TUMI Backpack Comparison | Voyageur Halsey vs Voyageur Montana

When you’re considering TUMI luggage, you know you’re going to get a quality travel item to take on your journeys! Let’s look at two of the most popular TUMI travel backpacks so that you can decide which of these travel backpacks that accomodate a laptop will work best for you. We’ll consider which instances they both work best for, and how I use them the most!

Some of the information below includes affiliate links. When you click these links I may make a commission from your purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 

I’ve personally used both of these TUMI backpacks so I will share all the basic features as well as which styles I prefer for different kinds of travel.

Why I Choose TUMI Backpacks

TUMI Backpacks are built with quality and durability in mind. They are travel-tested and a wonderful long-term investment if you are looking for a backpack that will hold up over time.

TUMI Backpack Comparison Highlights

• The TUMI Halsey is a smaller backpack and well suited for car and shorter trips.
• The TUMI Montana is a larger style and perfect for airline travel.
• Both bags can fit a laptop and have special features depending on how you need to use them.

Both of these bags are great for different styles of travel. You might want to get both if you travel in a variety of ways! I get great use out of both of them, since I’m a frequent traveler. Below you’ll find the stand out features of both bags.

Shop for the TUMI Halsey Backpack
Shop for the TUMI Montana Backpack
Shop for the matching TUMI Cosmetics Case
Shop for the TUMI Halsey Backpack on Amazon

TUMI Halsey Backpack Details

The TUMI Halsey backpack is noticeably lighter (1.6 lb) and a bit more compact, so it wears well for daily errands/commuting.

Found in photo: TUMI Halsey Backpack / TUMI Montana Backpack

The backpack is built around “daily organization” with a padded laptop compartment (up to 14″) and a streamlined footprint. If you carry a 13–14″ laptop, notebook, charger, and essentials. If you want to have a sleeker bag, this is the easy choice.

While the Halsey isn’t expandable like the Montana, it’s perfect for everyday carry with its lighter design.

TUMI Montana Backpack Details

The TUMI Montana is bigger + expandable (20L and expands to 7.8″ depth), which is the difference between “fits my essentials” and “fits my essentials + a sweater + snacks + extras.”

Found in photo: TUMI Halsey Backpack / TUMI Montana Backpack

This bag is better for travel days: it offers a larger laptop allowance (up to 15″ PC / 16″ MacBook), lots of exterior pockets, and a travel-leaning layout. It fits under the seat on most airlines if you are using it as your carry-on bag. I really like having the additional pocked on the outside when I’m traveling, so keep things accessible on the airplane.

If you carry a 15-16″ laptop or want one bag that can flex from work to weekend trips, Montana wins.

What Fits Inside TUMI Travel Backpacks?

Need to know exactly what you can fit inside each of these bags? Let’s take a deeper look.

Found in photo: TUMI Montana Backpack / TUMI Cosmetics Case

What Fits Inside the TUMI Halsey Backpack

Here’s a sample of what could fit inside the TUMI Halsey Backpack.

• 13–14” laptop
• Wallet + small pouch
• Notebook
• Charger
• Sunglasses
• Light cardigan or thin jacket

What Fits Inside the TUMI Montana Backpack

Here’s a sample of what could fit inside the TUMI Montana Backpack.

• 15–16” laptop & iPad
• Cosmetic case
• Sweater
• Snacks
• Book
• Travel documents
• Extra pouch for more!

How I Style These TUMI Backpacks

Since this backpack is only part of your outfit, I thought I’d also include these quick tips on how I style my TUMI backpacks while on the go.

TUMI Montana Backpack

• Both pair beautifully with neutral travel outfits thanks to their brilliant and rich colors.
• The nylon material looks polished, not sporty, so consider this when choosing your outfit.
• They elevate a simple leggings + sweater look or a basic pair of comfy jeans + sweater like I’m rocking above.
• Montana looks slightly more structured and can be a bit more bulky so consider this when choosing your outfit.
• Halsey feels more minimal so you could use a few more layers or accessories when styling it.

Found in photo: TUMI Halsey Backpack / TUMI Montana Backpack

If You’re Trying to Decide…

Choose the Halsey if:

• You carry a 13–14” laptop
• You want something lightweight
• You don’t overpack
• You need something for short, quick trips

Choose the Montana if:

• You fly often
• You carry a 15–16” laptop
• You want room for extras
• You prefer one bag for everything

My Final Thoughts on Which TUMI to Get

These are two popular styles of TUMI travel backpacks! While either would work as an airplane carry-on bag, my preference is to use the TUMI Montana style as an airline carry-on. And the TUMI Halsey Backpack I use when taking my laptop on the go to coffee shops or car trips.