Buying guide for best TUMI luggage
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Are you in the market for new luggage? If so, you might be surprised by the broad price range of the pieces and sets available.
And, when looking around, you might be tempted to save money on budget-friendly luggage. But usually, it’s a better long-term investment to spend up on pieces that will last a long time. The luggage made by TUMI can last through many years of travel.
TUMI is considered a premier luggage brand. The design is carefully crafted to satisfy a traveler’s every need. The luggage remains a bestseller because of its high-quality construction, superior organization systems, and unparalleled aesthetic. Some pieces have USB ports to keep you connected while on the go. Some have built-in TSA locks to help you breeze through security checkpoints.
Since TUMI offers several types of luggage, you might be wondering which piece would be best for your upcoming journey. Before you select new TUMI luggage, check out the brand’s designs and most popular features.
Key considerations when selecting new TUMI luggage
Structured vs. unstructured pieces
TUMI luggage falls into two broad groups: structured and unstructured bags.
Most TUMI suitcases have a well-built frame to sustain heavy-duty travel. Look to TUMI’s rolling carry-ons, garment bags, and full-size suitcases. Given their larger sizes and construction, it comes as no surprise that they are made to last through many years of travel.
TUMI’s unstructured luggage consists of small totes. These are often used as carry-ons, day trip bags, or work totes. They are best for shorter trips.
Types
Do you want to shop for TUMI luggage by size? You can choose between small, mid-size, and large pieces.
Measurements vary a lot from one to another, with the exception of TUMI carry-ons. These are 22 x 14 x 9 inches.
Small: Small TUMI pieces include rolling carry-on suitcases, totes, and backpacks. They are made to satisfy airline luggage size restrictions. In this group, you will find expandable carry-ons that will conform to accommodate their items.
Mid-size: These pieces of TUMI luggage consist of checked baggage. The group includes the ever-popular TUMI garment bags and medium expandable bags. These pieces are made for weekend getaways and can be used as a second piece of checked baggage.
Large: The largest pieces of TUMI luggage include high-capacity rolling expandable bags. Many travelers use one of these bags as their primary piece of checked baggage. If you are going on a longer journey, consider this option.
Compression straps help keep your clothes and other items from shifting during travel. Unfortunately, this can result in wrinkled garments. Give yourself ample time to iron them when you unpack.
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The best TUMI luggage features
Organization
Travelers who prefer to keep specific items in dedicated areas will appreciate the high level of organization offered by TUMI luggage.
Outside: The bags have easy-access outer zip pockets for storing travel documentation, magazines, or snacks.
Interior: In addition to the main compartment, the interior is subdivided into zippered pockets and mesh compartments. Some of these are removable or expandable.
TUMI’s garment bags have the most compartments and include dedicated areas for footwear and specific types of clothing. They also have hanger brackets to hold suits and dress shirts.
Shell
All TUMI bags are made of high-grade shell materials with high-tensile strength. This means they hold up to considerable wear and tear. And, they are less prone to punctures and rips.
TUMI’s hard shell luggage is made of aluminum, CX6 carbon fiber, or polycarbonate. The brand’s softside luggage is usually made of ballistic nylon.
TUMI Tracer
Unfortunately, lost luggage is a part of travel. The people at TUMI certainly understand this because they attach metal identification plates to some of the pieces.
Each ID plate has a 20-digit code. Travelers can register the code with their contact information in the Product Recovery Program database. This streamlines the process of reuniting travelers with their missing TUMI luggage.
Omega Closure System
If there’s one thing that breaks the most on luggage, it’s the zippers.
That is why many pieces of TUMI luggage, especially in the mid-range and high-end pieces, use the Omega Closure System. With a dual-zipper design, it reduces the risk of damage by rendering single-zipper replacement unnecessary.
Integrated TSA lock
Some pieces of TUMI luggage are equipped with an integrated TSA-approved lock. This helps secure your luggage while giving easy access to TSA agents.
