Founded by entrepreneur and world traveler Charlie Clifford, TUMI today is a global luggage and travel accessories brand sold in stores worldwide. Started in 1975, the name TUMI comes from a ceremonial knife of the same name that Mr. Clifford found, and loved, in Peru.
Having traveled around Peru extensively, I can see why Mr. Clifford was enamored of the country. The people and customs are wonderful and the traditions they use to create their crafts are impeccable.
When Mr. Clifford first launched TUMI they were primarily an importer of leather travel bags from South America. By 1983, however, they were one of the leading luggage brands on the market, known for their innovative carry-on garment bags as well as their use of ballistic nylon in the manufacturing of their line of exclusive luggage products. No other company at the time was using ballistic nylon to make everyday consumer goods, which set them apart.
One of their biggest innovations, however, was in 1986 with the introduction of their ‘soft briefcase’, a revolutionary, mold-breaking new category that significantly increased their appeal and brand awareness in the market. My dad had one of these cases when he was a salesman for a large moving and storage company and he loved it!
It was in 1992 that TUMI started manufacturing leather and ballistic nylon wallets, which led to the innovative RFID blocking wallets that TUMI manufactures today.
Their tech protects millions of consumers as they travel the world. While not an exclusive wallet brand TUMI is well-known for its stylish, durable RFID-blocking wallets, credit card holders and passport covers. TUMI even has its own RFID blocking tech that they call simply ID Lock.
What Types of Wallets does TUMI Manufacture Today?
TUMI manufactures a very long line of wallets and accessories but our focus in on the RFID blocking products that they carry. Crafted from a variety of different materials (but mostly ballistic nylon and leather) and in a variety of styles, there’s a TUMI RFIFD-blocking wallet that matches practically every style.
More importantly, they provide the protection needed from portable RFID scanning devices and the criminals who use them. Most TUNI wallets follow a slim design with rugged, durable construction to look great and last for years.
Below is a brief look at some of the different types of wallets, passport wallets and credit card holder wallets that TUMI offers.
- Alpha Global Double Billfold Wallet with RFID ID Lock. Using 90% ballistic nylon and 10% leather, this double billfold wallet features 5 card pockets, 2 slip pockets and an ID window.
- Alpha – L-Fold ID. This innovative wallet features an L-fold design, is 100% ballistic nylon and offers TUNI’s ID lock RFID blocking lining.
- Alpha Card Holder with Money Clip. Designed to hold only credit cards, this card holder features a slender design and RFID blocking technology
- Delta – Slim Single Billfold Wallet. 100% leather this gorgeous wallet is the classic billfold style with plenty of room for cash and cards and TUNI’s RFID blocking lining.
- Alpha Passport Case Wallet with RFID ID Lock. Large enough to hold 2 passports this ballistic nylon passport wallet also holds 7 credit cards, cash and your ID.
- Nassau Slim Card Case Wallet with RFID ID Lock. Made to travel light, this Nappa leather card case is super-slim and has a pocket for cash and receipts.
This is just a smattering of the types of wallets, credit card holders and passport sleeves that TUMI produces today. They have a few dozen in their lineup, many of which have their ID Lock lining built-in for safety.
The fact is, this is a company that’s been around for almost 50 years and have been an innovator and market-changer the entire time. It’s no surprise that they offer some of the best RFID-blocking wallets on the market today.
What Special Materials Does TUMI Focus On?
Here’s the thing; TUMI started as a bag and luggage company and only started manufacturing wallets after they’d been in business for almost 2 decades. By that time, they already had an extensive history of using revolutionary materials in their products, including polycarbonates and ballistic nylon.
Today the vast majority of their wallets and other card-holding, RFID-blocking accessories are made from either ballistic nylon, soft leather or a combination of the two. In fact, TUMI patented their own ballistic nylon for use in their luggage and it’s the same they use in their wallets.
What About TUMI’s Prices?
100% transparency, TUMI wallets are not the cheapest on the market, although they do offer some of their models for affordable prices. You can start at around $30.00 for a ballistic nylon RFID-blocking wallet and move up to $200.00 or more if you get their top-of-the-line leather wallets with ID Lock tech. That being said, these wallets will last for years because they’re so strong and durable, so they are definitely a good investment.
Is TUMI Considered an Exceptional Brand?
Heck yes, they are! They’re one of the world’s leading luggage and travel accessory brands! They’re sold in 75+ countries too, and for good reason; TUMI has put quality, durability and functionality at the forefront of their mission. TUMI lab tests all of its products with over 30 different tests before they release them onto the market!
Where wallets are concerned, TUMI was one of the true innovators, placing an RFID-blocking liner into the linings of their wallets before practically any other company and continually advancing that tech to make it better.
Influencers Who Love the TUMI Brand
There are quite a few social media influencers who love the TUMI brand and use TUMI products as they travel the globe.
- JAVIER DE MIGUEL – Spanish lifestyle influencer and model
- SASCHA “GOTTI” GOTTSCHALK – German traveler expert and professional bodybuilder.
- MARCO FANTINI – Italian model
- ELYETTE MO – French fashion influencer, inspired by the Gypset lifestyle.
- GWILYM PUGH – Musician, activist and model.
- MR. GOODLIFE – Publisher of the digital lifestyle publication mrgoodlife.net, owner of a digital agency and content creator.
In Closing
A world-class innovator, TUMI revolutionized the travel industry with its stylish, sleek and safety-conscious products and has been an industry leader for almost half a century.
Their wallets are exceptional. They’re stylish, slim, sturdy and their RFID blocking tech, ID Lock, will protect your valuable data from hackers and scammers as you travel the globe.
