Rimowa VS Tumi – Luggage Brands Battle

Let’s take a look at the disparities between Rimowa and Tumi luggage brands. Which one is more suitable for traveling? When deciding, customers should take into account factors such as weight, size, dimensions, colors, designs, capacity, flexibility, durability, and other features in relation to the prices. It’s also important for customers to know the various types of luggage and the duration of their trip. The length of the trip plays a role in selecting the right luggage; for shorter trips, a duffle bag, under-seat bag, or carry-on might be sufficient, whereas for family vacations, a large checked suitcase along with a small hand carry or handbag may be necessary.

Customers should also be aware of airline requirements, weight limits, and sizes. If they are purchasing large checked bags, they must consider the airline regulations regarding the maximum size for check-in luggage.

Nowadays, luggage comes with more advanced and smart features. Wheeled luggage is available for easy mobility, eliminating the need to strain one’s shoulders and arms. Opting for 2-wheeled checked luggage can help avoid the burden of pulling heavy weights.

Choosing the quality luggage from these excellent brands and comparing them can be challenging. However, frequent travelers can assess the similar quality and features of both brands to make the best choice. Before deciding between Tumi and Rimowa, it’s essential to compare their sizes, colors, designs, quality, features, and durability.

Let’s delve into the differences between Rimowa and Tumi luggage brands.

A Brief Summary of Rimowa

Rimowa, a luggage brand that has been around since 1898, is actually older than Samsonite. It was founded in Germany and is famous for its aluminum luggage with distinctive parallel grooves, a design they introduced in 1950. The company has remained under the ownership of its original German owners throughout the years.

However, in 2016, it was acquired by the French powerhouse LVMH (Louis Vuitton), which is currently the second-largest luggage manufacturer in terms of sales, just behind Samsonite. While Rimowa is widely recognized for its aluminum and polycarbonate hardside luggage, it has expanded its product range since merging with Louis Vuitton. Now, they also offer backpacks, totes, slings, phone cases, and various other travel accessories.

A Brief Summary of Tumi

Tumi, a renowned luggage brand, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1975 in the United States. Their reputation soared by producing incredibly sturdy ballistic nylon suitcases, specifically designed for business class travelers and airline crews, available in sleek dark colors.

However, after being acquired by Doughty Hanson & Co. in 2004, their prices became more affordable, but their suitcases slightly lost some of their durability, and the iconic lifetime warranty on new bags was discontinued.

In 2016, Tumi was acquired by Samsonite, and it has since become one of their top-performing brands, contributing to approximately 20% of their global sales. While Tumi primarily focuses on softside luggage, they also offer a range of hardside models, including aluminum suitcases. These aluminum luggage bears a striking resemblance to Rimowa, but come at a slightly lower price point.

In addition to luggage, Tumi also provides backpacks, totes, duffels, and various other travel accessories. Tumi understands that fashion and practicality go hand in hand. Their innovative features, such as the Wheel-A-Way and the patented snap hook, keep your belongings secure throughout your journey. Tumi is far from being an obscure brand. Since 2007, they have opened more than 50 stores worldwide.

Key Differences Between Rimowa and Tumi

Do Rimowa suitcases have a higher durability compared to Tumi?

Rimowa and Tumi are both known for producing incredibly sturdy suitcases, making it difficult to compare their durability. In fact, both brands are renowned for creating some of the toughest suitcases available, alongside Briggs & Riley. Rimowa luggage has always opted for aluminum as their primary material choice, which is the most durable option for hardshell luggage. This is because aluminum is far less prone to cracking compared to plastic or other composites used in hardshell luggage. Instead of breaking, it tends to bend.

However, since 2000, Rimowa has also introduced plastic hardshell suitcases made from polycarbonate. While not as durable as aluminum, it is currently the strongest type of plastic used in hardshell luggage. Its flexibility also makes it highly unlikely to develop cracks. When it comes to their backpacks, slings, and totes, Rimowa primarily utilizes canvas and full-grain leather, both of which are among the sturdiest fabrics used in luggage.

Tumi opts for ballistic nylon as their top choice for softside luggage, as it is considered the strongest fabric for this type of suitcase. While canvas and leather may be theoretically stronger, they are not commonly used in suitcases due to their susceptibility to abrasions, lack of water resistance, and heavy weight. Instead, canvas and leather are more commonly found in backpacks, duffels, and totes.