The lock also eliminates the additional expense of zipper locks and other preventive measures, which may or may not be cut away by TSA agents in the event they search your bag.
Add-a-Bag
Many TUMI carry-ons have the Add-a-Bag feature. This is a sleeve that allows one suitcase to slip over the telescopic handle of another piece of luggage.
The convenience is indispensable when traveling on extended trips with multiple pieces of luggage. It’s especially helpful if you’re unable to obtain a cart in the terminal.
DID YOU KNOW?
For security reasons, never leave your TUMI luggage unattended. Make sure it’s always within reach and directly in front of you. This is especially true in terminals, at baggage claim, and when you’re waiting for car service.
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Accessories
Cord case
We like the TUMI Alpha 3 Electronic Cord Pouch. Neatly stow all your power cords for your devices inside this pouch. Its slender design makes it easy to slip inside a carry-on or handbag.
Toiletries bag
Check out the TUMI Alpha Bravo Reno Travel Kit Toiletry Bag. It’s easy to secure your toiletries in this space-saving bag by TUMI. It is equipped with a series of pockets, slots, and loops to house all your grooming and beauty essentials.
TUMI luggage prices
Depending on the complexity of the design, TUMI luggage costs between $100 and $2,300 per piece.
Inexpensive
Small, lightweight TUMI bags cost $100 to $350. This bracket includes unstructured totes, briefcases, and laptop bags. They’re ideal secondary bags, but they’re not intended for heavy use as your primary piece of luggage for air travel.
Mid-range
If you’d like a piece of rolling luggage, including carry-ons and larger pieces to be checked, you’ll spend between $400 and $900. These bags feature incredible construction and superior organization.
Expensive
The most expensive TUMI luggage costs $1,000 to $2,000. While pricey, they are engineered to deliver the best possible travel experience with the brand’s latest technology, highest-grade materials, and sleek design.
Some TUMI luggage has a dual-compartment design so you can separate dirty and clean clothes or footwear from other items.
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Tips
- Go expandable. Since travelers often come home with mementos or gifts, it’s a good idea to invest in some expandable TUMI luggage. Certain designs offer an additional 2 inches of space, boosting the capacity by 19%.
- Register your information. The first thing you should do when you receive your TUMI bag is register your contact information and the Tracer Plate number with the database. Do this right away so you don’t forget to do it in the excitement before a trip. If you don’t register it and your TUMI bag gets lost, you won’t be able to leverage this feature to help find it.
- Think of the luggage as an investment. TUMI luggage comes with a hefty price tag, but don’t let that deter you. If you travel often, think of your purchase as an investment. The bag will far outlast cheaper luggage.
- Shop for the TUMI bags that fit your needs. Amazon and other popular retailers have a versatile selection to choose from.
FAQ
Q. Do all TUMI carry-ons have a compartment for a laptop?
A. Quite a few TUMI carry-ons, including some backpacks, tote bags, and rolling luggage, have a padded sleeve for a laptop with a dimension of 14 or 15 inches. However, this is not a standard feature. Be sure to read the specs when shopping.
Q. What type of warranty does TUMI luggage have?
A. For the first year of ownership, TUMI covers damage related to normal wear and tear, airline handling, or transit damage.
In the event the damage is beyond repair, TUMI will replace the bag. If the design you purchased is no longer available, the company will provide you with a comparable bag.
Cosmetic damage and poor care are not covered under the yearlong TUMI warranty.
Q. Are TUMI wheeled duffels popular?
A. While they’re not as popular as other TUMI rolling luggage, the brand’s duffel bags remain favorites with travelers.
TUMI wheeled duffels have oversize compartments to hold more items. And, they have fairly lightweight designs considering their size. The bags are popular for extended travel, road trips, and RV journeys.
Q. Do TUMI bags come in multiple colors?
A. Some styles come in as many as eight color choices. Others come in only one or two colors.
Few TUMI styles are available in prints or patterns. When they are offered, they tend to be limited editions.
