Packing Advice

I remember years ago Uncle Rick said about the wheeled backpack that a bag that tries to do two things is usually not very good at either.
If you can comfortably carry a backpack, look at the Farpoint/Fairview 40L bags (with and without the detachable day pack). Or the Rick Steves classic bag. Or any of the many backpacks discussed frequently on the Forum.
If you prefer to use a rollaboard (which is my interpretation of "just a simple carry on suitcase"), consider the Ozone 2- or 4-wheeled 40L carry-on. The "old" models are currently on sale at osprey.com and at REI.
I have used an even older version of the 2-wheeled Ozone since 2018, including seven months of continuous travel. It's a great bag, one of the lightest available. The one thing that I'm not a fan of is that the handle has a single pole that doesn't work with personal items with a trolley sleeve. I use a small backpack as my personal item.
Just found the bag for even less:
https://www.backcountry.com/b/osprey-packs-ozone-wheeled-carry-on-luggage?CMP_SKU=OSPZ1EP&MER=0406&skid=OSPZ1EP-COABLU-ONESIZ&srsltid=AfmBOorgx_xNjPZ7fjMelKkzpHTXBbCZ0oZjd_GUu_HSoRTurZrll8iW-kY&gQT=2&gRefinements=NORMAL:2+Wheel

I wouldn’t choose a wheeled backpack because that’s putting extra weight on your back. For me, the decision comes down to how much weight I will be bringing on the trip. If it’s 13 pounds total or less (including the bag), then I take my Cotopaxi 35L backpack bag. If it’s more, I take my 2-wheel carry on suitcase. I see you wrote “heavy weight”, so that automatically makes me think you should bring a 2-wheel or 4-wheel suitcase.

Currently I pack very light, so it would be my Cotopaxi, but my husband & I did a similar Switzerland/Italy trip several years ago, and I only had the 2-wheel suitcase at the time, so I brought it with no issues.

On the other hand, I will be going to the Christmas Markets in December, so that’s definitely going to be the 2-wheel suitcase due to the extra souvenirs I will be accumulating.

So my summary: decide the weight you’re bringing, first. Have a great time!

Grindelwald, Cinque Terre, Tuscany and Rome

Lots of good feedback regarding backpack vs wheeled. Regarding wheeled, two rollerblade wheels rather than four caster wheels will be better for the rougher streets you may encounter on this trip. Also, make sure your bag works well on stairs and curbs.

Good advice from folks concerning how weight can be a determining factor as well as the surfaces you'll be traversing.

An example we ran into in Lisbon was pulling our single piece of wheeled luggage UP the Lisbon hills and OVER the cobbles!!! I would have loved to have instead split our luggage contents across two backpacks. It would have been sooooo much easier.

But, all things considered, I still prefer a roller bag - as small as reasonable - and with a PROPER length handle. There aren't a lot of more frustrating things than discovering - on your trip - that your bag has a poorly designed handle length or that your backpack has poorly designed straps.

Advice if you consider traveling by rental car: do not leave any valuables visible in the vehicle, esp. in Italy.

If you're looking for maximum capacity in a carry-on that still takes weight off your back, look first at soft-sided non-spinner rollaboards. My old Eagle Creek was ideal, but it became unusable after 20 years of heavy travel and had to be replaced; the new Eagle Creek products are significantly inferior. Still haven't really found a great replacement, though Samsonite Europe has some good-looking stuff. A small wheeled duffel might be ideal.

Unless you're really comfortable carrying 50 pounds on your back, I really recommend wheeled luggage.

If you plan to carry-on, make sure you check with all relevant airlines for dimensions and weight limitations.

We are flying Condor and Icelandair, both of which have smaller size limits than any flights we have had in the last ten years (incl Condor in 2018). So, new carry on bags to meet the 7-3/4” depth limit rather than the 9” depth limit have been ordered (from Travelpro - maxlite 5 carry-on roller for me and maxlite air V2 international carry-on hard side spinner for her) .

The Condor personal item size is ridiculously small. A large woman’s purse or a reasonably sized laptop case or daypack may well exceed Condor’s size limit. My wife is unhappy that her Baggalini standby is unacceptable. My regular and small daypack are both too large and the mini backpack I bought yesterday is perfect for a six year-old. AAAaaarrrgghh.

And we’re taking Condor to FRA in Biz class with this silliness!!! Icelandair (Coach class) is slightly more generous for the personal item. Same height and depth, but 6” instead of 4” for width.

Fred, are you sure you're looking at the right baggage rules? Website says you get one "small" bag 40cmx30cmx10cm (15.75"x11.8"x3.9"ish), TWO carry-ons that are max 50cmx40cmx20cm (21.65"x15.75"x7.9"ish) and TWO checked bags. While I agree that <8" is a tough dimension to fit on the American market, I don't see anything to prevent your wife from taking her "regular" personal item as a carry-on.

