Tumi Vs. Rimowa Luggage – A Details Comparison

The Best Rimowa Luggage

Rimowa Classic

The Classic suitcase is a Rimowa staple. It’s currently available in only one size, which is the smallest carry-on suitcase. However, it’s pretty heavy for a carry-on, because of its aluminum construction. At nearly 10 lbs, it won’t be the lightest suitcase you ever purchased.

But that’s just a downside of aluminum – it can’t ever be as lightweight as Polycarbonate. And even though it kind of disappoints in that aspect, the Classic makes up for its weight by being so safe to use. This is a zipperless suitcase, which is what I prefer when it comes to the security of your belongings.

The Rimowa Classic actually features two TSA locks – one on each latch. If you are transporting some extra precious stuff, this is the perfect suitcase to have. You will also love the double spinner wheels and the retractable wheel handle, which make it super easy to maneuver your luggage. Additionally, there are several grab handles on this suitcase, which are pretty sturdy, but also comfortable to hold.

The inside of the Classic is divided into two packing compartments – nothing unusual there. One compartment features a full panel divider, which is height adjustable so that you can get the most out of it even if you don’t fully pack your suitcase.

The other compartment has a couple of elastic cross straps, as well as some slip pockets. Overall, you will soon see that this is a pretty standard Rimowa interior.

Rimowa Topas Titanium Carry

The Topas is probably one of the most popular Rimowa suitcases ever made. You can currently only get it in the 20” carry-on size, which is not ideal. Especially since the suitcase weighs 10.2 lbs for 32 liters of capacity –  luckily, most airlines don’t have weight restrictions for carry-ons. Just size restrictions.

The Topas is shaped differently than the Classic suitcase, even though it is also made from aluminum-magnesium alloy. This one has round edges, which give it a softer look. The corner guards are really similar in color to the shell of the suitcase, but so are the grab handles. And I personally like this design, although some of you probably won’t.

This Rimowa suitcase also features a latch closure. It has three latches, two of which include TSA combination locks. So, if you want all of your luggage to be 100% safe at all times, you might as well get the Topas suitcase. You will also enjoy the double spinner wheels that glide like a dream, and help you forget that this thing weighs 10 lbs when it’s empty.

The interior of the Topas is adjustable, and I love that. These height-adjustable dividers that you get in both compartments – are a really useful feature, especially if you want your suitcase to look really neat when it’s fully packed up.

Rimowa Essential Lite

Rimowa is not known for its lightweight luggage, mostly because its original and classic models are made of metal. Durable yes, but not easy to carry. That is why the Essential Lite series is such a joy to push or carry! Even the largest 30-inch model only weighs 8lbs!

The Essential Lite line is actually one of Rimowa’s lightest and as usual, they have packed it full of top-of-the-line equipment. If you have never tried their suitcases, grab one at the store or while waiting in the airport. I took one for a spin recently and it almost rolled on its own all the way to the terminal! Insanely smooth.

Rimowa has not forgotten about comfort for the “driver” of this case either. The handle has multiple levels of adjustment so that you can get the height – just right.

And there is of course a TSA lock, but this time on the top. Why is that important? Well, normally you have to tip your case on its side to get at it. Which is not always convenient, and requires you to crouch down. So, Rimowa has smartly put it on top so you can sit and undo the lock without breaking your back or knees! They seem to have thought of almost everything.

Although this is the “lufthansa” version, there are dozens of options in terms of color and size.

Rimowa Hybrid

The Hybrid is a pretty unique collection. For one thing, it’s actually one of the few Rimowas that is not made of aluminum, but rather a hybrid of materials: Polycarbonate & Aluminium-magnesium alloy. And it still features the same shell design, which is pretty cool if you ask me. Just this time, you can actually get it in a fun and bright color.

The Hybrid collection tries really hard to be lightweight. So, any over-the-top, excess feature is removed, in order to cut down the weight of the luggage as much as possible. Say goodbye to the double-barrel wheel handle that you usually see on Rimowa suitcases, and say hello to the thin, single-barrel handle on the Salsa luggage.

The Rimowa Hybrid luggage also features height-adjustable dividers in each compartment, but sadly not enough pockets. But at least these suitcases are equipped with double spinner wheels, with cushioned axles, so they roll like almost no suitcase I have ever tried

These are by far the lightest Rimowa suitcases money can buy.

The Best Tumi Luggage

Tumi Tegra Lite Max

The Tegra Lite Max is one of Tumi’s best-selling suitcases ever. I think that has a lot to do with the fact that this luggage was made from Tegris – a material that only Tumi is allowed to use in the travel industry. And I believe all you need to know about Tegris and its durability is that is used in the protective gear of NFL players, as well as NASCAR race cars.

So, there is no doubt in my mind that the Tegra Lite luggage is going to be extremely durable. But that’s not the only reason for their popularity – just look at all the other features you get. There are double spinner wheels, a height-adjustable wheel handle, a TSA lock, expendable capacity, pockets in the packing compartments, and even an external compartment on all of these suitcases.

If you generally like to travel organized then don’t pass on this luggage. Hardside suitcases with external compartments are actually really rare – the only other one that comes to mind is Delsey Helium Titanium. And that one has an external compartment only on the smallest suitcase.

And of course, the Tegra Lite is equipped with Tumi Tracer. Basically, every Tumi suitcase has an individual serial number that is permanently attached to it on a metal plate.

