I just bought a Tumi 26141 expandable briefcase and I'm loving all the organization options. I've been using it for a couple days now, and I'm trying to optimize my layout and make my movement around the bag more efficient.
So I'm asking fellow owners: What layout works best for you? What do you put in the smaller front pockets? Etc. I'm just looking for ideas here, even if we carry completely different things.
For instance, I'm having trouble finding a "right place" for that cable/accessory bag. I hate just throwing it in after I pack the briefcase. I want it to go somewhere specific. Just haven't found a good solution yet.
There are websites dedicated to efficient iPhone home screen layouts, so I figured I'd give briefcase organization a try on this forum.
I realize this thread has the potential to become extremely "nerdy." Thanks for your input!
Flubber2012
Aug 31, 12, 9:44 am
Calling till
Mellonc
Aug 31, 12, 5:10 pm
I like Tumi for its layout and organization. I don't like it for the usage of corrected grain leather, non replaceable wheels and odd customer service policy along with its more "fashionable" bags that doesn't seem all that fashionable.
My Tumi slim portfolio brief has elastic pockets 3 in the outer pocket and 3 more in the main compartment. It's got a couple of pen holders and a bunch of zippered compartments.
I prefer elastic pockets over tiny little organizational pockets with nylon fabric that can only take thin pieces of stuff. A prime example is the multiple slots for business cards. Who uses them???? Why would anyone use a business card slot made for 1 card each. Isn't it just better to carry a small card wallet or B card carrier that'll carry a bunch of them.
I also don't like small bits of nooks and crannys that is supposed to house things like SD cards and credit cards? Why make a pocket so small and specialized that you need a diagram to find out what they are for.
On some bags, there are so many "organizational" pockets in the front that my fingers hurt trying to insert it into the opening these tiny and "ingenious" pockets.
Tumi's elastic pockets make so much more sense. They expand and contract as needed. In those 6 pockets Ive got:
b card walllet
i phone
ID tag
3 flash memory cards
checkbooks
spare writing instruments
contact lens case or two
halitosis meter (don't ask)
lugnut1
Aug 31, 12, 5:53 pm
+1 about the business card holders. This bag has 2 of them attached to the interior of one of the outer pockets, and I was thinking about who would actually use them for business cards. You'd have a bunch of dog-eared business cards if you used the card holders AND the pocket as normal. As it is, I carry my FedEx card in there, and a pack of gum or something. Every time I zip that pocket closed, I think, "I could totally put that pocket to better use," but that's all that really fits in there. So, whatever.
tfar
Sep 1, 12, 12:31 am
EDIT: Forgot to say: Congrats on that fine bag of yours! A purchase you won't regret, I'm certain.
Pretend bag is standing in front of you. Wide front pockets at your left. Moving front left to right to rear. Top to Bottom.
Upper left front pocket: This one gets the cable pocket (actually used for that purpose) that goes in it and attaches with a loop cable ( I own the Gen4 not the Alpha).
On the flap there is a double pen holder. Mine holds a Caran D'Ache ballpoint that belonged to my grandma. Nice souvenir when traveling and it forces me to pay attention not to lose it. The access point is very good.
The key ring does get my admittedly big keys fixed with a carabine.
The flexible pockets behind that hold a set of one-way toothbrushes (the kind with the integrated tooth paste).
I have not yet used the "secret" zip pocket behind that, but I like the idea. It would be big enough for a couple of DVD with sensitive Data.
There is often enough space left in that pocket to stow a 311 bag.
Smaller pocket on left. This is what you said holds your business cards, I think. I use it for a small block of post-it notes on the left and a small tape measure on the right. The front part goes mostly unused. If your (sun)glass case isn't too bulky, this would be a decent spot for it.
The long "water" pocket on the right. This one actually gets a mini umbrella. I have yet to use it, though. Guess I got lucky with the weather so far.
The small zippered pocket beneath it gets my business cards and tiny case of breath mint sheets. Fits perfectly.
The "sheath" compartment behind it is used to stow the luggage tag that otherwise would flap around the handle. I really like that compartment to just quickly stash a newspaper, magazine or anything else I pack up on the run.
The first main compartment holds my laptop. I normally do not use the included laptop sleeve but just a poly mailer. Lighter and as efficient. It also leaves more room for other things.
The second main compartment has the file folder section. I use that for files, an EC15 shirt folder or bulkier items like a PSU. I sometimes also throw the shoulder strap in there, when I hand carry the case.
