TUMI Leather or Nylon? My Opinion on Backpack Materials!

[@vanhelmen3168]

Just bought the Navigation in Ballistic Nylon recently and I'm totally happy with it. It keeps it's form perfectly - even when it's totally empty.

[@BioGear]

That’s so important to me haha. Enjoy!!!

[@ragnevi]

Is there a huge difference in how much they weigh? I know with their briefcases, it made a huge difference for me to go from leather to nylon.

[@BioGear]

I notice a bigger difference between model bags than materials, in the case of the navigation I really didn’t notice a weight change. Tumi doesn’t list volume, but they do list weight though

[@as97922]

Is the leather durable? I think after 1 year of usage u can tell now

[@jollyblacksheep1781]

I’m close to pulling the trigger as well, but wondering if the Search has a “leaning to the side” problem you mentioned?

[@BioGear]

Fortunately they’re pretty consistent in all the ones I’ve seen. Think it’s a safe bet :)

[@jayme1223]

Enjoyed this video! Haven't used a backpack in almost 2 decades. In a recent trip, my friend had to do something and handed me his backpack, and i put it on both arms. I was surprised how good it felt with the weight evenly distributed. At the airport duty free on the way home, browsed at the Tumi store and checked the backpacks they had. Since there was little time before boarding, I couldn't decide if I wanted the Search or another style they had. So when I got back home, after a few days, I still felt the urge to get a new one. Finally after some research, (including this video and numerous readings of reviews online) I ordered from a friend whonis in Canada the Navigation. Then changed my mind and went with the Search Dynamic Stitch. Can't wait for it to arrive. And am thinking of getting a smaller one like the Navigation in ballistic nylon or The Dynamic backpack. Was wondering if you have a review or video of the Dynamic? Thanks!

[@BioGear]

Glad it helped! No reviews on dynamic stitch specifically but it is 100% my absolute favorite material Tumi uses.

[@rubixsco1583]

Had a brown leather one for the past 7 years through uni and work. Still looks fresh and the patina only adds to it imo. Recently bought a nylon bravo expedition for some extra space so hopefully it holds up as well.

[@BioGear]

Nice! The expedition is well built, you’ll get bored of it before you wear it out lol.

[@KimOC32]

I do not see the Dynamic Stitch anywhere on their website!?

[@MikSonus]

Great review. I’ll try that new dynamic fabric. I find the materials are all great, I kind of like the floppy for comfort during shopping in the mall, but for travel, absolutely need solid materials. 🫶

[@sandrisiswanto2552]

Where can i buy search with dynamic stitch.. Cant seem to find it online anywhere

[@SebastiánSierra-l5p]

Where do you get all that accent kits?

[@afawadhi]

That orange zipper pulls? It's the same the one you posted on the description. Can you please provide me with the source. I like them alot

[@KelseyPizarro23]

I just purchased the Search bag in dynamic stitch for my husband's birthday. They were sold out in stores and I had to purchase online. The Tumi associates told me they may be completely out of those bags in the wear-house and if they canceled my shipment that would be why. I guess this is a very popular style! Really hoping I can get the bag for him!

[@BioGear]

Hope you get it delivered, dynamic stitch has been my favorite fabric option I’ve ever owned, I’m sure he’ll love it!

[@donaldgoerig6171]

I agree with you. Tumi has removed their "internal structure" materials they used to do. I hate the flimsy feel as well.

[@BioGear]

Yeah not as stoked about some fabrics on some models. The esports line was golden as everything in the product line was super sturdy. Wish they’d use more of that design language!

[@makeye5307]

I hope you are doing well. Thank you for the review. Can you please help me? Where can i get the same orange zipper pulls you used. I know there is an Amazon link for it but when go there the zipper pull doesn't match witt the one you showed on your video. I really appreciate your time and effort. Thank you

[@keybobwarrior8902]

Great review and really helpful information on the different fabrics. Have you also tried the Nevado Blue fabrics? Was wondering if it would also be firm and structured like the dynamic stitch. Separately - do you know if the alpha bravo line goes on a discount in Tumi outlet shops? Thanks!

[@BioGear]

I checked them out in store, same as black nylon unfortunately. Yes there are absolutely alpha bravo sales at the outlet mall, check every season if you’re looking for one!!

[@ragnevi]

When Tumi has a sale, the Alpha Bravo line is more often on sale than the Alpha 3 line. But mostly, the ones they sell at a discount are the colored bags they make new each season. If they sell the black ones at a discount, it is cause they will stop producing them or change the model a bit. The large Alpha 3 business laptop case is not the same as it was first released. It looks similar but is very different inside.

