Rick’s Rolling Bacpack vs Rolling Carry-on

We tend to like to have our hands frees when moving through stations so opt for the backpack style. The wheels on a rolling carry-on size backpack just adds additional weight that you have to carry. So my choice would be either the backpack or the rolling carry-on. Others prefer the rolling carry-on because they cannot wear a backpack or just prefer to roll it. Neither style is superior. It is personally preferences. At 76 I can still wear the backpack, at 80 I might prefer the rolling one. Personally I don't find the rolling carry-on works that well in Europe with cobble stone streets, and busted concrete sidewalks, stairs, no curb cuts, and often very crowded areas.

My daughter (age 14) and I both use the rolling backpack and like it very much.

I use it only as a roller, since I also carry my (disabled) son's backpack when we travel. I like the rolling backpack because it is smaller and lighter than the rolling carryon -- I don't need the extra room, and the bag fits under the airplane seat if I need it to go there.

My daughter uses it both as a roller and as a backpack. She rolls it through airports and on smooth surfaces and puts it on her back if we are doing a lot of stairs. She is a very light packer (usually about 12-15 lbs total weight), so the extra weight from the wheels isn't a problem, and she prefers to have the option of rolling her bag when it makes sense. Works great for her.

We have his small wheeled carry on and have been pleased with them. His backpacks we used at one time were also very good. Only switched due to back problems. Think you would be please with either.

You will find about a million discussions of this question in the “Packing” forum.

Thanks to everyone for sharing your experiences! You've helped me think through my luggage choices for this summer's RS tour!