G3erryCee

Thanks. That helps with Condor (since we’re going in Biz), and thus marginally helps with the return on Iceland since we get those 2” back.

But we still have had to address the 20cm/7-3/4” depth issue for that rolling/large/overhead bag limit.

And we’ve had too many friends run into lost baggage issues to trust the carriers with ours. Plus we do like to pack light for our taking it slow, but on the go style of travel.

So, we agree: read the airline rules for each flight - with care. Thanks for pointing out the two bag allowance as we go to FRA.

Because of the weight of the wheels you are unlikely to find many people on this forum who use a wheeled backpack. Personally I'm like Jean. What I use depends on how much I will be bringing. I can carry up to 20lbs on my back but prefer to keep the weight to 15-17lbs (including the weight of the bag itself). The airline's size and weight limits, the length of the trip, the time of year and the activities I'll be doing dictate which bag I bring. I have two backpacks - a now discontinued Osprey Fairview which is 38L and a Cotopaxi 28L; and two two-wheeled bags - a TravelPro Maxlite International and an Osprey Ozone. Both wheeled bags can hold about 45L.

There is no right or wrong answer as to whether you get a backpack or a wheeled bag. And there's no right or wrong answer as to carrying on or checking. I would just advise that if you decide on a backpack, go to a store and actually try on the bag. Have the store load the bag with at least 20lbs. Then walk around the store for 15-20 minutes, go up and down stairs and see how you feel. For more advice and packing light ideas take a look at the packing forum: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/packing

Before retiring, I was using a wheeled bag to travel. I would generally carry on and then check it on the return flight. I would pack the same (mostly) for one or two weeks and often found my trips were up to 2 plus months long....same bag, same contents.
When I retired I decided to get a backpack bag for myself and my wife, but I wanted wheels for those long stretches where I could use them. So call me the exception, I do have and love my backpack bag with wheels. I lose a bit of room to the frame, mostly handle assembly, and it adds a bit of weight, but I still tend to pack quite lightly, even if our trips are a month or more. What I have found now after nearly 10 years of using this thing is that it is rarely used as a backpack. The wheels are the golden ticket. Venice 201 bridges, wheels. Cobblestones in Sienna, wheels, ferry terminal and trains in Amsterdam, wheels, Ost Bahnhof Berlin, wheels.... we both use the Rick Steves rolling backpack and we love them. If the situation calls for a backpack, the straps are there to use.

There really is no right answer, but I agree with Jean it depends on how much weight you're carrying. Not sure who those folks are, 'everyone says not to bring a wheeled suitcase', but lots of us travel with 2- or 4-wheeled spinner bags. I prefer the 2-wheeler as it weighs quite a bit less, meets Lufthansa requirements intra Europe, and worked well for a week in Germany. I carried about 14 lbs, gosh it was GREAT to be able to walk up and down train stairs easily!

Any chance you could do some packing on the dining room table and start to get an idea of just how light you can pack? I usually spend a week adjusting, until I've got it down to a bare minimum. THEN consider what bag you might want to buy. Agree with Trotter, REI will be happy to weigh you down in that Osprey pack, see how it feels walking around before deciding.

Backpack vs Wheels?

Rollaboard vs spinner?

Carry on or Checked bag?

All personal preference. There is no right or wrong. Just right or wrong for you.

If you have never traveled with a backpack, my suggestion is to get hold of one, pack it to the apporximate weight that you will take, and go for a walk. Not just in the house but around your neighborhood. Up and down hills and stairs if you can. At least 30 minutes.

Then ask yourself, would you be okay doing this for an entire trip. If yes, the backpack may be the way to go. If not, look into wheels. Just because someone here says they are 107 years old and carries 3 tons on their back with no problem doesn't mean you can or will like it.

I have been to the places you mentioned and have had no problems with wheels--even spinners.

Everyone says not to bring a wheeled suitcase

Who's everyone? Most people of this forum and most people who take RS tours--according to RS himself--take wheeled bags.

Thanks for the great tips! I’ll definitely pack versatile layers and focus on comfort for walking. Can’t wait to explore Europe
marlon rabattdigga

Why don't you start with a packing list. Pack seven days worth of clothes and see what you come up with. Then see what kind of luggage you might need. Remember you are traveling for 2 weeks, not moving.

My wife was determinied that she wanted a 4 wheel spinner so that she wouldn't have to "drag" a 2 wheeler. Discovered in Switzerland that a spinner is a bear on the cobblestones......or uphill! Switzerland has hills, who knew? Generally travel for up to 2 weeks with a compliant two wheel roller bag (with everything I COULD live without or replace) and a backpack for stuff I absolutely need or to use as a day bag.

