Rolling Backpack for 6 weeks

Under the concept of packing light it makes no difference if it is a six day trip, six weeks or six months. You take the same amount of clothing regardless of the length of the trip. It is more than big enough for a six week trip IF you plan well.

I used the Autobahn rolling backpack for several years (3 months per trip) and it was fine, but I never needed the backpack function so I switched to a rolling carryon this year.

hi, what frank said and then some. happy trails.

The size is fine; I found wearing it as a backpack immediately excruciating at the 30-second mark! YMMV...Also, I (and others) discovered that it won't stand up with anything stacked on top, no matter the size, weight, nor weight distribution of the larger and/or smaller bag :-( The back of the bag (where the handle is stored) is too rigid for my back, but apparently someone liked it enough to put it into production. For European/foreign trips I will wear a backpack until I absolutely can't anymore, but thought it would be nice to pull my bag occasionally (since I do often use a wheeled bag domestically). THIS is not the bag I'd hoped for. I'm definitely sticking with my beloved Eagle Creek Continental Journey (smootch-smootch) 8^D

I'm with Zoe. Wheeled luggage has made rolling backpacks redundant. The straps merely add exta weight, unless you plan on rugged hiking.

For those of you who use the rolling backpacks, do you ever actually carry them on your back? I was thinking of all those times I have to lug it up stairs and over cobblestones.

Cobblestones were not a problem for me, even in Rome and Florence where the spaces between cobblestones sometimes looked like sinkholes. I did try it out as a backpack and it didn't hurt, but during my trips I found it wasn't worth the time and effort to unzip the straps and crawl in and out of them, so I ended up carrying it either by the top or side handle. Even in train stations. (I also found that people were happy to help if I looked like I needed it.)

I thought that maybe I could switch tactics, and instead of using it as a backpack with wheels use it as a wheeled bag with backpack straps; just put it on my shoulder briefly when I encountered puddles, stairs, etc. The problem I had with that is that although the bag is very much more soft-sided that most wheeled bags, the back is still fairly rigid. When I wore it just slung on my one shoulder, instead of it hanging on my shoulder it acted almost like a sheet of plywood that would swing to and for - not unlike a saloon door hinged at my side :-( Good for me only for very short periods of time (like a staircase). The only upside for me when wearing it as a backpack (for those short 30 seconds) was that the wheels DID clear my tush, and it's not the narrowest tush out there...

That sounds very uncomfortable, Eileen. What is everyone's favorite wheeled carry on? I may just skip the whole backpack idea. The last time we did a long trip like this I used a RS convertible suitcase, mostly as a backpack. But I'm really liking wheels these days.

Try other brands, too. Offsprey makes a wheeled backpack. Although I think you can try just a regular wheeled suitcase as well.

RS' regular ol' wheeled bag? Now THAT one, I like. But I'm not a fan of wheeled luggage without my Travel Tow handle attached to it. Sadly, it is apparently not produced anymore...but there are similar gizmos that make pulling a bag behind you (literally!) much more comfortable.

I have used the RS rolling backpack on my last two trips to Europe and love it!!!
I pack 3 pairs of nylon pants, 4 nylon/polyester shirts, 4 pairs of underwear, socks, fleece, rain jacket and pajamas. I could stay for as many weeks as I like, I wash clothes every 2nd or 3td night. I find the backpack part to be comfortable for me and I use it when on crowded trains, cobblestones and hotels without elevators.

Here's my experience: Last year on our 6 week trip to Europe with 2 kids we took a variety of small bags. We had 2 carry-on size lightweight wheeled suitcases, 2 adult semi-framed travel backpacks (which could be carry on), 1 RS soft backdoor bag, and each of us had a small daypack or cross-body purse. During travel we found it great to have the small wheeled suitcases because we could balance the softer RS backdoor bag or one of the backpacks on top. Chances are you will have more than just that one bag -- you'll have a daypack and maybe a cross-body purse as well. Think about how you'll juggle things when running for trains, climbing stairs, etc. It all comes down to how strong your back is, how much moving around (and by what means of transport) you'll be doing, and how truly light in packing you can go. Bon Voyage!

Melinda, I once thought that a Rolling Backpack was a good concept, but after further reflection, I've changed my mind on that. A piece of luggage built for two functions often doesn't do either one well (IMO). Some of the disadvantages of Rolling Backpacks: > The wheel, frame and handle add weight, making them heavier when fully loaded. > Depending on the design, the frame may "dig into" the back or be uncomfortable when worn as a Backpack (as Eileen noted). My suggestion would be to either use a Wheelie Bag OR a well fitted Backpack. Happy travels!

Hey, anybody want a rolling backpack? It's in mint condition... ;-) (NOT soliciting a buyer; just kidding. But...)

I did something similar to what Heather describes on my last trip. I used a Rick Steves convertible bag and a rolling tote bag. While at the airport and walking down streets I balanced the convertible bag on top of the wheeled tote. When going up/down stairs and on/off trains I would put the convertible bag on my back and carry the tote. It worked great!!