[@dstreamer]

Which Zip hooks are those? Love them, can you share a link please

[@BioGear]

Link is in the description! :)

[@dorrefaeli229]

Thanhs for your prompt reply., will u sell yours than? 😊

[@ProtonVehiCROSS]

Thanks for showing off the Dynamic Stitch material. Had no idea about it. Where did you find the orange zipper pulls?

[@BioGear]

I bought those on Etsy. They shipped out of Ukraine so it took a couple weeks to get

[@ProtonVehiCROSS]

@@BioGearthanks, found them! They look great! I loved the purple accents you did on some of your other bags, too. Major style points! Merry Christmas!

[@BioGear]

@@ProtonVehiCROSS glad they still had them!! Thank you, and Merry Christmas!

[@garychapman1404]

Hi needing some advice, do they make the Nomadic in dynamic stitch and is the dynamic stitch available in UK

[@diwakerkathuria241]

I too wanna be informed about the dynamic stitch being available in the UK.

[@garychapman1404]

@diwakerkathuria241 Hi I contacted Tumi directly dynamic stitch is a USA only line for the time being

[@ZaneHead]

Was the dynamic stitch something that was offered for a short period of time? I'm only seeing these type of backups being sold on ebay by Japanese sellers.

[@BioGear]

Correct, it was limited. Be VERY careful with those eBay listings, many of them are fake Chinese duplicate bags.

[@ZaneHead]

@@BioGear Yeah, I'm figuring that was the case. I figured I might try and hope the tumi id is real. would you recommend the Search for overnight trips. I have a lot of hospital stays because of parents and partner.

[@steveng6997]

I bought the TUMI navigation in leather and I’m concern of the material compare to the same brand but in ballistic nylon. I want a bag that last long and not to be concern of the material

[@sugabbagus7461]

kudos for this comparison. Is dynamic stitch = Ballistic Nylon, mate?

[@EvilGabriel1001]

I'd love to buy the Search Backpack in dynamic stitch ... but I don't find it anywhere😅

[@billyyeoh9509]

I am considering between Tumi's nylon vs leather backpacks. My main concern about the nylon material is, will the nylon's surface skin peel off after many years? I will like it to last more than 10 years without suffering degradation on it's surface resulting in skin peeling off. Appreciate your view. Thx.

[@BioGear]

The old nylons I’ve seen for sale online generally just scuff up and fray on the areas you’re rough with, but they can’t peel or anything since it’s fabric. The anti-abrasive parts could potentially peel but I’ve seen no sighs of that yet, so far these bags have been super solid!

[@billyyeoh9509]

@@BioGear Thanks 👍🏼

[@yuzurugold3874]

what are your thoughts on tumi nylon versus ballistic nylon? i notice the women's backpacks all use nylon and it looks a bit cheap and flimsy, but the men's backpacks tend to use ballistic nylon. but is the quality of the regular nylon still good? i like the women's bag design more but debating whether i should get a men's bag for the ballistic nylon instead

[@BioGear]

Good question. The women’s nylon feels more lightweight but still quite resilient. The fabrics smoothness will show scratches easier than the ballistic nylon, but it’s still not a bad fabric. If you like the style of a women’s bag better, I wouldn’t pass on it over durability concerns. The interiors on the women’s bags are also smooth and feel great, just be careful with those lighter colors as they show marks easier too :)

[@XEPHON092]

La diferencia entre el nylon de la coleccion Bravo es reciclada, con un acabado balistico, la coleccion alpha es nylon balistico fxt, q es mucho mas grueso y con mas estructura, ya que son para diferentes propositos, el nylon de la coleccion de dama, es un acabado ligero, pero resistente ya que es nylon, porque las damas suelen guardar mas objetos asi que en cuestión funcionalidad, es mejor algo ligero amplio y resustente para ese sector, perdon por no ponerlo en ingles pero soy un poco malo, trabaje 7 años en tumi! Salidos desde Mexico city!

[@tunglam3701]

Hello! Where do you find the white accent kit? I can't find it online

[@BioGear]

Unfortunately it’s no longer being sold, they had them last year and quit after a short time

[@jk8066]

wonderful review... where do you get those colorful zipper strings, They are kool and add color to the bag... would love to get my hands on them... any pointers ?

[@BioGear]

They’re called zipper pulls, you can buy them on Amazon (check the video description, I put a link in there) or you can hunt down a Tumi Accent Kit but other than the 4 colors Tumi currently sells, older colors like purple and white are hard to find!

[@andrewbroadfoot99]

Did the pulls with the orange accents come with the Alpha Bravo Dynamic Stitch Search backpack? If not, where did you get them?