For hardside bags, Tumi utilizes aluminum, polycarbonate, and their unique material called Tegris, which is made of 100% polypropylene. Tegris is transformed into yarns and then woven into a composite, resulting in a material that is as durable as polycarbonate but lighter in weight. When it comes to hardware elements like wheels, zippers, handles, and locks, both Tumi and Rimowa excel in their quality.

However, Rimowa edges slightly ahead as they use slightly superior materials for their hardware. For instance, the latches on the Rimowa Original are made of metal, while the Tumi 19-degree aluminum suitcase features plastic latches. It is worth mentioning that we did not come across many customer reviews complaining about durability issues for either brand, which is a testament to their durability.

Does Rimowa Make Lighter Luggage Than Tumi?

Rimowa and Tumi are both known for making heavy suitcases, but Rimowa’s tend to be slightly lighter on average. However, when comparing the average weight of 31 different luggage brands, Rimowa still ranked 29th and Tumi came in last at 31st place. To put it in perspective, Tumi’s suitcases weigh twice as much on average as the lightest brand, Lipault, which was recently acquired by Samsonite.

Tumi and Rimowa have different weight characteristics due to the materials used in their construction. They both prioritize durability, which results in a heavier overall weight. Additionally, they offer more packing features and have sturdier wheels, handles, and zippers. These factors contribute to their weight, making them less suitable for airlines with strict hand luggage weight limits.

However, they excel as checked luggage since they are designed to withstand rough handling and have looser weight restrictions. Tumi tends to be heavier than Rimowa in checked luggage, with Tumi’s Alpha 3 Extended Trip weighing 17.9 lbs (8.11 kg) and Rimowa’s Rimowa Original Check-In L weighing 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg). Interestingly, the Alpha 3 is softside while the Rimowa Original is made from aluminum, contradicting the general notion that hardside suitcases are heavier.

Which brand is better at complying with the airline’s size limitations?

Rimowa and Tumi suitcases are designed to meet the size restrictions set by airlines for both carry-on and checked luggage. However, Rimowa suitcases are slightly better at staying within these restrictions.

When it comes to carry-on luggage, airlines in the United States typically have a size limit of 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm). European airlines, on the other hand, usually allow slightly wider carry-ons with a limit of 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches (55 x 40 x 23 cm). Tumi has optimized their carry-ons to fit within the size restrictions for American flights, while Rimowa has focused on European flights. Most Tumi carry-ons are exactly 22 x 14 x 9 inches, including the wheels and handles, while Rimowa’s dimensions are 21.7 x 15.8 x 7.9 inches.

For checked luggage, the most important size limit followed by almost all airlines is 62 linear inches (157.5 cm), which is the total of the height, width, and depth. We couldn’t find any Rimowa suitcase advertised as checked large that exceeded this limit. In fact, they are usually either 0.5 inches below or right at the 62 linear inches mark. The situation is similar for Tumi, with only one suitcase, the Tumi Alpha 3 Extended Trip, advertised as checked large and exceeding the 62 linear inches limit by 4 inches.

Rimowa or Tumi: Which brand comes out on top when it comes to reviews?

We analyzed the data for all the suitcases sold by Tumi and Rimowa on Amazon to determine which brand had better reviews. On average, Rimowa’s suitcases received a rating of 4.30 stars out of 5, while Tumi’s received a rating of 4.29 stars, making them almost identical. To provide some context, we collected data on 31 different luggage brands, and among them, Rimowa ranked 28th in customer reviews, while Tumi ranked 29th.

Although this might seem like a disappointing result for both brands, it doesn’t necessarily indicate that they don’t offer good products. Generally, lower-priced suitcases tend to receive better reviews because people have lower expectations for them. In the high-end category, customers are typically more critical since they expect perfection given the higher prices.

Most of the negative reviews for Tumi and Rimowa mentioned issues such as receiving products in the wrong color, customer service problems, limited packing capacity, or the perception that newer versions are not as good as those from 10-20 years ago. Interestingly, durability issues were rarely mentioned for both brands, which sets them apart from other luggage brands like Samsonite or Delsey.

