TUMI Dover Backpack

I’d been searching for a stylish, functional and well built backpack for a while. For a train journey to London, or as a carry-on for air travel. In fact, I’m at Heathrow as I write this post, with my TUMI Dover Backpack. I happen to have the International Four Wheel Office Carry-on too, which I reviewed already, but it’s in checked baggage hopefully finding its way to the same plane I’m getting on in an hour or so.

TUMI Dover BackpackIn truth, I’d looked at a variety of brands before landing on the TUMI Dover Backpack. Some super-stylish, some highly functional and others a mix of the two. None completely ticked the box though. I travel a lot for work, and while style is important, function is more so. Getting the two married together perfectly is not easy to find, trust me. TUMI however, previously an IBM executive frequent flyer brand have opened up its creative brief to include more fashion conscious designs. The TUMI Dover Backpack one result of this, and part of the popular TUMI Alpha Bravo collection.

tumi_1The TUMI Dover Backpack (in a Hickory colour-way) is versatile, made from highly durable fabric and features a comfortable, adjustable shoulder strap and precisely-designed compartments for your laptop, tablet and other daily essentials. It’s the consummate commuter bag or carry-on.

tumi_4Size wise, it feels sleek, which is ideal, but the capacity feels endless; H: 40.5cm, W: 29cm and D: 11.5cm. I have a Canon SLR with 50mm lens in it, a 15” MacBook Pro, a book and plenty of room to spare. It’s made out of TUMI’s famous Ballistic Nylon, where durability really is the word. And weights just 1.18kg unladen.

tumi_5Within, there is a media pocket, iPad pocket, 15″ laptop pocket, zip pocket, 3 business card slots, pen loop and a key leash. Externally there are adjustable shoulder straps, webbing top carry handle with leather accent, zip entry to main compartment, front vertical zipper pocket, lightly-padded pocket lined with non-abrasive microfibre suede for extra protection and a quick-access back pocket with hidden magnetic snap.

tumi_6 tumi_7It’s remarkable comfortable, I’ve been carrying it for 3 hours, double-strapped- taking my laptop out and putting it back in, as well as my book and passport. It’s convenient, easy, remarkably well made and looks fantastic. TUMI really are ahead of the field when it comes to luggage, and ticking every box.

£345 from uk.tumi.com

Chris Beastall

Chris is the Founder and Editor of Ape to Gentleman. His interests lie in men's style, male grooming and leading a better lifestyle - through minimalist, basic and clean design.