Background
First launched back in 2016, 19 Degree is 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. This is a review of a full aluminium 19 Degree Extended Trip Packing Case, the largest check-in baggage item in the series.
Style
There’s no getting away from it – this is a very cool looking suitcase. While the black colour option looks sleek and the silver clean and modern, much like a classic Ferrari the only real option to choose is the piercing red that honestly makes it feel like you’re walking with a miniature supercar behind you.
On more than one occasion across the six flights I took this suitcase on, a member of check-in staff practically swooned over it, remarking on how much they liked the look. You couldn’t ask for a more supercar-style response to an item of luggage than that. Add to this the textured ridges that shoot down the exterior and that’s all you need for one thoroughly cool looking suitcase.
Dimensions
This is where this particular suitcase doesn’t do quite so well. While it is big, it also carries the weight to match coming in at 7.3kg. That’s close to one quarter the total 32kg per bag weight allowance that most airlines employ as standard before you’ve even put anything in it.
Quality
This is certainly a robust suitcase. Having taken it on six individual flights there were only minor signs of scratching and marking by the end of it, though these do show up on the red case more than it would, say, on the silver variant.
Interior
The volume here is huge and thankfully isn’t impeded upon too much in order to accommodate the retractable handle. This gives you ample flexibility in how you want to lay out the suitcase, rather than having to pack all your bulkier items in a single, more capacious side.
The case opens up in a clam-shell style rather than on 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, but it does mean you need to make sure you have plenty of space in your hotel room when opening it up. There are also two separators – one for either side – along with tie-down straps to keep items secure, and three zip compartments for thin items.
Details
For its relative bulk, this suitcase is incredibly smooth to handle and even when it was fully packed I seldom found myself requiring more than just the gentlest of nudges to get it gliding across the floor.
Security
There are two TSA combination locks on either the side of the case and a third central push button to keep everything secure, all three of which open and close at the push of a button with an oh-so-satisfying “clunk”.
Verdict
I think it’s fair to say I’ve never been more enamoured with the aesthetics of a suitcase before, but this isn’t just a pretty, delicate little thing. It’s robust and secure, and aside from the issue of its heft, is a pleasure to use.
Fact file
- Dimensions 77.5cm x 52cm x 28cm
- Volume 84 litres
- Weight 7,3kg
- Colours Red, silver, black
- Wheels Eight
- Warranty Five years limited warranty
- Price US$1,395
- Contact tumi.com
