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Wole Femi Asaolu
- Updated: June 6, 2025
- 8 Comments
If you’ve been eyeing a Tumi backpack, you’ve probably noticed they don’t come cheap. And with more than 70 options available right now, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or end up spending on the wrong one.
That’s why I’ve put together this list of the 10 best Tumi backpacks for 2025. These are my top picks, chosen based on real reviews from people who actually use them.
- Best Overall: Tumi Alpha 3 Brief Pack
- Best for business travel: Alpha Bravo Sheppard Deluxe Brief Pack
- For her: Tumi Women’s Voyageur Celina Backpack
- For him: Tumi Alpha Bravo Lance Backpack
- Best for the born organizer: Tumi Alpha Bravo Nathan backpack
- Best compact: Alpha 3 Compact laptop Brief Pack
- Most lightweight: Tumi Women’s Voyageur Just In Case Backpack
- Best leather: Warren Backpack
- Best sustainable: Alpha Bravo Dynamic Backpack
- Best for outdoor adventures: Expedition Flap Backpack
Best overall: Tumi Alpha 3 Brief Pack
Summary: The Alpha 3 Brief Pack is a unisex backpack great for daily carry and travel.
Pros: Durable build, organised interior, great for travel, highly Rated
Cons: Expensive, heavy, no lockable zippers
The Alpha 3 is a premium, unisex backpack for business professionals who want a sleek, formal look with travel-ready features. In fact, it is one of the best rated Tumi backpacks both on Amazon and on the company’s site.
It has a 25.9L capacity, and includes thoughtful compartments for a 15″ laptop, tablet, and work essentials.
And to meet the necessary quality standards, it is made with their patented FXT Ballistic Nylon, a strong and durable fabric that doesn’t tear or get scratched too easily.
What we also love
I love some of the useful features like the Tumi Tracer feature, which helps with finding your backpack when it gets lost. And should you need to travel, this bad boy will fit under the seat in front of you with ease and has a luggage sleeve to attach to a rollie.
What’s not great
Tumi is one of the most expensive brands on the market, and the Alpha 3 Brief Pack comes with a hefty price tag. Also, a few customers didn’t like that this bag is heavy, is not lockable and that it doesn’t stand upright when set down.
Best for business travel: Alpha Bravo Sheppard Deluxe Brief Pack
Summary: The Sheppard Pack will carry your belongings to office on a day to day basis, as well as on business trips.
Pros: Durable, excellent organisation, comfortable to carry, sleek, professional look
Cons: Pricey, zipper issues, relatively heavy
Even though most Tumi backpacks are great for everyday use and business travels, I pick the Brave Sheppard as the best for business travel for several reasons.
With dedicated compartments for your laptop, tablet, travel documents, and even damp items, it’s built for professionals on the move. Though it comes at a premium price, its quality ballistic nylon construction and comfortable carry design justify the investment for frequent travellers.
What we also love
This bag also ticks all the other boxes for what is needed in a travel business backpack: durable ballistic nylon material, luggage sleeve to attach to a rollie, Tumi tracer, padded shoulder straps and back panel, so you can travel in comfort.
What’s not great
Like other Tumi backpacks on this list, this bag is expensive compared to other travel business backpacks like Nomatic backpack, AER Travel Pack, etc.
Also, a few users complained that the zippers do get stuck a few times and the zipper pull makes noise when in use.
For her: Tumi Women’s Voyageur Celina Backpack
Summary: It’s effortlessly stylish, incredibly practical and built to last.
Pros: Designed for women, lightweight & durable, great organisation, travel friendly
Cons: Tight front pocket, strap fit issues for people with short torsos
The Celina backpack is a great carry for women who appreciate sophisticated style and function. It will look good commuting to the office, college or boarding a plane.
And like other Tumi backpacks, this one is lightweight, highly durable, and is uniquely designed for women. It’s so refined that you can wear it even on a suit!
What we also love
Although slim, it comes with a surprising volume.
It has two compartments: laptop compartment, main compartment and pockets for smaller items. The main compartment is large enough for your files, books, and other essentials while the separate laptop compartment allows for a 15” laptop to be securely stored with a padded sleeve for tablet.
