Tumi Briefpack Review - Is this Really Worth $625?

Summary

In this video, the reviewer discusses their experience with a Tumi backpack, highlighting its functional design, quality materials, and thoughtful organizational features. However, they criticize the lack of a suspended laptop compartment and feel that Tumi’s design feels outdated compared to newer, more affordable alternatives like Air and GORUCK. The reviewer also compares Tumi to other brands like Bellroy, Triple Aught Design, and Tom Bihn, suggesting that while Tumi bags are still solid, they are not worth the premium price for the features offered. Ultimately, they recommend considering other options that provide better value and modern design.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Tumi Brief Pack costs around $625–$670, making it a premium-priced backpack.
• 😀 The exterior is made of durable ballistic nylon with YKK zippers, providing abrasion and weather resistance.
• 😀 The bag has a professional, traditional style, suitable for office and travel settings but less modern than brands like Bellroy or Air.
• 😀 The harness system is padded and breathable, offering comfort, though the bottom edge can dig into the back.
• 😀 The backpack stands upright on its own, thanks to a 'toolbox-style' design, allowing easy access to all compartments.
• 😀 Organizational features include multiple front, back, and side pockets, as well as a gusseted main compartment, resembling a digital toolbox layout.
• 😀 The laptop compartment is padded but lacks a false bottom, which is a significant drawback for a premium-priced bag.
• 😀 Side pockets can hold water bottles or umbrellas, though they are not ideal for standard bottles.
• 😀 While the bag is well-built and highly functional, it feels slightly dated compared to modern backpacks with innovative features and materials.
• 😀 Alternative backpacks such as Air Backpack, GoRuck, Bellroy Transit Work Pack, and Hyper Pack may offer similar or better functionality at lower or comparable prices.
• 😀 Tumi has a reputation for high-quality products and customer support, but the bag may not justify its high price for all users.
• 😀 The main compartment is spacious but does not open fully clamshell, balancing accessibility with the bag’s upright stability.

Q & A

Why did the reviewer decide to try the Tumi Brief Pack?

The reviewer had never featured Tumi bags due to personal aesthetic preferences, but curiosity arose after seeing celebrities like Will Smith and Tom Cruise using Tumi bags and learning about the brand's reputation for functional layouts.

What is the price of the Tumi Brief Pack and how does it compare to other premium backpacks?

The Tumi Brief Pack costs $625 plus taxes and shipping, totaling around $670. It is more expensive than premium bags from brands like GoRuck, Tom Bihn, Bellroy, and Evergoods, which offer similar or better features at lower prices.

How does the reviewer describe the overall aesthetic of the Tumi Brief Pack?

The bag has a classic, professional, and slightly old-school look, not as sleek or modern as brands like Air or Bellroy. It is functional and versatile enough for professional, urban, and travel settings.

What materials and build quality does the Tumi Brief Pack have?

The exterior is made of ballistic nylon for durability and weather resistance, with smooth YKK zippers throughout. It is solidly built but does not feel significantly more premium than $200-$300 range bags.

What are the comfort features and potential drawbacks of the harness system?

The straps are padded and have breathable mesh for moisture control. The back panel has breathable padding with airflow support. However, the bottom edge can dig into the back, and there is no included sternum strap.

How is the Tumi Brief Pack organized, and what makes it stand out?

It has multiple compartments, including front quick-access pockets, gusseted side pockets, a main compartment with a tablet sleeve and admin section, and a dedicated laptop compartment. The layout functions like a 'digital toolbox,' and the bag stands upright easily.

What is the main criticism of the Tumi Brief Pack's laptop compartment?

The laptop compartment is padded but lacks a suspended or false-bottom design, reducing protection for laptops—a significant drawback for a premium, tech-focused bag.

What are the pros and cons of the Tumi Brief Pack according to the reviewer?

Pros: highly functional, professional aesthetic, durable materials, stands upright. Cons: high price, laptop compartment lacks suspension, minor comfort issues, style feels slightly dated.

Which alternative backpacks does the reviewer recommend instead of the Tumi Brief Pack?

Recommended alternatives include Air Backpack and Tech Pack 3, Goruck bags, Tom Bihn, Triple Lot Design Axium packs, Bellroy Transit Work Pack, and Hyper Pack—all offering modern features, durability, and better value for price.

What is the reviewer's overall verdict on the Tumi Brief Pack?

The Tumi Brief Pack is functional, well-built, and stylish for those who like its aesthetic, but it does not justify its premium price due to missing modern features, particularly the lack of a suspended laptop compartment, and other more cost-effective alternatives exist.

Does the Tumi Brief Pack work well for both daily use and travel?

Yes, the 26L size, upright design, and well-distributed compartments make it versatile for everyday carry, professional settings, and minimal travel, although it may feel slightly bulky in crowded urban areas.

How does the Tumi Brief Pack compare to modern backpack innovations?

While durable and functional, it feels somewhat dated compared to modern backpacks like Air or Hyper Pack, which incorporate innovative materials, ergonomic designs, and better laptop protection at lower prices.