ImmanuelIf you’re into travel, chances are you’re also into travel gear or to be more specific: luggage.
For those that don’t know TUMI has been around since 1975 and the brand is synonymous with luxury luggage that doesn’t compromise on quality and most importantly functionality.
As a self-proclaimed “sucker” for luxury luggage, I’ve been working on my ultimate stack of carryon bags. At the moment that involves a Rimowa Topas Stealth cabin size roller, Louis Vuitton Eclipse Keepall 45 and now to top it off the Tumi Harrison Bates backpack (which has been generously sponsored by Tumi – thank you!).
I will be reviewing my Rimowa and LV in due course, but today we’ll have a look at Tumi because they’re running a rather good Boxing Day sale in which they’re giving an extra 20% off the already 50% discounted Christmas sale items (Check out the sale here). Also note that the 20% discount is applied when you add a product to your shopping cart.
Like many luxury travel brands, Tumi isn’t cheap; and for a good reason. You’re paying for quality, durability and functional superiority. Of course, there are the looks too: Tumi gear looks good!
TUMI Harrison Bates
I got the Bates backpack in a charcoal grey ballistic nylon ‘Urban Camo’ colour (officially the colour scheme is called Charcoal restoration), but if you prefer a more subtle design, you can also get them in dark brown leather.
What I look for in a backpack is mainly the size; I want something small enough to carry anywhere but big enough to fit my 15” MacBook Pro and with room to spare for my Sony A7 III + cables and “stuff”.
The Tumi Bates backpack fits that bill perfectly. Even though this backpack isn’t advertised to fit 15” laptops, my MacBook fits perfectly into the padded compartment.
Regarding functionality, on the back, you will find a sleeve so you can pop the backpack through the handle of your roller suitcase while zipping from security to the lounge (in style!).
Even though the design is somewhat minimalist (which I like), the Bates comes with a lot of internal pockets, zips and even a keychain; to organise all your small items.
Something that sets TUMI apart from other brands is the attention to detail; easily spotted when you look at the immaculate stitching of the bag.
The retractable leather top handle and industrial style straps with leather detailing at to the overall style of the Bates.
In terms of the urban camo colour scheme; it’s rather subtle and combined with a leather bottom half it makes for a great looking everyday travel backpack.
TUMI Bates Specifications
- Colour: Charcoal restoration
- Height: 43 cm
- Width: 30 cm
- Depth: 7.6 cm
- Weight: 1.2 Kg
Double zip entry to the main compartment, two front zip pockets, Retractable leather top handle, Leather wrapped and padded/adjustable backpack straps hanging luggage tag
TUMI Bates Price
Normally this backpack retails for $590 but right now it’s discounted at $283 during the TUMI Boxing Day sale; delivery is free on purchases over $250, but there are also a few stores if you prefer to get one in person.
TUMI Personalisation
The Bates backpack doesn’t have this feature, but many of the TUMI bags can be customised free of charge with your initials in a range of colours on the dedicated ID badge. For all the backpacks which can be personalised; check out this page.
Tumi Tracer Program
The Tumi Tracer program has a unique 20-digit code printed on a metal plate fixed to each Tumi product. This number, along with the contact information of the owner, is inserted into the database, once the product is registered with Tumi.
Tumi Warranty
Unfortunately, Tumi doesn’t offer a lifetime warranty anymore, but it does have a rather generous policy when it comes to the first year (out of the five year warranty offered) where it provides free repairs and replacement when your luggage is damaged by accident or by airlines etc. Of course, there are a few exclusions, but it’s nice to know that you can get a free repair if an accident does happen.