This makes it easier for airline personnel to reunite you with your suitcase – they can call Tumi and tell them the product number, and then Tumi can reach out to you because they will have your contact information on file. And that is pretty amazing if you ask me.

Check the links below to see the Tegra Lite suitcases on Amazon:

International Carry On

Tegra Lite Medium Trip

Tegra Lite Large Trip

Tumi V3

The V3 luggage is made of Polycarbonate and so it has some advantages over Tegra Lite. For one thing, these suitcases are much lighter, which actually makes them a better choice for checked baggage, if you want to avoid any overweight luggage fees. Just consider this – the largest V3 suitcase is about 5 pounds lighter and 2” taller than the largest Tegra Lite suitcase.

But Polycarbonate is still slightly less durable than Tegris. However, that is absolutely no reason to avoid getting the V3 – companies like Samsonite, Rimowa, and Delsey all have premium PC suitcases since it is the best material for hardside luggage that is available to everyone.

And the features of this suitcase are pretty standard for Tumi. The V3 luggage is equipped with double spinner wheels, a TSA-friendly lock, a multi-stage wheel handle, and two spacious compartments with expandable capacity. Additionally, they also have the Tumi Tracer plate, which could be incredibly useful if you ever lose your Tumi suitcase.

Overall, the V3 luggage is pretty well made. However, I don’t think that they are unique enough to justify their really high price tags. They are actually pretty basic Polycarbonate suitcases, with the same features you’ll see on a $150 Delsey. But if you are determined to get a Tumi suitcase, then these are great contenders.

Check the links below to see the Tumi V3 suitcases on Amazon:

V3 International Carry On

V3 Short Trip

V3 Extended Trip

Tumi Alpha 2

If you’re looking for a softshell suitcase from one of these brands, this is your best choice. The Alpha 2 suitcases are by far the most popular softside luggage from Tumi, so you can’t really go wrong with them. All of the suitcases in this collection are made from ballistic nylon, which is pretty much the best material for softshell luggage.

Nylon is generally sturdier than polyester, but it is also water-resistant by nature. So in terms of durability, I think these are the best softsides you can find. In addition to that, there is something pretty unique about these suitcases, and that’s the double packing compartments. Which you rarely see on plain softshells.

I actually like this feature since it’s much better for the organization than a single packing compartment. Plus, you also get double spinner wheels, a height-adjustable wheel handle, plenty of internal and external pockets, as well as expandable capacity. Overall, if you are looking to fit pretty much half of your life inside a suitcase, the Alpha 2 is a pretty good choice.

I just wouldn’t recommend these for air travel, because I think we all know what happens to checked softshells. There’s a greater risk that they will wind up squished and ruined, which would be a nightmare, considering their prices.

Check the links below to see the Alpha 2 suitcases on Amazon:

Alpha 2 International Carry On

Alpha 2 Medium Trip

Alpha 2 Extended Trip

Tumi 19 Degree

This is an interesting luggage collection because it is Tumi’s take on an aluminum suitcase. And it’s a pretty good try – I especially like how they designed the shell. It’s pretty unique, and it’s available in several different colors, so you can actually choose a version that’s the best option for you.

But do these top the Rimowa suitcases? In my opinion no. But, they are the second-best choice, if you really want an aluminum suitcase. The main reason why I think that is the weight of the suitcases. They are heavier than the Rimowas, which is especially a problem with the largest suitcase. It weighs more than 20 lbs, which is nearly half of your weight allowance for checked baggage.

But the 19 Degree luggage is equipped with some awesome features. There are no zippers on the suitcases, so you have two TSA latch locks. The wheel handle can be adjusted to multiple height settings, and it works wonderfully in combination with the double spinner wheels.

As for the packing compartments, they are both fully lined and feature several pockets and dividers. So, these suitcases are great if you want to travel organized. Overall, they are a decent choice, but definitely not better than the aluminum Rimowas.

*Note: The listing for the International Carry On specifically says it’s a men’s suitcase. That is not a distinction that Tumi made, but rather a mistake, which you should ignore.

Check the links below to see the Tumi 19 Degree suitcases on Amazon:

19 Degree International Carry On

19 Degree Extended Trip

19 Degree Worldwide Trip

Tumi Latitude

The Latitude collection is again made of very unique material. Make no mistake, these are hardside suitcases. But they are made from several layers of SRPP Ballistic material – Self-Reinforced Polypropylene. Which was designed to be flexible, and to bend instead of breaking when it’s under a lot of pressure.

Another thing that this material is great at is being lightweight. In fact, the Latitude suitcases are by far the lightest luggage we checked out in this review, and I think they deserve a point for that. So, if you want the ability to pack a lot inside of your suitcase without going over the weight limit for checked baggage, these are the perfect choice for you.

Especially because they don’t have an expandable capacity, meaning that you won’t really be able to overpack them. But, just like all the other Tumi suitcases, they do have double spinner wheels, a multi-stage wheel handle, a TSA-friendly lock, and the Tumi Tracer metal plate.

In addition to that, both packing compartments are fully lined and spacious. There is also a suiter section in the top compartment, which is great if you often travel for business. Overall, these are definitely my favorite hardside suitcases. Not just from Tumi, but out of all the ones we checked out in this review.

Check the links below to see the Tumi Latitude suitcases on Amazon:

Latitude International Carry On

Latitude Short Trip

Latitude Extended Trip