Need a beach bag ASAP!

[LD92599]

Acck.....we went swimming today and I now realize I *need* a beach bag. We don't go to the pool often, but I want a bag that I can keep packed w/ 3 towels, extra clothes for DS, a few diapers, etc.

I remember eying a nice, huge Ralph Lauren tote a few weeks back in Value City...just eying it and thinking that I really don't *need* it. Drat...went back yesterday and there's nothing left!

Any suggestions? Doesn't need to be "fancy" or have pockets, etc. I looked around Target and didn't see anything interesting; might check Odd Job (Odd Lot type place) during the week.

Laura
mom to William
3.5.2003

http://homepage.mac.com/ld14m

[masetane]

Most of us moms here have a Lands End tote (the largest size). Inexpensive and big and has a key fob inside. I put my pool passes in the only pocket on teh outside. I had mine monogrammed "Pool". I also bought one of the mini ones with a zip and had them monogram it "snacks". It goes to the park with me and the kids know to reach in whenever and get snacks/drinks. They go to it during the day when it's hung on the coat hooks.
Caroline
Isabelle 10/1/00
Nicholas 2/27/03

[Chelsey333]

I just packed up my XL ISM bag and it really fits a lot for the beach and pool. I fit 2 towels, lotion, sunglasses, 5 diapers, wipes, disposable changing pad, cell phone, receiving blanket, 2 tiny outfits for newborn, burp cloth, bibs, hand wipes. I was going to sell this bag, but it is perfect for the beach - though it was a lot of money.

[LD92599]

Thanks for that idea...i just printed out the info for both LE and LL Bean Totes to compare sizes/prices!

Laura
mom to William
3.5.2003

http://homepage.mac.com/ld14m

[LD92599]

Hmm...that would take care of the excuse to buy an ISM bag! I'll check the Yahoo bag swap site to see what might be available...but I'm also going to check LL Bean and Lands End. Now why doesn't Sears carry the LE totes in the store?

Laura
mom to William
3.5.2003

http://homepage.mac.com/ld14m

[kathsmom]

Laura,

I have the large LL Bean Boat and Tote bag. I use it as my pool bag. I keep 3 towels, sunscreen, swim diapers, etc. in it. I am thinking about getting the extra large size, because DH sometimes comes to the pool with us. I have had mine for a few years and it has held up well.

I like one of the previous poster's idea to have it monogrammed with "pool" and to get the mini size one for "snacks". I might have to do that for my new LL Bean bags. I believe that the LL Bean bags offer the option of open or zip top, as well as strap length.

If I decide to get the larger size, I will go with the LL Bean, because I have an LL Bean Visa card (free shipping and free monogramming).

Good luck!

[Mikesa3]

I've been looking at this website http://www.saltwatercanvas.com/meshbags.htm They have some nice looking bags but I haven't seen them in person.HTH
Nancy-Mom to 6 great kids

[ginamlee]

I have 3 XL ISM bags for sale. Email me for details: ginalee @ columbus.rr.com

[Phoebe]

Toni, sounds like you could give good llbean tote advice! I've been considering the XL tote with zip top, short handles, to use as a beach bag. Any reason I should get the open top? Is the XL too big? Does yours have short or long handles?

thanks for the help :)

Phoebe

>I have the large LL Bean Boat and Tote bag. I use it as my
>pool bag. I keep 3 towels, sunscreen, swim diapers, etc. in
>it. I am thinking about getting the extra large size, because
>DH sometimes comes to the pool with us. I have had mine for a
>few years and it has held up well.
>
>I like one of the previous poster's idea to have it
>monogrammed with "pool" and to get the mini size one for
>"snacks". I might have to do that for my new LL Bean bags. I
>believe that the LL Bean bags offer the option of open or zip
>top, as well as strap length.
>
>If I decide to get the larger size, I will go with the LL
>Bean, because I have an LL Bean Visa card (free shipping and
>free monogramming).
>
>Good luck!

[kathsmom]

Phoebe,

I currently have the large size with short handles and open top. I can't remember if the zip top option was available when I bought mine or not. I know that they did not have the strap length option available at that time.

I don't think that the XL size would be too big for me, because I would have to carry towels, sunscreen, snacks, etc for DH, DD (who is 8 years old), DS (who is almost 2), and myself. DD does have her own little Barbie beach bag and she uses that to carry her swim goggles, Barbies, etc.

I like having the open top, because it is just so easy to get into to get things. However, things can fall out if it gets tipped over. I am undecided if I want to get the zip top or the open top on the XL bag. You could always get the zip top and just leave it open when you need to quickly get into the bag.

I will definitely get the long straps on the XL bag. I have short straps on my large tote and it was not easy trying to carry it when I had DS in his stroller, and I was trying to steer the stroller one-handed, carry the bag in my other hand and keep my 8 year old DD near me. So, I would definitely recommend longer straps.


How many children do you have? The large size was fine for us when it was just DH, DD, and me. Now that we have DS, I am seriously considering getting the XL size.

HTH!

[LD92599]

I am leaning towards the XL, Long Handles and Ziptop..figuring I can also leave it open if need be! Now..need to search for a shipping code for LL Bean.

Here's my two choices:
$28
Extra-Large 161/2"H x 27"W x 11/2"D
Adventure Tote
A lightweight, colorful tote for everyday adventures
Made of rugged, water-resistant nylon
Zip-top closure and inside security pocket keep items contained
http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/9338.jpg

$37
Extra-Large 17"H x 19"W x 10"D. Regular handles 10", Long 14".
http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/9339.jpg
Laura
mom to William
3.5.2003

http://homepage.mac.com/ld14m

[jenfed1]

I have the LL Bean Large Adventure tote..it was $22 and it is the greatest bag. It is huge..the XL was enormous. I fit tons of stuff in it for when I take my daughter to the pool. I like it better than the boat and tote (I have a few of those) because it is nylon and much lighter than the canvas ones...it also doesn't get so dirty. It's a great bag.

[kathsmom]

Laura,

I totally forgot about the top tote that is pictured! I had seen it in the catalog and thought is was really cute. I think that Maureen (khakismom) bought one for her cruise. She might be able to tell you if it held up well or not. Thanks for reminding me of that one! I now have more decisions to make! :)

Let us know which one you pick!

[LD92599]

That's what I'm thinking about the Adventure Tote vs. Boat Tote...the adventure looks to be wider, lighter and probably machine washable.

Decisions...Decisions...i am sooooo indecisive lately!

Laura
mom to William
3.5.2003

http://homepage.mac.com/ld14m

[Phoebe]

I've been following this thread, because as I mentioned in an earlier post I'd like to get a beach bag too. I was pretty set on the llbean canvas tote, but now I'm also considering the aventure tote.

Another post mentioned that Maureen had bought the adventure tote.... I'd love to hear a review of it

Phoebe, mom to Susan 3, and David 1

[LD92599]

Phoebe:

I am STILL undecided on what to get! I'd like a review of the Adventure Tote as well! I am going to try to stop at Kohls before work this morning to see if they have any huge totes...i really prefer to see something IRL!

Laura
mom to William
3.5.2003

http://homepage.mac.com/ld14m