Tumi Luggage Review: Are Tumi Bags Worth the Price?

Out of the hundreds of luggage brands available in the market, you’ll find many different kinds—some classic designs that have been around for dozens of years, some newer, trendier designs popular among young adventurers and first-time travelers.

A common factor of these brands is that they come in at a wide range of price points. You can find a well-made, functional piece of luggage for under $100, or you can spend upwards of $1,000 on a top-of-the-line model from a luxury brand.

One such luxury luggage brand on the market is Tumi. Tumi is a manufacturer and distributor of some of the world’s most famous suitcases and bags. They are also one of the most expensive.

What makes a brand like Tumi so much more expensive than the competition?

What Kind of Luggage Does Tumi Have?

Tumi offers various kinds of bags and luggage pieces. They have three sizes for their carry-on luggage—Compact (15-16”), International (21-22”), and Continental (21-22”). Their checked luggage pieces are also available in three sizes—Short Trip (26-27”), Extended Trip (29-31”), and Worldwide Trip (31”+).

They carry both hard-sided and soft-sided suitcases for travelers who prefer either. Their hard-sided luggage pieces are made with aluminum, recycled polycarbonate, or Tegris material. Their soft-sided luggage pieces are made of FXT ballistic nylon.

They also offer a variety of bag styles to choose from, such as

• Duffel bags
• Rolling duffel bags
• Weekender bags
• Backpacks
• Totes
• Shoulder bags
• Crossbody bags
• Briefcases
• Messenger bags

In terms of design, Tumi focuses more on classic, simple, yet sophisticated styles. You won’t find flashy colors or eye-catching designs. Nevertheless, each piece is carefully crafted with sleek, elegant lines and covers—giving travelers something both functional and fashionable. Tumi has mastered that consistency of how they look that most Tumi loyalists can spot a Tumi luggage far away.

Where is Tumi Luggage Made?

Tumi outsources all of its manufacturing operations, most of which were relocated to Asia in 2001 and 2002. Currently, the company works with manufacturers in China, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Dominican Republic.

Tumi has a team of inspectors who regularly visit the factories where they make their products to ensure they continue to meet the company’s standards. Tumi also has a strict code of conduct that all its manufacturing partners must adhere to.

How Much Does Tumi Cost?

Tumi’s luggage prices vary depending on the size, type, and material used.

Tumi Carry-On Luggage Prices

On average Tumi’s carry-on luggage prices range between $900-$1,000 for soft-sided suitcases. They also have compact carry-on bags for slightly less than $700, perfect for those going on a short trip for a few days.

Tumi’s hard-sided carry-on luggage prices range between $900-$1,200, depending on the type of material and size.

Tumi Checked Luggage Prices

If you’re considering getting a Tumi, be prepared to spend around $900–$1,100 for small, soft-sided checked luggage. Some of its more premium luggage collections range between $1,300-$1900.

Soft-sided medium-sized check bags—suitable for an extended vacation—cost around $1,300-1,400, although you may be able to find a few bags below $1,000. Tumi’s more premium collections with additional features and extended space cost over $2,000. You can also get soft-sided luggage in their largest size, which costs about $1,500.

Tumi’s hard-sided checked luggage also varies in terms of price. You’ll be able to find some smaller suitcases costing a little less than $900, although if you’re looking for bags that have more features, be prepared to spend around $1,000 or more.

Hard-sided, medium-sized checked suitcases range from $900 to $1,500, with many options in between. If you’re looking for larger luggage, Tumi offers one in their biggest size—Worldwide Trip—which costs a little less than $900.

What Makes Tumi Bags So Expensive?

Tumi’s luggage prices can be pretty costly compared to other luggage brands that offer the same kind of suitcases. What makes this luggage company different from the others?

Luxury Luggage Brand

Tumi is a luxury luggage brand. What Rolex is to watch lovers, Tumi is to luxury travelers. You do not only pay for the quality suitcases, but you also pay for the brand and the dedicated research that goes behind creating one of the world’s best suitcases.

Over the past few years, Tumi has been voted the best luggage brand by a few travel publications. This is partly because of their focus on creating quality products that travelers can rely on, but it’s also due to the high-end materials they use. They are known for their sturdy, reliable bags, loved by travelers around the world.

Since they started producing their ultra-functional, minimalist, classy bags in 1975, Tumi has made a name for itself in the luggage industry. They have also expanded their collections to include bags, belts, pens, and electronic equipment. They have more than 1,900 stores in over 75 countries around the world.