What’s not great
A few customers on Tumi website have expressed concerns about the functionality of certain pockets in this bag. For example, the front bottom pocket appears to be quite small and can’t accommodate much.
Also, those with shorter torsos find the straps to be too long for a comfortable fit. I think that considering these aspects will help you make an informed decision about whether this bag suits your needs.
For him: Tumi Alpha Bravo Lance Backpack
Summary: Not only does this bag look great, but it has the needed functionality that you need for everyday use and quick jaunts into town.
Pros: Professional & versatile design, roll-top expansion, waterproof pocket
Cons: Limited colour options, slightly bulky when expanded
I like that this is the kind of bag that blends in well on business travels, everyday use and with a rugged vibe for the outdoors.
It features a L-zip opening as well as zip divider pocket that allows you access items in the main compartment of the pack without opening the cover.
The bag also functions well as a portable office courtesy of its padded laptop compartment that can also fit files, padded tablet pocket, two card pockets, pen loop and other smart organizers for smaller items.
What we also love
Still need more storage?
Easy, you can adjust the foldover roll top strap to accommodate more items while the external pockets give you easy access to your small gear on the go.
I like that this pack features a waterproof pocket where you can stow your wet umbrella or workout clothes separated from your dry items in the bag.
What’s not great
The Alpha Bravo Lance is only available in limited colors. Even though is not neccessarily a problem, I still think it would have been nice to see more color options to select from.
For the born organizer: Tumi Alpha Bravo Nathan backpack
Summary: The Alpha Brave Nathan Backpack is designed to keep your gear organized, and accessible when you’re on the go.
Pros: Excellent organisation, expandable, padded comfort, travel-ready
Cons: Jingling zipper pulls, tight bottle pocket
Need a versatile pack that can take you from work to travel and the mountains while keeping everything in your life organized?
The Nathan pack has plenty of rooms and pockets to give the best protection for your gear. There is a padded compartment that’ll will keep your 15” padded laptop compartment, a padded tablet pocket, as well as a padded pocket at the back that won’t scratch your delicate phone screen.
Additionally, multifunctional pockets on the exterior and interior allow you to organize your credit cards, pens, papers, umbrella, water bottles, and anything you may carry. I also like that the zipper is expandable to give you extra room when needed.
What we also love
The shoulder straps and back panel are padded and breathable for carrying comfort. Also, it won’t fall over when you place it on flat surfaces.
Customers were impressed by the high quality of its zippers, stitching, materials, grab handle as well as how long the bag lasts.
What’s not great
Some complaints it gets is that its zipper handles jingles as you walk, and that the water bottle pocket is small. All in all, this bag is an investment that’ll last you a long time while being incredibly useful for different purposes.
Best compact: Alpha 3 Compact laptop Brief Pack
Summary: A sleek, small-but-mighty functional carry for work, travel and more.
Pros: Compact yet functional, durable build, water-resistant side pocket, Tumi Tracer + luggage sleeve, customisation options
Cons: Quite heavy, tendency to fall forward, premium price
Need a reliable bag to take everywhere you go? This popular Compact Brief Pack may very well do the trick.
It has a large main compartment in which you’ll find a padded laptop pocket, a padded tablet pocket as well as a removable file organizer zippered area and even pockets for smaller items like keys, your phone, etc. Outside the bag are side water bottle pockets, with one being water resistant.
And it goes without saying, the Alpha 3 Compact is very durable. It is made with ultra-durable ballistic nylon and is praised for its long-lasting quality.
What we also love
You also get to personalize this pack. At an additional cost, the luggage tag, monogram patch, handle wrap and zipper pull ties can be what you want it to be.
On top of it all, it has a sleek aesthetic that should go perfectly in most settings, whether you’re using this backpack for carting around work files or just exploring with friends.
What’s not great
A major complain is that this bag is relatively heavy, even before you’ve filled it up with items. One customer complained that this Compact Brief Pack doesn’t stand still but falls forward when set down. What you can do is arrange the content of the bag with even weight so the bag doesn’t fall over.
