softer to the touch than some competing totes, and its flexible construction makes it easy to fold flat and pack inside your luggage, a convenient feature when traveling and needing an extra bag on hand.
The thoughtfully designed interior organization is another standout feature. The multiple pockets and mini compartments make it easy to keep smaller items, receipts and miscellaneous essentials neatly separated and easy to find. As someone who appreciates staying organized, this built-in storage system is a major plus.
When it comes to capacity, the tote is surprisingly accommodating. Its flexible construction allows it to hold a substantial amount without feeling cumbersome, making it easy to fit bulkier items while remaining comfortable to carry.
Something to consider:
While it’s a minor detail, the Lands’ End logo is prominently displayed on the front of the bag, whereas L.L.Bean keeps its branding tucked away on the interior. I typically prefer products with more discreet logos, but despite that, this remains my go-to work bag.
Because my laptop is fairly heavy, I like to use a laptop sleeve for extra protection in case I accidentally set the bag down too hard or drop it. The bag’s lightweight canvas construction also means it lacks some internal structure, causing it to slouch when not fully packed. That said, the softer design can be an advantage when carrying bulkier or oddly shaped items, such as an umbrella.
Best heavy-duty bag
During my testing period, the L.L.Bean Boat and Tote stood out for its ability to protect bulkier items, especially a laptop. The bag is constructed with reinforced nylon seams, heavy-duty 24-ounce cotton canvas and a double-layered base that helps it maintain its shape and stand upright on its own. I appreciated this structured design, particularly when I needed to quickly toss items inside without worrying about the bag collapsing.
There were some days I reached for this tote before heading to work because it made packing up and rushing out the door effortless. Thanks to its durable heritage design, the bag can comfortably handle heavy loads, though I wouldn’t necessarily recommend carrying that much weight for extended periods.
I especially preferred using it for grocery runs and trips to the farmers market. Its sturdy construction made it easy to carry everything from fresh flowers and produce to heavy jars and other bulky purchases. Compared to its competitor, the L.L.Bean tote handled heavier loads more effectively, keeping items secure and upright during transport.
Something to consider:
While the L.L.Bean tote is structured and offers heavy-duty construction, it isn’t quite as comfortable to carry. During testing, the shoulder straps felt somewhat stiff and took time to break in. There were moments when one strap would slip off my shoulder, causing me to hold the handles while walking.
While I appreciate the durability and support the sturdy design provides, I would have preferred slightly softer handles for added comfort during longer carries. Of course, that added softness could come at the expense of some of the bag’s exceptional structure and load-bearing capabilities.
Also, the tote lacks internal compartments and internal lining, which maintains its main focus — to store heavy items. Overall, this bag is exceptional at standing still. Basically, it works as a basket, which makes it easier to set on the ground.
Whether you’re heading to the beach, commuting to work or stocking up at the grocery store, both totes have their strengths. Each serves a different purpose and I plan to keep both in rotation depending on the day’s activities and what I need to haul in the streets of New York City.
Best overall
While I appreciate the simplicity of an open-top tote, the zippered version of the Lands’ End bag offers extra peace of mind. If you commute by train or spend a lot of time walking around the city, I’d recommend opting for the zip-top style for added security. I like how easy it is to zip closed, and the extra fabric provides a bit more flexibility when packing bulkier items.
Overall, Lands’ End stands out for its thoughtful organization and easy-access storage. Everything has its place, yet the essentials are always within reach. I’m also a huge fan of how the monogram turned out — a great option for those who love personalization. It has officially become my work swag bag, and I’ve already had several colleagues ask where they can get one of their own.
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Jannely Espinal has been a fashion and lifestyle journalist for the past seven years. She’s well-versed in product sourcing, selection and testing, especially when it comes to the latest trends in home, style and beauty. Espinal combines her testing process with experts’ insight to select the best products for Shop TODAY’s audience.
