Hello everyone, let's meet again for a new article just to travel a little! It's already been 2 months since I took the plane to emigrate, I who am usually very chauvinistic, to a (not so) distant land: England. So I started looking for a plan for everyone who travels more than me, who needs to trust their gear and who won't regret their money.
I am addressing the city rat whose destination is a developed city or who travels for business, studies, etc... but also the country rat, who will change his environment every 2 days, be confronted with different climates, who will trudge through the forest one day and find themselves in a luxurious capital another day. Am I dreaming of more than one? Perfect.
Today, I would not present to you a small brand unearthed in a brand discovery fair. Because we also have to trust larger labels for what they will bring in experience, quality and technicality in their products.
And why are we talking about bags?
So for the latecomers, bags are no longer intended only for women and men can now carry something other than sports bags or cement bags. Unfortunately, this sudden change in trends has led many men to choose the bag that accompanies them every day a little hastily or without realizing the importance it could have in an outfit. You can reread the BonneGueule article to refresh your memory: How to choose a men's bag .
Far be it from me to advocate elitism even in travel accessories (it is, after all, much less important than the elements of the outfit). But if you travel a lot, you will see more of the benefit of investing in a bag that you like, that is practical, that offers useful and original features... and then that doesn't ruin your outfit.
Here, the bag no longer destroys anything at all.
Tumi? It looks like a brand of tea
Becoming leader in the premium business and travel accessories category since Barack Obama purchased a black leather Tumi bag from the Alpha range. This draws its inspiration from aeronautics and motor sports. Equipped with several very practical compartments and crafted leather, this bag alone proves Tumi's desire to embody the image of practical, beautiful and solid luggage.
So if I had to choose between a monogram bag with no particular added value and a simpler bag with a few assets under my belt, I would have no hesitation. I will explain why later.
In 1975, in South America, Charlie Clifford was literally amazed by the raw leather produced in Colombia. He decided to import it to America in order to carry out his business leather bag project.
Sold in 140 countries, Tumi is now established in all major capitals on the planet: Paris, Tokyo, New York, Milan and Hong Kong.
Tumi has collaborated with companies such as Ducati and Japan Airlines to design special luggage lines. Lexus also called on the brand to design tailor-made luggage that fits the trunk of its LFA supercar. The mastery of materials is tested and approved in each of his collaborations since he has to play with leather, aluminum, nylon, carbon fiber, (...) to meet the image and design requirements of its collaborators.
And the difference with another brand?
Innovation.
Quite honestly, I had never seen such crazy possibilities for a luggage brand. See instead:
- Tumi T-Pass® : a technology that allows you not to take your laptop out of your bag for X-rays and body searches (hahem) before going on the plane.
- Tegris® : a seemingly revolutionary thermoplastic that is used for body armor, rally cars and American football pads. Thus, the luggage is at the same time very light, but also very resistant to shocks as the use in military and sporting fields suggests.
- Tumi Vapor : a range which aims for the lowest bulk/lightness ratio. The result is rather impressive, I’ll leave you to be the judges.
- Antibacterial lining : don't ask me how, but there is even a treatment or material that prevents the development of mold and fungus, used for toiletry bags.
- Rib-Tech padding : the part of the luggage intended to accommodate the computer is reinforced by a high-density material which absorbs shocks.
and many more ...
The Tumi Vapor range.
What really sets Tumi apart is also and above all the Tumi Tracer. This looks like the name of the latest Action Man toy, but it's not.
This is a unique code that appears on each Tumi bag and allows you to find your bag if it is lost (and if someone finds it). You will therefore be informed of where your luggage was lost. It's not about geolocation either, no conspiracy theory this time.
To finish, I announce the 5 year guarantee. The first year, the slightest problem with the bag and it can be refunded in full. After the first year, Tumi undertakes to cover all repair costs due to a manufacturing defect or even replacement of the bag.
Come on, that’s all well and good, but now we’re going to see together.
The general design
A bag is an extension of oneself and it can just as easily devastate or enhance the outfit of its “wearer”. If you are hesitant, opt for a sober design that will not clash with your outfits. No need to go for the high-end bag , which you don't understand very well, which you will pay a fortune for and which will stay in your wardrobe because you will never know what to do with it.
And for the colors, a beautiful black/brown for business use (or even dark blue), brown, khaki, sand or even gray tones for something more versatile. Try something more extravagant for the shape but don't go crazy on the colors. In fact, it’s better to keep red and yellow for your knee-highs 😉
Functionality
What's the point of having a bag if it's impossible to store anything in it properly, and if everything is loose when you open it?
If your city map is stuck between your swim shorts and office notes. We must be vigilant on this point. Once again, it is the use that will determine whether or not you need 18 pockets on your bag. We may also like "sports" type bags to stuff clothes quickly before catching the next train.
Spacious interior with deep and practical internal pockets so as not to mix up certain items. A classic nylon lining, nothing to report on that side.
