Tumi’s Tegra-Lite collection isn’t quite tough as nails. It is, in fact, as tough as Tegris, a material that Tumi has exclusive rights to for travel luggage and accessories. Its usage is something of a market breakthrough, like the action hero you’ve been holding out for.
So what’s all the fuss about? Tegris is a ‘polypropylene thermoplastic composite’, which – for those of us who don’t speak science – means it’s a recyclable material somewhere between carbon fibre and plastic. Light, stiff and impact resistant all at once, it’s been used in race car design, protective gear for NFL players and even as armour against ballistic threats. We’d hasten to add however, that Tegris was only integrated into a much larger anti-ballistic design, so if you ever end up in a situation when you’re getting showered in enemy fire, holding your Tumi over your head probably won’t do you much good. That doesn’t mean it isn’t a lifesaver of a different ilk though, since you can rest assured that whatever you’ve packed is in a safe hold.
In terms of agility and power, the new Tegra-Lite Max has dual 360-degree spinning wheels, which offer better balance and smoother rolling across difficult surfaces, while the X-Brace 45 telescoping handle – constructed from aircraft-grade aluminium – reduces the possibility of damage to the handle system and makes the suitcase feel lighter as you move with it. If your problems tend to start with packing, though, then you’ll be glad that the Max can also be expanded a further 5 centimetres. And it comes with a handy new front pocket that flexes inwards so that the bag can maintain its dimensions and protective shell.
Every good action hero has a refined side, though – you don’t catch James Bond sacrificing style after all. With this in mind, this season’s collection was inspired by the old-world charm of Amsterdam. The colours to choose from – graphite grey, sunrise orange, herring brown, charcoal black and baltic blue – recall the autumnal palette of the famous Dutch artist, Rembrandt.
Combining technological innovation and intelligent design, the Tumi Tegra-Lite is nothing else if not a feat of engineering, genuinely looking to revolutionise our attitudes towards global travel. Tough, it seems, at least for this travel hero, can also be elegant.
WHAT Tumi Tegra-Lite Max
PRICE From 595 USD to 1,030 USD
FACT This American suitcase manufacturer will even monogram your Tegra luggage, free of charge. But you need to do so at select stores or online.
WHY Having featherweight luggage is a blessing in this day and age of overweight penalty charges. But when you consider how sturdy and stylish the Tegra Lite Max is too, it’s easy to see why it’s a winner.
