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Where to go with convertible backpack vs. roller luggage

My husband and I just got back from 30 days in Italy with our convertible backpacks for our luggage. This was a good move considering the stairs, cobbled streets and number of train transitions. We stayed in 8 cities, anywhere from 3 - 5 nights per place.

We enjoyed this longer trip, a first for us and hope for many more. We are both in our early 60s and recognize that using the backpacks might not be the best thing for too many more years. Thus I am trying to plan "backpack friendly" itineries for travel in the next few years.

I'm looking for recommendations on countries and/or parts of Europe (or other parts of the world) that make sense to use the backpacks. I do realize this is a personal preference and depending on what kind of travel one does... assume a DIY itinerary, probably around a month long, staying in cities 3-5 days (or longer if warrented), most likely no car & train travel. Where did you go where you were happy you had a backpack rather than a roller suitcase? Or vice-versa, where did you go with a roller suitcase and wish you had a backpack?

Thanks in advance for any insights.

Posted by
1959 posts

Forgive her Father, for she knows not what she does ;)

Posted by
1121 posts

A back pack is good anywhere. I don’t have to listen to a roller bag being dragged across cobblestones and bumped up or down stairs. Enjoying my Italian, French, etc. cafe time and here they are loudly rolling along the street.
So although others will loudly go where many have gone before you will be two people less of that ilk.

Posted by
9029 posts

I dont think the destination should be dictated by the style of luggage. I always prefer backpacks to keep both hands free. Rollers only domestically where I'll have a car.

Posted by
16455 posts

People who like backpacks will tell you they are always happy with backpack. People who don't like backpacks will they you they are always happy with a wheeled bag.

I've used both. Probably the only place a wheeled bag might not be good is if you are taking an adventure trip down the Amazon or something similar.

Posted by
1346 posts

Hi Beth -

After years of being vehemently opposed to rolling/wheeled luggage, we’re finally and rather late in life beginning to investigate it.

This due to my hip replacement triggering sciatic nerve problems. This means my faithful old backpack harness/belt rests squarely on my sciatic nerve, resulting in what should have been a recent stroll through central London being reduced to a painful plod.

However, I’m savvy enough to realise that there are places where a backpack scores heavily over wheels so I’m insistent that whatever replaces my ancient backpack also has a storable harness carry system, experience proving it the only realistic way of moving about, be it through the Chilean Lake District, the railway stations of Japan or the midnight back streets of Jaisalmeer in India. I’m thinking the backpack may yet win out and I might have to have myself renewed!

Ian

Posted by
16455 posts

the railway stations of Japan

I found these to be some of the best places with wheeled luggage. Escalators everywhere.
Even though many are crowded, having a spinner bag next to me is a lot better than dragging a two wheeler behind and interfering with others. And I remember getting smashed in the face at one of Tokyo's station while waiting at the ticket machine. The person in front of me had a travel size backpack on. He was with someone. He kept backing up into me every time he allowed the other person to see the machine. When finished he took a couple of steps back, turned and pummeled me in the face. He forgot, as many do, that they have this thing on their back that needs extra space.

I used to use a convertible backpack but after years of back pain, extra sweatiness due to lugging the extra weight, and knocking into a people, I switched to a wheeled bag. Never looked back.

I have a secret for dealing with a LONG walk over cobblestones or long walks with luggage in general....TAXI!!!!

I look at it this way.....if there is pavement of some type, I'm probably okay with wheeled luggage. If dirt roads, a backpack is probably more useful especially after rain.

Posted by
4920 posts

I realize what you are asking - but don’t necessarily have an answer (not helpful, I know). The places I have the most trouble with my wheels are not just cobblestones, but the big cobblestones (makes me think of river rocks). Most recently I encountered these in a couple of cities in Albania (Girokaster, for one). I know I have encountered this before but can’t remember where.

I haven’t tried wheeling over dirt (for very far) or over sand (which I think would be impossible).

In a slightly different direction, I think I found the most stairs of my travels in Croatia - perhaps because I stayed almost exclusively in apartments for my month (built up over businesses and homes). A backpack would make this much easier.

That being said, I couldn’t manage backpack travel for long or far now, so it’s not an option for me, even though I take a light one as my personal item. If Italy felt like it required backpacks, I think your question might be more easily answered with the fewer places that DON’T have cobblestones, stairs, and train transitions.

My question for myself, similar to your thoughts but with a different focus, is asking myself where I should go now that I may not be able to manage in a few years because of required physical activity.

