For most of my adult life, I have been a big fan of the convertible backpack type bags. But I just came from a visit with my doctor that is making me think it might be time for me to reconsider. I have herniated discs in my neck from being rear-ended on the interstate about 10 years ago. They have been fairly stable since then until about 2 weeks ago when my left arm went numb and stayed numb after my neck started to hurt. He is going to start me with another round of physical therapy / traction, but if that doesn't work he is indicating that I might need to start thinking about surgery. My trip is supposed to be in January, and I'm thinking if I do still go I may need to alter my luggage plan. I'm hoping I can keep my itinerary the same (2 nights Venice, 2 nights Bologna, 4 nights in Florence, 2 nights in Assisi and then the last 5 in Rome). So for roller bag experts, what do you recommend? I do have 1 21" Delsey light weight hardside type that I used to use on business trips.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10594 posts
Will you be traveling by train? I have an unconventional suggestion for you that I tried on my last trip and it worked great. I wanted to use my convertible bag for ease of dealing with stairs, on/off trains, etc. But I have back issues too and didn't want to carry my bag everywhere. For my personal bag I brought a wheeled tote bag. With the handle extended I could place my convertible bag on top and wheel away. When I had to carry the bag for stairs or the train I could pick it up or put it on my back, but I didn't have the extra weight of the wheels. Just a thought for you to consider.
Posted by
OP
Minneapolis, MN, USA
117 posts
Yes, I will be traveling by train. I hadn't thought of a wheeled tote. I'll definitely take a look at those.
Posted by
Tigard, OR, USA
1068 posts
I just got the new RS wheeled backpack for my upcoming trip. Will try and let folks know how it worked out when I return.
Posted by
Lafayette, LA
224 posts
When I was a young whipper-snapper in my mid 20s, backpacking for weeks up and down the Alps and uneven narrow cobble-stoned streets was a cinch. Heck, I looked forward to the challenge. But that was 25 years ago. Nowadays, I have to endure comments from the Mrs. that I am older. No kidding!
I now use a carry-on size roller bag by Ricardo (about $160 from Target). I have used it on 3 trips this year (1 international, 2 domestic). I love it. No more neck problems. The bag has plenty of pockets and I don't need anything else.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19272 posts
I started trying to pack light in 2000, and I have now gotten to the point that my single carryon bag weighs less than 12 pounds (that does not include an additional bag holding my netbook, about 4 pounds, but a lot of purses weigh that much). Twelve pounds is not much more than a gallon of milk. The key is to only take what you really need, not everything that you might possibly, in the worst case, want. So, instead of adding another 5-7 pounds for a wheeled bag, which you will sometimes have to carry, find ways to cut down on what you take.
Posted by
Monterey County, CA (formerly Verbania Italy-Lago Maggiore)
1640 posts
We bought EagleCreek Tarmac 20 for our trip to Europe. Legal carryon for most flights. A 22" roller will probably get on the plane 90% of the time, but if the gate is scrutinising roller size, you may have to check. Couple other things I like that were improvements from our previous rollers to pay attention to, make sure the pull out handle is long enough, especially if you are tall. Secondly make sure the wheels are sufficient to roll on cobblestones.