Type of luggage for Ireland?

I use a well-fitting backpack with a decent waist belt which takes most of the weight -I also pack it so that the centre of gravity is close to my back. I have totally wrecked my back pulling a case along - and thats before you start having to lift it and carry it up and down stairs

I started out traveling with a carry-on backpack. The last time I used it was in 2011. Then I switched to a spinner. The last time I used it was 2014. It was fine in urban areas, even over cobblestones, but not so great on dirt, gravel, mud or through puddles.

I'd resisted 2-wheeled bags, but I tried an Eagle Creek one and found it to be tougher and more suitable to a greater variety of terrain. I've used a 2-wheeled bag since 2016.

I travel carry-on only and limit the packed weight to 22 pounds or less, so the bag itself needs to be light. That means less than 5 pounds empty. It also means switching to a T-shaped handle.

My last trip I learned that I can no longer use a cross-body tote. It seems to bother my back (and neck) much more than a lightweight backpack. In fact, I now use a very small backpack like this one for my daily purse at home.

These are examples of what I have now. I'll choose from them for my trip to Ireland and Wales in the summer.

Most likely backpack is this Rangeland one. I used it for a domestic road trip in October. It comes in several colors and there seems to be more than one listing for it on Amazon. It's surprisingly comfortable.

I used an older version of this Eagle Creek International bag on my last 2 trips, in 2018 and 2019. Mine has a bit less capacity and weighs only 4.5 pounds. The new version linked is a bit heavier and the height measurement is taller than mine. One thing I really like is that it has multiple places to grab that help in getting it into and out of overhead bins.

I recently bought this Osprey Ozone Global Carry-On. Mine's blue. It's available from many vendors, mostly in black. It's shaped like a European roller bag. I haven't used it yet, but I hope to be able to pack it properly for next summer. Even with the different shape, Delta told me it would be okay, but I'm more likely to fly British Airways and/or Aer Lingus where it will be "normal."

The full prices on these bags are high, but every one I have I got on sale.

Here are the responses you are going to get....

Spinners are wonderful and work fine.

Spinners are a major hindrance to anyone who takes the bag outside the airport.

Wheels are an insult to humankind and should never be used.

I started with a backpack. Switched to two wheels and now use a spinner. My back also bothered me and I found, eventually, that a spinner was best for me. I have taken my spinner all over Europe, and points beyond, and will continue to do so.

If you already have a bad back, why would you chance hurting it more using a backpack? It could ruin your trop.

Sadly. There some posters here who will either shame others or put them down for using wheels.
And even moreso to those using spinners. Just because one person can handle a travel size backpack on their back doesn't mean everyone can.

Unless you plan to do a lot of walking in fields or camping, you'll be fine with your spinner. Occasionally, you may have to tip it and use it as a two wheeler, but not that often.

"Unless you plan to do a lot of walking in fields or camping, you'll be fine with your spinner. Occasionally, you may have to tip it and use it as a two wheeler, but not that often. "

That's been our experience as well. I have a tender back too, and have used our spinners on about a dozen visits to Ireland without incident or drama - they work just fine.

Is it a quality suitcase with durable spinner wheels? Then it’ll be fine.

I heard somewhere in the last year or so that nobody under age 21 (or was it 30?) knows any other type of luggage than a rolling suitcase. There are backpacks, of course, although I see those as camping equipment, more than any international travel luggage. And now, there are even duffle bags with wheels.

Hello from Wisconsin,
Get a small wheeled suitcase. Bad back...small suitcase. My suitcase is a carryon size, although because of my back I check it. Durable wheels and what ever holds the wheels to the case. Cobble stone beats the life out of weak mechanical design. Ireland...I don't recall cobblestone. I recall sidewalks in poor repair.

The less you pack, the happier you will be.

If you are trekking...no wheeled devise will work.

wayne inWI