Back in the ’80s, Tumi pushed boundaries in the luggage game by throwing ballistic nylon into the materials mix. They are at it again with a new super-light polypropylene thermoplastic composite material called Tegris. Created by textile and chemicals manufacturer Milliken for use in body armor, NASCAR vehicles, protective gear for NFL players and now for the Tegra-Lite line, Tegris is tough enough to handle all sorts of abuse—and really, what good is a bag that can’t sustain a two-story drop? These drop at Tumi stores nationwide this spring.

More looks in our gallery …

We’re very proud of the collaborative TUMI Alpha Duffle Bag we worked on this year. We love it so much that we figured it was high time to share our own looks and thoughts on the process. First and foremost, we need to thank TUMI for working with us on this project. We went through several revisions of the duffle bag before landing on what is a unique and new design to the TUMI line up. The four-in-one duffle is the first TUMI bag of its kind and built for our staff’s traveling needs.

The TUMI Alpha series was the inspiration for the Selectism duffle bag. The digital camo collection back in 2009 may have started it for us; this weekend duffle has been used by some on our staff for years now. Like most TUMI products, it has taken its fair beating through luggage returns and, as expected, performs as well as it did on day one. We believed that the TUMI duffle form was where we needed to start. With the help of TUMI we began to add in new features to make it even more versatile; the additions of the removable laptop sleeve, camera/day pouch, and tote bag came from these conversations and solved our specific needs which we’re sure others have as well. These features are the heart of our Selectism by TUMI Alpha Four-in-One Duffle Bag.

Photography: Jeff Carvalho/Selectism.com

More looks and thoughts on our TUMI Alpha Four-in-One Duffle Bag after the click.

We let this one breathe since last Friday when Cool Hunting let the cat out of the bag. Today, Park and Bond’s “The Intersection” delivers a proper dissection of our special Selectism by Tumi Alpha Four-In-One Duffle Bag. It has been in the works for some time; a proper travel bag, built tough, while allowing for expansion as needed. The final product is not only a wholly new bag in the TUMI line, it is also a reflection our needs when on the road. Check the removable zipper bags that line the exterior. Look inside see the liner. We kept it simple in color but went big on the form. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do. Let us know what you think of our new travel duffle bag.

The Selectism by Tumi Alpha Four-In-One Duffle Bag is available now exclusively online at Park & Bond for $495.

Victor Sanz, design director for TUMI gives us a behind the scenes look at the MINI Goes TUMI vehicle and luggage.

TUMI delivers a new collection of sunglasses and eyewear – just in time for Summer 2011. The Traverso collection puls queues from the luggage and accessories that make up the foundation of the TUMI experience. “Leather wrapped temples and ear pieces are inspired by the design of handles and zipper pulls. But it’s not just the design details that take their inspiration from the bags.  In true Tumi form each frame features innovative use of materials, such as titanium, aluminum and steel.” Zeiss lenses fill each frame with proper optics. Keep a look-out for te Traverso collection.

Tumi Japan take the Tumi Tumi Tag case to the streets of Tokyo. David Guarino of Zillion worked over the video.

Honeyee Japan delivers a strong styled editorial on the TUMI Alpha Bravo Collection. For Spring 2011, the ballistic nylon is complemented by leather and canvas sets in the collection. Honeyee does a splendid job of showcasing the collection in a way that shows their use in everyday living.

More looks after the click.

Packed in the standard TUMI ballistic case, this travel speaker is a nice go to item for on the road music. Simply plug it into your iPod/iPhone and you’ll be rocking in your office or hotel room. Enjoy it. And do not call it a hockey puck.

More looks after the click.

The Lexus LFA is what some consider to be the street super car of the moment. To keep that momentum running, Lexus has teamed with TUMI on some luggage to celebrate… well… the LFA. “Each is made of aluminum and carbon fiber, and each has a specific purpose. Like the “concourse” case that’s made to fit driving gloves and shoes for track work, or the “coastal” case for longer trips. Each unit will also carry the VIN from the actual car for that added bit of exclusivity.” (autoblog)

More looks at the Tumi Luggage for 2012 Lexus LFA after the click.

WSJ discusses the secrets to lightweight and proper packing with a man who should know – Tumi’s president, Jerome Griffith. Discussing the carry-on specifically, “Mr. Griffith is judicious about what he puts in his suitcase, which is 20 inches long—comfortably within airlines’ carry-on limits—and made of black leather, a color he says won’t “show dirt.” To start his packing, he takes out the “suiter,” a compartment designed for suits, in order to free up more room. He works in a casual business environment, he explains.”

Read the full story, “Packing Light and Right” at WSJ.