Hello everyone, we meet again for a new article to travel a little! It's already been 2 months since I took the plane to expatriate myself, me who is usually very chauvinistic, to a (not so) faraway land: England. So I started looking for a plan for all those who travel more than me, who need to trust their gear and who will not regret their money.
I am speaking to the city rat who has a developed city as his destination or who travels for business, studies, etc... but also to the country rat, who will change environment every 2 days, be confronted with different climates, who will trek through the forest one day and find himself in a luxurious capital the next day. Do I make more than one person dream? Perfect.
Today, I will not present to you a small brand found in a brand discovery fair. Because we must also 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 those who are late, bags are no longer just for women and men can now carry something other than gym 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 bag for men .
Far be it from me to advocate elitism even in travel accessories (after all, it is much less important than the elements of the outfit). But if you travel a lot, you will see more interest in investing in a bag that you like, that is practical, that offers useful and original features... and then that does not ruin your outfit.
Tumi? It looks like a tea brand.
Having become the leader in the premium category of business and travel accessories since Barack Obama bought a black leather Tumi bag from the Alpha range. This draws its inspiration from aeronautics and motor sports. Equipped with several very practical compartments, a worked leather, this bag alone proves Tumi's desire to embody the image of a practical, beautiful and solid luggage.
So if I had to choose between a monogrammed bag with no particular added value and a simpler bag with a few assets up its sleeve, 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 some to America in order to realize his business leather bag project.
Sold in 140 countries, Tumi is now established in all the major capitals of the world: 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 has also called on the brand to design custom luggage that fits the trunk of its LFA supercar. The mastery of materials is tried and tested in each of its collaborations since it has to play with leather, aluminum, nylon, carbon fiber, (...) to stick to the image and design requirements of its collaborators.
And the difference with another brand?
Innovation.
Honestly, I've never seen such crazy possibilities for a luggage brand. Take a look:
- Tumi T-Pass® : a technology that allows you to not take your laptop out of your bag for X-rays and body searches (hahem) before boarding the plane.
- Tegris® : a seemingly revolutionary thermoplastic that is used for bulletproof vests, rally cars and American football protection. This means that the luggage is at the same time very light, but also very shock-resistant, as suggested by its use in the military and sports fields.
- Tumi Vapor : a range that aims for the lowest bulk/lightness ratio. The result is rather impressive, I'll let you be the judges.
- Antibacterial lining : don't ask me how but there is even a treatment or material that prevents the growth of mold and fungi, used for toiletry bags.
- Rib-Tech padding : the part of the luggage intended to accommodate the computer is reinforced with a high-density material that absorbs shocks.
and so on ...
The Tumi Vapor range.
What really sets Tumi apart is also and above all the Tumi Tracer. This one sounds like the name of the latest Action Man toy, but it is not.
This is a unique code that appears on every Tumi bag that allows you to find your bag if it gets lost (and if someone finds it). So you will be informed of where your bag went to get lost. This is not geolocation either, no conspiracy theory this time.
Finally, I announce the 5-year warranty. The first year, the slightest problem with the bag and it can be fully refunded. After the first year, Tumi agrees to cover all repair costs due to a manufacturing defect or even the replacement of the bag.
Come on, that's all well and good, but now we're going to see it together.
The general design
A bag is an extension of yourself and it can just as easily destroy as 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 do not understand very well, which you will pay a fortune for and which will remain in your wardrobe because you will never know what to do with it.
And for the colors, a nice 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. Indeed, it's better to keep red and yellow for your knee-highs 😉
Functionality
What's the point of having a bag if you can't put anything in it properly, and if everything is in disarray when you open it?
If your city map is stuck between your swim shorts and your office notes. You have to be careful about this. Again, it's the use that will determine whether or not you need 18 pockets on your bag. You can also like "sports" type bags to quickly stuff clothes in before catching the next train.
Spacious interior with deep and practical internal pockets so as not to mix up certain things. A classic nylon lining, nothing to report on this 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 honest, the interior of the bag is clearly not its strong point (even if the storage is satisfactory) and at the same time it's not what I ask of it. We will note here the functionality of the bag which is rather well provided 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 base what. When you put the bag down it can sag on its side, on itself or even fall over, it all depends on the bag and what's inside. 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 for 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 good for a while. The material used for the rest of the bag is rather semi-rigid and does not compress too much when the bag is placed down. There are no particular reinforcements except on the bottom of the bag. It can therefore slip almost anywhere without it being too difficult (in a luggage compartment for example, or a car trunk).
The materials
If your bag is made of linen and bamboo fiber, don't come crying if it falls apart at the slightest snag. Sure, it will be light but it will only be suitable for a very specific use. The bag you take on a trip with you will therefore necessarily have to be more robust. Canvas 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 stick to the classic "weekender" type shape but don't hesitate to go see 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 bulletproof vests that was used for most of this bag. It is of course worked to be adapted to a more refined use. It is found in the ALPHA collection, TUMI's best-seller.
The material used for the gray/brown bag is some kind of coated canvas that visually makes the bag look like it's covered in felt or something more fragile. It's not. Tumi trolled me.
We also have the choice of more noble materials, which will acquire a patina like the leather bag below.
The selection of bags
"But it's expensive." Yes, indeed, I jumped through the ceiling too when I saw the price of these bags (around 800 euros). Rest assured my friends, Tumi offers very nice luggage at more attractive prices. There is no obligation to go for the most expensive models, but you might not regret it if that were to happen.
Casual
Arch brief
For regular use, for going on a weekend or taking a few things to go to class. Apart from the label, which can be easily managed. It comes in khaki . And as a messenger bag ,
Journey
Small Soft Travel Satchel - Alpha
A very sturdy bag since it uses the famous ballistic nylon. It is flexible, quite small. It exists in black but I find this color nicer.
Business/Casual
"Terrain" color available, it can age well. Quite a lot of space available for fewer pockets.
Of course, all of this comes down to a certain budget. Don't make the mistake of spending a lot of money on a bag . If you haven't yet experienced a bag that cracks everywhere, with pieces coming unstuck or coming undone, it's because you don't travel intensively enough to appreciate 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, phone accessories, self-folding umbrella and so on. I had the opportunity to test the extremely practical power adapter as well.
Allows you to connect in 150 countries. Just slide one of the small buttons on the side to choose the type of plug. This charger is prepared for power surges, it can be plugged into ground sockets, it's tough. No risk of blowing up the device plugged into it. A "lighter" version exists if you don't go crazy with electricity.
The anti-bacterial toiletry bag. I think the concept is so great that it deserves its place here. No more mold on your toothbrush! (And don't say I'm the only one who has this happen... right? OK). More seriously, when traveling, the heat develops bacteria and humidity doesn't help, I'll let you imagine the wide range of viruses that have developed since you arrived in Ghana for your vacation.
I could have also taken the matching toiletry bag... but let's not push it to the limit. Even if it's another fantasy to have a toiletry bag in ballistic nylon. You never know.
There is also a selection of card holders, passport covers, and electrical gadgets that are a little offbeat at first but really come in handy during a trip.
In conclusion, I really like this brand that I recommend to anyone who wants to equip themselves properly and be surprised every day by discovering something on their luggage. I find the prices fair given the innovations offered and all the additional services included in the purchase of the bag: finding your bag that went to Guatemala, full refund the first year no matter what and manufacturing defects covered for 5 years. For me, it's really worth trying a travel experience that stands out from the crowd.
I hope that with this everyone is ready to go. Tomorrow, meet in the courtyard at 7:00. No latecomers. Don't wait for me, I've already left.