Which brand offers greater value for your money?

After carefully considering all factors, we believe that Tumi offers superior value compared to Rimowa. Both brands have similar durability, materials, and warranty terms. However, Tumi stands out by being more affordable and offering better features.

We thoroughly analyzed their prices and found that, on average, Tumi suitcases are 15% cheaper than Rimowa. The average price for a Rimowa suitcase is $1131, while Tumi’s average price is $955. It’s important to note that both brands are quite expensive and, in our opinion, overpriced. For $300-500 less, you can purchase a Briggs & Riley suitcase with the same durability, features, and even better warranty terms.

Rimowa and Tumi are considered high end luggage brands, where you pay a premium for the brand name. However, Tumi leans more towards practicality. On the other hand, Rimowa has embraced luxury even further since being acquired by Louis Vuitton, introducing extravagant items like $125 phone cases, $80 AirPods cases, and $1720 protective cases for wine bottles.

Warranty Terms: Rimowa VS Tumi

Despite their high prices, it’s quite disappointing that Rimowa and Tumi only offer 5-year warranties. This is the same warranty period you would typically find for any medium-class suitcase from brands like Samsonite, Travelpro, or Delsey. However, when comparing the two, Tumi actually has much better warranty terms than Rimowa.

Rimowa’s warranty is quite limited, especially if you forget to register it online. In that case, the warranty is only valid for 2 years instead of 5. Additionally, Rimowa’s warranty only covers manufacturing defects, meaning any issues caused by improper manufacturing. It does not cover defects from normal wear and tear, transportation damage, or accidents. On a positive note, if Rimowa deems that the warranty is valid, they will cover all shipping costs to and from the repair centers.

Tumi provides a warranty that is valid for the first year without any conditions, meaning they will cover manufacturing defects, normal wear and tear, and transportation damage. Additionally, they will take care of all shipping costs during this period. For the following four years, the warranty becomes limited, but it is still better than Rimowa’s. Although Tumi won’t cover transportation damage during this time, you will need to pay for shipping to the repair centers yourself.

However, the advantage is that Tumi’s warranty covers normal wear and tear, such as worn-down wheels, cracks in the hard shell, or issues with the retractable handle. This is a significant benefit compared to Rimowa’s warranty. It’s worth noting that both Tumi and Rimowa used to offer unconditional lifetime warranties, but after being acquired by larger companies like Samsonite and Louis Vuitton, respectively, these warranties were reduced to cut costs and potentially increase profits through planned obsolescence.

Important Points to Think About When Deciding Between Tumi and Rimowa.

When it comes to choosing the right brand for you, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some key factors to consider when deciding between Tumi and Rimowa.

Style

The way your luggage looks is definitely important. Tumi offers a variety of classic and modern styles, while Rimowa focuses on creating suitcases that are both stylish and functional.

Material

The type of material used in your luggage is crucial. Both Tumi and Rimowa offer aluminum and polycarbonate suitcases. However, Tumi is well-known for its ballistic nylon material, which Rimowa doesn’t have. On the other hand, Rimowa is famous for its sleek and timeless aluminum designs. Remember, finding the right brand is all about considering your personal preferences and needs.

Price

Price is an important factor to consider when choosing your luggage. Tumi offers bags at various price points, ranging from mid to high. On the other hand, Rimowa’s pieces are generally more expensive than Tumi’s, but they provide a more luxurious experience.

Quality

When it comes to quality, both brands use top-notch materials and craftsmanship to create their luggage. However, Tumi’s bags are known to be slightly more durable. Now that we’ve discussed how to choose the best luggage and learned about Tumi and Rimowa, it’s time to make a decision. Let’s take a closer look at the prices, products, and quality of both brands.

List of the Best Rimowa and Tumi Brand Luggage

Rimowa Lufthansa Hard-Side Cabin Luggage

The Rimowa Lufthansa Hard-Side Cabin Luggage is a compact carry-on option. Its aluminum frame gives it a sturdy and robust feel, making it a bit heavier compared to the newer lightweight suitcases available today. However, if you prioritize security, this heavy-duty luggage is an excellent choice as it provides exceptional safety.

