Main features of the L.L. Bean Adventure Pro Duffle:
- 100% waterproof construction
- Durable 420-denier ripstop nylon
- Water-repelling TPU coating
- Resilient, RF-welded seams
- Accessible wide-mouth opening
- Convenient lid flap for extra storage
- Multiple carry options
Although L.L. Bean tweaked its famous return policy a few years ago, this legendary American retailer holds its place among the best shopping destinations for outdoor clothing and accessories.
Among other things, the company manufactures excellent backpacks and other gear haulers. So, we tested the cool-looking L.L. Bean Adventure Pro Waterproof Duffle to see if it deserves a 5-star rating. (Hint: it does).
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L.L. BEAN: 110 YEARS OF RETAIL EXPERIENCE
What started as a one-man operation in 1912 grew into a multi-billion brand with more than six thousand employees. L.L. Bean now sells various items besides the iconic duck boots, and its gigantic flagship store in Freeport, Maine, is the size of a smaller college campus.
Founded by Leon Leonwood Bean, L.L. Bean remained a family-owned business throughout its history. Like the return policy, this element also changed recently, but L.L. Bean stayed focused on high-quality outdoor gear, affordable camping equipment, and comfortable clothing for outdoor enthusiasts.
HOW TO BUY THE BEST WATERPROOF DUFFLE:
Packing the essentials into a waterproof bag for the upcoming camping, fishing, or paddling excursions is common sense. After all, a quality waterproof duffle will protect your phone and other devices from unpredictable weather or clumsy accidents.
But, of course, it’s also wise to pick bags offering the best price-to-value ratio, and the following elements will help you separate the best from the rest.
– DESIGN
The aesthetic aspects might not be the priority with outdoor-oriented gear, but we all want the best-looking accessories. In addition, the bag’s design will affect the overall functionality, and a well-designed duffle will fend off moisture without problems. For instance, a sturdy lid flap and roll-top closure are almost always a winning combination.
– MATERIALS
A water-repellent coating is essential for any waterproof bag; the same applies to the best waterproof duffels. Yet, buyers should also check the fabrics for resilience, durability, and flexibility. Likewise, examining the zippers and other components will ensure you don’t end up with a flimsy, low-quality model.
– USABILITY
We already mentioned the importance of functionality, and a high-quality duffle bag should offer maximum convenience and ease of use. Therefore, consider the opening and closing to ensure quick access to your belongings. The bag should also be travel-friendly and comfortable, so check these elements before purchasing.
– PRICE
Lastly, we should add the financial aspects, given that many high-end waterproof duffle bags come at a high price. Then again, many affordable bags for traveling will offer water-resilient properties, and the Adventure Pro series from L.L. Bean is a prime example. So, compare several options to find the best waterproof bag for your needs and preferences.
L.L. BEAN ADVENTURE PRO REVIEW: WATERPROOF YET STYLISH
Now it’s time to focus on the eye-catching L.L. Bean Adventure Pro duffle and see why this waterproof bag often ranks among the best duffle bags for camping and fishing. Of course, you can use it for the daily commute or various three-day trips because it weighs only 3.25 pounds.
As we said, this bag’s primary quality is the water-resilient material combined with clever design features. On top of that, the L.L. Bean Adventure Pro series will not burn a hole through your wallet.
The bag comes in two versions (40 and 60 liters), offering extra flexibility. Moreover, L.L. Bean also sells the ‘standard’ Adventure duffles without a waterproof design.
TOP-QUALITY FABRICS
Since L.L. Bean has been around for more than a century, it’s no surprise they know everything there is to know about making high-quality travel accessories. For instance, the Adventure Pro series comes at a budget-friendly price, but it features only the best materials.
Notably, the resilient 420-denier nylon offers excellent protection against the weather, given that it has a water-repelling TPU coating. These properties make the outside of the Adventure Pro bag slippery and moisture-wicking, but the nylon also promises years of wear and tear.
We almost forgot that the L.L. Bean Adventure Pro duffle comes with RF-welded seams to boost water-repelling qualities. In other words, the reinforced 420-D fabric delivers maximum protection and impressive durability at an affordable price. What more could you need?
CONVENIENT AND EASY TO USE
The typical duffle bag will offer two carrying options, if not more; you can grab them by the handles or use the shoulder strap. As expected from an L.L. Bean product, the Adventure Pro model also gives you these options. So, this road-tested, oblong-shaped bag could quickly become your faithful travel companion.
Even though the shoulder strap lacks padding, the material will not cut into the skin or cause discomfort, even while carrying a full bag. On top of that, the front of the Adventure Pro duffle features dual daisy chains for attaching extra gear and equipment.
COMFORTABLE YET STURDY
Thanks to its roll-top closure, the L.L. Bean Adventure Pro duffle will keep your clothing 100% dry during unexpected rain showers or snow storms. Yet, the bag is not submersible. On the other hand, the handy lid flap goes over the wide-mouth opening, ensuring top-level protection from water and moisture.
We should also mention the durable UTX buckles on the side compression straps because these details take the safety of your belongings to the next level.
The ocean blue Adventure Pro duffle we tested had a 60-liter volume with no hidden pockets or dividers. Of course, some might consider the lack of compartments a drawback, but this duffel bag gets the job done with its no-frills design.
IS IT WORTH THE MONEY?
L.L. Bean would never survive for so long if it didn’t offer reasonably priced, high-quality products. So, you can expect the same from the elegant yet rugged Adventure Pro waterproof duffle.
