Tumi Luggage Voyageur Sumatra Crossbody Bag, Black, Medium

This may be the longest review ever, but I have a lot to share about this bag, so hopefully it will help someone else. The bottom line: this is the ideal bag for travel, especially international travel because it keeps your valuables right by your side and you can definitely put your hand over the bag in crowded areas and still look natural. It is lightweight, durable, and will easily fit what you need (within reason—it’s smaller than it seems online, but I liked that because it forced me to carry only what I needed). The black is the perfect color—see below for details on color selection.Now, the longer story. I ordered this bag in three colors from Amazon because I couldn’t decide online and they offered free returns. When it arrived, I almost returned it. The stitching over the front pocket on the “quartz” one was fraying right before I even touched it, and there seemed to be a smudge on it already (I had washed my hands before touching any of the bags since I knew I’d be returning 2 of them, so it wasn’t me). I was dismayed that the stitching would so easily come undone, and that a supposedly “carefree” nylon bag already showed a mark. Plus, the bag was a lot smaller than I anticipated—yes, I read the dimensions, but I still thought of it as being bigger. It easily fits a travel guide book, a cardigan sweater, and of course a wallet, sunglasses, etc. But I guess I’ve had bags that you can fit everything in the kitchen sink in, and this is not one of them. It definitely would not fit a DSLR camera (but I was bringing my point and shoot on this particular trip).I bought this bag for a trip to London, and then a later trip to Spain. I wanted a crossbody because wearing a backpack in pickpocket-heavy areas is just asking to be ripped off, plus nothing screams tourist like a backpack. I also considered the Marc by Marc Jacobs “Sasha” bag and the Longchamp Le Pliage hobo bag, both in nylon, too. I definitely wanted nylon because leather is heavy and I didn’t want to have to worry about the bag getting wet or stained during my travels. In case anyone is considering the two other bags—I loved the look of the MBMJ Sasha, but the strap was way too thin. It would have dug into my shoulder, no question, once it was loaded with stuff on a long day of sightseeing. The Le Pliage hobo was huge, which I liked, but it was a giant hole—no pockets or structure whatsoever, and it just seemed bulky for travel. It would have gotten in the way on the tube/metro or just on crowded streets.So, after being initially disappointed with the Tumi bag, I ended up keeping it because the other bags I considered just weren’t suitable.A word about COLOR—I didn’t want black because it’s boring and the black Tumi bag looks more like “luggage” than the other colors. But that’s the one I ended up keeping. The Smoky Quartz showed stains easily, as proven when it arrived with a stain (I gently tried to remove it with a wet cloth in case I had somehow caused it, but it didn’t go away). It also, for some reason, had already started “un-stitching” on the front pocket. If you’re buying this for travel, the Smoky Quartz will show stains, water marks, etc. I also tried the Slate Gray. I LOVED the color, it is really dark and yet the gray contrasts nicely with the black. Very sleek and modern looking, loved it. But if the Smoky Quartz showed a stain, I knew the gray one would be more likely too, also. Black hides all manner of stains, and the gray worried me because another reviewer mentioned water marks (and that discoloration was not part of the warranty). I figured black was safest since this would be on subways, trains, buses, etc. with me. I know I made the right decision. I didn’t want to be stressed about ink from a pen, grease from food, etc. ruining this bag. Also, the black looks very sleek compared to the silver hardware. It is less “cute” than the other colors, but whatever, practicality wins for me!I decided to keep the bag and I’m so glad I did. It held up really well on my trip. I carried it every day and never had a problem. The strap was as comfortable as it could have been after a long day of wearing it. I haven’t noticed any problems with the stitches but again, they would be hidden with the black color anyway! No stains yet, although there is some mysterious white mark (not sure what it is and it didn’t come out with alcohol-free baby wipes or water). Still, nothing compared to what I’m sure would have appeared on the lighter colors!ORGANIZATION is a snap with this big. I used the two pockets on the side of the bag for coins—one side for “major” coins (in Britain, the 1 pound and 2 pound are coins) and the other for minor ones for when I was trying to get rid of small change. I used the front/outer pocket for my point and shoot and/or cell phone, since it offered easy access. I put my cardigan, for chilly restaurants and such, tucked into the bottom of the bag (there are grooves that accommodate a soft shape like that). I then put my wallet, sunglasses, and other small items in the main body of the bag. My passport always stayed zipped up in the main pocket.This bag feels very SECURITY, even in crowded areas. I was a female traveling solo and I always felt in control of my belongings. Obviously, I wore it crossbody (you could sling it over one shoulder if your other shoulder was getting tired) most of the time. Then, you can rest your hand/forearm on the top of the bag, loosely holding the strap, so it’s virtually impossible for anyone to get in the bag—and yet you still look natural (not like a paranoid tourist). As I said, all my valuables were safely tucked in the very inside, zippered part of the bag, so a pickpocket would have to do some real digging anyway to get at anything of value. Also, when you sit down on a subway or bus, you just drape the bag into your lap and it’s very secure there.So in short, getting this bag was a great decision. I have to say that although I’m a loyal Amazon customer, I did end up returning all three and buying the black Tumi bag at an actual Tumi store in person. Maybe I’m just being paranoid but it did seem that the Smoky Quartz bag’s stitches were fraying, and there was a stain. This bag was a lot of money for me and I just wanted to be sure that it was a genuine Tumi product (you do hear about fakes on Amazon) and that I could go talk to an actual person if I ever had a problem. But I’m sure it’s fine on Amazon, just felt the need for full disclosure.If you’re thinking of this bag for travel, get it. Trust me, I looked at a TON of bags…from the “cheap” Baggalini types and the anti-theft ones to the two brands I mentioned and others I found online. This is a great bag. Yes, I do think it’s a bit pricey for what it is (I mean it’s nylon, come on, and Tumi isn’t a designer label in the sense that other handbag brands are). But Tumi IS known for high quality, and so far I’m not disappointed. I could have gotten a cuter/more feminine bag, but at the cost of my shoulder comfort (I’m telling you, so many of those cute bags have thin straps) or at the cost of convenience (no bag I tried had as many pockets as this bag). Just get it…you can carry everything you really need and you’ll feel very secure with this bag!

