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Wole Femi Asaolu
- September 15, 2023
If you’re like most people, you probably have a lot of questions when it comes to Tumi and Samsonite luggage. Is Tumi better than Samsonite? What’s the difference between these two brands? And, most importantly, which one should you buy?
Today, we’ll be answering all of those questions and more as we compare Tumi and Samsonite.
By the end of this blog post, you’ll know everything you need to know about both brands to make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
So let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Yes, we think Tumi is better than Samsonite. This is because Tumi offers innovative and durable bags that can stand up to constant use, which is something that frequent travelers would appreciate. Plus, Tumi bags have truly luxurious appeal that will make heads turn and help you make a good impression everywhere you go. If you don’t mind spending a bit more money on a higher-quality piece of luggage, Tumi is worth considering.
However, if you want something more budget-friendly, Samsonite offers more affordable options without sacrificing quality.
Below is a detailed overview of why Tumi is better than Samsonite.
Let’s start with durability—arguably the most important aspect of any piece of luggage. After all, what good is a suitcase or backpack if it falls apart after just a few trips?
When it comes to durability, Tumi has the edge over Samsonite.
This is because Tumi designs its bags specifically for frequent travelers who need something that can stand up to constant use. To achieve this, Tumi uses high-quality materials like FXT Ballistics Nylon (a superior version of ballistic nylon that’s more abrasion-resistant).
For their hardside luggage, Tumi goes for high-quality materials like Tegris (an improved polypropylene fabric that is lightweight, and more resistant to impact), polycarbonate, and aluminum. These materials are known for being incredibly tough and resistant to wear and tear, making them an ideal choice for travelers who need luggage that can withstand a lot of abuse.
Tumi bags also have reinforced stitching and robust handles that can support heavy loads, and go through 30 unique tests to prove their sturdiness.
Samsonite’s bags are also designed to be durable, but they don’t use the same high-quality materials as Tumi.
Samsonite uses nylon or polyester fabric with water-resistant coatings for their softside luggage, which is not as durable as ballistic nylon. Their hardside cases are made with polycarbonate composite shells, or polypropylene materials, which are not sturdy enough to survive heavy use.
As a result, Samsonite’s bags may not last as long as Tumi’s.
Additionally, Cleverjourney projected that Samsonite bags may last 2-5 years of heavy use while Tumi bags can last you 10 years or more.
So if you are a road warrior who tends to travel a lot or just want a bag that you can use more often, you’re better off with Tumi than Samsonite.
Related: Is Tumi Worth the Price?
When it comes to features offered by each brand, Tumi has a clear advantage over Samsonite.
For starters, Tumi has over 125+ patents that provide their customers with unique benefits that you simply can’t find elsewhere.
Some of these features include the Tumi Tracer technology (which allows you to track your bag if it gets lost), top-of-the-line materials, durafold heavy-duty construction, suit hangers, and an Add-a-Bag strap that lets you carry multiple bags at once.
This is in addition to the standard features offered by Samsonite like built-in TSA locks, ID tags, expandable zippers, organizational features, spinner wheels, telescoping handles, and more.
So while Samsonite does offer some innovative features, they pale in comparison to what Tumi has to offer.
Related: Is Briggs and Riley better than Tumi?
Related: Is Rimowa Better Than Tumi?
3. Tumi bags are considered more luxurious and high-end compared to Samsonite
If you want a truly luxurious bag that will make heads turn when you walk through the airport terminal, there’s no contest—Tumi wins hands down.
This is because Tumi bags are designed with luxury in mind from start to finish.
From the high-quality materials used in construction to the sleek design aesthetic, everything about Tumi screams luxury. Tumi’s bags also come with a higher price tag than Samsonite’s, which reflects their luxury status.
Related: Is Tumi Worth the Price?
4. Tumi has more variety of bags to offer than Samsonite
When it comes time to buy luggage, you want to have plenty of options to choose from so you can find the perfect bag for your needs.
In terms of variety, Tumi has the upper hand over Samsonite.
Not only does Tumi offer more collections than Samsonite, they also have a wider range of styles and sizes.
The brand offers everything from suitcases, backpacks, briefcases, messenger bags, totes, crossbody slings, leather packs, duffles, satchels, and more.
No matter what your needs are, you’re sure to find a Tumi bag that’s just right for you.
Where Samsonite is better…
1. Samsonite bags are more affordable than Tumi
Samsonite bags are generally more affordable than Tumi bags.
Samsonite offers a wide range of products at different price points, so you’re sure to find some seriously affordable options.
For example, the Samsonite Omni Pc Hardside 20-Inch Spinner retails for around $121, while the Tumi Unisex Alpha 3 Continental Carry-On comes in at a whopping $975.
As you can see, Tumi products tend to be on the more expensive end of the spectrum.
They are one of the more expensive luggage brands on the market, so their products may not be within everyone’s budget.
So, if price is a major consideration for you, Samsonite is the clear winner.
