luggage dilema

26 inches is still pretty big and it will be heavy once packed. When you have extra you tend to fill it. A lot of us get by with 18 to 22 bags. I will bet that on your next trip you will take a smaller bag.

Isn't 26" too big to carry on? I think the backpack option would be great. I think after a few weeks constantly rolling the bag would get old. I haven't done it so I don't know, this is just what I think.

I use this bag, the High Sierra 22" Passport (TR100X). It was the best value I found. I bought it from Amazon for about $60.

http://tinyurl.com/2a22jcl

26" is too big for a carry-on. It will have to be checked.

For U.S. carriers, the average carry on limit is 22 x 14 x 9 (45 total inches). Many foreign carriers have even smaller size and weight restrictions.

It depends on your carrier.

I was thinking it would need to be checked. I'm really proud of myself for thinking the 32 inch was too big. :) 26 inch is progress.

Liz, we all learn each trip what NOT to do next time. Some of us have been at this for many years and we aren't finished learning. Welcome to the club and happy travels!

Listen to Larry's words. Learn from each trip. Years ago I started a packing list. I started it months in advance and looked at it every week, every day, whatever. Oh, I'll need this - add it to the list. I don't think I'll really use that - take it off. When I went to pack, I put the list on the bed next to my bag. When I was packed, I checked the list. Yeah, everything there.

When I came back, I took a few thing off of the list. I don't think I've added much.

I've used the list for almost 10 years now. When I go to pack, it's a breeze. I know if I use the list, I won't forget anything.

26" is big, but I do prefer rolling to the back-pack (I know, I am the minority). I found out after just carrying my daughter in a back-pack all over Venice and Germany that I have a slipped disk in my neck, now! I'd rather roll something now than carry that weight around.

Just a thought...but as you are staying mostly in hostels I can tell you from experience many hostels have lockers that are actually quite small and a 26" rolling bag may not fit in all lockers. Have a cable lock so you can at least try and secure your bag to some heavy, fixed object in the hostel dorm.

If you have physical limitations, then clearly you will need a rolling bag. If you don't, I'd suggest a standard backpack with no wheels. It's much lighter without that frame & wheels which add a lot of weight to hoist onto your back. A backpack makes it easier travelling across uneven terrain (lot of cobblestones in Europe that wheeled bags don't handle so well) and getting your bag up stairs (wheeled bags not so good if you are taking the subway or if your hostel does not have an elevator and your room is on the 3rd or 4th floor).

Whatever you buy, test it out first in Portland by packing everything you expect to bring with you for your trip. Take the bag out for at least 1 hour, carry it up a few flights of stairs, walk over some rough terrain with it, get on a bus or train with it, try to lift it up over your head (as you would if you had to place it on an overhead luggage rack on a train). If it's still too heavy, you need to rethink what you are packing.

We just got back from Scotland using Ryan Air, so I packed my stuff in a back pack as my daughter had our small rolling carry-on. I cannot believe how bad my back hurt from carrying this back-pack. It only weighed in at 7-8 kilos too. Never again! I have always used rolling bags on our travels through Europe and enjoyed the ease of it. After this experience, I am even more convinced that rollers are the bag for me. I will never wear a back-pack again if I can help it.

I agree with Cate and Jo, I could never use a back-pack. I already have a bad back and wouldn't want to make it worse. I have used a 22" rolling suitcase for the last 5 trips traveling all over Europe by train and have never had a problem with a rolling suitcase. Never a problem even on cobblestone streets. It was easy.

Everyone's different. There's no right or wrong.

But I wouldn't take anything bigger than 22".

Ok, I'm trying to use my 22 inch luggage. :)

I'll be mostly in hostels. Can I ditch the towel and sheet, or just pack one of those items?

Jeans are too heavy, so just a few shorts,skirts, sun dresses. One sweater instead of two.

The 22 inch does look lighter compared to the 26 inch. :)

Please refer to Rick's packing list. I find that I pack lighter on each trip. I don't think you want to be lugging around a 32 inch bag or 26 inch for that matter. . Also, try space bags or packing cubes to maximize space in your luggage.

Liz,

Check out Onebag.com. It's a great site with advice and a very good packing list.

I'm not sure, but you might also check to see if you have to bring a sheet for your hostels. I think many now supply sheets or just charge a small fee for linens.

You might also consider a microfiber towel like the ones sold by REI or on this website--more absorbent and faster drying than a cotton towel. You can also use the microfiber towel to squeeze moisture out of clothes you have handwashed before hanging them to dry, and then wring it out and do it again.

Good luck on your travels!

Sounds like you have a pack already, but if you're interested in luggage that converts to a backpack and is carry on size, check out Osprey's Porter 46. I bought it for my 3-month trip to Europe this fall and have used it for weekend trips and just love it! It's a very smart pack. And goes for under $100.

http://www.ospreypacks.com/Packs/PorterSeries/Porter46

I travel super, super light, with only two carry-ons, and was thrilled when I found this REI "food tote." It weighs 22 oz, fits within airlines regulations as a carry-on, has a lot of room and four separate compartments inside, plus two very large side pockets (with special zippered area with key hook and areas for pens, etc.) and two smaller (but very sizable) areas for water bottles or whatever. The straps are a perfect size for comfort. The cost: $24.50. The colors are kind of funky, but I got a red one and love it.

http://www.rei.com/product/797875?preferredSku=7978750045&cm_mmc=cse_froogle-_-datafeed-_-product-_-7978750045&mr:trackingCode=7C651A4F-3026-DF11-BAA3-0019B9C043EB&mr:referralID=NA

I use the tote as my carry-on, along with my PacSafe 2000 bag, which has an enormous amount of room. PacSafe 2000 was recently on sale for $46 at REI.

I'll echo what Lexey said. Skip the sheet. If you bring a towel, make it either the smallest micronet towel or the middle-sized micronet towel from the Rick Steves travel store.

Read these helpful articles: Packing Tips for Women and Women's Packing List.

If at all possible, don't go with anything more than a 22" roller bag and a day pack. I love my Civita day pack.