I saw some on sale packs on Tumi's website and am intrigued by their designs. So for those who swear by Tumi - what is it that keep you buying this brand? How are their backpacks on the whole?
I look at the prices of Tumi suitcases and wonder - what does it do for that much money?! I've had Briggs and Riley because of their compression feature allowing me to pack 50L - that thing is amazing. Crazy $$ but I cannot find another more practical bag offering that much space with easy packing ability on the market. However.. I am going on an epic summer adventure to 3 countries and I really need a backpack that allows for a lot. I need a top shelf bag that offers comfort, is really well made, still practical with space and pockets. Unfortunately I'm on the shorter side of 5 foot 2 so it cannot be some huge backpack for me. I need it to offer 30-35L and prefer it offer 40L. I have a Vera Bradley pack and love because of how it's shaped - I can get 50L into that thing! The problem is, it's not the best in terms of comfort for my back. In terms of daily bags, I carry MZ Wallace because I like how light their bags are and I like Caara for their design. I have used in the past Dagne Dover and Calpak but none of these bags are right for this trip as I am seeking to carry more however. Suggestions appreciated! |
I’m a Tumi suitcase owner who wouldn’t buy one of their backpacks because it’s not what they specialize in. It sounds to me like a Deuter ir Osprey bag would be what you want for your trip. I carry a Deuter 35L for international travel when I’m also carrying a suitcase. They also make a 45L + 10L expandable. |
I would just go to REI for this. |
TUMI is not known for comfortable backpacks. Their backpacks tend to be well made of premium materials, but also quite bulky and stiff. I don’t think I would want to be lugging one around for the hot summer. |
I’ve used the same Tumi backpack for about 10 years now and I’d agree with the above. It’s a little stiff but the result is that 10 years later it still holds its shape. I don’t use it daily, only for trips and it’s excellent for that. I think it would be uncomfortable for daily use on my back. |
This For a backpack you want a Peak Design bag or a Nomatic bag. I travel a ton and these are the only two backpacks I would look at. |
Never heard of the Briggs expansion mechanism. Wow! Now I’m bummed i just bought new luggage. |
Agreed, I love my Peak Design 45L bag- almost always use it in the unexpanded 35L form and its seriously impressive how much stuff it holds. Have also heard good things about Osprey and Cotopaxi bags, which are a bit cheaper, and I thing have less premium (but still good) materials. |
Thanks everyone! OP here - I am aware of Cotopaxi and Peak. I was trying to go for something a bit less rugged.
PP - yeah the Briggs compression thing is seriously awesome. I mean, I do not see anything else that cool, no matter how expensive it is, on the market. For me, that's value worth the price of that thing ![]() |
Not sure what you mean by rugged? The Peak Design bags definitely look sleek and "professional" to my eyes. |
OP can you post a link to this Briggs compression thing? I am in the market for a new carry on! |
OP here - I pulled off a random youtube video review - https://youtu.be/r7yZ1lBnT28
I can pack so much into this thing. More than any carry on I've ever owned! I really enjoy how the compression works and like the bottom is smooth not bulky so you can fit more stuff ![]() I wouldn't say that it's the lightest or rolls the best - I mean it's not like any of that is less than great but for me personally - the value is in volume as we never check in luggage anymore. I have had TravelPro and love it but this baby is what I pull out when I'm gone longer than 3 days ![]() I think I'm going to look at diaper backpacks actually. |
I have a Tumi int'l-size carry-on and a Nomatic 30L travel-specific backpack: https://www.nomatic.com/collections/all-backpacks-bags/products/nomatic-30l-travel-bag
They also make larger (40L) and smaller sizes, depending on your needs for both capacity and manageability. |
I agree. TUMI laptop bags and backpacks target the professional set (consultants and such that need to look polished at a client meeting and want a backpack that doesn't clash with a suit), not the set that is trekking in the jungle. |
Woah that's pretty cool. |