Rimowa Lufthansa Cabin Features:

• The TSA locks on this luggage are two-sided for added security
• For easy maneuverability, this luggage features double-spinner wheels
• You’ll find zippered compartments inside this luggage, but no mesh pockets
• This luggage has a side handle, a top handle, and a retractable wheel handle for rolling on spinner wheels
• The aluminum frame of this luggage is incredibly durable and resistant to damage.

Rimowa Lufthansa Cabin Luggage Product Specifications:

Luggage Type Cabin Carry-on Luggage  

Luggage Dimensions 21 x 15 x 9 inches 

Luggage Capacity 36 liters  

Luggage Weight 9 pounds 

 Luggage Colors Silver.

Our conclusion

Carrying heavy luggage while traveling can be a real pain, especially when it’s made of aluminum like this one. However, despite the extra weight, some people prefer it because of the added security it provides. With its indestructible surface and two TSA locks, you can rest assured that your belongings are well-protected.

Rimowa Essential Lite Lufthansa hard-side luggage

The Rimowa Essential Lite Lufthansa hard-side luggage is the perfect lightweight option from the brand. Unlike the original aluminum version, this one is much easier to carry and offers seamless maneuverability at the airport.

Rimowa Essential Lite Lufthansa Checked Hard-Side Luggage Features:

• This luggage boasts a sturdy hard-shell exterior and is a more lightweight iteration of the brand
• For added security, this luggage features a TSA lock
• Maneuvering this luggage is a breeze thanks to its four double spinner wheels
• Lift and carry this luggage with ease using its side and top handles, or use the retractable handle to effortlessly control the spinner wheels.

Rimowa Essential Lite Lufthansa Checked Product Specifications: 

Luggage Type Large Check-in Luggage

Luggage Dimensions 31 x 20 x 11 inches  

Luggage Capacity 36 liters  

Luggage Weight 8 pounds  

Luggage Color Black.

Our Conclusion

This durable, spacious checked luggage is perfect for a big family or a long journey. It’s the ultimate lightweight option from this brand, featuring an extended security TSA lock, making it ideal for international travel.

Rimowa Hybrid Hard-Side Cabin Luggage

The Rimowa Hybrid Hard-Side Cabin Luggage is crafted by combining the classic aluminum material with the latest polycarbonate materials. This unique blend results in a remarkably sturdy exterior and the most lightweight luggage in the brand’s collection.

Rimowa Hybrid Hard-Side Cabin Luggage Features:

• The luggage is equipped with two TSA locks for enhanced security
• Smoothly maneuver your luggage with the help of four double-spinner wheels
• Take control of the spinner wheels with the retractable and height-adjustable handle
• Protect your luggage from damage with the aluminum corner guards
• Get a tight grip on your luggage using the top handle or the side handle for easy lifting.

Rimowa Hybrid Hard-Side Cabin Product Specifications: 

Luggage Type Cabin Luggage   

Luggage Dimensions 22 x 16 x 9 inch

Luggage Capacity Luggage Weight 8 pounds   

Luggage Colors Glossy White and Black.

Our Conclusion

This brand offers a unique blend of metal and lightweight materials to create a super light yet highly durable luggage. Although it may come with a hefty price tag, this suitcase guarantees top-notch security and long-lasting performance. On the downside, the limited color options might be a letdown for those seeking a more vibrant travel companion.

Rimowa Essential Sleeve Cabin hard-side luggage

The Rimowa Essential Sleeve Cabin hard-side luggage is a fantastic choice for those who want a lightweight and durable carry on. It’s perfect for business trips or short getaways lasting three to four days. This exclusive piece of luggage offers extensive protection at an affordable price.

Rimowa Essential Sleeve Cabin Hard-Side Luggage Features:

• This luggage is super lightweight and has a tough hard-shell exterior
• With its metallic corner guards, this luggage is built to resist damage
• Keep your belongings secure with the TSA locks on this luggage
• Maneuvering this luggage is a breeze, thanks to its four double-spinner wheels
• Rest easy knowing that this luggage comes with a lifetime guarantee
• Take control of your luggage with the telescopic handle, designed to smoothly roll the spinner wheels
• Stay organized on the go with the convenient front compartment for laptops.