[@BioGear]

The orange zipper pulls were purchased off Etsy, I searched for Zipper Pulls and they came up! Ordered from the Ukraine, took a couple weeks to get.

[@andrewbroadfoot99]

@@BioGear Thanks! I found the site but only black available. I bought them but if the orange restock I’ll get them too

[@andrewbroadfoot99]

@@BioGear They are back in stock now

[@TheGardenMG]

I just ordered my Navigation last night, I went to three different TUMI stores, spent a whole week trying to decided between the ballistic nylon and dynamic stitch, end up getting the ballistic nylon even though it costs $95 more, it is just easier to match my outfit, and gives a more timeless look, the shape retaining ability is probably more important on a bigger bag like Search, not so much on the Navigation since it'll always be stuffed. But if this isn't my first TUMI backpack I'll definitely go with the dynamic stitch, it looks and feels amazing in person, will be getting it on my next bag for sure. Just wish it comes in black.

[@BioGear]

Nice pick! Yeah I hope Tumi continues to make more solid fabric options in the future. Hope they send me review models for once lol

[@juliochin829]

Thanks for your video, the presentation was very useful to me and I bought the Alpha Bravo Grey Dynamic and also the Dynamic navigation.

[@BioGear]

@@juliochin829 dynamic stitch is my favorite option I’ve ever bought from Tumi, wise choice!

[@dorrefaeli229]

Did you made the purple name tag or is it a limited edition?

[@BioGear]

It was sold at Tumi for a brief time. Really hard to find now days. I hope tumi brings back more accent kit color options, the current 4 suck.

[@KallMeKG]

Just picked up the TUMI Navigation in the Dynamic stitch it arrives tomorrow, I found one pre-owned for $450 on Poshmark. Looking forward to using it for my travels as a carry-on.

[@BioGear]

I saw that one for sale. Glad you snagged it!!

[@KallMeKG]

ahah awesome I went to my local TUMI to take a look at the bags in person, they didn't have any with that fabric in store so I took a chance after seeing your review about the stiffness, which was a plus for me @@BioGear

[@AuRowe]

nordstroms got it new for 409 right now. I got one at 360 before they just raised the price to 409, so just had to put this out there. Loving the dynamic stitch navigation. Thanks man, only bought it because of this video and your navigation review!

[@TheChamrod04]

​@RoweHowe just got it at Nordstrom Rack as well. After seeing the video, I was impressed with the bag

[@JoeKeilholz]

That Dynamic Stitch looks sweet ! With the dynamic stitch Search bag is it holding the structure or do you find you still need to keep a micro fiber cloth to hold the shape like the nylon one you had?

[@BioGear]

No rag! It holds shape perfectly! I freaking love this fabric,have all 3 bags now 😹

[@steveng6997]

Does the TUMI leather backpack peels off over the years?

[@BioGear]

Can’t say for certain, but from the used bags I’ve seen on eBay, they seem to scuff and scratch but not peel

[@qudjy1]

Hows the dynamic stitch in rain?

[@BioGear]

Haven’t “thoroughly tested” that yet as I haven’t gotten poured on wearing it, but in light drizzle it repels water very well. Water beads and falls off it nicely.

[@msandoval12]

i just bought the search backpack in blue and love everything besides the fabric caving in.... thought i could get past it but now that this new fabric has been released, i'm really tempted to sell mine and switch out!! How much were you able to sell your search for? what would you recommend as best way to sell if it's like new?

[@BioGear]

I think I sold mine between $400-450, but I can’t remember. I’d list it locally and/or on eBay. Just take really good pictures, and if you have proof of purchase even better, there’s a ton of fakes online now 💩

[@colin6711]

@@BioGearhow to spot the fake ones?

[@BioGear]

@@colin6711 I’d say you have to know the real ones well enough. The fake ones have crappy interior fabrics and also some of the price tags have the wrong wording on them. Other than that the can be kinda hard to spot and you just have to know the bags inside and out.

[@colin6711]

@@BioGear is it safe to buy it from eBay?

[@BioGear]

@@colin6711 unfortunately not, eBay is flooded with Chinese knock-offs now. Even the dynamic stitch and year of the dragon bags have fakes out now. Someone sold me a fake recently. Extremely unfortunate.

[@diegogtzt]

Thanks for the video man! Love the look of the Dynamic Stitch! Torn between the Search in Nylon or Dynamic Stitch, really want the dynamic stitch but can't find it anywhere online, did Tumi stop selling these? How's the durability along the years for the dynamic stitch compared to the classic nylon?