Posted by
1346 posts

I found these to be some of the best places with wheeled luggage. Escalators everywhere.

Hi Frank -

You obviously didn’t visit the more rural railways stations we did. Lots of steps. What made it worse was that our tour company had insisted we should use the unwheeled, no harness, size of a small truck, supplied trek kit bag. We of course ignored this and watched smugly as our group comrades tried to manhandle their unwieldy luggage up and down staircases and on and off trains while we sauntered along hands free.

That said, I have been almost levelled by unthinking wheeled luggage draggers more times than I care to remember, and sideswiped by careless pack wearers, but alas, my ageing back makes further prolonged use of my backpack possibly unrealistic. Although I do remain to be convinced finally (I feel like such a traitor to my long suffering backpack!). And as I said, anything I do switch to has to have a storable backpack system as I demand the best of all worlds!

Taxis do make sound sense, but there are no taxis in Indian walled towns - we did get transport to the gates. There are however lots of cows roaming freely, with unfortunate, but predictable, results for wheeled luggage!

Ian

Posted by
381 posts

I can't speak to the question you're asking, but on a related note: we've traveled with backpacks for several years and made the switch to roller bags many years ago. The backpack hit my husband right on his hip, aggravating his arthritis (he's since had a hip replacement). Giving up spinners (ugh), we made the switch to Timbuk2 carryon luggage. The skateboard wheels easily handle cobblestones, curbs, etc. There are handles on three sides making it easy to put in overhead compartments, and I love the clamshell design. We've taken ours on planes, trains, busses, ferries; almost every type of public transportation. When you're ready to switch, give them a look. Ours will be with us for 5 weeks this Autumn through Eastern Europe and Northern Italy.
Happy travels!

https://www.timbuk2.com/collections/carry-on-travel-bags/products/544-copilot-luggage-roller

Posted by
390 posts

Bought my first roller ever...and has straps to put on back. Osprey Daylite. Still small for a roller while is consistent with my packing light.
Also just bought Osprey Arcane large day pack as my personal item. At 72, no problems yet but I want to be preventative.
Will see how these work on upcoming trip to Denmark.

Posted by
373 posts

Timbuk2 Co-pilot:

Would someone who has one please explain the compartment configurations?
The clam shell design is plain enough in the photos. Looks like each side has a zippered mesh cover.

But the exterior pockets . . .

Shoe compartment at the top.

Then a flap underneath with a flat zip pocket for a laptop.

Then the flap zips open for another compartment? The one with the blue chambray shirt.

So is the shoe compartment and the one under the flap below it sticking into that side of the clam shell when you open the case?
Or is the flap giving you access to that side of the clam shell without having to open the main zipper?

Posted by
357 posts

khansen

I have the Copliot medium size. I love it. It is very slightly bigger than carry on size for some airlines. For the smaller airlines I will pay to check it. The medium bag is slightly heavy at 8 lbs. That would be a challenge on an airline with a 17 lb limit.

That said it works great for me. the "shoe compartment" isn't really useful for shoes. It's too small. So i put 1(!) pair of shoes in the bottom of one side of the clam shell. I'll typically put misc items there...cords, chargers etc if I don't want them in my backpack. Yes it does flow into the interior of the bag.
On the front there is a very thin pocket outermost. I will sometimes put documents in there. Ohh, and washer sheets this last trip. Personally i would not put a laptop/tablet there as there isn't much protection from abuse. Below that pocket is a zipper access to the interior of one side of the clam shell. Truthfully I have never used that to open up to the interior. I always forget about it & don't pack so that the stuff I want is on top. If that makes sense.

HTH

Posted by
373 posts

Yes. That makes more sense. Thank you.

I was wondering about the shoes shown in that pocket. Are they showing a woman's size 5 or a man's 14???

Seems like that would be a good place for the 3-1-1 bag.

Posted by
4088 posts

Age helped change me. I had a convertible backpack/suitcase for decades. It didn't grow heavier but I grew older. I now use a suitcase with two wheels (more rugged on rough pavement and easier to steer.)

Posted by
8342 posts

I have both a backpack carry on suitcase and TravelPro Ultralite swivel wheel carry on bags. My wife is somewhat mobility challenged and she travels with a folding personal power scooter that she rides to the door of the airplanes.

First trip with the scooter, I used the backpack and towed her carry on bag. Last two European trips, I just towed a pair of carry on bags.

The backpack bags are fine, but you've got to have a very strong back. I just find it easier to tow the carry on bags. Each to their own.