Luggage and Backpacks- Planes and Trains

Your backpack should be fine for travel days. Keep anything valuable in inside pockets or buried in the main compartment - those small front pockets are easy theft access. Some people will lock the zippers together or just tie them together with a clip or twist tie. I find that overkill but it's an option

I prefer a messenger or shoulder bag more because I carry my camera and with a backpack getting it out is a production. I'd be stopping every 2 feet but with a shoulder bag I can just grab it and put it away as I'm walking. If you won't need to access the backpack very often then this isn't a concern.

Sure! We took our High Sierra THREE TIMES to Europe, it was great because we got a wheeled 22 inch combo that had a zipper attached backpack. So when walking for blocks to get to our Air BnB, we could zip the backpack onto the wheeled suitcase and relieve our backs a little bit. This combo survived a total of about 8 weeks (plus other assorted travels) and still looks great. And inexpensive!
Here's the link (of course they changed the model from 3 years ago, but this is the newest version):

http://shop.highsierra.com/high-sierra-at3-22inch-wheeled-backpack/537903248.html

Wearing the backpack on your front is also an option.

I too find wearing a backpack on my chest to be helpful in crowded situations. It allows me to move about a little easier. As a side benefit it allows me to keep it in view. It also allows me to access it easily.

lacrosse,

I've been using backpacks for many years, and for me it's the most convenient method. I find that I can move faster in stations and airports and like having my hands free. My normal kit is a backpack with a detachable daypack. The main pack is checked during air travel and the daypack is used for carry-on. I also travel with a camera bag for my DSLR and accessories, which can be carried with a shoulder strap or handle. I tried a new method last year combining the contents of the daypack and camera bag using a very robust duffle, and that seemed to work well but I'm still evaluating that method.

As a first time visitor to Italy, I'd recommend doing some "homework" on using the trains and other public transit as there are some potentially expensive caveats to be aware of. Be sure you're wearing Money Belts when out touring and don't access them where others can see. Are you flying into / out of Rome?

A 23" is not carry on size on most airlines

I have over 25 years of packing light and traveling to Europe experience...take less, do laundry...there are many stylish quick drying fabrics these days...

I travel to France and Italy frequently....mostly with 22" and a tote bag for Paris, because I stay put in one place...Many people will tell you ONE bag...but if it weighs 25lbs how are you going to lug that around and lift it up stairs, onto racks buses etc? Even light 22" cases weight 7lbs.... Most people bring a daybag anyway so why not pack your items in it on the travel days, and empty it out at the hotel to use as your day pack...if you don't want to pack an another small folding bag.

In Italy I traveled by train, ferry, bus and car...and trains I took these 2 bags to Rome, Naples, islands last fall for a 2 week trip...with a travel bungee...for rolling long distances or in HOT weather where I did not want anything on my back....I also packed a small purse, and thin folding nylon shoulder bag...like a nice grocery bag that could not be reached into...

Travelon 15" ( 15" X 13" X 9") two wheeled roller/spinners do not work on cobblestones and take up too much space that could be used for clothing. This is only 7 inches less than a 22" bag because the larger bag has 3-4 inches of height taken up by spinner WHEELS.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ICD65CO?tag=amz-mkt-chr-us
The handle extends nicely and is sturdy...it zips into a compartment when you don't need it.
You can google videos that show how much you can fit!
The interior has tons of space and can be packed with or without cubes. I put my ipad in the inside pocket not the outside one for extra padding and security. It is SO easy to lift up because you will probably only pack 10 lbs in it and it is only 5lbs.

I fit over 25 clothing items including 1 pair shoes, 1 flip flop, 1 shorts, 1 jeans, 2 cotton pants, 8 shirts, 1 sweater, rain poncho, my TSA 3 1 1 liquids, bathing suit, cover up, sarong, socks underwear, electronics like ipad charger, small camera, guide book, you get the idea...then the back pack was only 1/3 full. Inside the backpack I had a mini backpack( that I wore on my chest/front) while in crowds in Rome and Naples, you will see Europeans doing this.

I took this, but is has stiff shape and you may prefer a soft, more flexible style.
https://www.ebags.com/product/osprey/porter-30-travel-backpack

I packed this inside my larger backpack and used it as a day bag

http://www.eddiebauer.com/product/stowaway-20l-packable-pack

Travel bungee cord amazing! For longer distances or when hot you can put the backpack on the top of the bag!

https://www.ebags.com/product/travelon/bag-bungee-two-pack/3

Take the RS travel precautions seriously, but don't worry...petty crime is the most you will have to be aware of...definitely keep your passport ON YOU at all times, not in the hotel, use an under clothing pouch..there are many styles...There are many travel shirts that have hidden pockets at the HIP not the chest so they are less obvious and bulky looking...

I use this for my daily cash and one credit card...just attach to ONE bra strap and tuck into side of bra...you won't feel it and it is the ultimate in security! You will need to put passport and other things in a larger pouch.

https://www.amazon.com/Security-Pocket-Brastash-Credit-Sleeve/

https://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/mother-lode-tls-weekender-convertible/143101

Wife and I have a pair of these for all our trips. They are 100% carry on legal. Under four lbs. convertible to a backpack or a suitcase. While others wheel bags, I fly. I store in overhead on even embraer and bombardier regional jets, and check one on return as I'm usually bringing back something they won't let in the main cabin (wine, artistic skewers, olive oil, gun).

I have a Civita Day Pack that collapses to nothing stored in the TLS, that I use for bopping around. Good for souvenir carrying on a day to day, sweaters, umbrellas, guidebooks, water bottles, and more. Wife has a cross body camera bag that she uses as a purse. I use the CDP as a "personal item" on the plane. Under the seat if I'm using it that way. Wife uses the camera bag in the same manner.

You can have it all.

if you end up needing a day bag for jacket, water, hat, snack, most museums and venues will make you check a back pack but a messenger style bag is ok

if you end up needing a day bag for jacket, water, hat, snack, most museums and venues will make you check a back pack but a messenger style bag is ok

Sometimes, this is a bonus. Basilica di San Marco, as an example, going straight to the bag check can get you a ticket to skip the line at the front door. Have always made it work with the Civita day pack. 10 years and counting.