I’ll add another comment about the packing content itself. You’re going for two weeks. Are you planning to visit a laundromat, have a hotel wash clothes (if available), or do some sink washing during your trip? There’s no right or wrong choice. My husband & I chose the sink washing method.

If you’re going the laundromat/hotel wash route, you will probably want to pack seven days of clothes, plus sink wash what you wear while your clothes are washed. If you choose to just sink wash during your trip, you need to consider how quickly something dirty will be washed & dry to replenish into your clothes available. For me that means I pack four days of clothes - just to have some buffer time for drying.

I am curious as to who "everyone" is in the OP's statement: "Everyone says not to bring a wheeled suitcase" Is this the ubiquitous "they say" one hears constantly regarding any number of situations?? I don't mean to be unkind - OP may well have specific advice from former travelers to her locations, it's just unclear from context if the advice is specifically targeted or expressions of general preference by the advisors.

A 2 wheeler has long been my suitcase of choice. Backpacks are fine for those who prefer them, but not for me. Please yourself, not someone else's travel preference!

I'm sure no one here is unobservant, but watch those packs in airplane aisles, public transport, and crowded spaces. I am sick and tired of being whacked in the face by clueless backpack wearers. Thanks for rant. I always appreciate those posters who specifically mention moving pack from back to front or carrying as appropriate.

ORDtraveler, I'm with you on the rant.

Unfortunately, I've never been comfortable with a pack on my back. I moved from 2 wheels to a spinner several years ago and happy with my choice. And I've dragged it uphill on 2 wheels when needed with no issues.

No matter what you choose, all 2 wheelers are not the same, just as all spinners are not the same, just as all backpacks are not the same.

The shape, the weight, the wheels or backpack frame will all make a difference, as will the user.

Good luck on finding what works for you.

but watch those packs in airplane aisles, public transport, and crowded spaces.

That's a good reminder to look for grab handles when considering a backpack. Make sure there are grab handles on the long sides so that the backpack can be caried like a briefcase when in a crowded space. And grab handles on the short sides so the bag can be easily pulled out of an overhead bin. Attachments on the corners of the bag that allow you to attach a shoulder strap are also helpful.

I have an Osprey backpack (the discontinued one) and a 2-wheeled Osprey Ozone bag (also discontinued). Traveled with both to Europe and domestically. They are both light-weight, so which one I use comes down to whether it's a trip where I need a day pack for the majority of the trip. If so, that becomes my personal item and I bring the roller bag. If not, then I bring the backpack and take a tote for my personal item. No matter which bag I use I keep it under 20 pounds.

So choose what you are comfortable with and best suits your needs. If you are considering a backpack, I would try walking around with the weighted pack on for about 30 minutes, but I've rarely had to carry mine that long. You do want it to be comfortable, with a padded hip belt to support the weight of the bag rather than all the weight resting on your shoulders. Mine has tuck-away straps and belt, so it can be carried like a suitcase without catching straps on seat handles and such, yet I can easily pull out one strap to carry it on my shoulder for a short distance (Lyft to TSA line).

FWIW, I keep both bags in front of me in tight spaces like airplane and train aisles whether backpack or roller (I shorten the handle to keep the bag close to me when using the roller). Both bags have grab handles on at least 3 sides so they can be picked up quickly when I get to stairs or other obstacles. And everyone should be aware of where their bags are in relationship to the people around them. More than once I've seen someone swing a spinner into the overheads and nearly hit another passenger in the head.

”I am sick and tired of being whacked in the face by clueless backpack wearers.“

I almost had my face smashed by a wheeled suitcase! I was in the aisle of the plane loading my bag into the overhead bin. Across from me, a husband was putting his carry on suitcase into his overhead bin. For some reason he slightly mimicked a pitcher with a baseball to get enough motion to propel his suitcase up above him and just barely missed my face. His wife saw it and was very upset with him.

Now, I look out for any flying suitcases that are being loaded or unloaded. Definitely not the way I would want to begin a trip to Europe!

I use a 28L day sack and carry a "Scrubba Outdoor Wash Bag" to do laundry. Three sets of clothes - wear one, wash one and a reserve.

Jean - I have had similar experiences.

My airplane set of choice is an aisle, but I have wondered if I should move inward after having folks pull their luggage down from the overhead and swing it into my face. These days, when I see someone going after an overhead bag mid-flight or early in the de-planing process when there is no room to stand in the aisles, I put my hand up to shield my face and head.

I bring the same two wheeled carry-on bag on my trips whether they are five days or two weeks. I got it at L.L. Bean and unfortunately they don’t make it anymore. I refuse to check in bags because it is a colossal waste of time and there is always a chance the airline or airport could lose your luggage.

It is something similar to this but mine has more outer pockets. https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/123976?page=approach-rolling-gear-bag-medium