SHOP $575, tumi.com and amazon.com
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I’ve always been anti-backpack. What’s to like about one? Sure, you have the hands-free aspect, but you can get that with a crossbody bag or a tote. And, sure, they have plenty of storage space (sometimes), but is it worth it for the lumpy, bulky, overstuffed look and inevitable hunchback and achy shoulders? I think not. Or rather, I thought not.
Recently, I took a two week trip to India, and I needed a carry-on bag that was up to the task. It was then that I realized that backpacks can be a necessity, because when I needed something to be unobtrusive, sleek, and able to carry all the things I would need for a 22-hour journey (snacks, chargers, devices, and toiletries aren’t even half of what I bring on planes), I did some research, it seemed that only one backpack made the cut: the Tumi Bradner backpack. Now, I’m pro-backpack—but only if it’s with this one, the backpack that converted me, the one that’s now my favorite travel companion.
SHOP $575, tumi.com and amazon.com
It can carry everything—and then some.
What I’ve come to realize since using the Tumi backpack is that it has everything that other backpacks lack. You know when you need to fish something out of your backpack, and your hand descends into the dark chaos of the main compartment, searching blindly for one specific thing amongst the unorganized jumble of all your other things? Yeah, that will never happen to you with the Bradner.
This backpack has four compartments—a main one, a large front one with a U-Zip, a smaller, padded, straight-zip front pocket, and a quick-access, magnetic-snap back pocket—and all of them are spacious enough as-is, but they’ve got extra features to lend a hand, too. In the main compartment, everything you have will have a designated space; there’s a padded laptop compartment that can fit a device up to 14 inches, three open pockets, two pen loops, two padded pockets, and even a key leash.
Even jetlagged and 20 hours into my 22 hour journey, I could find whatever I needed in my Tumi backpack with my eyes closed (and I did when I needed my iPhone charger on the plane but didn’t want to take off the sleeping mask they gave me). I breezed through TSA, knowing exactly where my passport was; I had room for two water bottles, a puffy bag of chips, all of my liquids, two books, a laptop, an iPad, big ass headphones, and more; and thanks to the padded, adjustable, leather-trimmed straps, I didn’t even feel an ache in my back or shoulders the entire time.
SHOP $575, tumi.com and amazon.com
It stays sleek all the while.
I’m sure a lot of backpacks could technically fit all the things I put in my Tumi, but I guarantee that none would look as good doing it. While other backpacks would succumb to the bulk and leave you with a less than flattering side profile, the Tumi backpack somehow manages to stay slim, sleek, and sophisticated.
I’m telling you, that backpack will not bend. I think it might actually be impossible for the nylon tricot fabric to be warped out of shape, because not even me stuffing it to the brim with all sorts of things gave any indication that the backpack was completely full. Moreover, when I’m traveling, a trolley sleeve is of the utmost importance, but when the trolley sleeve is too padded and digs into my back, it’s not worth it. Tumi’s trolley sleeve, however, sits so flush to the body of the backpack that you wouldn’t even notice it was there if you weren’t looking for it or sliding it seamlessly over the handle of your suitcase.
Lack of bulk aside, the reason I love this backpack so much is because it’s just damn chic. It performs well and it looks good, with its smooth nylon outer, leather trim and leather handle, and all-around minimalist, slim look. The backpack isn’t too large, either, coming in at just 16.5 by 11.5 inches—perfect for overhead storage, or underseat stowing, or even just wearing on a super, super crowded commuter train to work.
SHOP $575, tumi.com and amazon.com
And you’ll use it for everything.
I used this backpack for a big trip, and I’ll use it for all my smaller trips, too. In fact, I think I’ll just use it whenever I can now, because it made my life and journey that convenient. This is definitely practical for any sort of travel, but it’s great for something as simple as going to work, too. There’s a designated space for your laptop, keys, pens, and cards, after all, and then even more space for your water bottle, coffee tumbler, chargers, umbrella, and more. If I were still in school, I’d have no problem tucking a couple of textbooks in there, too.
And, yeah, this might be a little more than you’d usually spend on a backpack, but you’re paying for quality, durability, and longevity. Other luggage brands have lesser-than backpacks that I’ve tried (and disliked) for about the same price, but Tumi’s—which comes with a five-year warranty—is cooler, tougher, more spacious, and just better.
SHOP $575, tumi.com and amazon.com
Photography by Joe Lingeman. Prop styling by Heather Greene.
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