What are the L.L.Bean Archives, exactly? A collection of Bean’s past and present housed in a white cottage near our Freeport campus. And without Ruth Porter, the Administrator of the Corporate Art and Archives, we couldn’t preserve L.L.Bean’s history in such a meaningful way.

Ruth has been with L.L.Bean since the Christmas season in 1973. She began as a seasonal employee who helped with the hustle and bustle of the holidays, and went on to become a full-time employee in 1977. In July 1977, after several title switches and more and more responsibility, Ruth took on the archive collection full-time.

So what does Ruth do on a daily basis? In her words: “If L.L.Bean Art and Archives were a museum, my title would be a long one. You could call me curator, collections manager, researcher, archivist, conservator, registrar, docent…the list goes on!”

Ruth says that archive employees are catalogers, caretakers and processors. They examine, repair and conserve any artifact relevant to Bean. They gather history and save it for future use. In short, they are Bean-specific curators.

Ruth and her staff preserve items like this one: Leon Leonwood “L.L.” Bean’s leather tackle case

According to Ruth, the mission statement of the archives is to “collect, preserve and exhibit corporate history for the purpose of increasing employee, customer and public awareness of L.L.Bean’s history, heritage and branding in an interactive and educational manner.” Looks like they’re doing a good job so far!

It’s quite the collection…what are some of Ruth’s favorite items?

This signed baseball from Babe Ruth and the 1930 New York Yankees

Leon Leonwood Bean’s desk chair

The scale L.L. used to advertise how light his new shoes were

And what are some of the strangest?

These rollerblades from a marketing company courting L.L.Bean, and Bean Manolo Blahniks that were sold in Neiman Marcus for a short time! Neither item was ever sold in L.L.Bean stores.

Ruth does have one favorite archive item in particular: Leon Leonwood Bean’s house! Ruth says, “People don’t think of it as an archive, but it is. The house was the first built by Samuel Holbrook in 1887/1888 and is a very distinctive Queen Anne style.”

Leon Leonwood Bean’s house and his youngest daughter

Customers contribute to the archives, too, Ruth says. “We get clothing, Maine Hunting Shoes, fishing gear, books, catalogs – we’ve gotten it all!” In fact, most recently the archives took in a collection of George Soule (a former employee) decoys that he would have used to hunt with L.L.!

We’ll conclude with Ruth’s favorite L.L. Bean-ism: “To my mind, hunting and fishing is the big lure that takes us into the great open spaces and teaches us to forget the mean and petty things in life.” Ruth says, “Hunting and fishing are not two of my hobbies, but I do agree that being out in the wide open spaces, in the fresh air, can cleanse your mind and unburden your heart faster than anything else.” We agree, and our archives serve as a reminder that we’ve been inspiring people to get outside for a long time.

Do you have anything you’d add to our archives?

Trading in the bachelor tent for the family tent

As a bachelor, Michael S. used a small two-person backpacking tent. But marriage and a baby required a little more real estate in a tent. The King Pine Dome Tent not only had enough room for his daughter’s travel crib, its screen room could serve as a dry parking spot for her stroller. Their first camping trip confirmed he had made the right choice. As a squall line with 40 mile-per-hour gusts and torrential rain came barreling through their campground, the King Pine stood firm and kept them nice and dry. We’re confident Michael’s tent, built with legendary L.L.Bean durability, will be the home of special memories for years to come.

The calm after the storm

Camping with a two-year-old – and another on the way

Curran S. bought the King Pine to accommodate a growing family. The first special memory of her tent is her two-year-old helping her set it up for the first time in the backyard. Now with another baby on the way she’s sure there will be plenty of room for everyone, including the baby’s pack ’n play. Curran’s so pleased with the King Pine she calls it the “Tent of Awesomeness.”

Camping with Mom

Great camping memories don’t always include small children. Judy K.’s mother was 70 when they began camping together. She’s now 86, and they still go camping every year. Judy bought the King Pine so her mother could stand up while inside the tent. Their first trip with it was to the White Mountains of New Hampshire where they comfortably rode out a rainstorm and were surrounded with “all the wildlife you ever wanted to see!!!” We look forward to hearing more from Judy as her mother camps into her 90s.

Customers like Michael, Curran and Judy have helped make the King Pine Dome Tent a favorite for years. They are also the reason we design family tents the way we do—with weatherproof construction, thoughtful details and quality that will last from your kids’ first birthdays to their college graduation and beyond.

What’s the worst weather you’ve had to ride out in your family tent?