Rimowa Essential Sleeve Cabin Hard-Side Product Specifications:

Luggage Type Cabin Carry-on Luggage   

Luggage Dimensions 22 x 16 x 9 inch

Luggage Capacity Luggage Weight 8 pounds   

Luggage Colors Grey and Black.

Our Conclusion

Looking for a cabin bag that’s both lightweight and durable? Look no further than this one! With a strong hard shell, corner guards, and a TSA lock, it’s highly secured too. Plus, there’s a front compartment for laptops and gadgets, and plenty of room inside for all your other travel essentials. Perfect for international trips, business trips, and conventions alike!

Rimowa Essential Trunk Plus hard-shell extra large-size luggage

Rimowa Essential Trunk Plus is the ultimate extra large-size luggage with a tough and durable hard-shell surface, providing top-notch security and ample space for all your extra items. It’s the perfect companion for a family vacation or a lengthy adventure.

Rimowa Essential Trunk Plus Hard-Side Checked Luggage Features:

• The TSA lock provides top-notch security for your belongings
• You’ll find plenty of storage options with its mesh zippered pockets, compartments, and spacious interior
• The double-spinner wheels and telescopic handle make it easy to navigate through crowds
• You can rest easy knowing it comes with a lifetime guarantee
• Its sleek and glossy exterior comes in a variety of colors to make a statement.

Rimowa Essential Trunk Plus Hard-Side Checked Product Specifications:

Luggage Type Extra Large Checked Luggage  

Luggage Dimensions 31 x 14 x 16 inch

Luggage Capacity Luggage Weight 12 pounds   

Luggage Colors Light Pink, Dark Brown, Black, Grey, White, Pale Green, Matte Black, and Matte Blue.

Our Conclusion

This luggage is lightweight, but when it comes to larger checked sizes, it can become overweight. Before loading the luggage, customers should make sure to check the size and weight according to the airline’s instructions. This particular model is available for both cabin and check-in large-size luggage. It offers extensive protection with its durable surface, corner guards, and TSA lock. With its extra large compartments, it can easily manage all accessories and packing items. The spinner wheels and telescopic handle ensure quick and smooth movability, making it easy to handle. What makes this model even more interesting is that it comes in different colors, giving it a bright and clear appearance in busy areas of the airport.

Tumi Tegra Lite Max Soft-shell luggage

The Tumi Tegra Lite Max Soft-shell luggage boasts of top-notch quality and durability, which is a rarity in the luggage market. With its spacious compartments and ample storage, this large-sized checked luggage is ideal for those who pack heavily when traveling.

Tumi Tegra Lite Soft-Side Suitcase Features:

• The luggage comes with a front compartment on the outside and can expand up to two inches to fit more stuff
• For added security, the luggage is equipped with a TSA combination lock
• You can easily control the spinner wheels and make fast moves with the telescopic handle
• The luggage features four double-spinner wheels that allow for quick and easy movement in any direction.

Tumi Tegra Lite Soft-Side Luggage Product Specifications:

Luggage Type Large Checked Luggage    

Luggage Dimensions 13 x 20 x 29 inches 

Luggage Capacity 91 liters

Luggage Weight 16 pounds    

Luggage Color Grey.

Our Conclusion

This luggage isn’t exactly lightweight, so make sure to weigh it after packing everything and double-check the airline’s rules before checking it in. However, it’s perfect for packing extra items and going on a family trip.

Tumi Nineteen Degree Hard-Side Luggage

The Tumi Nineteen Degree Hard-Side luggage is crafted from aluminum, making it a highly durable and damage-resistant option for long-lasting travel. While it may be on the heavier side, it offers excellent protection with its two-sided lock system.

Tumi Nineteen Degree Hard-Side Luggage Features: 

• It’s a classic retro style
• The metal surface is built to last and can withstand any damage
• For added security, it features double-sided TSA locks
• With three additional zipper pockets and a removable hanger for laundry, it offers extra convenience
• The luggage is equipped with spinner wheels for easy and swift rolling.

Tumi Nineteen Degree Hard-Side Luggage Product Specifications:

Luggage Type Carry on Suitcase   

 Luggage Dimensions 9 x 14 x 22 inches

Luggage Capacity 32 liters

Luggage Weight 11 pounds    

Luggage Color Silver.

