Alpha Bravo Search Backpack

The Search is the best all around travel-focused backpack I've come across in a long time. It is capacious enough for fully stuffed Peak Design Medium + Small packing cubes, toiletries bag, laptop, water bottle, umbrella and a few other items. The main compartment has its own volume and isn't impacted by the side or front pockets coming in to steal space. As with other Tumi bags, it has really durable construction and zippers that are slide easily to manipulate with one hand, yet are durable and don't snag. There are lots of small design features that frequent travelers would appreciate. For example there is a hidden magnetic snap pocket at the top that is perfect for sliding in your phone before walking through airport security. It has a luggage handle pass-through, and I also love how the backpack can stand up by itself too, which is handy and the bag is empty or fully loaded. I've been a long time Tumi customer, and having used their suitcases, shoulder bags and other backpacks for over 20 years, I can confidently say this is my favorite piece. There is no denying that for $550, it is expensive, and it's not a purchase to take lightly. Given that this bag can be used for EDC work plus travel, I would consider it a decent value and should last for many years.

Looked for weeks before pulling the trigger on this backpack. Bought this for international travel. The airline we are traveling upon has an under seat depth for bags of 19" (even in first class) so I didn't want one that would seemingly "stick out" beyond that. This bag is wider than most vs. taller (when in vertical position). Researched the viability of ballistic nylon. It is seemingly a multifilament high tenacity fabric that is highly resilient and durable. One thing that I noticed is Nordstrom's dimensions description is incorrect. The TUMI website clearly states their Search backpack is 17.0" X 14.0" X 8.3" - a tad smaller than Nordstrom is advertising. So Nordstrom's advertised dimensions = 1.25 cubic feet or 35.39 liters vs. Tumi actual dimensions of 1.143 cubic ft. or 32.366 liters. 32L is still a good size . . . and one of the largest that I could find that would still pass as a "purse" object for boarding. (Sometimes you encounter an overzealous agent who doesn't abide backpacks in place of purses.) I always validate posted information with the brand's advertised information. The Navy is much darker than anticipated vs. photo on Nordstrom's website, but keeping it anyway. Lots of room in this backpack. The "laptop" compartment is much larger than expected. It's not just a sleeve. You could easily have a latop, ipad and notebook in that area with plenty of room to spare. I love the fact that my stainless water bottles fit in the side pockets. It not only has a zipper, but it has as "pocket" for the bottle to sit in as well - so it will not fall out if for some reason you can't zipper it closed, e.g., if you were carrying an folded umbrella in that pocket vs. a water bottle. Expensive, but thinking it will last a lifetime. Look forward to using this.

Great design, aesthetics, and style. The bag does not look too big or bulky, rather I find the size just right. The storage size and capacity of the bag is perfect for my everyday use. The only design flaw is that the front of the bag where the logo is located does not hold its shape and will collapse unless you stuff the inside with a cloth or something. Other than that, I really like this bag and can’t wait to use it more. At first I wasn’t too sure about the new design in comparison to the Sheppard, but now I find this design more modern and tech like.

Perfect amount of pockets and size. Use as my daily back pack

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Mega quality. I had one for 12 years and finally decided to buy a new one because I spilled soda in it. But the old one looks new aswell. Tumi is a life long investment.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Great update to the Alpha line of backpacks. I like the ability to use the Alpha+ accessories. The only thing that would make it even better is an upper outside accessible pouch/pocket.