Justin takes every opportunity he can to explore New England with his two boys, and then share their adventures with the world through his blog. We’ve found his photos and casual writing style to be enjoyable for readers of all ages and skill levels, and we invited him to be a guest blogger for L.L.Bean Trailmix.

Tucked along the shoreline, just a short drive up from Freeport, sits Maine Audubon’s Hamilton Sanctuary. This 93-acre gem offered us a little taste of everything, packaged in a relaxing 1.5 mile network of easily traversed and well-marked trails. Considering my family’s love of hiking Mass Audubon parks, we wanted to check out Maine’s equivalent during a recent mid-week day off from school and work, which brought us to the Hamilton Sanctuary in West Bath. I’m sure glad we did; to say I was impressed is an understatement. My sons, wife, and I enjoyed an awesome day exploring the park and soaking up the first summery spring day.

We started out on a grassy meadow filled with spring plants and bathed in bright sun, then made our way toward the edge of the forest, which began the marked trails. Immediately we were greeted by a beautifully built, wood bridge that led us over a spring stream. The views looked across Back Cove to West Bath. We were already pleased, though we had barely started.

Wending our way through a damp forest dominated by fragrant Spruce, and peppered with taller White Pines, we could hear the trees creaking in the breeze and the first songbirds of the Spring singing from high above. Everything seemed covered in soft and fluffy green moss, vibrant lichens, and colorful mushrooms. It sort of had a feel of Washington and Oregon’s temperate rain forests. What a truly awesome surprise!

After a short walk on a cushioned pine needle-laden trail with exposed roots and scattered boulders, we made it to the shoreline. The greenish water in Back Cove had that cloudy look it adopts from the area’s mineral-rich rocks along its shores. What a perfect day. Walking further down the single-track, windy trail, we enjoyed the bright golden green of spring’s Spruce needles and the warm moist air coming up from the trail and from across the Bay. The air smelled of both the salty sea and of the rich organic forest.

The trails were simply laid out in such a manner that the kids could safely run ahead without getting lost. The Bay was visible through the trees for most of the trip and we never felt as if we were deep in a forest or directly on shore. It was a perfect blend of forest and sea, making for a truly unique hike. Small bridges over streams, thoughtfully placed benches, cleared trails and newly painted blazes ensured us that Maine Audubon apparently cares greatly for its parks.

The Hamilton Sanctuary proved a family favorite, and that’s saying something considering how frequently we get outdoors together. The park is perfect for teaching kids map reading skills, and for observing a great diversity of landscapes and environments. The ever-changing trail prevents boredom and the short hike makes for a wonderful activity to better round out your next visit to Freeport.

To learn more about the park, to download a trailmap, or to get directions, feel free to visit Maine Audubon’s Hamilton Sanctuary Website. After your trip, we’d love to hear about it!

When Ted and his partners, Peter Crommett, Scott Caras and Max Key, (all who either grew up or went to college in Maine) launched Boston-based Cheeky Fly Fishing in 2009, the response was positive almost immediately. “Our reels are designed in crazy colors to appeal to the more progressive fly fisher,” he says. “But it also became clear that the performance of our reels was unbeatable.”

The cool design and unique colors aren’t the only details that make these reels stand out. After spending several years on development, the team created a new drag system (which keeps line from spinning out). “We have a fully sealed drag – it doesn’t allow things like salt, sand or water to get into the compartment. Lots of reels aren’t sealed so it gets in and contaminates the system,” explains Ted.

They also worked on making the reel extremely lightweight for a fisherman who is used to making a thousand casts a day. A larger arbor (the distance between the two places where the line sits) was designed so that more line could be retrieved when it’s being reeled in.

“It’s important when you’re fishing for some bigger game fish in saltwater. Most reels out there right now are heavier. We focused hard in our development stages for one that was lightweight and could hold a lot of line,” says Ted.

So what’s next for the Cheeky team?

“We’re looking forward to our second annual Cheeky Schoolie Tournament in Cape Cod, MA, and we’ll continue to dedicate ourselves to making some of the best fly reels on the market,” says Ted. “We want people to know that our focus is making sure our design is one of the best out there.”

What do you think of fly fishing? Could it be the next cool sport for all ages?
For more information about Cheeky Fly Fishing you can visit their Web site. Our L.L.Bean Hunt & Fish Store also carries several reels from the line. To purchase from our store, you can call 1-877-755-2326.

