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GEAR | Vintage L.L. Bean Zipper Duffle


Lately I've been jonesing for my old L.L. Bean Zipper Duffle. I took this bag back and forth from Chicago to Boston dozens of times in my boarding school years, but recently realized that I haven't seen it around lately. I have my fingers crossed that it's in my parent's basement but I'm not too hopeful, as my mother has never had a problem divesting. Scarier though, is that I just noticed the classic duffle had been discontinued at L.L. Bean. The underwhelming L.L. Bean Signature line that launched a few years ago created a very similar bag to the original zipper duffle designed in 1934, but I just wish they hadn't changed the colors (all black?) and handle lengths and just brought it back as the exact original design. Why change something that's perfect? So instead of going the L.L. Bean signature route, I'm going to keep my eye on a few vintage bags online, maybe I'll even find mine—minus the Buffy the Vampire Slayer tapes. After a quick browse I found a small one on eBay, a large one, and a slightly overpriced one. And here's one on Etsy that looks pretty good too.
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ita darling. said…
My dad, my sister and myself all had matching sets... we've all misplaced different pieces over the years, but still have em!

Though I think mine is in my storage unit in the US, while I am overseas.. I have wished several times whilst hopping off and on trains in Europe that it was that bag i was carrying instead of any others..
November 5, 2013 at 4:37 AM
Unknown said…
I have been going to estate sales lately and have been seeing A LOT of older LL Bean, Penfield, and Patagonia stuff, usually still made in USA, for dirt cheap. I'll keep my eyed open for these duffels for you. ;)

I've been using my dad's old Bean duffles and ditty bag since college. They are only getting better as the years pass.
November 5, 2013 at 12:45 PM
Anonymous said…
I love mine, I have a really unhealthy sentimental attachment to it. It's tan with natural handles and my dad put an olive green strap on it before he died. I think about him every time I use it! -Hannah
November 9, 2013 at 4:48 PM
DAMA AND DIG said…
This post totally resonates with me. My mother bought three different (and monogrammed) sets for herself, my brother, and I sometime during the early 90's. Hers were brown, Gregorio's were tan, and I lucked out with navy. All of us still have them and use them regularly and they truly don't look or feel a day old.
November 10, 2013 at 8:19 AM
S M S said…
Love these! This one looks pretty similar & is in the same vintage colors:

http://www.llbean.com/llbeansignature/llb/shop/67771?feat=duffle-SR0&page=bean-s-zipper-duffle-medium&subrnd=1&attrValue_0=Kindling
November 14, 2013 at 3:28 PM
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