LL Bean Continental Rucksack - What Were They Thinking?

[@jarvisskooge8602]

Nice review… you point out some legitimate issues. But, you are asking too much of that little pack. A 40 oz. Stainless bottle is not a “standard size”. You can’t carry extra clothes and food because you’ve stuffed a 3-4 lb. Gore-Tex bivy in there. A 30-40 L pack is fine for what it’s designed to do. You want to carry more? You need 50-70 liters.

[@claa3009]

I have the most recent version of this rucksack. Agree...the covers to the side pockets and back pouch have sewn down edges that make it hard to fully open them. However, 1/2 liter Nalgene bottles, or 24 fluid oz Smart water bottles, fit just fine in the side pockets, and the cover completely folds over them. This pack is quite good as a day pack.

[@woodswalker64]

Nice review. But you’re expecting way too much out of a smaller bag. The bag holds plenty of items for a day trip or for even an overnighter. You’re just packing way too much for that purpose. If you want to carry all of this gear, than you should get a bigger bag and not be too hard on a bag not designed for a troop longer than a day or so. Appreciate the review.

[@shadowx8405]

If you want to use a pack that can fit all of the things you mentioned that you want a bag to hold, you'll need at least a, 65 litre pack. That's if your packing ultralight gear only. If your using average, bulkier gear, you may even need an 80 litre pack or larger.

[@EricTheBody]

I love this pack. I don’t worry about closing the side pockets and two nalgenes fit just fine. I have no problem using this as a minimalist three season, long weekend pack. I also took mine for a monthlong trip to the Philippines with no problem. I heard that newer ones have smaller side pockets, which is a bummer.

[@robertlenz4995]

I've ran this pack for 3 years now. Seats the Pathfinder 32oz water bottle, cup and stove completely fine with room.

[@reedharrington7507]

How mine does not fit

[@StevePage1]

I have one. I bought it off the Pathfinder Trade Blanket after watching Dave's review...and I'm pretty happy with it. I'm trying to embrace the Mors K. philosophy of "more you know, less you carry" and seeing what I can do to reduce bulk and excess without losing beneficial redundancies. It's kind of addictive! I have 50-70 liter packs, but I'm enjoying the challenge of trying to refine this pack and the kit I'm carrying down to having a kit usable for 1-2 overnights. I think carrying a 70L pack for a single-night trip is a bit silly. I think, so far, I can get it to work for summer months...but it may not be quite enough for our Maine winters just yet (at least until I get better at reducing/refining my kit). :)

[@hardcorecampinggear]

Agreed. I think you can get pretty light during fair weather. It's when things get cold that you have to schlep so much more gear. Thanks for your comment. Be sure to subscribe so that you'll be the first to know when we come out with new content.

[@scarling9367]

A 1L bottle fits in just fine. It's a side or accessory pocket on a frameless pack.

[@denofearthundertheeverlast5138]

The Highlander Pro Forces 33L Rucksack is about $60 not including shipping from the UK from the "Military 1st" website, I think I paid $75 in all for mine, got it in less than a week, its made out of 1000D polyester and has a PU coating and liner, it could have a little bit better waist belt, but the side pockets will hold a 40oz Klean Kanteen, and you can buy the Brandit Cross Molle Pouch it fits perfectly on the front and basically turn the pack into one of these expedition style 3 pocket packs.

[@Evenflo76]

Pathfinder and Nalgene don’t have those big loops on top of the screw on cap like kleen kanteen. You can also buy a smaller cap for the kleen kanteen. I have one, works great. The 32oz fit wonderfully. Also, the pathfinder canteen and cup fit. I have the helicon Tex matilda and a Kelty 65l external frame too. For shelter and sleep there are plenty option. A ranger roll will fit under and a decent tarp doesn’t take much space. I would say that you could rethink your gear choices and not be so redundant. This is a great pack for an overnighted or two and is quite durable. My daughter was gifted the child size one for scouts and it’s lasted 8+ years of kid neglect and will go for another 8 easy. Also, ll bean gear has a lifetime warranty.