As soon as you walk in the door, there’s no doubt you’re in Maine. It starts with dozens of one-of-a-kind, handmade items that would be equally at home in a seaside summer cottage, a ski lodge in the mountains or a rustic camp on a secluded lake. We search near and far for just the right accessories and décor to complement your style – including many pieces from local artists and craftspeople right here in Maine. Our merchants also scour antique shops, flea markets and craft fairs throughout New England for unique, vintage items like old weathervanes and funky salt-and-pepper shakers that fit right in with our Home collections.

Our store is also a great place to see, touch and try out the furniture, bedding, towels, doormats and other high-quality goods you’ve seen in our catalogs and on our Web site. It’s that balance of new and old, functionality and design, that sets our Home store apart. Where else can you find a hand-hooked wool throw pillow, a set of 400-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets and an antique wooden icebox all in one place?

We hope you can pay us a visit here in Freeport – we’re open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. And if you can’t come to Maine, we invite you to check out the Home department here at llbean.com or pick up a copy of our latest catalog. We’re happy to send some Maine living your way, wherever you call home.

Do you go looking for treasures at your local antique store or flea market? What’s the best discovery you’ve made?

With its beautiful weather and temperate conditions, May is the perfect time to oil up your bike chain and hit the road. Need some more convincing? Let’s brush up on bikes and their multiple benefits, from physical to mental: Mother Nature’s Pop Science Guide to Cycling.

As you can see, bikes are well-oiled, complex machines – and they keep our bodies running well, too. Take a look.

Need even more inspiration? You’re in luck: Bike to School Day and Bike to Work Day/Week, both in May, are dedicated to getting you out of the car and onto the road.

This year’s Bike to Work Week is May 13-17, ending with Bike to Work Day on May 17. This infographic sums up the benefits of commuting on two wheels quite nicely.

If you’re still a student, fear not; there’s a day for you, too. Pump up your tires and ride to class on Bike to School Day, May 8.

For L.L.Bean employee Kris Wills, every day is Bike to Work Day. Her goal is to bike the length of the Earth’s circumference: roughly 25,000 miles. We caught up with her last year to talk about the role cycling plays in her life.

Have we convinced you of the benefits of biking? Then come by the L.L.Bean Bike, Boat & Ski Store and we’ll help set you up with everything you need to get started.

This Earth Day, the League of American Bicyclists recognized our store with a silver-level Bicycle Friendly Business (BFB) award for leading America toward a greener future. That means our Bike, Boat & Ski store will have access to free tools and technical assistance from the League, geared toward making it even more bicycle friendly.

Interested in L.L.Bean’s bike selection? We have bikes for the whole family.

Look out for bike tips and tricks on Facebook and Twitter from L.L.Bean during National Bike Month. In the meantime, get out and ride! Where will your bike take you?

Go ahead. Treat your Waterhog like the doormat it is. It can take it. And that’s why our customers love them.

After all, there’s so much to love.

Our Waterhog Doormats are heavier and more durable than similar mats from our competitors. And they’re extremely thirsty. Each one will trap up to 1.5 gallons of water per square yard, which means a medium-size doormat holds up to a gallon of water, should you happen to drop one while lugging in your groceries.

To give you more to love, we’ve recently expanded our size and color offerings; our Everyspace Waterhogs come in 10 colors and 49 sizes, so you’re sure to find the right size.

Of course our hearts aren’t always swayed by facts and figures. Some folks love their Waterhogs for more personal reasons.

One customer was smitten the moment she realized her mat would catch all the mud her two dogs and messy husband would no longer be tracking into the house. Equally enamored are the dog lovers whose mats save their hardwood floors from “puppy supper,” paw prints, big shedders and Samson, the messy eater who dribbles while he drinks.

And who doesn’t identify with the woman who became enchanted when she realized her Waterhog would let her say “good-bye to wet socks forever.”

Whether you’re swayed by impressive facts or figures or prefer to make an emotional connection, there truly is plenty to love about this doormat. And it’s okay, really.

What’s your Waterhog love story?

Red Sox fans already know L.L.Bean as the official sponsor of the Fenway infield rain-delay tarp.  Thankfully, the weather cooperated, and the tarp stayed tucked away during the game.

The L.L.Bean Bootmobile made an appearance on Yawkey Way.

L.L.Bean employees fanned out across the stadium looking for fans wearing L.L.Bean gear – surprising them with $10 L.L.Bean Gift Cards.

We held a Twitter contest and gave away one $50 L.L.Bean gift card during each inning. The winners: @akanefive, MA; @mom4everandever, AR; @alongcamemary1, MA; @RedSoxDad, MA; @GoudaCheese007; @perrinmcc, MA; @uppervalleymom, NH; @jbarportland, ME; @mommy3sons, NC.

