Earlier this week, Tumi formally introduced its newest line of hardshell cases, the Latitude Collection. The line consists of five sizes, from Slim International Carry-On ($645) to Worldwide Trip Packing Case (not yet available). Tumi’s pitch: the Latitude is the brand’s “most durable lightweight hardside case yet.” That benchmark is achieved by utilizing complex materials for the shells: “layers of specially woven self-reinforced poly-propylene ballistic material” are designed to flex and bend under weight and due to bumps and bangs, but not to break. On a recent 10-day European trip through multiple countries, I hauled along the largest of the four available cases, the Extended Trip Packing Case, to see how well it performed in the wild.
The Good: This thing is incredibly light and smooth. Truthfully, typing out “nine pounds” makes the case seem heavier than it feels in person. The sheer size of it compared to its lack of mass is really impressive. Even more impressive is how it moves under load — the casters roll without any discernible friction and maneuver effortlessly with barely any input.
It’s also cavernous: I had to work to fill the case, and even then I left enough room for another half week of travel. I’m also partial to the Latitude’s looks. the woven shell material creates a carbon-fiber-esque appearance, and the wavy texture, which I’m sure is partially structural, also adds visual appeal.
Lastly, the case really is durable and strong. After being loaded in no fewer than six planes, four hotels and countless shuttle vans, there’s nary a nick to be seen. I was also victim of airline delays, and the Latitude provided my light-ish but full-size adult frame with a comfortable seat for hours on end. (It’s fun to zoom around on too.)
Who They’re For: Travelers who set off often and for two weeks at a time, and who never want to buy another suitcase ever again.
Watch Out For: It’s possible the Extended Trip Packing Case is too big for most sojourns. I was traveling through multiple climates and had to dress for a wide variety of events, from formal dinners to relaxed, casual travel days and business meetings in the middle. And, knowing that I had a large case at my disposal, I packed liberally. Still, there was room. Copious space is, of course, what the case is designed for, but the bigger problem is how space is utilized — it’s simply a big, vast, open receptacle. That’s good if you use packing cubes and other containers (I like Eagle Creek cubes and a Mack Weldon dopp kit) to organize your belongings. Otherwise, you’ll be forced to unpack completely every time you want something at the bottom.
