LLBean’s Zip Hunter Bag is the only bag you need

Photography: Michael Calor

The walls of the bag are strong enough, made of 1200 denier polyester, which is durable and waterproof, not to mention so durable that it is almost indestructible. I’ve checked it as baggage on more than a dozen flights, and it shows no scratches or tears. The zipper at the top is not closed, but it is heavier than it should be and works well in the rain. But what really sets the bag apart is its lining. The entire interior of the bag is coated with a thin layer of thermoplastic, which increases its ability to resist moisture.

Photography: Michael Calor

Photography: Michael Calor

Now, of course, the purpose of this type of lining is to keep the contents dry when using the bag in a wet environment, such as a canoe trip, a rainy bike ride, or duck hunting in the Maine wilderness. Sure enough, I’ve used the bag in a canoe and on many rainy bike trips (never duck hunting), and the goods inside have always remained intact. I even trust the bag enough to carry my electronics and music gear into the office or studio on rainy mornings. But for me, the benefit the bag provides is just the opposite: it’s an excellent place to cleanly transport items that are muddy, wet, or sticky.

For example, I took the trunk camping several times. At one time, I used it to wrap my tent, ground cloth, boots, and rain shell. On the last day of the trip, it poured rain outside, and when it was time to head home, my rain jacket and tent were soaked, my ground cloth was littered with wet pine needles and patches of bark, and my boots had a thick layer of Mendocino, California, mud in their tread. I stuffed all of these items into a Hunter’s Tote, zipped it up, and tossed it into the back seat of my rental car. The interior liner kept the mess inside, saving the rental car’s upholstery. When I got home, I emptied the bag, turned it inside out, and blasted all the forest floor with a hose.

There are two heavy plastic tabs on the edges of the bag, one at each end of the zipper. This is where the shoulder belt is attached. I never use the strap (honestly, it just gets in the way), but these tabs are great for hanging the bag up to dry after rinsing it.

Hunter’s Tote comes in three sizes. I have the largest which is the XL which has a capacity of 53 litres. (This is huge for a tote bag.) I prefer the larger size because when you place the cardboard bottom on a flat surface and prop up the bag opening, you have a large flat bottom on the inside that is 10 x 19 inches. All this space makes the bag more versatile, so my advice is to go big.

Also, just know that there are no frills here: no external pockets, no padding, and no laptop bag. Just stand strong and ready to do your dirtiest work. Whether you’re carrying a dozen La Croix or packing Buffleheads, this is a must-have.

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