[@BioGear]

Thank you! The dynamic stitch moved to the sales section, so grab them before it’s gone. I’ve owned them since they came out which is less than a year, but so far they’re excellent at holding up, better than the nylon I believe. Love how rigid they are!

[@diegogtzt]

​@@BioGear Thank you!! Some like navigation are still in the sale section, but it appears the search in dynamic stitch is gone :(. Tho I think I found one in a store near me a bit more expensive, but might be worth the few extra bucks :).

[@BioGear]

@@diegogtzt I ended up buying all three models in the dynamic stitch. I see myself keeping these things for many years, they’re just too dang good. Literally selling my leather navigation and other bags because I don’t use them anymore over theses lol

[@King0wnz]

can you do a video on the dynamic stitch backpack?

[@BioGear]

It would be the same as the Search and Navigation videos I already made, so I opted to just cover it here. Is there anything else you wanted to know about it?

[@andredawson9454]

@@BioGearIs the dynamic stitch water and/or stain resistant? How does it hold up to daily use and travel?

[@stevenlee2074]

why your badge is purple color? very special, where to buy it?

[@BioGear]

The purple comes from an old Tumi Accent Kit but it has been unavailable for a long time now. Hoping they bring it back one day!

[@chun-minghong4203]

Can you share your thoughts on Alpha X, the new material? Thanks!!

[@BioGear]

I saw it last week, it’s rough to the touch but feels like it can take a beating. I’d buy it if I wanted an Alpha bag, meteor grey is nice too

[@syeda.hassan5680]

@@BioGear hey bro how big us that alpha x compared to the Search bag. The dimensions seem similar but I feel like the alpha x is a bit fatter and not as sleek looking.

[@BioGear]

@@syeda.hassan5680 the alpha x brief pack is a fat boy, it is very deep and sticks far off your back, that’s one of the two things I dislike about it most. It does hold a lot but I wouldn’t say it holds substantially more than a Search. The straps on the Search are better which is my other complaint on the Alpha X

[@syeda.hassan5680]

@@BioGear Thanks for your advice. Im planning on getting a search in the quilted material. Can I get my initials on the side tag and front plate both? Also. Do you think the orange color is too strong? I personally think the orange on the side label is very strong and the inside orange too. But, I have not seen it in person. I hope that this colorway looks good in the long run.

[@BioGear]

@@syeda.hassan5680 it’s on sale starting today, I highly recommend getting it. The orange is great, you can change the exterior color with an accent kit but the inside will always be orange as you mentioned. Doesn’t bother me personally ol

[@tsweat357]

I also wanted to know where you got the kool zipper pulls? Btw, just got the Tumi Brief. NICE...

[@Beachvibe85]

Torn between the search in the dynamic stitch and the esports pro large backpack. What would you recommend? Thank you! Love your videos!

[@BioGear]

I find the search more daily-friendly where the esports large is a bit of a super duty. The shelf and overall size is really good at organizing loads of gear on the esports, but it started feeling a bit too much for daily as I like smallest bag possible. The new dynamic stitch is quite incredible in my opinion, so it’s a hard call. If you’re just carrying a few daily goods then I may recommend the search first.

[@Beachvibe85]

@@BioGear thank you!! What about the search in dynamic stitch or the esports 17 backpack? I really appreciate the help!

[@BioGear]

@@Beachvibe85 esports 17 is better for carrying basic computer setup, as the main compartment isn’t big. Its superb at protecting a laptop, has a tablet sleeve and a water bottle pocket, but is a thin backpack despite being tall. I’ve had mine over a year now and for how little I carry, it suits me well since I usually just carry a laptop, iPad, glasses and headphones.

[@Beachvibe85]

@@BioGear thank you! Can’t wait to get mine!

[@cesarramirez264]

Hey love your vids br, anyway you would cosider trading bags?? Currently have Tumi Alpha Bravo Nathan Camo Blue

[@calvinvincentius9184]

can you do a review on fake tumis , coz each and every type of tumi bags have been counterfitted, and theyre around $80, can you do a side by side comparison tho?

[@BioGear]

You're in luck, I was planning to make a vid on this. The amount of sellers scamming people on ebay is horrendous. I play to review them for a cheap option and as a warning.

[@penneya3911]

Thank you so much for comparing the materials, I hadn’t considered the dynamic stitch, I thought it was just a different look.

[@BioGear]

I’m so glad it’s not, this stuff is really neat. I love solid bags and this one’s almost that :)

[@mulyonotanbz]

Is there any weight difference between the dynamic stitch and ballistic nylon? Thank you in advance

[@BioGear]

@@mulyonotanbz they list the same weight online, and I can’t say that I feel a difference. Being the leather is 3.8lbs and nylon is 2.8lbs, I’d be willing to bet it’s in between the two.

