I suspect this is a new design that appears in the Tumi Alpha collection. After some searching, I have never come up with anything like it in the Gen. 4 lineup.
It is plenty roomy and but does not have the same bulk of the Alpha Business Class backpack. The side pockets align more closely to the main body than on the Business Class. So, when the pack is called "compact", it seems that is relative to the Business Class, which is also a nice item.
If you note the side view, the zippers of the main compartment do a kind of a "turn" towards the back as they near the top, This is nice because it makes for easy access to the padded laptop section, and a very nice wide opening to the main compartment.
The file folders are removable, but the laptop compartment is not (in other words, it is not a sleeve like some models). I like this more for my personal use. It will fit my laptop which is 14.88 inches wide, but that is pretty much the outside limit in size.
I think they found a really nice balance between size and capacity, and again, if you note the side view, you will see a bit of a taper towards the top, so it sits very well without being liable to tip over.
I plan on using it in a work setting, and have no concern about looking less than professional when going to a meeting. Maybe the leather is a bit excessive, but to me it adds quite a bit to the pro feel of the luggage. A nylon backpack is too much of a college look for my tastes. Some older Tumi backpacks had a zip-around cap on the top, which looks awkward in comparison to this sleek baby.
With all new leather goods, a leather conditioner makes a big difference. Put it on before you use the item, and every 12-18 months thereafter, depending on wear, use, and climate.
It is expensive, as you notice! However, it should last 20 years if you use a good conditioner, so that is $35 per year, not figuring time value of money.
In that light, this pack and all other expensive Tumi items are actually a steal.
All in all, an easy 5-star and worth every penny.
I didn't purchase this through Amazon. I was driving around sandestin florida and i ran into this strip of outlett stores and there was a tumi store. I had eyeballed this backpack online a year or so ago and unfortunately I wound up buying some other no name very average leather backpack on amazon because the tumi was just a wee bit hard to justify price wise.... Not trying to brag but I own bags from waterfield, booq, northface, tenba, and buggati but i just felt like this tumi leather backpack was the one that got away. When I saw it in person. Oh I knew it..I felt it...it was the one!! Looking at it online doesn't do it any justice and guess what? I got it for so much cheaper than $599. I got a deal, i had to pull the trigger on this one. Some people would say this is excessive but I don't care. If you want high end, here it is. To me, Tumi represents some of the best bags available and I pretty much agree with the two other reviews for this bag.
I will say that the left side pocket has a small filter and its good for wet umbrella or even a drink because any moisture will evaporate through that tiny filter. The file folders inside are removable but I dig this feature and I really like the pockets up front. I can quickly store belongings and even my belt in these pockets before going through security check at an airport. There's also a cable bag inside u can store p/s or cables.
And backpacks aren't usually considered professional but I would say this one is.
Another nice thing is that tumi provides a recovery program for their bags in case the bag is ever lost or stolen and someone recovers it. I just think its nice they offer that service complimentary. Also it comes with a very fair warranty for the first year worry free and yrs 2-5 covered for any defects.
Anyway, I'm using this for my 10 inch asus laptop, my panaonic G2 which sits snug with another lens in a lowpro case, and my 7 inch tablet, and other accessories ie ipod, full size headphones, ext 2.5 hd, etc. I even have room for paperback book and with all of that, it doesn't weigh a bunch. Also, when the back pack isn't in use, it comes with a dust cover. I also bought the leather conditioner while I was there. You definitely want to keep this bag nice. I believe this bag will last me for years to come.
Buy Tumi Alpha Compact Laptop Briefcase Pack Now
Best backpack I've ever owned. Completely worth the price. It's as if Tumi knows exactly what spaces are necessary and builds them into the bag. Easily fits a 15" laptop with room to spare and fits nicely under the seat of a plane when traveling.
Read Best Reviews of Tumi Alpha Compact Laptop Briefcase Pack Here
to be fair the review is about the brand and not on this specific backpack.
I bought a TUMI backpack after a recommendation from a friend that mentioned there is life time warranty on it (to justify the 200$ price tag).
I decided its a good deal since I was confident I will be able to keep this bag our of harms way as far as external damages.
4+ years gone by the bag started to show some chewing done by the teeth of time from normal use and I decided to go to your friendly neighborhood TUMI store, pay a fee of 15$ for the shipping to TUMI "labs" in order to get the bag fixed or replaced. got a letter a week later asking me to contact them in 30 days or they ship the bag back "as is". (no phone call follow up god forbid in spite of the fact they get all your details when you ship it back).
the lady informed me the model I had only covered by warranty for 3 years... and other than that they cant repair the bag damage.
the only option the way they see it is for me to purchase another back at a discount.
now all that was good and nice if it was the redbull bag I bought in Thailand at 2001 for 10$ (that didn't have any damage since then by the way) but its a 200$ investment we talking about here.
the lady kindly corrected me it was 189$..
of course the fact I bought the bag in Manhattan in which you pay sale tax is not something TUMI cares to much about.
I let her know they can throw the bag and that I will make sure not me or anyone else I know will purchase their overpriced bags again, and its not because the product is not good I honestly liked it while I used it but because a company that charge so much premium for a mass manufactured product has no right to exist with this type of service.
so if you are about to buy a TUMI product I implore you to factor this incident in your decision and learn from my experience.
All the Best
p.s.
im writing a brand review here since the "Share your opinion on this brand" is in BETA and not working at the moment.
Want Tumi Alpha Compact Laptop Briefcase Pack Discount?
The backpack looks great the build quality is exactly what one would expect from Tumi. For me, it was a little too small. Both the main compartment and the laptop section seemed a little small (guess that is why it is called "compact"). In fact, my 15" Macbook Pro was a little too snug in its section.
I returned the item and bought the business class T-pass backpack from a local Tumi store (same price). That suits my needs much better. The laptop section folds out completely for seamlessly traversing airline security. The main compartment is separate (as opposed to the compact) and holds more items.
That said, the Compact does have more individual compartments and does contain a removeable file folder. That does make it a little desireable if the size is not an issue for you.
I'm a longtime fan of Kelty bags, and I've owned quite a few models, but this isn't one of their best offerings. I get the whole throwback bag movement, and I've long used old USGI and foreign military packs as well. This bag feels cheaply made, the zippers grab, and the lashing system to get the main cover down is annoying due to the fact that it doesn't unbuckle. If this were less money I wouldn't gripe as much, but in this price range there are many other options that are better quality. Bummer because the style and fit is actually ok.