[@hardcorecampinggear]

Thanks for your feedback. Best argument I've heard for switching to the 32 oz. is that most things (like water purification tabs) are designed for 32 oz of water.

[@Evenflo76]

@@hardcorecampinggear I agree,. If your purifying water and have a filter kit than there isn’t a reason to carry more than a quart. Depending on the weather and distance I will go with just a pint.

[@pictrtker]

Amazon has the extenders for the lower straps. Optech USA extenders fit the LL Bean buckles. $5.95 on Amazon.

[@StevePage1]

Thanks for clarifying. I had that brand pulled up, but I wasn't sure about the size. Just ordered a set! :)

[@hardcorecampinggear]

I bought 'em. They work well. Thanks for your comment. Be sure to subscribe so that you'll be the first to know when we come out with new content.

[@vkkumar32]

Can someone post the Amazon link for the extenders?

[@billnelson9413]

It’s a fashion bag for bringing clothes and a few items from the car to the cabin or cottage. It’s like comparing slippers to hiking boots. There are real backpacks from technical brands that are much better for hiking or backpacking.

[@adamb.6791]

Based on what criteria? It's not a kayaking type bag, nor a summiting bag, nor a trail running bag, but those bags don't really cross over either. I would not haul out an Elk in it either. This is like the Subaru of bags...it'll get the job done just fine, and likely last longer than most others. For what it is, it's pretty darn good. With 2-3k hiking and backpacking miles over the decades under my belt, it works wonderfully. Perhaps it's not the look you want, and that's cool too. That's why Baskin Robbins has 31 flavors.

[@Otis010707]

BTW- I think it's totally unfair to call a 40oz container "standard" when standard usually is used in reference to a 1Liter container(which DO fit in both pockets- although you might have a problem sliding an axe handle down behind them when the pockets are filled thusly). Truth be told I agree you are expecting too much out of too small a pack. Overnight? sure. Still a good video.

[@redderm]

i bet a standard military canteen would fit with its nesting cup

[@Otis010707]

BTW- I made damn sure I checked for fitment on my pockets before making the previous statement!

[@Greenhorn.]

I have the older model. The pockets are bigger I don't know why they made them smaller

[@johneli495]

LL Bean, Eddie Bauer, etc are brands that used to create serious outdoor gear but nowadays lean more towards fashion. I use a medium Alice pack because they are durable, although not the most ergonomic. I prefer to stay away from anything with zippers since that and poor stitching are usually the weak links in a bag

[@hardcorecampinggear]

Good advice.

[@justindonie]

I think the real question is what were YOU thinking. One of many reviews I've read that reveal that the buyer didn't know enough about the match-up between their needs and what the product offered. The more you explained about the bag, the more I liked it, and the clearer it was that it didn't meet your needs at all. Thanks for the thorough presentation, it was very informative, and given that I'm not planning to carry anywhere near as much gear in my application, I'm comfortable it would suit me just fine.

[@matthewlentz6008]

I love this pack. Your not wrong though. I made the modifications to make it work for me. For me it's perfect for hammock camping hikes. Or winter hammock camp over night camping. I'm anxious to see if they make it better.

[@jackmaverick5481]

With respect, here a bit of perspective that might be helpful. All packs should be chosen to meet the needs of what you are going to do, how long you will be out, what season it is and many other variables. Choose the right bag for what you need the pack to do. Most people have multiple packs for this reason. No one pack is right for every situation. I have that same exact pack and it works just fine for a day pack or a 10 Cs pack. Don't use the side pockets for a water bottle. Many times, people like the way a pack looks and buy it only for its looks and forget about the bags functions and capacity and limitations. This often results in someone trying to force too much gear in the bag and stressing the bag beyond its capabilities and they tear the bag up. Attach a carabinier to the bag and attach a Grayl Geopress water purifier to it. P.S. Try not to expect that pack or any pack to do something it is not designed to do. First decide what features you want a bag to have before you buy.

[@CarolRLuna]

Exactly

[@paulsmith380]

Sounds like you purchased the wrong pack for your needs. This pack is perfectly fine for travel, day hikes and perhaps overnight. Anything more you need a significantly larger pack. Best of luck in your search!

