Backpack or roller bag for train travel

Many train changes require going down stairs to the tunnel and back up. It's much easier with a light backpack than a heavy one or any roller bag.

I find a light backpack and a carry-on size roller bag works for me. Up and down stairs is no problem. Larger stations will have elevators and/or escalators. Even smaller stations have little conveyors you can drop your bag on as you walk up the steps. Nonetheless, these can sometimes be out of order, so you must always be prepared to hump your luggage on your own. You can check the roller bag and take the backpack with you as a carry-on.

You'll get answers from both sides on this question.

One consideration is your age and strength. Most older people do better with the rolling carry on bags with a 22" length maximum.

Someone that's young and strong can do well with a high quality backpack that's within the dimensions allowed for carryon's.

I'm strong enough to handle the backpack, but after so many years on the road--I'm a rolling bag fan.

John,

That's mostly a matter of personal preference, and most here have definite preferences for one or the other. Although I'm 60+ and have a few "back issues", I prefer a properly fitted Backpack as I find that's easier for navigating stairs, getting on and off trains, etc. The model I use has a companion Daypack which can be attached or carried separately. I use the Daypack as my carry-on during flights.

As others mentioned, changing platforms in train stations often involves going down stairs into a tunnel, and then back up stairs to the next platform. Some stations have small ramps next to the stairways which are designed for rolling luggage, while others just have the stairs. In my experience, Switzerland is a bit easier for that sort of thing as they often have ramps instead of stairs, Escalators or Elevators, so luggage is not a problem at all.

Happy travels!

welcome,

which way you like your toilet paper to come off the roll, top or bottom?

you will encounter stairs, escalators and lots of people using both. so, buy/use whatever will float your boat.

my preference is a bag/backpack. i can carry it over one shoulder or both and i dont have to stop at every stair to raise/drop the handles.

also, have fun on your travels too.

happy trails.

Hi, I think this can only be answered by you. Would you rather carry a bag on your back all the time or in your hand (or cross body) for a minute or two periodically? Many prefer the backpack, I prefer a rolling bag. W.

I find if I carry a heavy backpack for too long my knees start bothering me. So like Sam I travel with a light backpack (sort of a daypack with a laptop and my heavy camera) and a rolling bag with a week's worth of clothes. I'd rather do laundry occasionally than lug a ton of stuff. Personally I like the RS international size rolling bag using compression bags to fit everything in. I don't carry so much I can't lift it onto an overhead rack on the train. That way the bag isn't out of my sight in a holding space at the end of the car. And I can carry it up a flight of stairs on occasion if need be. However Rick always travels with just a backpack. As many have said, there's no right way, just personal preferences.

I use a convertible carry on, my wife uses a 20" roll-on. We both carry one bag only and seem to be able to navigate train stations, airports, stairs, etc. fairly comfortably. I probably have a little advantage on uneven terrain. She has the advantage on even surfaces - but can comfortably carry her bag up a few flight of stairs or pick it up to hop on the metro/train when need be.

Hi John,

One observation I would make is that although there is no limit to what luggage you bring on the trains, if it is the kind of luggage that has to be checked when flying, then there is a good chance that you may have not be able to have it with you at your seat in the train as well especially if the train is full. In such case you may be required to place it on the racks at end of the carriage or out in corridor on some Swiss trains.

Enjoy your trip.

Jim

At 70+ we still have a preference for the backpack style of carry on. Probably will change when we get older. I personally like having both hands free and not dragging something behind me. In crowded situation like train platforms, I have seen more than one person trip over the bag being towed behind someone. Dragging a bag you just takes up more room. For us the backpack style of carry on has worked much better over our many years of travel.

This subject comes up often and opinions are always evenly split between the two choices. The only advice experienced travelers will agree on is that however much you are planning on taking, take less. If you have to struggle to zip the bag closed you have way to much and 3/4 full should be your goal.

John,

If you have some spare time and some luggage you can do some experimenting.

Take some lugguge you think you would use, fill it up with whatever clothes and stuff you think you will need and head out on in PDX.

Buy a day ticket and take the Lightrail. get off one stop and take the stiars with luggage. walk around a bit and go back for the next train. do this several time for several miles and see how you like the luggage you are using for the test.

go to one of the malls with luggage in tow and see how you like walking with it up/down escalators, stairs, ramps and with people all around you. If you do this during the holidays, you will have an idea on what it will be like at the train stations.

just a suggestion

happy trails.

I like Rick's relatively new rolling backpack, which is slightly smaller that the convertible bag my wife and I have used for years. Best of both worlds and good for a couple of weeks. Anything longer and I'd take the convertible bag for the extra space. I agree with Ken, make a short trip with what you have and see how it works. For me, and I'm 68 in good health and rather have my hands free, especially getting on and off the trains.