Im going on the "Heart of Italy" RS tour this month. (9 days) I found two backpacks. One with rollers (if needed) and one without. Any suggestions between the two? I thought the one with rollers gives me another option if I get tired of carrying it on my back? But maybe it will get too heavy if I cant roll it? Maybe it doesnt matter? Not sure how long Ill be carrying it at a time? I will be going from bus to several different hotels. Maybe train too?
Posted by
Napa, CA
3580 posts
I traveled with the backpack, no rollers, for a number of years. The disadvantage: on the Metro or bus I was forever taking it off and putting it back on in order to sit. This was a strain on my back and shoulders. I've graduated to rollers only and the disadvantage with that is that I have to pick it up to carry up/down stairs in Metro etc. This doesn't bother me much. I also have a pack from ETBD which I thought was the answer to all the disadvantages. It is convertible. The problem is, you have to stop and make adjustments to switch over. And it is heavier than the plain backpack.....If you can, practice with both styles (carrying loads) and see what works best for you..... Definitely get in shape for managing your luggage before your trip. I used to carry my backpack around a little everyday for a couple of weeks before trips....You will need to be able to lift your pack to the bins on the plane and to the luggage racks on trains.....You may be hauling your stuff up a bunch of stairs to your little backdoor hotel in Italy.....
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
This is one of those questions that is discussed every day and three times on the weekend. Go back and read some of the previous discussion. There is no definite answer. Strictly personal preference and which trade-offs you are willing to accept. If you a bad back, they you need to pull something. Because of poor street and sidewalk surfaces and very crowded streets, a rolling bag is more difficult to deal with.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
Shannon, as Frank mentioned, this topic is FREQUENTLY discussed on the HelpLine. It's difficult to make a suggestion for someone else, but my preference would be the Backpack WITHOUT rollers. The wheel mechanism adds weight and also reduces the amount of space for travel gear. ¶ You'll probably find that most of the time (and especially on the tour) you'll only be carrying your Pack from the Bus to your Hotel room, so distances will be short. Likewise when you're travelling from the airport to your Hotel, the time you'll be carrying the pack will be limited. ¶ One important point to make regarding Backpacks is that these must be PROPERLY fitted according to YOUR torso length. Most of the weight should rest on the hips and NOT the shoulders. Many internal frame packs have a means to adjust (within limits) for the torso range of different users. Most sales staff can make the adjustments for you. ¶ I always travel with a non-wheeled, properly fitted Backpack and have worn it for an hour or more at a time. When properly adjusted it's quite comfortable (although with the extra weight, I certainly couldn't run a marathon while wearing it). Buon Viaggio!
Posted by
Little Rock, AR
105 posts
There are advantages each way. I personally like having the option to roll something if I wish. I have the kind that has the roller blade wheels, and it's extremely easy to roll around. If the rollers on your backpack are the clunky, small kind, it might not be the best choice in most Italian cities I've been to. Happy travels!