Note all the same the leather reinforcements on the edges of the pockets and closures, it's cleaner, it gives a style and I admit that I like it. Now, let's be frank, the interior of the bag is clearly not its strong point (even if the storage is satisfactory) and at the same time that's not what I'm asking of it. We will notice here the functionality of the bag which is rather well equipped with pockets and storage for smartphone, passport, etc...
The structure
By structure, I mean the shape your bag will have when you carry it in your hand, on your shoulder or put it on the ground...
The basics. When you put the bag down it can slouch on its side, on itself or even fall, it all depends on the bag and what's in it. On this one, the bottom is wide and relatively rigid (it can bend a little). It keeps the structure of the bag intact and allows comfort of use. You can put it on the ground, drag it... it will remain stable.
Very solid, the seams are clean and the material is suitable for intensive wear. I'm calm for a moment. The material used for the rest of the bag is rather semi-rigid and does not bunch up too much when the bag is placed. There are no special reinforcements except on the bottom of the bag. It can therefore fit almost anywhere without it being too difficult (in a luggage compartment for example, or a car trunk).
The subjects
If your bag is made of linen and bamboo fiber, don't come crying if it is torn to shreds at the slightest hitch. Of course, it will be light but it will only be suitable for a very specific use. The bag that you take on a trip with you will therefore necessarily have to be stronger. Canvases of different thicknesses, leathers, nylon and so on, here is a comparison of my bag with other bags of the same style offered by Tumi on a corner in London. I'm sticking with the classic "weekender" type shape but don't hesitate to check out the site , there is an extremely wide choice that can suit all uses.
It's the same model but the material has changed. The color too, as you will have subtly noticed.
For this black/black model, Tumi uses “ballistic nylon”, the barbaric name is: “FXT Ballistic Nylon”. This is the canvas used to cover body armor that was used for the bulk of this bag. It is of course worked to be adapted to a more refined use. It can be found in the ALPHA collection, TUMI's best-seller.
The material used for the gray/brown bag is a type of coated canvas which visually gives the impression that the bag is covered with felt or a more fragile fabric. It is not so. Tumi trolled me.
We also have the choice of more noble materials, which will patina like the leather bag below.
The selection of bags
"But it's expensive". Yes, indeed, I also jumped when I saw the price of these bags (around 800 euros). Rest assured my friends, Tumi offers very nice luggage at more attractive prices. You don't have to go for the more expensive models, but you might not regret it if you do.
Casual
Arch brief - £165/185
For regular use, to go on the weekend or to take some things to go to class. Apart from the label which can easily be managed. It is available in khaki . And in a messenger bag ,
Journey
Small Soft Travel Satchel - Alpha - £295
A very sturdy bag since it uses the famous ballistic nylon. It is flexible, quite small. It comes in black but I find this color nicer.
Soft Carry-On – £245
Larger bag, suitable for travel, space-saving and very functional. Found here .
Business/Casual
"Field" color available, it can age well. Quite a bit of space available for fewer pockets.
Of course, this all comes within a certain budget. Don't make the mistake of putting a large amount in a bag . If you haven't yet had the experience of a bag that cracks everywhere, with parts that come apart or come unstitched, it's because you don't travel intensely enough to recognize the comfort of one of these bags.
The range of accessories
Like any self-respecting luggage brand, Tumi offers a selection of accessories to complete its range. Except that here, we are far from the padlock or the luggage tag.
Wireless computer keyboard, telephone accessories, self-folding umbrella and so on. I had the opportunity to test the electrical adapter , which is also extremely practical.
Allows you to connect in 150 countries. Simply slide one of the small buttons on the side to choose the plug type. This charger is prepared for juice bursts, it can be plugged into the ground sockets, it's sturdy. No risk of blowing up the device connected to it. A “lighter” version exists if you don’t go crazy with electricity.
The anti-bacterial toiletry bag. I find the concept so brilliant that it deserves its place here. No more mold on your toothbrush! (And don't say I'm the only one this happens to... am I? ok). More seriously, when traveling, heat develops bacteria and humidity does not help, I will let you imagine the wide choice of viruses that have developed since you arrived in Ghana for your vacation.
I could also have taken the kit to match my bag... but let's not push the vice. Although it's another fantasy to have a ballistic nylon toiletry bag. We never know.
There is also a choice of card holders, passport protectors, and electrical gadgets that are a little offbeat at first but which really find their use during a trip.
In conclusion, I really appreciate this brand which I recommend to anyone who wants to be properly equipped and be surprised every day by discovering something on their luggage. I find the prices correct given the innovations offered and all the additional services included in the purchase of the bag: finding your bag that went to Guatemala, full reimbursement for the first year whatever happens and manufacturing defects covered for 5 years. For me, it's definitely worth it to try a travel experience that stands out from the rest.
I hope with this everyone is ready to go. Tomorrow, meet in the courtyard at 7 a.m. No latecomers. Don't wait for me, I'm already gone.