[@00coyote80]

Wait! People can have different opinions than mine AND the freedom to voice that opinion?!? I need to write my congressman!

[@ndubstar]

with this bag, you going to have to attache some gear like a blanket and tarp or a sleeping bag to the outside like on the top or under the flap. maybe attache jacket to the bottom?

[@smantie]

I own this pack and love it, but all of your critiques are valid and correct. However, you're viewing this as a camping backpack. This clearly was designed for city use. Everything about it screams "mildly fashionable for city use, sized for airplane carry-on, but good amount of storage." The size of the bottle holders is just horrendous.

[@chrisprosser25]

Look folks, this is not a ruck you want for anything more than a minimalist overnight extravaganza ala Grandma Gatewood. This is basically a hipster bag for those who want an "adventures look and feel" of the quarter mile trek to the coffee shop from the dorm room. That's what happens when you let the nerds design outdoor gear. I'm a lifelong Bean's user. My White Mtn. pack is still going strong after 12 years of abuse, I'd buy it again if they still made the beefier version. Heck I've even slept overnight in the flagship store on more than one occasion. Maine kids are a unique breed indeed. Tarp, ground sheet, quilt or woolie blanket, maybe a flask of moonshine (handle of Allen's if you get it), pack of matches, an eight ball and compass. Everything else goes on the body. Gotta get drunk to be able to sleep in those conditions.

[@J0MBi]

It hurts to see how badly they messed up this beautiful rucksack. Compare the bag in this video to some of the other videos out there and you can clearly see that the latest redesign (2019 I think) has resulted in a bag with a lot of the features that make it genuinely useful outdoors cut down to make it appeal to people who will only use it in an urban setting. WTF were they thinking indeed.

[@chrisprosser25]

Seems like the nerds who never wander outside the office had a hand in the re-design. Just speculation, from a Bean's lifetime user.

[@redoak3809]

Checkout the LL Bean Continental Weekender. It is larger (and more pricey) and will fit the nalgene bottles easily in the side pockets.

[@MrJbarreda]

The problem is you want a bag that does it all, there’s no such animal, does it have a few flaws, sure, but over all it’s a great pack for the price. It looks like your bottle has a very big handle, have you tried the flat bottle top?, that may make the difference. Good idea on the extended bottom straps, but you can also strap on the top. Bottom line, you can’t turn a 35 liter bag into a 50. Some gripes are legit but most are not, it’s an overnight bushcraft bag/day hike pack, that is what it is. I have one, and for those intended purposes works great, and well made.

[@00coyote80]

One thing I don't like is, if you buy a weekender, the smaller version has no colors that match. It's a small detail. Admittedly unimportant, but... you can't have a matching pair.

[@gregritchie9375]

Good video, maybe critical, but there is at least 1 false. First the false. The side pockets ARE large enough to hold a "standard" Nalgene bottle, which by the way is NOT 40 ounces. I kept the Pathfinder Bottle cook set in one side of mine and a Kleen Kanteen in the other side. The standard Nalgene is 32 ounces. The bottom straps are too short, I did the same as you and added extensions to mine. And I do not understand why they used the smaller buckles on the front pocket. But they have proven to be sturdy enough. Just to be fair, I understand the Continental rucksack was changed sometime after I bought mine. It was made smaller. And recently they have come out with a Continental Weekender which is larger and addresses the buckle and bottom strap issues. It will fit a 64oz Pathfinder water bottle. The Continental Ruck was my first foray into a non-surplus backpack as I had been using both the large and medium ALICE packs since the 1970’s. My Continental Rucksack will do anything the medium ALICE pack will do, and do it more comfortably

[@hardcorecampinggear]

Fair point. I like the Alice packs, too.

