If you’re a frequent traveler you know how important it is to invest in a high-quality suitcase. But which one should you choose? High-quality suitcases are quite expensive therefore you have to be aware of what you’re getting for your money.
I’m going to help you with that.
Today I’m going to compare two leading luggage brands on the market – Tumi and Rimowa and their carry-on best sellers.
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Tumi & Rimowa – Brand Overview
Before we dive in, let’s get know the brands first.
Tumi is considered “the Holy Grail” of suitcases. Its suitcases are incredibly popular among frequent travelers as well as flight crews.
Tumi suitcases are incredibly durable since they are made of the best materials on the market – aluminum, ballistic nylon, and Tegris.
Forget about broken handles, zippers, and wheels.
Rimowa was founded back in 1898, in Germany and since then they are at least one step ahead of the competition.
It was the first company to introduce polycarbonate luggage which is super light. This helped frequent travelers fight the unreasonable fees for weight limits on checked bags.
Tumi vs Rimowa Luggage Comparison
| Tumi vs Rimowa: Which Suitcase Should You Get |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Sample | Alpha 3 Collection: International Dual Access 4 Wheel Carry-On | Original Cabin |
| Primary Materials | Ballistic Nylon | Aluminium |
| Weight | 10.7 lbs | 9.5 lbs |
| Dimensions | 14″ W X 22″ H X 9″ D | 15,8″ W X 21,7″ H X 9,1″ D |
| Capacity | 35L | 35L |
| Features | Hanging mesh zipper pocket with removable USB cable Large mesh zip pocket 3 zip pockets 3-stage telescoping handle 4 dual spinner wheels Molded impact-resistant side panels Protective bumper rails Built-in USB port Built-in TSA combination lock TUMI Tracer® | Robust and surprisingly lightweight Two removable and adjustable flex-dividers TSA-approved lock Multiwheel System Telescoping handle |
| Security | TSA-approved lock | TSA-approved lock |
| Colors | Black only Hardware colors – Black and Gold | Titanium Quartz Pink Black Silver |
| Shipping | FREE (except Alaska and Hawaii) | Free UPS Ground for all orders over $300 to everywhere in the US, including Alaska and Hawaii. |
| Return policy | Free returns within 30 days of receipt. | Free returns within 30 days on most products and 14 days on limited-edition products |
| Website: |
Tumi Alpha 3 Carry-on Luggage Review
Alpha 3 luggage collection includes several different sizes of suitcases, from a 22” carry-on to a 34” checked bag.
Alpha 3 International Dual Access 4 Wheel Carry-On (let’s just call it Alpha 3 Carry-On) has an integrated USB power port added and plenty of storage pockets, including two pencil case-sized pockets and two mesh-coated pockets, one bigger and one smaller.
Also, it has a modern front face with protective rails and dual-coil security zippers.
The suitcase is made of high-quality materials. For example, the handle is made from “aircraft-grade aluminum” making it extremely lightweight and sturdy.
Speaking of the rest, all the Alpha 3 bags are made of FXT Ballistic nylon – an extremely durable material that doesn’t get ripped easily. Moreover, it has molded side panels and protective bumper rails, for improved impact resistance.
Next, the wheels. Tumi’s Alpha 3 Carry-On is equipped with 4 dual spinner wheels making your bag super easy to maneuver especially on smooth airport floors.
You don’t have to worry about wheels falling off since they’re really sturdy.
Tumi went the extra mile even with the zippers – they are designed to break away from the suitcase if they get caught on something.
Why?
This way you only have to replace one part of the zipper mechanism, as opposed to the entire thing.
Speaking of security, it has a TSA-approved three-digit combination lock. It also has a luggage tag on which you can write down your personal details.
The only downside of this Alpha 3 Carry-On is that it’s a bit heavier than other carry-on bags. It weighs 10.7 lbs.
PROS
- Extremely Durable
- Integrated USB Power Port
- Plenty of Storage-Pockets Options
- TSA-Approved Lock
- Tracer in Case it Gets Lost
- Excellent Maneuverability
CONS
- A bit Heavy for a Carry-On Bag
Rimowa Original Cabin Review
The Rimowa Original Cabin is made of lightweight yet durable polycarbonate and aluminum – an excellent example of the world-famous Rimowa craftsmanship.
