My husband a great gift -- the convertible bag (the larger one). His mother gave it to him for our trip this Spring. I was amazed at the amount of stuff I was able to get into this bag (clothes/toys/shoes) and it still didn't feel heavy. If I had packed it a little more neatly I think I would have been able to get even more in. I am thinking of getting one for myself now instead of using a roller bag we already have.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32219 posts
Susan, glad to hear your Husband is pleased with his Convertible Rucksack. If you're planning on getting one for yourself, I'd advise trying it out fully loaded for a few hours to see if the fit also works for you.
That particular Pack seems to work well for some people, but not so well for others. There's been a bit of debate on the site here regarding that point. The main criteria to look for in a Pack is proper fiiting according to the user's torso length. Most of the weight should rest on the hips, NOT on the shoulders.
Good luck with your decision.
Posted by
OP
Minneapolis, MN, USA
22 posts
Thanks Ken. After a lot of thought I am sticking with the roller bag. It is easier for me than the pack.
Posted by
Lewiston, Idaho, USA
2091 posts
Susan--I am 56 and am waiting as long as possible before getting a rollaboard (and dreading the thought). I helped a travel partner lift a rollaboard onto trains and up the bridge to Civita as well as numerous stairs throughout France, Italy and Switzerland last fall...They are difficult to lift, rolling's fine but lifting is awful. With a backpack (RS Convertible BackPack) properly fitted with the majority of the weight on your hips, hopping off and on trains, etc is so much easier.
Just my 2 euro!
Posted by
525 posts
The Civita footbridge does not have stairs. I think for the longgggggggg walk it would be easier than the backpack. I was there in October but not carrying any bag as it was a day trip. We missed the parking where Rick suggests so had to park up in town and then walk down stairs but if you find the parking place Rick talks about no problem. It was interesting watching people with the roller bags on the cobble streets. Pack light, the aisles on the trains are not very wide for the big roller bags. Funny entertainment watching the travelers trying to get their big, heavy bags up on the overhead bin. One husband grumbled while lifting his wife and two daughters? suitcases overhead. If you pack it, you carry it!!!
Posted by
Columbus, Ohio, USA
258 posts
I used the convertible bag in Europe for 4 weeks this past fall and loved it! I was also amazed at how much could fit in there. I also found the travel cubes to be a great help in organizing my items. Having the pack on my back vs. rolling behind me was quite a benefit in many circumstances, IMO. Have fun!