Most lightweight: Tumi Voyageur Just In Case Backpack
Summary: The Voyageur Just In Case backpack is small and light, and very convenient.
Pros: Lightweight, packable & compact, Stylish, travel-friendly, color options
Cons: Limited organisation, no laptop sleeve, pricey for its simplicity
On days you are exploring a city or hiking out in nature and need a small bag for carrying items on your outings, this ultralight daypack bag holds up.
Weighing just 0.6 lbs, it folds into a small size to fit inside other bags or luggage, and offers enough room for daily essentials like an iPad, wallet, water bottle, and travel documents.
A step up from other packable daypacks, it comes with handy features like adjustable shoulder straps, a top grab handle, and a back sleeve to attach this bag to the handle of your suitcase.
What we also love
I like that it doesn’t have that typical “packable daypack” look. It’s cute enough to accompany you on sightseeing and shopping adventures at all those exotic locations without compromising on style.
And if black isn’t your thing, it’s also available in dark tortoise and indigo colors. Plus, it’s incredibly lightweight, making it comfortable to carry around.
What’s not great
I must admit, this packable pack is on the pricey side for what it offers – a simple bag without a laptop sleeve or any internal pockets.
In contrast, the AER Go Pack 2 packable day pack offers much more value. It’s spacious enough to serve as a carry-on, and it even has a suspended laptop pocket that can accommodate up to a 16″ laptop. Quite a difference!
Best leather: Tumi Warren Backpack
Summary: A sophisticated and head turning leather backpack for business or short trips.
Pros: Elegant leather design, comfortable to carry, unisex appeal
Cons: No lifetime warranty, heavier than nylon bags, high price point
At just a glance, I swear, you’ll fall in love. This leather bag screams class and style. And if you tend to travel with your tech, you’re in for a treat.
It has a number of compartments to keep your stuff. It features a dedicated 15″ laptop compartment, separate tablet sleeve, a phone pocket located at the back and a space for things like cables, power banks, and headphones.
There is also a main compartment as well as quick access pockets for storing smaller items like cards, water bottles, pens, a key leash, etc.
What we also love
The addition of padded, adjustable shoulder strap and grab handle ensures the bag is easy to carry all day long. Comfortable and durable, this bag is a timeless fashion design that will last you for a very long time to come.
What’s not so great
There are two things I think you may not like about this. First, despite its high price, it doesn’t come with a lifetime warranty. This may worry some buyers who want long-lasting protection. Second, because it’s made of leather, it can be quite heavy when fully loaded, which might be uncomfortable for some users.
Best sustainable: Alpha Bravo Dynamic Backpack
Summary: A sustainable and stylish backpack for work and weekends.
Pros: Eco-friendly with an antimicrobial finish, handy pockets, sleek yet sturdy
Cons: Better budget options exist
If you are looking for Tumi backpacks sustainably made from eco-friendly materials without harming the planet, the Brave Essential backpack is the perfect conscientious carry.
Tumi is committed to sustainability through their use of recycled materials to make some selected bags.
Aside from being sustainably, this bag is also treated with antimicrobial technology that keeps your bag free of mold and odor. And let’s not forget about the top-notch materials and construction. From its look and feel, you can tell that the Brave Essential pack will wear very well over time.
What we also love
I love that the bag has thoughtful features such as a magnetic phone pocket, a dedicated and padded compartment for 15” laptops and tablet pocket, a key leash, and pockets to keep valuables and smaller items such as your keys or wallet in a safe place.
What’s not great
Just like any authentic Tumi backpack, it comes at a steep price tag. However, if you’re looking for more budget-friendly options, you can explore alternatives from Troubadour, Samsonite, or even Lo & Sons. These brands also offer sophisticated backpack designs with excellent quality.
Best for outdoor adventures: Expedition Flap Backpack
Summary: A active pack that’s great for anything from everyday commute to quick overnight trips and even hiking.
Pros: Spacious, flap top design offers quick access, stylish yet tactical, and comfortable to carry
Cons: A bit rugged for office use, hefty price tag, bulky for daily commutes
The Expedition Flap Backpack is built for those who travel and love to explore.