The flexible pockets contain CD-Roms in paper envelopes and a piece of cardboard onto which I have stuck some paper clips. There is also a tiny pair of scissors. This way I have an almost complete office at my disposal.
The rear sheath pocket may get more brochures. fliers and other flat materials. I have not yet used the second PU-lined pocket that is contained in the rear sheath pocket. I guess it could also be used for an umbrella. It's gusseted.
The zippered pass-through could be used as a pocket and I appreciate the possibility given, but I only use it as a slip-over for my rollaboard handles.
That's how I use mine. Figuring out what goes where is part of the fun. You will soon discover what the optimum general set-up is for you. And you will see that it doesn't always work best like that and you'll find out alternative solution as required. That's what I love about traveling. It keeps me on my toes and my brain flexible.
BTW, in the amazing (discontinued) Briggs Riley BB107 they actually included a "cheat sheet" or map showing you suggestions what to use the myriad of compartments for. The BB107 is like a Tumi 26141 except that it has a vertical format, removable backpack straps (lighter than the also included shoulder strap) and no expansion possibility.
I think both bags are among the best briefcases ever made and the BB107 might be even more universal because the exterior is so sleek and doesn't really look like a briefcase. Plus it offers three carry options. But probably it was too complicated for the average user. ;)
Till
RichP
Sep 3, 12, 11:03 am
I got one of these about 18 months ago, absolutely love it.
Holding it in front of me, the large outer pocket on the left carries a couple of pens in the holders, my keys on the clip, normally in the zipper pocket. Emergency stash of business cards goes into the holder in there; other odds and sods go into the pocket (memory sticks, magnifiers (I need them for work) and a couple of flashlights (inova x5 UV for work, standard one for use in the dark). The smaller zip pocket below this holds passport, vaccination certificates, some cash, more business cards, pills (ibuprofen and imodium). the tall pocket on the front right normally has spectacles and sunglasses and a couple of pairs of disposable contact lenses (I wear these all the time, these are emergency stash). The zipper pocket below carries wallet when I go through security and on the plane.
The sheath pocket between the outer and main sections gets used for on-the-go drop storage: boarding passes, pocket stuff when going through x-ray, old receipts, etc. Main compartment gets my notebook (larger than a4 size moleskine style book), work papers, iPad in a waterfield case and my entertainment pouch (again from waterfield) that carries iems, amp, iPod, a few other USB cables. The laptop pocket at the back has, you guessed it, laptop and the cable pouch that came with the wallet sits on top of the laptop. It carries the charger, a charger for the iPod, cufflinks, collar stiffeners, other small bits and pieces. Bag is pretty heavy with all of that in it, but it works!
lugnut1
Sep 5, 12, 9:34 am
Yeah that "security pocket" actually has a lot of room, but as such, it's difficult to access. I know that's the point, but still. I love that sheath compartment. No zip, just drop magazines or stuff in there. I'm using the umbrella compartment as a water bottle holder, which is working well for me. Rainy season is coming up though, and so I'll actually use it for my umbrella in the coming months. The pocket layout is really smart and really useful. My last bag had a lot of storage, but all the compartments were large, and were effectively a series of buckets. Every time I'd open the bag, my contents were in a different place, all sliding around or tangling with each other. This bag keeps everything organized.
Matt17
Sep 30, 12, 9:35 am
In addition to previous great examples, here are a couple more that have been useful on the Tumi 26141 (and similar Tumi bags with a sheath compartment). I use the little nylon wrist straps that come with cameras, phones and other gadgets to hang accessories on the bag straps and let them dangle into the sheath. Goodies are out-of-the-way and protected, but easily “fished” from the sheath without setting your bag down. Things like USB drives, LED keychain lights, and even a USB Bluetooth headset from Bose (comes in mini neoprene case) work great.
You can search Amazon for accessory camera straps if you need them. Photon makes a perfect light for the straps:
These are useful on long overnight flights and relatively inexpensive.
Allentown
Sep 30, 12, 2:51 pm
All of my co-workers have Tumi but thus far, my Samsonite Xenon shock absorber looks just as good, holds up just as well, and is just as function as the Tumi at a price of around $50.00.
After 9 months of flying 2x a week, the bag looks brand new, the zippers are prefect, there are no tears and its perfect (the same as my co-workers Tumi's).
Not knocking the Tumi........time wil tell if the sammi holds up as well but after around 50+ trips, being in like new condition is saying something.
Of course, i usually get upgraded to 1st class so im not as hard on bags as some :) (but i do carry a lot of weight in it).