When the New York Post shopping team set out on the ambitious task of testing nine suitcases in New York City, I was fairly confident that none would be able to withstand all three of our trials.
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none → set → trials
We tested some of the best names in luggage, from Rimowa’s sleek aluminum carry-on and the trendy Away suitcase to the trusted Amazon Basics case, alongside popular brands like Travelpro and Samsonite.
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We → test → Travelpro
I wasn’t quite sure where Tumi, one of the more luxurious options, would stand — but I’d heard it had an excellent reputation (and at $750 I certainly had high hopes for its performance).
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I → stand → performance
We started with a packing test to assess capacity, followed by a street test to see how each suitcase handled bumps, cracks and uneven pavement.
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suitcase → start → bumps
Next came a bodega test, where we evaluated maneuverability by navigating tight aisles.
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we → come → aisles
Finally, there was the seriously trying stair-drop test, in which our team sent each suitcase tumbling down the stairs five times, from different angles.
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team → be → angles
It’s also worth noting that the Tumi competed in our First Class category, alongside two aluminum cases: the Rimowa Original Carry-On and Carl Friedrik Carry-On.
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Tumi → ’ → cases
Despite going up against these more expensive competitors, the Tumi’s durability, performance and functionality ultimately came out on top.
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durability → go → top
The polished Tumi Carry-On luggage packed with ease and impressed us with its smooth yet tough construction, gliding smoothly across varied terrain.
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luggage → pack → terrain
Plus, its expandable design adds valuable extra space when you need it most, and it’s stocked with unique features that make traveling a little less stressful.
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traveling → add → features
According to our tester, Commerce Partnerships Associate Brooke Parker, the only reason she didn’t give it a perfect score was its higher price point, making it inaccessible for some shoppers.
Made from a molded polycarbonate hardshell with a striking modern wave-like pattern, the Tumi 19 Degree Expandable Carry-On is designed to withstand heavy impact without cracking.
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On → accord → impact
The shell, zippers, and grab handles are also treated with an antimicrobial finish for an added layer of protection.
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shell → treat → protection
The suitcase features a USB-C charging port, TSA-approved locks, 360-degree spinner wheels for smooth maneuverability and an expandable interior that gives you extra packing capacity when you need it.
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you → feature → it
The interior includes a dual-compartment zip pocket, as well as compression straps so you can make the most of the space.
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you → include → space
At just under 8 pounds, it strikes a nice balance between durability and portability.
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it → strike → durability
Lightweight, resilient, and easy to maneuver, it’s well suited to quick weekend trips as well as longer travels.
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it → maneuver → trips
It’s available in seven attractive shades — with optional luggage tag monogramming for a more personalized touch.
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It → ’ → touch
You might not expect much from lightweight polycarbonate, but Parker says the Tumi held up remarkably well throughout the entire testing process.
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Tumi → expect → process
She took it through the subway system and over plenty of bumps and cracks on New York City sidewalks.
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She → take → sidewalks
“The suitcase still looked brand new after all the testing phases,” said Parker.
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Parker → look → phases
“There was a small mark after the fourth or fifth trip through a subway station, but it buffed right out with a paper towel.
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it → be → towel
Otherwise, there were no signs of scratches, dents, damage or any other indication that it had been used at all.”
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it → be → scratches
The Tumi also performed remarkably well in our stair drop test.
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Tumi → perform → test
Despite its lightweight construction, which caused it to bounce slightly as it tumbled down the stairs, the suitcase emerged almost completely unscathed, aside from a few minor scratches.
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suitcase → cause → scratches
The wave-like exterior may have helped disguise some of that wear, too.
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exterior → help → wear
In terms of design, Tumi takes a modern approach.
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Tumi → take → approach
The suitcase features distinctive wave-like contours that make it easy to spot — even from a distance, which can be helpful when searching for it at baggage claim.
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which → feature → claim
It also has a retractable three-stage telescoping handle and convenient top and side carry handles.
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It → have → handle
Parker loved the look and feel of the case.
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Parker → love → case
“The glossy, sleek look is very nice to look at and I really like the zigzag ridged design of the outside of the suitcase,” said noted. “It gives a high-quality, clean look without too much flash, which is something I consider important, especially when traveling alone and commuting long distances through the city.”
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I → look → city
Weight
Weight was one of the first things Parker noticed when testing the case.
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Parker → notice → case
Despite its durable construction, the Tumi weighs just under 8 pounds, which is several ounces lighter than its aluminum competitors.
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which → weigh → competitors
“The first thing I noticed (while taking it home empty for testing) was how incredibly light it was,” said Parker, who noted that she really began to feel the difference when it came to maneuvering the suitcase around the city.
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it → notice → city
Even after a day of testing it, she didn’t feel tired from carrying it.
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she → test → it
The Tumi starts with a 38-liter capacity, but expands to an 11-inch depth when you need more room.
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you → start → room
That extra space made a noticeable difference for Parker.
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space → make → Parker
She appreciated the relatively simple, easy-to-use compartments.
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She → appreciate → compartments
A zippered flap on the clothing side felt strong and sturdy, even when the case was packed slightly beyond its limit.
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case → feel → limit
The shoe compartment was similarly durable, securely holding multiple pairs of shoes and a toiletries bag.
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compartment → hold → shoes
It took Parker a little over 15 minutes to pack all of her items.
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It → take → items
…and 53 more, not listed.
The Aporia