[@Celphtitled585]

They make an llbean continental “weekender” pack, that’s what you fools are looking for, people need to do more due diligence when researching products, it will do what you’re looking for holds a bedroll and’ll fit you’re pathfinder style canteens and such

[@philipreasons3298]

Yes, I have the same issue with side pockets, mine get used for spare socks. Next looking at Berghaus Centerio 45+20 But have to order from UK

[@Marcoftheearth]

Apparently they fixed this issue with the 2022 version

[@scubasteve9449]

The updated version is horrible compared to the one I bought 6yrs ago But they do have anew version coming out in May that is a 45L I’m curious to see how that turns out

[@richiesun9676]

Perhaps you should have purchased the weekender rucksack instead. I think this pack will be perfect for my rockhounding hikes. Looks like plenty of space for tools, shovels, rocks, water and snacks.

[@Wilkins325]

Sincere thank you for making this video. I was very close to buying one seeing all of the positive videos about it.

[@snowman4385]

the 32 oz bottle and cup fit perfect in side pocket.water purify tabs are for 32 oz canteen.not 40 oz.trim down your gear.i do 3 day trips with that pack.and weighs less than 20 lbs.yes the straps on bottom of pack are too short.have fun in the woods,dont stress.

[@denofearthundertheeverlast5138]

In case anyone wants to know...the Helikon-Tex Matilda 35L pack is now only $124.99, less than the small continental and the larger one. Better material, (500D cordura nylon) , just better all around. but I dont know if the side pockets will fit a 40oz bottle, it is hydration compatible and looks like it will hold the 32oz military canteens. just do some research first.

[@friscoray2]

You complained about the side pocket being too small and then you say they could’ve made it more slim and not have the side pockets lol. The problem is that you picked the wrong bag for your needs. I agree it’s not a perfect bag, but in this case it’s not the bag.

[@MrJoshDoty]

I was thinking this was for work/laptop more than a camping or hiking backpack.

[@michalurbanful]

Thanks for the description! The Klean Kanteen bottle is, thanks to the lid with the eye, somehow taller than the stainless Nalgeen with flat lid. Do you think the Nalgene would fit?

[@hardcorecampinggear]

I tried the flatter lid with the KK and it was still too tall. You want the 32 oz one. The other benefit is that 32oz is the measurement used to mix the iodine water purification tabs + other cooking stuff.

[@BlkHunterGatherer]

I have the older model without the bedroll straps but my nalgene fits perfectly with a little room to spare. I'm fairly certain LL Bean designed those pockets for nalgene bottles, and not the klean kanteen bottles. I'd be surprised if they changed that in later models.

[@bdc1319]

Anyone know where I can purchase one of these?

[@hardcorecampinggear]

LL Bean

[@bdc1319]

@@hardcorecampinggear they don’t make them like this model anymore

[@bdc1319]

Interested in selling yours by any chance? 😜

[@denofearthundertheeverlast5138]

I agree with every one of your points....wtf thought this would be ok on the american market where virtually everyone uses those 40oz bottles, and everyone needs to strap a bedroll or blanket or tent to the bottom.

[@stevewilams867]

Thats a daypack where i come from. I take enough for a day for me and myself. And possibly an overnight. And thats a big ass jug. 40 oz.

[@bearinthewoods3]

Sooooo....you didn't research this bag before buying it

[@the_E4_Mafia]

If you knew how to pack, you can fit a lot more in there

[@scottrgood]

I think the key is probably just to get a MOLLE bag, that way you can add/subtract whatever extra space you want on it. I always have a difficult time finding the perfect pack for the situation. It’s basically impossible to have 1 pack that does it all, but maybe a MOLLE pack could do that.

[@hardcorecampinggear]

Agreed. And for me personally, I need a 50L bag for a dedicated woodland environment, especially if carrying food and water.

[@Otis010707]

THANK YOU SO MUCH for listing a plug and play extension strap that works with the bottom straps! I have seen other folks sew on extra webbing which I do NOT wanna do!

[@ConstanceWhenever]

It's a travel backpack not a camping one. It's called continental, I assumed, as in you are being a tourist in Europe.

[@santiagomindel4642]

If you store things in a more orderly and better folded way, you will fit a lot more in that L.L. backpack. bean, which is beautiful, your backpack is a mess, greetings.

[@hardcorecampinggear]

No time to get all Martha Stewart when the Sheriff's on your trail!!

[@santiagomindel4642]

@@hardcorecampinggear Excuse me, but I don't understand you, thanks for answering.