Love the style and all the pockets that help keep me organized. It is also very comfortable to carry. When looking for a day-travel bag, this was the best looking bag I could find (IMO). I love that it comes in both neutral and bold colors. I gave it 4 stars because for the price and advertised as a travel/everyday bag, some anti-theft features should be added (without jacking up the price either). How about a slash-proof shoulder strap and some type of slash guard under the nylon fabric (both pacsafe and Travelon offer these features in some/most of their bags).

Loveeee this crossbody. I got it on sale in the lipstick color. Light weight, plenty of room, beautiful pop of color. I'm only 5ft tall and this is the perfect size. It's classy, and very organized. Zippers work like a dream. I would love the multi colored one. Even on sale it was a bit expensive but the nylon is soooo worth it. It's like silk. Sits comfortable on my shoulder and when I adjust the strap it stays put. I use mine daily and again would love another one even though I'm sure it will last long time.

As a working mom with several million things going on at once I'm always searching for a bag that allows me to be hands free but keep me relatively organized. Furthermore, in the city of New York a cross body bag is essential.I wish this was a just a bit smaller in terms of width and length but it solves the problem of a bag that's relatively flat against the body elegantly. It is also very lightweight which is good because the things I need to keep in it are not

Great carry-all. Next best thing to a backpack. However, does loose it's nicer / tidy shape on top if you actually pack the purse in a less organized fashion on a regular basis. Color is also great fun. Would recommend to anyone not looking for traditional purse.

I bought three different designs of TUMI Messenger Bag for ladies in last two months.These three bags are replacements from a discotinued old model that I looked for several months.Sumatra model is very light and durable and has plenty room even for iPad, but little bit too big.I chose Lugano model sometimes in case I carry brief bag.

Perfect for travel. Size is perfect to hold tablet and more. So many pockets! I bought the slate first and love it but want to use it in fall and winter so ended up buying the blue (pool) for the summer. Nice bold blue. My friends bought orange (more pumpkin orange than bright or neon), pink (is almost red) and black. All love it for size, color, functionality and durability.

I recently brought this bag along for my travels and its all I want in a travel bag and to top it off it looks good!! It can contain lots with plenty of secret pockets here and there. Perfect for me as I travel with 2 toddlers. Only wish that its not so pricey! :)

This bag is high quality and has many zippered compartments. The nylon fabric is great. It is a functional bag!

Perfect size. Perfect number of pockets. Easy on shoulder. Very happy.

love it.