Designed with ultra-durable, weather-resistant fabric inspired by professional water sports gear, this bag is ready for wild trails, mountain hikes, and everything in between. If you’re after performance, resilience, and rugged charm, this one’s for you.
What we also love
Inside, you’ll find convenient pockets for small items so you never have to rummage around in search of them again. Plus, the padded laptop compartment keeps your tech secure during your urban escapades.
Just ask one satisfied customer who raved, “Absolutely love it! Fantastic for travel, much more room than I anticipated.” And let’s not forget the padded mesh back, offering a comfortable carry all day long.
What we don’t like
A few people have complained that the bag is quite heavy and big, saying, ” …my only wish is that it would be slightly smaller in size so that it can fit under plane seats.”
A guide on how to choose the best Tumi backpacks
Be it for business travel, school, work, commute or as a fashion statement, Tumi backpacks have some unique features that set them apart from generic products.
Protected laptop compartment
It goes without saying that having a laptop compartment in a backpack is simply a must-have.
The padding is very important since you don’t want to damage or even break your laptop. All the Tumi backpacks on this list, save for the packable daypack come with a padded laptop compartment.
Organization and easy access
I like that most Tumi backpacks come with organizational features like a dedicated laptop compartment, a tablet sleeve, a quick access phone pocket located at the back, a water-resistant pocket for your wet bottle/umbrella, and a few other external pockets.
Durability
Tumi backpacks ae made from ballistic nylon. This is a sturdy material that ensures that your backpack lasts you a very long time.
And some bags I reviewed here are made with high quality leather handles that survives the wear and tear, no matter how long you carry it. With this high end brand, quality is assured, right down to the zippers and handles.
Style and class
The right blend of luxury, style and businesslike appeal, their bags are a favorite for corporate professionals, students, high class traveler and those looking to make a fashion statement.
There are unisex backpacks, and there are also those specially designed for men or women, with beautiful colors to suit.
Add a bag system
All the bags in this review all feature a sleeve that allows you fit the backpack over the handle of a luggage for a smooth and handsfree movement.
Tumi Tracer Technology
The Tumi Tracer is an exclusive feature that helps you recover your bag if it ever gets lost or stolen. This is done through a metal plate with unique 20-digit registration number that can be tracked and traced when your backpack is missing or stolen.
To enjoy this service, you’re to register your Tumi backpack. To register, visit the TUMI Tracer® product recovery program.
Personalization
Tumi allows you to monogram your initials on your Tumi backpack.
Warranty
Considering their hefty price tags, I expected Tumi backpacks to come with a limited lifetime warranty, at the very least, but that’s is not the case here.
However, Tumi backpacks come with a 5-year warranty for manufacturing defects. The good thing is that their backpacks are well made, with the highest quality, so you may not even make use of the warranty.
FAQs
Does Tumi make good backpacks?
Tumi makes incredibly durable and high-end travel and work backpacks that is rated highly by many reviewers and actual users.
Beyond the brand name, customers reviews are full of praises for the quality and durability of Tumi backpacks that last for years.
They make bags with premium materials, loaded with handy features and with a 5-year warranty in which they’ll either repair or send you a brand-new bag, if there’s an issue.
Is Tumi really worth it?
Tumi is worth it in my estimation, as far as manufacturing quality and stylish backpacks that perform well, is concerned.
They also have useful features like padded laptop sleeves, Tumi Tracer tech (which helps with finding lost backpacks) and a head turning look that keeps loyal customers wanting more.
Tumi backpacks are investment pieces as they are more expensive, but the quality is very good.
Is Tumi backpack durable?
Tumi backpacks are durable. They are made with high quality ballistic nylon that look and feels expensive and sturdy.
Also, other construction details like the handles, zippers, etc., hold up well according to reviews by actual.
In fact, most customer reviews talk about how well made Tumi bags are, to the point of using them for years. And in line with their 5-years warranty, if anything gets damaged, Tumi will fix the issue for you.
Why You Should Trust Travelccessories
If you’re looking for trustworthy guidance on travel accessories, you can count on Travelccessories. Femi, an expert in travel gear, and our team have put together a comprehensive review that draws on our hands-on testing, extensive research on reputable brands, careful examination of product manuals and customer feedback, and evaluation of numerous luggage models.
