rick steves autobahn rolling backpac

I may be in a minority here, but we use convertible carry-on bags. No wheels. Our ages are72 and 65 and we had a 46 day trip from Istanbul to Amsterdam this last Sept./Oct. Bags with no wheels are a lot lighter, and you don't have to fiddle around pulling the handle out or putting it in. I've always said that I will buy a wheelie when I need trailer behind my wheel chair.

Agree with Monte. We find a wheeled bag in Europe a pain with crowded sidewalks, uneven, cobble stone streets, no curb cuts, etc. In the US we used wheel bags because you can depend on smooth streets and sidewalks. Also, like having both hands free when moving through public transit areas. And it easier to overpack rolling bags.

I think rolling bags are kind of a good news/bad news scenario. The good news is you don't have to carry it - most of the time. The bad news is when you do have to carry it, the extra weight makes it more difficult. I insist on two things for a bag, opens like a book for ease of packing and hideaway straps so they don't catch on things. I own three bags that met my criteria- a circa 2000 Rick Steves Convertible at @2.6#, an Essential Carryon @ 1.8#, and a Goodhope bag @ 2.2#. Since I've pared the stuff I take down to about 1400 cu in, both of the first two bags are way too big for it. Everything fits in the Goodhope bag, but just barely, so I don't think I'll use it. I would really like to find a bag that fits my criteria at about 1800-2000 cu in. The non-roller Autobahn bag has the right size but doesn't fit my other criteria. If you don't mind carrying the extra weight, the rollaboard is fine IF you either fly only US (ugh) airlines that have high or no weight limits or if you check the bag. At 8#, the Autobahn rolling bag, empty, weighs almost half of what you are allowed to carry on on Lufthansa. With Lufthansa's weight limit, you could take only 9½# of stuff. If you only take 9½#, you surely don't need a rollaboard.

My personal opinion is that rolling backpacks are really not worth it. I have one( Eagle Creek Switchback 22 ) and no longer use it because hybrids are just not practical( again, my opinion only). In all likelihood you will not use the backpack mode as it isn't particularly comfortable, and is just an inconvenient delay having to stop and switch from rolling bag to backpack just to negotiate a flight of stairs or something. I found I just picked it up and carried it in my hand. Go with either a regular roll aboard( carry on size), or a convertible carry on. I use the convertible carry on now, and will not travel without it. It's spent a total of 8 weeks with me in Europe since 2009, through 9 countries, and I am now 100% convinced that one carry on bag is the only way to travel. Fully packed my bag averages 16# and I never want for anything, plus negotiating airports, airplanes, subways, buses, trains, stairs, escalators, etc, etc is a breeze. For me personally, the combination of Rick's Convertible Carry On, Civita Day Pack, and Packing Cubes are a winning combination. While I don't want to seem like a promoter of his products, I can honestly say, from experience, that the referenced gear is ideal for European ( or anywhere else) travel...lightweight, rugged, dependable, functional, and excellent value for the money. I shudder when I think about my first trip to Europe in 2006...15 days with a 26" wheeled suitcase and back pack, both stuffed full...boy, talk about learning from your mistakes...lol

I am 60 and my husband is 80 and we always use the convertible backpacks. Made the mistake of using a roller suitcase ONCE. Hard to get on and off trains and many places we stay have stairs and no elevators. Its nice to have your hands free to consult maps, train schedules, etc.