Durable Design

Without a doubt, Tumi is one of the most, long-last durable luggage brands. Rather than coming out with new designs every year or producing thousands and thousands of bags, Tumi prioritizes quality rather than quantity.

Although Tumi has released many different collections, its core styles have remained the same since the beginning. Tumi has mastered the art of timeless designs that can withstand trends and fashion fads.

If you get a Tumi suitcase, you can expect it to be sturdy and resistant to the wear and tears of traveling that would probably have a pretty brutal effect on other luggage brands.

Where they used to offer a lifetime warranty for their products, however, Tumi’s warranty policies have changed slightly. Depending on the products you buy, you’ll get full coverage for the first year. You’ll still get a warranty from the second until the fifth year for luggage, but Tumi will not cover damages done by airlines and baggage handlers while in transit.

Premium Products

Before a Tumi bag makes it to the shelves of your favorite stores, it undergoes rigorous testing. Every item from Tumi—whether bags, suitcases, pens, or belts—must pass at least 30 in-house tests before they are allowed to be sold in stores. As a result, when you buy a Tumi item, you know that it is of high quality, made from the choicest materials that will not easily tear or break.

While other companies often cut corners or source cheaper materials or cheaper labor, Tumi only uses premium materials for the items they manufacture.

Incredible Innovations

Tumi has also developed cutting-edge technologies, such as its impact-resistant, aluminum-magnesium alloy luggage shells. Although much more expensive than other materials, this kind of alloy is stronger and lighter than other materials used in suitcases and bags.

Recently, Tumi has committed to finding ways to make its products sustainable and environmentally friendly as a way to help its customers make more eco-friendly choices. In 2020, they diverted the use of 980,000 plastic bottles to create their products. Despite using sustainable items, Tumi’s premium quality remains the same.

Tumi is also currently the only company using Tegris material for some of their hard-sided luggage piece, which requires a special license to handle. Used primarily as composite armor material in military tactical vehicles, Tegris doesn’t shatter upon impact. It is meant to withstand rough handling and the weathering that most suitcases go through after you’ve used them for some time. Despite its durability, Tegris remains lightweight, making it the perfect shell if you want a light, hard-sided carry-on.

Among its competitors in the luggage industry, Tumi is a step ahead when it comes to developing mobile technology-enabled products. They have a Tumi Phone App, which lets Tumi users remain updated on where their luggage is all the time.

Community Centered

Tumi has often given back to the community in various ways. They have raised millions of dollars to help hospitals and rebuild schools, along with donating to other charitable organizations through the years. They also sponsor various youth programs to bridge cultures and promote social responsibility.

How Does Tumi Compare to Other Brands in Terms of Price?

Tumi is often likened to similar luxury luggage brands such as Rimowa, Samsonite, Briggs & Riley, and TravelPro.

Tumi vs. Rimowa

Tumi and Rimowa are both top brands in the luxury travel industry when it comes to bags. They are popular among frequent flyers who prefer these more expensive suitcases in exchange for quality and durability.

The difference between the two brands is in the type of materials they use and the kinds of luggage they make. Rimowa only manufactures hard-sided luggage made of polycarbonate and aluminum materials, while Tumi makes both soft-sided and hard-sided suitcases.

In terms of price, most Rimowa and Tumi suitcases start at $1,000, although they have several other bags that cost less.

Tumi vs. Samsonite

Another luggage brand often compared with Tumi is Samsonite. Like Tumi, they have both hard-sided and soft-sided luggage. Unlike Tumi, however, which sticks to classic, simple designs, Samsonite’s suitcases come in diverse colors, styles, and sizes.

Samsonite’s luggage prices are higher than the average luggage on the market, but they are more affordable than Tumi’s. You can be assured that you will also get good value for money in terms of quality and durability.

Tumi vs. Briggs & Riley

Briggs & Riley is another brand that comes to mind when you think of luxurious, high-quality luggage. They have both soft-sided and hard-sided suitcases that come in different sizes to serve your various travel needs.

Cost-wise, Briggs & Riley is a lot more affordable. Their luggage prices range from $300-400, while Tumi’s range from $900-$1,200 though you may be able to find some a bit cheaper than those.