[@jelicoe]

@@hardcorecampinggear Does your wife know you bought that stuff?

[@santiagomindel4642]

hello, one question, does that L L Bean contiental backpack have a pocket on the top lid for glasses and keys and another pocket on the outside on the back to store a laptop? Thank you so much.

[@matthewlentz6008]

It technically has a soft liner pouch just above the lap top compartment. It's ok but would have been nice to see a compartment in the lid of pack.

[@codylockmancl]

Just got one in the mail ..... kinda regret it but I'll make use of it I'm sure

[@Matt-to1bi]

You want a backpacking bag. That is a bushcraft bag. You want to go camping not bushcrafting.

[@streetpunk99]

I'm guessing the 32oz nalgene bottles 99% of people hike with fit perfect in that pouch

[@qphlat27]

I would not fault the bag for not fitting more after you put ALL that stuff in there. You basically put a tent in there.

[@DannyRiskit]

I had the generation of this pack before yours, when the side pockets were better. I agree with all your other issues with it, I even got the "strap extenders" for the bottom like you did. They just released a newer larger version which actually addresses all these issues

[@YouTubeChannel-vd7xu]

What is the larger version called?

[@DannyRiskit]

Continental Weekender Pack. I have a video about it on my channel.

[@johnnybeanz1296]

$70 for that pos? Not surprising from ll bean unfortunately. They have been steadily going downhill for years. P.s. Don’t apologize in advance for opinions. It’s not necessary and won’t do any good anyway. Nice vid.

[@freedomtowander]

I think it’s desgined to fit a Nalgene bottle

[@waynestewart3232]

I think you purchased a woman's bag. That's why the canteen pocket is smaller and a woman's hands are smaller so that explains the smaller snaps.

[@hardcorecampinggear]

Ha!

[@HaasGrotesk]

You ask "what where they thinking" but I got to ask you what were you thinking? You are treating this as a custom bag made for you when it's not. "Why doesn't it fit exactly this that I carry? Why doesn't it fit exactly here?" Because it's not made for you and because most people don't carry 40oz canteen. I don't have that bag but it seems to fit quite a lot for a 33L bag. On the other hand you seem to carry more than ANY 33L bag could carry so why even go for a small size bag when you obviously need more? No 33L bag could carry what you want to carry. It's like bying a slow car and asking why it's not as fast as a Ferrari. Also what you call "cheap" clips aren't cheap. It's not cost savings because those clips cost absolutely nothing. It's design. They are made that way to easily distinguish between compartments. You simply bought the wrong product for your needs then complain about the pack like a little girl. How about you be a man and take some responsibility and admit you made a mistake instead.

[@Celphtitled585]

Dude! You bought the wrong pack, you’re looking for the l.l.bean continental “weekender” pack thank me later

[@transit921]

thats the pathfinder bottles fault not the bag , lmao, its not a military pack

[@johng1339]

standard? 32 oz Nalgene, buddy--that's "standard"; 40 oz? You're a camel with hydration issues and you're using this daypack for more than a day's outing-- dangerous, mi amigo.

[@bearinthewoods3]

So...you just made a video to gripe???

[@hardcorecampinggear]

Thank you for your gripe.

[@cenaculum1]

this bag is meant for children

[@hardcorecampinggear]

I'm not sure what you're saying. Explain it to me like I'm a child. ;)

[@kevinbeck6419]

It's not a 200 hundred dollars or more

[@jasonbannan4024]

Don't blame the pack. You are trying to carry enough gear for a week on the trail, minus any food. But thanks for the laugh.

[@hardcorecampinggear]

Thanks for the negativity. It warms my soul and makes me grow stronger.

[@jasonbannan4024]

@@hardcorecampinggear I said nothing negative. Just pointing out the issue and I thanked you for the laugh. How is that negative?

[@hardcorecampinggear]

@@jasonbannan4024 Apologies if I misunderstood your intention.

[@cheese8742]

*laughs in 22oz klean kanten*

[@trollmcclure1884]

fkn remove the cup from the bottom. Is this a joke?

[@jamesbuchner5875]

Trying to fool Canadians