I waited a long time to get this particular item, having purchased a bit of other Col stuff, because I just really had an issue with the shield on the front. I thought it looked out of place, oddly situated halfway up and down the bag, and generally thought it looked a little pretentious. Still, the rest of the bag looked like a keeper so I finally went ahead and got the thing. I'm very happy I did.

I don't think anything about the shield anymore, and actually rather...don't mind it. Maybe, in time, I'll even grow to like it. What I didn't expect to not like about this bag, and I do dislike it, are the number of ball studs. Why? Why do the leather straps that attach the copper tubes to the bag have a rivet (good) and then, about an inch and a half down, a ball stud? I don't get it. Why not another rivet and some sewing to keep the little straps to the bag? Additionally, why are there MORE ball studs at the ends of the shoulder strap? They provide rotation, I get that, but there is no need for so much rotation--you get plenty from the soft leather and latches themselves. I'd be very happy with a little stitching and a rivet.

Still, this is a wonderful bag. I like the buckle setup more than I thought I would, and the leather is top-notch. I oil (paste) all my leathers with the same stuff I use on my American-made boots, and the leather just loves it. It darkens things a bit, obviously, but had my dear grandfather oiled his old lineman bag and not let it get cracked and brittle, I wouldn't have even needed a new bag.

One other thing I must say is that I don't really like the umbrella straps. I like the idea, I think, but not the actual straps--they look a LITTLE sloppy just sort of hanging around. I wouldn't trust the ball studs to carry a tubed fly rod, and I don't carry an umbrella...ever. I think buckles for ball studs would be wise here to allow a travel rod case to be attached. LASTLY, how come the handle has button snaps? There is never a reason to unsnap it, yet the option to do so begs the question "how come this comes unsnapped?" sort of like all the ball studs.

STILL, for all my criticisms, this is the finest bag in my admittedly stretched price range and should serve its owners (after I'm dead) very handily. I'm excited for it to "mute" a bit with tarnish and age, as it is an eye-popping bag new. Not bad, just eye-popping. I like my stuff a little more subdued, but still of quality, and this bag should fit my needs beautifully once it gets out and about a bit.

Thank you Col and crew for creating beautiful work in the United States.

I own several of your products (iPad holder, shave kit, tie case, etc.) and they are all incredible. Yet, I own no other product of which I am more proud than your No. 3 Grip. It carries the perfect amount clothes & toiletries for a weekend trip. As with every other Colonel Littleton product, it is extremely well designed and exceptionally well made. I am a HUGE fan!

I received my No.3 grip and I am speechless. It makes you anticipate your next trip with out a doubt. I ordered several items which were all personalized and I received them all within 3 days all the way down to Texas. First time out for a 2 day road trip for work I was questioned and complimented numerous times. If you dont want to answer questions and hear people swoon, dont buy this bag. It will be a task for this bag to hold all the compliments you will recieve. I think I have 3 family members wanting to order a Col Littleton bag after seeing this thing.

I cant wait for this bag to patina to show its true American colors. Yes I paid well for it, but hell, I'm buying quality,memories and America and you should too.

The bitterness of poor quality remains long after low pricing is forgotten.

I type this review approximately 20 minutes after receiving my No.3 Grip from the Lynville family. I would like to thank the team for yet another outstanding product. My order for this piece was made in anticipation of a series of train travels that I will be enjoying over the upcoming year. The sheer elegance of the grip is off of the chart, holding this is equivalent to carrying a time machine. In my initial impressions, I am in love with this bag and will carry it in my travels until 6 of my friends are carrying me by the handles. For those that are curious about capacity of the bag, I can tell you that i have test packed it with the following,

2 pair of slacks, 2 button down long sleeved shirts, 3 pair of underwear, 3 pairs of socks, one very large and bulky shaving kit, and additional ziplock bag of sundries, full set of pajamas top and bottom, two t shirts, one pair of workout sweatpants and lastly a small piece of personal protection and a little box of his friends. There is still a bit of room and the bag does not appear "overloaded".

Consider it a weekend bag-and-a-half. Thanks to the Lynville family again for continuing to do all of the little things that continue to make me feel like an appreciated customer.

Have a wonderful New Years!!!

I saw this bag in a catalog and I had to have it to I went out a couple weeks later and got one, ever since I got it I take it everywhere I travel. It is one of those bags that holds more then your average backpack but less then a suitcase, perfect for the weekend trips down to my parents house. It certainly gets a lot of attention anywhere I go, people just want to know where I got my bag from and if there is a story behind it. It fun to leave them with a little mystery about it.