[@mulyonotanbz]

​@@BioGearthanks a lot for your information!

[@g1981c]

you should do a video explaining the difference between Tumi and Tumi Outlet. the Outlet scammed me telling me i was getting a Retail Tumi model that was on clearance due to being discontinued - but it turned out to be an Outlet model, so a lower quality model. by the time i found out it was too late to return - it's a good backpack anyway and works great for my laptop, but i don't like being lied to.

[@TrendyStone]

Yes, all the "outlets" are now selling cheaper low quality items...sadly. Same goes for Nordstrom.

[@ragnevi]

I think their water bottle pockets are too small on their backpacks, they can't fit my Yeti water bottles.

[@BioGear]

Water bottle pockets are a weak point for Tumi. They literally made an accessory to clip on a water bottle pouch. 🤦 gotta use a small bottle to make it ‘Tumi compatible’ lol

[@readersramble8385]

Awesome review as always. I have to laugh, I just purchased the Sports pot model from watching almost all your bag reviews. Should have waited a week. How is the quilted one in rain or dirt?

[@BioGear]

Rain wipes off pretty easy on the quilted, really is an outstanding material. Did super well on our hiking in Alaska. Nylon isn’t a bad option, but I think you have a month to make a decision on returns!

[@readersramble8385]

@@BioGearI have to yell a thank you to you. Was able to find a Dynamic Stitch backpack navigation on eBay. Love it and added some glow in the dark pulls like yours to it. It’s an awesome backpack. Thank you! Hope Tumi comes out with more dynamic stitch styles.

[@curtlong956]

Which backpack are you showing in the Dynamic Stitch material?

[@BioGear]

That’s the Search model! Totally fixes what I didn’t like about the bag

[@houlester]

Great review. I love the way the dynamic stitch looks. I’m looking for a small Tumi bag for a day bag. Just keys, wallet, phone, and maybe some small personal items. I have two cars and wanted everything in one location so everything is together. I’m always leaving my office keys or wallet behind. Could you recommend a bag for me?

[@BioGear]

The bag I'd recommend first is the one I use for the same items, the esports sling. It's compact and I love how it looks. Same with the Gregory, outstanding sling. The other smaller bags I like right now are the service crossbody and knight backpack/sling. For that helps!

[@houlester]

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. I’m going to run to the store near me and check them out. They should pay you a commission.

[@BioGear]

I wish, been reaching out for awhile to at least get review bags, never reapond ☠️

[@josejr.8671]

plush hard and thick just the way i like my bags .Rock solid, cant talk about bags without these words (ladies relax) . i own a trial Camel-bak bag def last awhile. my fav.

[@artemiocarballo8075]

Which one is better for you and why?

[@BioGear]

Personally I like the quilted dynamic stitch the most, it’s such a hard fabric that the bag holds its shape super well. Otherwise my nylon bags have been incredible, and I don’t have any more leather bags as I’m too scared to use them lol

[@artemiocarballo8075]

@@BioGear the grey one?

[@BioGear]

@@artemiocarballo8075 yes! They already discontinued it though, real shame.

[@artemiocarballo8075]

@@BioGear i can get one like the grey in discount, do you recomend it?

[@BioGear]

@@artemiocarballo8075 dynamic stitch is my favorite so I’d recommend it.

[@zulhilmikamarudin5949]

I have both nylon & leather, and both for different use. Alpha Bravo Nellis (nylon) for my everyday use as nylon is much better at enduring daily abuse. Arrive Barker (leather) for occasional use once a week or when i have to attend meeting

[@dorrefaeli229]

Either the black and purple or on of the search (:

[@davion0013]

Leather is the way to GO !!

[@yamuiemata]

The new material looks weird on camera

[@BioGear]

How so??

[@yamuiemata]

@@BioGear it looks like the base material and texture of a cushion 😁 When you strip the first layer of a cushion, the base layer material and texture is like that

[@jbearbear6503]

Are you beating your bags?

[@BioGear]

No haha. They cost too much so I treat them like they’re worth as much as what’s in them!

[@Jihyunnni]

남자친구에게 줄 선물로 투미 가방 후기 찾아보다가 여기까지 왔어요! 상세하고 꼼꼼하게 비교해줘서 도움이 많이 되었습니다 최고예요!!😊

[@josejr.8671]

yeah i wouldn't give this guy a bag for a present. you'd get an awesome review like this. lol