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Rimowa Original Cabin vs Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum: which one should you buy?

Quick answer

Buy the Rimowa Original Cabin if you want an iconic, long-lasting case. Buy the Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum instead if you want aluminum for less.

By Opulique Editorial Team Updated 1 min read

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Rimowa Original Cabin
Buy

Rimowa Original Cabin

Best for Aluminum icon

Typically $1,450–$1,700

Check Price on Amazon Paid link
Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum
Buy

Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum

Best for Value aluminum

Typically $1,100–$1,350

Check Price on Amazon Paid link

Quick comparison

FeatureRimowa Original CabinTumi 19 Degree Aluminum
VerdictBuyBuy
Typical price$1,450–$1,700$1,100–$1,350
Best forAluminum iconValue aluminum
Key featureGrooved aluminum carry-onAluminum carry-on
ShellAluminumAluminum
Size55 x 40 x 23 cm56 x 40 x 23 cm
Weight4.3 kg4.4 kg
WarrantyLifetime5 years
Where to buyCheck Price Paid linkCheck Price Paid link

Main differences

Shell

Rimowa Original Cabin: Aluminum; Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum: Aluminum.

Size

Rimowa Original Cabin: 55 x 40 x 23 cm; Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum: 56 x 40 x 23 cm.

Weight

Rimowa Original Cabin: 4.3 kg; Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum: 4.4 kg.

Warranty

Rimowa Original Cabin: Lifetime; Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum: 5 years.

Why buy it

Rimowa Original Cabin: grooved aluminum carry-on; Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum: aluminum carry-on.

Made for

Rimowa Original Cabin: aluminum icon; Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum: value aluminum.

Usual price

Rimowa Original Cabin: $1,450–$1,700; Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum: $1,100–$1,350.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Rimowa Original Cabin if you

  • you want an iconic, long-lasting case
  • value iconic
Check Price Paid link

Choose the Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum if you

  • you want aluminum for less
  • value fair price
Check Price Paid link

If neither feels right

Neither is the only answer. See every piece we would buy (and the ones we would skip) in our list of the best luxury luggage.

Not sure about either? Consider these

Rimowa Classic Cabin

Rimowa · Luxury luggage

Rimowa Classic Cabin

Buy it if you want classic.

Verdict
Buy
Best for
Classic aluminum
Typical price
$1,600–$1,900

Pros

  • Beautiful
  • Durable

Cons

  • Heavy
Check Price on Amazon Paid linkRead our review
Rimowa Original Check-In L

Rimowa · Luxury luggage

Rimowa Original Check-In L

Buy it if you want a lifetime checked case.

Verdict
Buy
Best for
Big aluminum
Typical price
$1,800–$2,100

Pros

  • Durable
  • Lifetime warranty

Cons

  • Heavy
Check Price on Amazon Paid linkRead our review

Frequently asked questions

Rimowa Original Cabin or Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum: which should I buy?

Buy the Rimowa Original Cabin if you want an iconic, long-lasting case. Buy the Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum instead if you want aluminum for less.

Is the price difference worth it?

The Rimowa Original Cabin usually costs $1,450–$1,700 and the Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum $1,100–$1,350. Pay more only if the differences above matter to you.

Opulique Editorial Team

Part of the Opulique research team. We compare specifications, documentation and real-world trade-offs so you can decide faster.

How we research products Editorial policy

Rimowa Original Cabin or Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum: the full reasoning

Rimowa Original Cabin or Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum? Both are strong luxury luggage, which is exactly why the choice is hard. The short version first: buy the Rimowa Original Cabin if you want an iconic, long-lasting case, and buy the Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum if you want aluminum for less. The rest of this page explains why, with usual US prices.

Where they differ

The Rimowa Original Cabin wins on grooved aluminum carry-on. The Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum answers with aluminum carry-on. Shell: Aluminum on the Rimowa Original Cabin, Aluminum on the Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum. Size: 55 x 40 x 23 cm on the Rimowa Original Cabin, 56 x 40 x 23 cm on the Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum. Weight: 4.3 kg on the Rimowa Original Cabin, 4.4 kg on the Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum. Warranty: Lifetime on the Rimowa Original Cabin, 5 years on the Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum.

Reasons to buy the Rimowa Original Cabin

Iconic, Durable, Lifetime warranty. What to accept: dents, heavy. Usual price: $1,450–$1,700. Our verdict: buy. Read the full Rimowa Original Cabin review.

Reasons to buy the Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum

Fair price, Tough. What to accept: heavy. Usual price: $1,100–$1,350. Our verdict: buy. Read the full Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum review.

Neither one?

Our list of the best luxury luggage has every other piece with its own call. Shell: aluminum dents but lasts decades; polycarbonate is lighter and flexes; vulcanized fiberboard is classic but heavy.

Also consider the Rimowa Classic Cabin ($1,600–$1,900): leather-handled aluminum. Buy it if you want classic.

Also consider the Rimowa Original Check-In L ($1,800–$2,100): large aluminum checked case. Buy it if you want a lifetime checked case.

Buyer tip

Luxury luggage warranties matter more than looks: register the case with the brand after you buy.

Buying in Europe: European prices include VAT, and many Italian and French makers of sunglasses, gloves and leather goods sell for less at home than in the US. Check the warranty and repair service before buying across borders.

Luxury prices move in a different rhythm from everyday shopping. The great houses (Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Rolex) raise prices once or twice a year, often in January and in spring, and almost never discount their icons. Seasonal pieces, colors and many shoes, coats and knitwear drop 30–50% in the end-of-season sales in January and from late June. Watches from brands such as Omega, TAG Heuer, Longines and Breitling, and most fragrance, see the best prices around Prime Day and Black Friday. Judge any deal against the usual price we show.