However, keep in mind that you get what you pay for—so don’t expect a cheap Samsonite bag to last as long as a pricey Tumi bag.
Related: How Good is Samsonite luggage?
When it comes to weight, Samsonite bags have an advantage over Tumi.
Because Tumi uses heavier materials like aluminum in their construction, their bags tend to be slightly heavier than Samsonite bags.
The weight is one of the main complaints people make about Tumi bags as people say it makes it difficult to maneuver through busy airports or lift into the overhead bin compartment without help.
Samsonite bags are also made out of durable materials like polycarbonate, but they’re lighter than Tumi bags.
For example, the Samsonite Freeform Expandable Carry-On weighs just 6.5 pounds, while the Tumi International Carry-On comes in at 11.3 lbs.
Related: Is Samsonite better than Delsey?
3. Samsonite is much more popular and better reviewed than Tumi by customers
When it comes to popularity and reviews, Samsonite is much better than Tumi.
If you’re like most people, you probably consult customer reviews before making any major purchase. So what do customers have to say about Samsonite and Tumi luggage?
According to reviewers, both brands make high-quality products that stand up well to repeated use.
However, Samsonite seems to have an edge when it comes to popularity and customer satisfaction.
A quick search on Amazon shows that Samsonite bags have mostly 4- and 5-star reviews with tens of thousands of reviews, while Tumi bags have more 3 – 5-star ratings with less than a thousand reviews, which shows Samsonite is one of the most popular luggage brands on the market.
Also, customers complain that Tumi’s customer service isn’t always up to par and that the company has reduced its lifetime warranty to a five-year warranty with lots of conditions, despite its high price tag.
Additionally, some users think recent Tumi products have declined in quality while reviews on Samsonite have largely remained positive.
And when it comes to popularity, Samsonite has the edge—the brand has been around since 1910 and has built up a loyal following over the years.
Related: Is Samsonite Better Than Rimowa?
How they are similar…
You might be wondering how the Samsonite and Tumi luggage brands compare.
After all, both of these brands have a long history of making durable, sustainable products that will stand up to the rigors of travel.
Here’s a closer look at how these two brands are similar.
1. Both brands care about the sustainability of the environment
One area where Samsonite and Tumi luggage brands are similar is in their commitment to sustainability.
Both brands use recycled materials in some of their bags, which helps reduce the environmental impact of their products.
In addition, both brands make durable bags that are built to last. This means that you won’t have to replace your luggage as often, which further reduces the environmental impact of travel.
2. Tumi and Samsonite both offer a limited warranty on their products
No matter how well-made a piece of luggage is, there’s always a chance something could go wrong with it. That’s why it’s important to choose a brand that has a solid warranty policy in place in case something does happen to your bag.
When it comes to warranty policies, Samsonite and Tumi are quite similar in the sense that they both offer a limited warranty.
Samsonite offers a 10-year warranty on their products while Tumi only offers a 5-year warranty.
However, this needs a breakdown.
Samsonite’s 10-year limited warranty only covers material and manufacturing defects but does not cover normal wear and tear or damages caused by misuse or neglect.
Tumi’s 5-year warranty covers both manufacturing defects as well as damages caused by normal wear and tear or accidental damage in the first year. From the second to the fifth year, the warranty only covers manufacturing defects.
However, considering the high price point of Tumi bags, it could be argued that Samsonite is better because you can repair your piece of luggage for 10 years, while Tumi’s is limited to just 5 years.
That being said, the warranty from both brands shows that if your bag is damaged during normal use, you can get it repaired or replaced free of charge.
This is a great feature for travelers who want peace of mind knowing that their investment is protected.
3. Both brands have a long history of making high-quality luggage
A final similarity between these two luggage brands is that they are both popular luggage brands with a long history of making quality bags to meet different travelers’ needs.
Samsonite has been in business since 1910, making it one of the oldest and most popular luggage manufacturers around. In that time, they’ve established a reputation for making high-quality and durable products.
Tumi was founded in 1975 with the goal of creating the best possible travel experience for customers. Though newer to the market than Samsonite, Tumi has quickly become a go-to choice for travelers who demand the best.
With these many years of experience under their belt, it’s safe to say that they both know a thing or two about what travelers need.
Related: Best Backpack Brands You Can Trust
Closing Thoughts
So which brand is better—Tumi or Samsonite?
Even though both Samsonite and Tumi offer high-quality products that are sure to last for years to come, if we had to choose just one, we’d go with Tumi every time. This is because Tumi offers innovative and durable bags that can stand up to constant use, which is something that frequent travelers would appreciate. So, if you don’t mind spending a bit more money on a higher-quality piece of luggage, Tumi is definitely worth considering.
However, if you’re after a brand that offers high-quality products at fair prices with plenty of style options to choose from, Samsonite is your guy.
With that being said, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and travel needs.
Whichever brand you ultimately choose; we hope this comparison has been helpful.
Do you have a favorite between these two brands?
Let us know in the comments below!
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