Tumi Luggage Review
By: Elena Sikaleski | Last updated: November 28, 2022
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Tumi luggage may be pricier than other popular suitcase brands, but what makes it stand out from other companies is its focus on innovation, excellence in design, and sustainability. Travel Merak reviewed countless Tumi suitcases and has compiled a list of the best luggage options from this well-known brand.
Are you ready to make your investment in a Tumi bag?
Image courtesy: Tumi
Why Tumi?
Tumi was founded in 1975 by Charlie Clifford and the brand is well-known for its ballistic nylon, leather, and aluminum luggage styles. The Tumi brand focuses on 5 principles to guide them in crafting the most durable and stylish suitcases and other bags - superior quality, design excellence, technical innovation, functional superiority, and world class customer service.
Their focus on quality is impressive. Tumi puts its products through 30+ tests before the product can be approved and released to customers. Knowing that the luggage is tested so thoroughly puts my mind at ease; I can be certain that my Tumi luggage won’t let me down during my travels!
Tumi’s
Tracer Product Recovery Program
is a complimentary tracking service Tumi offers if you have lost your bag or its stolen. Each Tumi piece comes with an ID number that can be registered with Tumi, so finding your lost bag is easier than ever.
While Tumi luggage is expensive, it is clear that you get what you pay for with their design, quality, and superior customer service.
Best Tumi Softside Luggage
For travelers wanting Tumi’s look, feel, and signature durability but without the bulk and weight of a hard side suitcase, there are several designs by Tumi for softside suitcases. Check out Travel Merak’s recommendations for the best options on the market now that will make traveling a breeze!
Voyageur Leger Continental Carry On
Image courtesy: Tumi
Tumi’s Voyageur line contains several types of Tumi bags, ranging from backpacks and cosmetic bags to carry-on suitcases, all designed in a stylish fashion with continental charm. This carry-on is no exception and is perfect for any business traveler.
This innovative design features a top-opening lid and a side-opening U-shaped zipper, allowing easy access to the main compartment and various useful compartments. For quick charging, the front pocket has a USB port built-in. The main compartment has a zippered partition that can hold your clothes and shoes and has compression straps to keep it all flat.
The four recessed wheels on the carry-on allow it to glide with you effortlessly and the telescopic handle allows for easy maneuverability, providing a choice between 3 positions to best suit your height.
Product Dimensions: 22" x 16" x 9"
Weight: 8.2 lbs
Alpha Tall 4 Wheeled Duffel
Image courtesy: Tumi
The Alpha Tall 4 Wheel Duffel is the ideal combination of innovation and superior performance, making it perfect for long trips or other adventures. This bag combines the functionality of a duffel bag with the sophistication and style of wheeled luggage. It is ideal for travelers looking for more space and versatility, and the Alpha line offers a variety of matching luggages for your travels.
The spacious interior can be quickly divided into two sections to increase practicality. The five dividers at the back can be used to store shoes or other accessories. In addition, you will find pockets on the inside and outside of the bag to keep your small items organized and easily accessible on the move.
This bag is made from durable FXT ballistic nylon and built to last. It also features an extended handle made of tough, yet lightweight material and four spinner wheels that silently glide across the floor. While this is a large and heavy bag compared to other checked luggages, you can fit an incredible amount of things in this suitcase and it makes for the perfect choice if planning to share a luggage with your partner!
Dimensions: 34" x 16" x 13"
Weight: 16.2 lbs
Alpha Extended Trip 4 Wheeled Garment Bag
Image courtesy: Tumi
This carry-on garment bag is designed to accommodate frequent travelers, with enough space to hold everything you need for your next business trip or special occasion. The bag is designed with 4 wheels and a retractable top carrying handle, making it easy to glide through airport security.
The spacious interior of this garment bag is large enough to store six hangers and has a separate pocket to store up to 3 pairs of shoes. In addition, you will find a second compartment to store more clothes and two zippered pouches for accessories (did we mention the pouches are removable?!).
The large U-zip pocket at the front with a security zipper was designed to keep your important things protected, and the TSA lock provides additional security, while remaining compliant with TSA guidelines.
Dimensions: 25.3" x 24" x 13"
Weight: 16.3 lbs
Merge Short Trip Expandable 4 Wheeled Packing Case
Image courtesy: Tumi
The Merge line’s short trip expandable suitcase is made of nylon and recycled post-consumer bottles, making it a popular choice for eco-conscious travelers. The small design and option to expand is perfect for shorter trips!
The main compartment has a zippered partition and several pockets for storage. In addition, there's a hanger bracket and compression straps to keep your clothes tidy while in transit. For times when you need some additional packing space, the bag can expand an additional 2 inches.
It should not surprise that the 3-stage Telescoping Handle effortlessly glides through any position thanks to its forward-thinking design. Likewise, the four dual-spinner wheels glide silently and smoothly beside you. Perhaps the only downfall of this bag is the closure does not have a TSA approved lock, for those who want additional security for their belongings.
