Tumi 19 Degree suitcase

BACKGROUND

Launched in 2016, the 19 Degree was Tumi’s first ever aluminium luggage collection, though pieces are also available in a polycarbonate counterpart. The collection features two carry-on and two check-in variants.

STYLE

This is a very stylish case. In black it is sleek; in silver it is clean and modern, but much like a classic Ferrari, the only real option is the piercing red that makes it feel like you’re walking with a miniature supercar behind you, complete with textured ridges that shoot down the exterior.

DIMENSIONS

This is a very robust case which will withstand a lot of punishment, but of course with this toughness comes the trade-off – its weight. At 7.3kg it is close to onequarter the total 32kg per bag weight allowance that most airlines enforce.

QUALITY

Unrivalled. Having taken it on six individual flights there were only minor scratches and marks, though these were quite visible. Continuing the Ferrari theme, I looked like a careless driver.

INTERIOR

The volume is impressive and isn’t impeded upon too much in order to make space for the retractable handle.

The case opens up in a clamshell style rather than at the top. This is good for organisation and means you don’t need to go digging through your luggage to get to something buried at the bottom. There are also two separators along with tie-down straps to keep items secure.

HANDLING

For its relative bulk, this suitcase is incredibly smooth to handle and even when fully packed it required little more than a gentle nudge to get it gliding across the floor.

SECURITY

There are two TSA combination locks on either side of the case and a third central push button that open and close with an oh-sosatisfying “clunk”.

VERDICT

I’ve never been more enamoured with the aesthetics of a suitcase before, and, coupled with its robust build, despite its weight it is a pleasure to use. Craig Bright