Both Briggs & Riley and Tumi offer suitcases targeted towards business people, with certain suitcases specially designed to help you keep your suit neat. However, Briggs & Riley offers a lifetime warranty for their suitcases, compared to Tumi’s 5-year one.

Tumi vs. Travelpro

Like Tumi, Travelpro is a favorite among frequent travelers. Both brands sell high-quality hard-sided and soft-sided luggage. Travelpro has a lot more diversity in terms of colors and designs, as opposed to Tumi’s classic look.

Where Tumi offers only a 5-year warranty for their products, however, Travelpro assures a lifetime warranty for all their items. This reason is perhaps why several travelers and cabin crew members name Travelpro their number one luggage of choice.

Travelpro suitcases are also relatively cheaper. Their luggage prices cost between two to three hundred dollars, while their premium ones may cost a bit more, but not as much as Tumi.

Tumi vs. Away

Aways is one of the new luggage brands, only joining the travel scene in 2015, but it has garnered immense popularity since then. It is a great favorite among travelers looking for suitcases that are functional, durable, and feature minimalist designs. They do, however, have more fun colors like pastels.

Like Tumi, Away focuses on sleek, sophisticated bags that are thoughtfully and flawlessly constructed. Unlike Tumi, which features hard-sided and soft-sided suitcases, Away currently has only hard-sided ones.

At $300-400 for carry-on suitcases and $400-800 for checked bags, Away is a little bit more expensive than the average suitcase you can buy. Nevertheless, they are a lot cheaper than Tumi, and many Away users have reported being extremely satisfied with their luggage. Even after several uses, they appear to be sturdy. Plus, Away offers a lifetime warranty for cracks or breaks, wheels and handles that are no longer usable, broken zippers, and more.

Tumi vs. ROAM Luggage

ROAM Luggage is another new player in the travel industry. Built by a couple of former executives of Tumi, this luggage company has hard-sided suitcases made of durable, lightweight materials. What makes ROAM so unique, however, is how they take customizing your luggage to a whole new level. If you’ve always struggled with identifying your bag among thousands of others in the luggage carousel, you may want to check out what ROAM has to offer.

With ROAM, you can customize your suitcase from the colors of the front and back shell to the zippers, bindings, wheels, carry handles, and the monogram patch. The cost depends on the type of luggage you will choose, but their price ranges from $600-700 for carry-on or checked suitcases.

While a ROAM bag costs a bit less than the average Tumi luggage, they are still pricier than other suitcases you may find on the market. Considering, however, their durability and the fact that you can customize your luggage design, they may be a good deal for travelers looking for a custom-designed, durable hard-sided suitcase. Its lifetime warranty, compared to Tumi’s 5-year one, will keep you protected against damages beyond normal wear and tear.

Tumi vs. Paravel

Paravel is the company behind the world’s first carbon-neutral suitcase. Launched in 2016, this luxury travel brand focuses on sustainability and eco-friendly efforts for its products. One of their bestsellers, the Aviator Grand, is made of a recycled polycarbonate exterior, recycled plastic water bottles, recycled zippers, and recycled handles. Paravel’s focus is not just on creating eco-friendly products but on committing to ethical manufacturing.

Both Tumi and Paravel focus on sleek, sophisticated designs. They are simple, but elegant—a good fit for travelers who prefer classic designs. Where Tumi offers a 5-year limited warranty for their suitcases, Paravel offers a 10-year one.

Compared to Tumi, Paravel’s prices are more cost-friendly, with their suitcases costing less than $300-400. They even have luggage sets where you can get a carry-on and a checked bag for about $600-800. While pricier than other items in the market, if you consider their beautiful, simple yet stylish design and the sustainability efforts they bring to the table, they are a good deal.

Are Tumi Bags Worth The Price?

How much you think a Tumi bag is worth will really depend on what you are looking for in a suitcase and what you want it to do for you. While Tumi is one of the pricier luxury luggage brands, it also delivers in terms of quality.

If you decide to go with a Tumi suitcase, you can expect it to last 5-10 years or more. When it comes to quality, durability, and sustainability, they are worth the investment. Plus, for those who love the sleek, elegant look Tumi brings to the table, you’ll definitely be happy wheeling this sophisticated travel companion as you travel around the world.

Remember, however, that price does not always dictate durability. There are other luggage brands out there that offer decent suitcases with a good warrant for a lot less than the cost of Tumi’s luggage.

However, if you have the money to spare and want the best of the best, you might want to try a Tumi and see if it is something you like.