Boat Totes
The most versatile bag ever made…
The most utilitarian workhorse heirloom there ever was. Gets better with age, perfect for all occasions, never lets you down. Basically your ride or die that always comes to your rescue. It’s the tote bag. My specific favorite is the LL Bean Boat and Tote. It has a stiffness that holds it shape well, and a bit of old school charm. I also have some Lands End ones as well. There’s something not quite as old school and they are a bit more flexible, but still useful as they can be. There are others, I know, but these seem like the two most popular and most affordable brands. Really, any canvas, thick strapped workhorse of a bag will do. I use them for everything. Packing for trips. Quickly gathering clutter before someone comes over. Carrying things to various activities, like soccer games. Really just for corralling anything that needs a temporary home. My kids both have miniature ones that we call car bags. That’s what they pack for long car rides….snacks, drinks, games, head phones, toys, stuffed animals, etc. Anything they may need for the trip goes in their car bag. Easy packing and also easy clean up. They are responsible for clearing out the car when we return, and the car bag makes that so much easier. I could sing their praises all day. One of the best ways to clean them is with a pressure washer. I just add them to the pile when my husband is doing the outdoor spring cleaning and then we let them air dry over outside. They are something that I love looking for at estate sales. Other people’s random monograms just adds to their charm. A few months ago I got a LL Bean large tote, and a LandsEnd XL tote in a lot of other bags on an online auction for $7! I plan to fill them up with all the necessities for our beach week later this summer.