The size of this carry-on bag is 21.7 inches by 15.8 inches by 7.9 inches making it slightly wider. Keep in mind that this luggage size doesn’t meet some airline carry-on requirements which are 22 x 14 x 9.
Like Tumi, Rimowa bags are super-easy to maneuver thanks to the four-wheel design. As one of the happy consumers states: “Even my preschooler can push the bag in any direction with her finger — it’s that easy on a smooth surface.”
Speaking of the interior, it has two removable and adjustable flex-dividers that can be used for storing various things. The Flex Divider also helps to keep your items pressed and perfect throughout the rigors of airline travel.
Overall, the storage is much better given its relatively small size.
Last but not least, security. Rimowa Original Cabin features a TSA-approved lock that can be opened by security during airline baggage without causing any damage.
PROS
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Excellent Maneuverability
- Adjustable Flex Dividers
- TSA-Approved Lock
CONS
- Doesn’t Meet the Size Requirements of Some Airline Carriers
Tumi vs Rimowa Head To Head Comparison
Let’s compare the two outstanding brands, leaders in the luggage industry. This comparison will help you better understand the main differences between Tumi and Rimowa as well as which brand is for you.
READ ALSO: Rimowa Vs Away: Which Luggage Is Better?
Design
Tumi perfectly understands that not all passengers have the same needs, that’s why they offer various products for everyone.
There is a range of TUMI products in every classification, there’s carry-on luggage, checked luggage, duffels and satchels, wheeled briefcases, garment bags, travel backpacks, laptop backpacks, and leather backpacks and slings.
On the other hand, Rimowa mostly sticks to its groove structure design. It aims toward simplicity and they will never sacrifice functionality over style.
Rimowa offers multiple products for various needs however while scrolling through its website, you’ve got the feeling that you’re viewing one suitcase in different colors.
The winner is clearly Tumi.
Size
Both brands have done a marvelous job here. Both Tumi and Rimowa suitcases come in different sizes no matter how long you plan to be away from home. From carry-on bags to giant checked suitcases, they’re made to meet all your needs.
It’s neck to neck here, but I’d give a slight advantage to Tumi here only because their carry-on luggage meets all the requirements in terms of size, which is not the case with Rimowa.
Materials
Tumi is doing its best to find high-quality materials in order to make lightweight yet durable suitcases.
Whether it is ballistic nylon, hard side, fabric, leather, nylon and textured fabric, these are all durable materials that will protect your belongings.
Rimowa has been a synonym for invention since the 1900s. The ultra-light luggage that Rimowa created from polycarbonate has been a groundbreaking innovation. This material is ultra-light, yet flexible and resistant to cold and heat.
No wonder it’s been used in the vehicle and aircraft industry. Rimowa’s SALSA collection was the first luggage collection ever created from polycarbonate.
The winner – Rimowa
Durability
Tumi tests its products in the real-world using every-case scenario you can imagine. That’s how they patented FXT ballistic fabric.
The suitcases are extremely durable and they come with reinforced corners. Just in case. On the other hand, I have to notice that Tumi has very few hardside-luggage options.
Rimowa suitcases are made from, already mentioned, polycarbonate making them super durable, yet lightweight.
Not just that, Rimowa suitcases will look new for an extended time.
Even though they’re tied when it comes to the quality of the materials, still I trust hardside luggage more, that’s why Rimowa wins this one.
Price
Tumi and Rimowa are premium brands therefore their price tags follow their reputation. Price varies a lot but the fact is that Tumi is significantly less expensive than Rimowa.
Based on everything I’ve written so far, I wouldn’t say that Rimowa is twice as better as Tumi, therefore the winner in this category is Tumi
The Verdict – Tumi vs Rimowa Luggage?
Rimowa has a groundbreaking invention – polycarbonate-made suitcases, while Tumi follows with its FXT ballistic fabric.
Tumi has stylish suitcases of various designs while Rimowa mainly sticks to its groove structure design.
Tumi’s products are significantly cheaper than Rimowa’s, however, consumers claim that Rimowa is definitely worth the price.
Last but not the least, Rimowa has more durable suitcases.
The call is definitely not easy, but the winner of this comparison is
RIMOWA!
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