We specifically looked for bags with robust construction, exceptional features, and high ratings from real users. And most importantly, our team consists of experts who do not accept payment for reviews and are committed to providing honest and thorough information to help you make informed decisions when choosing the right luggage.
Also, this article is not sponsored in any way by any company. These products have been independently selected by myself and my team. And the only thing I receive is a small commission from our affiliate program if you buy any of them through the links and buttons on this page. It doesn’t cost you a penny. But it really helps me out as this money goes to paying for maintaining the website, editing software, my time, team and everything else that goes into preparing this post.
8 thoughts on “The 10 Best Tumi Backpacks That Are Worth Splurging On”
These look like the top of the line backpacks Tumi company seems to be the best backpacks that we have seen. We are currently going back to college this January and we are going to need a backpack to help with carrying our things.
Even for travelers this recommendation is good for all, we like to travel as well.
Cheers,
Mathew&Deloris
I’ve always liked the Tumi brand and these 10 models are beautiful. The first one Alpha 3 has these big external pockets which are so practical. It saves time storing and finding things. I mean, they all have outside pockets but the first one seemed to be the best equipped.
I also like the Tumi Women’s Voyageur Carson laptop Backpack. that one is stylish and very pretty. And I love the color of the LightWeight Tumi Voyageur! Which of these three would be best for daily use (for a teacher)?
Hey Christine,
I’m glad to know that you like the models of Tumi backpacks in this review. While the Tumi Voyageur Just In Case is stylish and pretty, like you noticed, it is a packable daypack that’s great for travel and occasional sightseeing. I wouldn’t recommend for daily use for a teacher, unless you won’t be carrying lot of items. Nonetheless, I’d recommend the black color.
Cheers,
Femi.
That is some pretty interesting information on the Tumi backpacks. My favorite feature has definitely got to be the Tumi Tracer. I think I might just put my wallet and keys in my Tumi Backpack and never take them out lol. That laptop carrier pack inside is a really unique feature as well! If I picked a favorite, it would have to be the Gemma Backpack, I just have a lot of respect for that leather fabric and quality.
On my recent search for a high-quality durable day-trip backpack, I got almost puzzled; thankfully I find this compact review on one of the World’s premium bands, Tumi Backpacks.
Your highlighted Tumi travel-specific backpack perfectly matches my needs, but still, I’m a bit puzzled before finalizing it. I see, another product in your list looks superior and may be perfect for short leisure trips, that is “Tumi Alpha Bravo Lance Backpack”. Hence I’m seeking your suggestion on this.
Also, apart from my personal fascination with the Tumi brand, can you suggest any other backpack brand that can bit the class of Tumi?
Hey SD,
The two backpacks, just like most Tumi offerings are of superb quality and sophisticated designs. You can’t go wrong with either of the two.
However, if I were to choose one, I’d suggest you go for the 25.9L Compact Brief bag, because it’s easily one of Tumi’s bestselling backpack with tons of positive reviews and is a top choice on Amazon by customers compared to the Lance Backpack.
Another high-end brand with a bit of class like Tumi is Briggs & Riley. However, if their backpacks seem too expensive, you can check out TravelPro.
If you have any other question, don’t hesitate to ask.
Cheers,
Femi
I like this niche. My mom recently bought me a knapsack because I started walking to work and I needed my hands to be free. I’m so glad she suggested it. She bought me a Fillah brand. It’s designed simply, which is what I need. But I realized it’s not water proof. I need waterproof and weather proof. I like Alpha Bravo Reserve Active Backpack. But it doesn’t look lady like. So if I was going to buy one, I’d buy the Stanton Gemma. It’s nice brown leather looks really elegant. Thanks for your review.
Thank you Femi,
This is an amazing and comprehensive review about Tumi backpacks.
For me some of the most important features for any backpack is having a laptop compartment, lockable, durable and multiple compartments.
For any that are not lockable I would rule them out. Your buyers guide summary at the end is very helpful. It breaks down the key features to buyers and helps them decide what is best for them. Thank you.