Checked roller suitcase vs large checked backpack

I had a tour mate with a back pack on a tour. She found that she hated it. The lack of structure meant contents were often shifting and it was akward for her. I think the prudent use of packing cubes might solve that issue, but you are left with the challenge of straps and things that could be ripped in transit.

I think you will need to decide if the convenience of a backpack for the one lodging location will outweigh your concerns about using a soft sided backpack.

I would never check a backpack, don't trust the handling it would receive. It is just as easy to get a suitcase up stairs as a backpack. Go one step at a time. I promise you a backpack will not be easier to get up three flights of stairs. I've traveled with both, and I now use a carryon rolling suitcase.

My daughter traveled with a large internal framed backpack for 3 weeks. Mine had no internal frame. Both needed to be checked on Iceland Air, Norwegian Air, Delta and KLM. My bacpack straps zipped in to a pocket. My daughter's did not. She tied hers up in such a way as to not get caught in the machinery. The bags, straps and contents all made it without damage. If you are really concerned about damage or straps getting caught, you can get a large plastic bag like the ones airlines use for car seats (I don't know if the airline charges for those) or pay to have the bag plastic wrapped in a shrink wrap like fashion by a service at the airport.

I have checked soft-sided backpacks often. My tip is to tuck in and tape up any loose strap ends so they don't get caught on anything. Mushing up is no worse than any other piece of luggage.

I have checked in Eagle Creek and Osprey backpacks dozens of times over the years with absolutely no problems. I have checked in roller suitcases dozens of times as well with broken wheels on two occasions. If traveling where I will be dealing with public transit, rough terrain or long walks through cities, I always default to the backpack. If I am staying in nicer hotels and traveling by car, I always default to a roller. However, I am ordering a replacement wheel for my Rimowa just to have in the case (great pun, no?) it is needed.

I keep thinking about all those husbands in Venice's Marco Polo Airport hauling around two 50 pound suitcases because their wives couldn't pare down their wardrobes for their cruises. Those poor guys.

The most really experienced travelers only take as much "stuff" as they can pack in an ultra light 21" rolling bag. If you follow Rick Steves' Packing List (with slight modifications), you will not have any reason to worry about steps and top floors. Soft sided luggage can be crammed with stuff--where hard sided luggage breaks easily and cannot expand.

We travel with TravelPro rolling bags we ordered from Amazon. My wife is presently mobility challenged, and she's riding a high line folding mobility scooter. I'm using a 21" suitcase with back straps, and I tow her 21" bag with swivel wheels. She carries a large purse with her personal items. And we've traveled all over Europe 2x and to Las Vegas with zero help from anyone.

Under normal circumstances, every traveler in our family would be using one 21" rolling bag. And if they cannot tow it 2 miles on their own, don't bring it. Everyone must handle their own baggage is our rule.

I’m able to handle my 24 inch roller up and down stairs fairly easily. It has a side handle that allows me to hold it so the length is parallel to the ground. With a backpack the center of gravity is higher up. Wearing that I’m more concerned about losing my balance. With the bag I can just drop it. With the backpack I’m probably going to fall. Just something to consider and you may have much better balance than I do.

I checked my large backpack when i did the Camino--I put it into a large backpack duffel bag--no problems at all--i would NOT just check the backpack free. it is much easier going up stairs in a back pack vs schleping a heavy noisy suitcase. no problems at all.
have a great trip.

Samsonite Tote-a-ton 33 Inch Duffle Luggage, Red, One Size

this is what i used and put my backpack inside--no problems

You could ask the hotel. Our hotel in Athens in 2018 and another in Amsterdam had people at the desk to schlep our cases to our room. It could have been our gray hair. I remember carrying cases upstairs in many hotels, particularly when the elevator was not working.

Aimee--We do the same thing and have those same REI bags! We usually only need to take those when we go to the Alaskan bush, but we took one to Iceland this winter as we knew we would be bringing duvets home. My husband has taken those bags when he has flown to go climbing as it holds all the gear so well. They have been indestructible!

Thanks to all of you for your helpful tips and ideas about backpack vs rolling suitcase. Since I don't expect to make that many changes of accomadation on this trip, I think I shall go with my tried and true rolling suitcase this time around. Kudos to those of you who are able to get everything in a carry on. I have not found that to be practical in the past and don't mind waiting to pick up a suitcase at the airport.
Happy travels to all,
Leslie