Dimensions: 26" x 16.5" x 12.5"
Weight: 11.2 lbs
Alpha Short Trip Expandable 4 Wheeled Packing Case
Image courtesy: Tumi
This elegant suitcase is made from a luxurious mix of cowhide and ballistic nylon. It's both stylish and practical. This bag is ideal for short trips and features Tumi's Lever-Lock Expansion System, which adds 2 inches to your packing space. The large main compartment has a zippered pocket that can store smaller items or toiletries. A separate mesh compartment is also included in the lid.
This case also comes with a separate garment hook, which will help keep your suits or dresses wrinkle-free until your arrival. The front of the suitcase has a handy pocket that will keep your important documents safe and secure with an additional security zipper.
Dimensions: 26" x 19" x 13"
Weight: 15.4 lbs
Best Tumi Hardside Suitcases
Perhaps the most iconic of all of the Tumi options are their hardside suitcases. Tumi is frequently releasing new styles, so we are always keeping an eye out for the newest and most innovative options! These are a few of Travel Merak’s top picks from Tumi that are on the market now.
Tegra-Lite Extended Trip Expandable 4 Wheeled Packing Case
Image courtesy: Tumi
This large-sized suitcase is ideal for long business trips or glamorous vacations. It's part of the TegraLite collection, including short-trip, international and continental-size suitcases. This sleek, stylish suitcase collection is available in four colors and offers incredible performance and amazing practicality.
The interior is spacious enough to hold all your belongings. In addition, the zipper expansion capacity provides 2 inches more storage, making it ideal for long trips. The interior pockets keep your small items organized, while the cross-compression straps secure everything. A removable garment sleeve is included to help you look fresh even after taking off from the airport.
The four dual-spinner wheels glide quietly on the concourse and the 3-position retractable handle offers the best in maneuverability. What I like about this bag is that it has protective front and back corner bumpers, giving you some extra protection while your bag is in transit.
Dimensions: 31" x 21" x 12"
Weight: 13.2 lbs
McLaren Aero International Expandable Four Wheel Carry On
Image courtesy: Tumi
For any car fanatic, this carry-on suitcase is the perfect option. Designed jointly by McLaren and Tumi, the suitcase is the perfect combination of the two brands, giving the bag a cool automotive styling.
This carry-on is made from Tegris and CX6 Carbon Fiber accents, giving it exceptional durability. McLaren’s iconic papaya orange is used throughout to subtly give the suitcase a sleek, automotive look and the interior contains compression straps designed to mimic McLaren’s six point harness.
Inside the suitcase is a large main compartment that can be accessed via the front lid or split opening. Complete with a hanger bracket, the ability to expand by 2 inches for additional storage, and a pocket for a power back on the exterior, this incredibly designed suitcase is the perfect choice for any auto enthusiast.
Dimensions: 22" x 14" x 9"
Weight: 11.3 lbs
19 Degree Aluminum Extended Trip Packing Case
Image courtesy: Tumi
The Extended Trip Packing Case is part of Tumi’s 19 Degree Aluminum collection, which offers matching small, medium, or large suitcases in 3 different metallic color options. This suitcase is a work of art, giving a chunky, retro feel but all the qualities of a traditional Tumi suitcase.
Both sides of this suitcase have zippered compartments with additional mesh zippered pockets, and compression straps to keep everything in its place. The suitcases closes with TSA approved locks and the bumpers protect the suitcase from potential damage caused by air travel.
In standard Tumi fashion, the 3-stage telescopic handle moves seamlessly between different positions and the dual-spinning wheels help this suitcase move effortlessly.
Dimensions: 30.5" x 20.5" x 11"
Weight: 16.1 lbs
Tumi on Instagram
Tumi's Instagram page does a great job at showcasing the brand and its various luggage lines. With over 342,000 followers, they seem to be doing a good job at engaging their customers and generating interest in the brand.
Tumi has 2,665 posts on their Instagram, with many of the posts focusing on sharing their products, in addition to the various events and brands they sponsor or partner with. Their highlights share the different luggage lines they have, as well as an entire highlight dedicated to sharing Tumi bags in the real world, tagged by their customers! With 16 highlights, there is plenty of content that Tumi shares with its fans to showcase itself as a popular, high-quality brand.
Follow
@tumitravel and see for yourself what this brand is all about!
Tumi Best Luggages Review Final Thoughts
It’s true that Tumi produces luggage that is more expensive (and sometimes heavier) than other brands, but if top notch quality and innovative design are important to you, Tumi is the right choice and offers some of the best suitcases on the market. Tumi’s commitment to excellent quality and amazing customer service make this brand absolutely worth your dollar.
Our rating: 4.8/5
Pros
- Several collections with coordinating pieces
- TSA-approved combination locks
- High quality materials
- Durable bags for any kind of travel
- Spinner wheels and telescoping handles make it easy to move through airports
- Tumi Tracer Product Recovery Program to locate lost bags
- World class customer service
- Thoroughly test each bag
Cons
- Expensive
- Few color options to choose from
- Can be heavier than other brands
Read about Travel Merak's product rating methodology.
While we highly recommend Tumi for your next bag, we know the high price point can be a deciding factor for some travelers.
Monos luggage brand offers similar quality and durability at a lower price for your next trip.
FAQs