Our Conclusion

This luggage is quite heavy and not suitable for air travel. The material used is of exceptional quality and has a long lifespan, but it can be challenging to handle due to its weight. It comes with TSA locks and a telescopic handle for smooth rolling on spinner wheels, making it easier to move around. However, pulling it can still be quite difficult due to its weight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Tumi and Rimowa luggages?

Tumi and Rimowa suitcases have their own unique features. Tumi’s Tegra-Lite range is popular for its lightweight and durable design that comes at a reasonable price. On the other hand, Rimowa offers a wide selection of aluminum and polycarbonate luggage that is both scratch and dent-resistant, as well as luxurious.

Are Tumi suitcases built to last?

Absolutely! Tumi suitcases are built to last with top-notch materials and they even offer a warranty of 5-10 years for that extra peace of mind.

Does Rimowa offer warranties?

Rimowa is proud to offer a lifetime manufacturer’s guarantee for all suitcases purchased after July 25, 2022. This guarantee covers all functional aspects of your suitcase, so you can be confident that your Rimowa suitcase will always be in top condition and ready for your next adventure.

What’s the ideal size for a suitcase to buy?

The ideal size of a suitcase varies based on what you personally require and prefer. If you’re in search of a compact and lightweight suitcase that is convenient to carry, then a cabin-sized suitcase might be the perfect choice.

However, if you’re traveling with a substantial amount of luggage or have large items, a check-in suitcase would be more appropriate. We suggest taking into account the kind of items you plan to bring and how frequently you travel when determining the most suitable size for your suitcase.

Is Tumi better than Rimowa?

Deciding between Tumi and Rimowa for luggage can be a tough call as both brands offer great options. However, Rimowa stands out with its exclusivity and unbeatable lifetime warranty. It’s worth noting that Tumi has tried to keep up with Rimowa’s grooved aluminum design, as seen on their 19 Degree collection, but Rimowa remains the original. That being said, the Tumi 19 Degree is still a solid alternative. Overall, if you’re looking for top-notch quality and convenience, Rimowa might be the way to go.

Are there any additional features offered by Tumi?

Absolutely! Tumi goes above and beyond by offering a range of extra features to enhance your travel experience. For instance, their cases come with the innovative X-Brace 45® handle system, ensuring smooth and effortless maneuvering while safeguarding your belongings from any potential damage. Moreover, Tumi cases are equipped with expansion zippers, allowing you to instantly increase the interior capacity whenever needed. Additionally, some suitcases even have USB-C connections for convenient mobile device charging. However, it’s worth noting that bringing lithium batteries on board can still be a contentious issue with airlines.

What is the right way to find the right suitcase?

Looking for the perfect suitcase? The key is to compare various brands and models. In this article, we’ve done a detailed comparison of Rimowa and Tumi, covering features, materials, prices, and more. By going through this, you’ll be able to make an informed decision on which suitcase suits your needs best. Another helpful tip is to read customer reviews. They provide valuable insights into how each suitcase performs in real-life situations. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be well-equipped to find the ideal suitcase for your upcoming vacation or business trip.

Bottom line

Choosing between Rimowa and Tumi suitcases comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. While Tumi is our personal preference, Rimowa also has its own unique benefits. When it comes to durability and materials used, both brands are almost identical and offer some of the most durable suitcases available.

Additionally, Tumi and Rimowa are considered luxury brands that outrank designer brands like Gucci and Bottega Veneta in terms of quality and practicality. These two brands have mastered the art of combining fashion and functionality in their designs, making them a great choice for any traveler.

But with all the buzz surrounding these brands, it can be tough to make a final choice. That’s where this Tumi vs Rimowa review comes in handy. It offers a quick comparison to help you make up your mind once and for all.

Tumi is known for being affordable, versatile, and cleverly designed. While they may not be as visually appealing as Rimowa, they make up for it with their top-notch quality. These suitcases are perfect for practical travelers who prioritize functionality over style when they’re at the airport.

On the other hand, Rimowa is all about catering to the Instagram crowd. It’s the luxurious purchase that influencers love to flaunt on social media. While they are relatively practical, they seem to lack the integrated features and durability that Tumi offers.