Fans tried to guess the number of L.L.Bean Boots in this display to win a $250 gift card.

L.L. Bear (in a custom-made Red Sox jersey) was on the field during pregame ceremonies with his pal Wally the Green Monster (wearing custom-made L.L.Bean Boots).

We surprised NESN announcers Jerry Remy and Don Orsillo with L.L.Bean Hunter’s Totes, monogrammed in blaze orange with their Twitter handles. Inside the totes were L.L.Bean goodies, including a fly-fishing rod and reel.

Don Orsillo assembled his fly-rod on air to the delight of the home viewers.

Eighteen-year-old Mainer Michaela Boissonneault sang the national anthem to a packed stadium. Last year Michaela was the winner of the “Sing Your Way to Fenway” competition. She was so good that the Red Sox invited her back again to sing for Maine Day. Michaela is more than just a great singer; she’s also the daughter of a very proud L.L.Bean employee.

Michaela’s friends and family joined in on the fun before the game with a group photo by the Bootmobile.

L.L.Bean employees from our Massachusetts stores looked great in their monogrammed Pathfinder jackets with the Boston Red Sox logo.

Overall, we had a great Maine Day at Fenway Park – even better because the Red Sox won! We’d like to thank NESN and the Red Sox organization for the opportunity.

Were you at Maine Day or watching from home? What was your favorite part of the day?

High Peaks Trail at Pinnacles National Park. Photo Credit: Joe Parks, Flickr

Meet Pinnacles, America’s newest national park – and California’s ninth. Pinnacles gets its name from the rock spires and crags that are remnants of an ancient volcano – part of the fascinating story of the region’s geology. While the designation of “national park” may be new to the monument, its natural beauty and historical significance are not.

Pinnacles National Park, Photo Credit: Doctor Popular, Flickr

Here are a few fun facts about the park:

- Theodore Roosevelt named Pinnacles a national monument in 1908
- The park contains 27,000 acres of wildlands and has more than 400 species of native bees
- It had more than 343,000 visitors in 2012
- The park is home to the California condor and has been part of the California Condor Recovery Program since 2003

California Condor, Photo Credit: David Smith, Flickr

Former Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar said, “This ancient and awe-inspiring volcanic field with its massive monoliths, spires, cave passages and canyons is a place that restores our souls and energizes our bodies with its beauty and abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation.” Though Pinnacles is a “day-use park,” it offers occasional full moon hikes and dark sky astronomical observations led by rangers. Interested in visiting?

From bat caves to condor sightings, Pinnacles offers much to see and do. Rock climbing is a popular Pinnacles activity, along with exploring the caves and camping. If you’re one for spontaneous travel, May is the final month to catch the beautiful wildflowers in bloom across the park. If you have questions about how best to explore the latest national park, our friends at the National Park Service have the answers.

Planning a camping trip there? Check out our list of essentials to bring along.

We start by using only the best waterproof, breathable materials. Gore-Tex, our own TEK2.5 and durable water-repellent fabrics all play a part in our rainwear line. We choose lightweight materials that are easy to take along, just in case. Our design team examines every detail to make sure water won’t seep in.

Our in-house lab technicians test a rainwear fabric for water repellency.

Before any rainwear gets to you, we put it through its paces in our own in-house lab and – for our Gore-Tex pieces – in the “rain room” at W.L. Gore’s facility. These labs are where the rubber meets the road. Our rainwear is subjected to conditions that simulate everything from a light shower to a torrential downpour to make sure it won’t fail when the clouds decide to open up as you’re pushing for the summit.

L.L.Bean outerwear developer Brent V. puts a rain jacket to the test in W.L. Gore's rain room.

If it was just about being waterproof, life would be easy. Just grab a garbage bag from your kitchen, and you’d be good to go. However, it’s not that easy. Breathability – the fabric’s ability to transfer water vapor to the outside of the shell – is also an important function and one you won’t get from your garbage bag. This is what keeps you from getting wet from the inside as you perspire. Our lab team uses a special machine to test for moisture vapor transfer or, as we like to call it, breathability.

Only after the lab team finishes their tests and gives the fabric their stamp of approval will we give it our name. That means we know our rainwear will keep you dry and comfortable when you’re heading outside. We know it will live up to our standards – and yours. In fact, we guarantee it.

Do you call off a hike when wet weather’s in the forecast? Or do you gear up and go, rain or shine?