Luggage - Carry on wheeled with or without backpack

Backpack (suitcase type, not an expedition pack) without wheels is the only way to as far as I'm concerned. Wheels don't work on a lot of surfaces and just add weight which hurts your elbow and cramps your arm. (Admittedly, I go on the heavy side since I tend to make climate changes on the same trip.) Also, it leaves your hands free to fiddle with stuff. I think mine's from ebags or something like that. Probably had it for three years with close to half that time on the road and it's none the worse for wear. It's carry-on size and the worst I've had to do is lash a heavy jacket on the side once I clear the airport.

I agree with Ed but it is also personal and physical preference. We use backpack style carryon in Europe for the reasons well stated by Ed and wheeled carryon in the US because of nice, smooth streets and sidewalks and lots of elevators.

I third Ed's and Frank's opinion. Even though I'm only 5'2", and I often have to struggle to get my carry-on sized backpack up on my shoulders, it's much more convenient in most situations than a wheeled bag.

Neil, wheeled luggage with backpack capabilities is not something I'd suggest. The wheel mechanism tends to add weight and also reduces the area available for travel gear. You might want to read * www.onebag.com/wheeled-bags.html * (cut & paste the link inside the asterisks). ¶ I use a shoulder bag for domestic travels (Air Boss) and a panel-load Backpack (which has a detachable Daypack) for international travels. My main pack is always checked and I use the Daypack for carry-on. I've found that with cobblestone streets, stairs and other things in Europe, a Backpack is much easier to manage. One factor that's extremely important with the main Pack is proper fitting for torso length (most of the weight should rest on the hips, not the shoulders). Good luck with your decision!

I used a wheeled carry during my trip to Europe for the last 5 years and it was easy to use. However, it is hard to use on some surfaces and with the constant pulling of the carry on sized wheeled suit case., I noticed my armed was somewhat sore in the joint of the shoulder and the arm acted like it was in the same position all the time, it took about 2 or 3 months before it didn't bother me anymore. So this year, to use next year in Europe, but did use on a trip to Florida and New Orleans this year, I bought through Rick Steves'a cloth bag, than you can also put on your back if need be. It definitely was lighter, and easier to handle, either by carrying or putting on my back. But do travel light, no matter what. Enjoy your trip.

It's a matter of personal preference. We bought a Rick Stevesbackpack for my husband to use on our 2-week Italy thrip this year, but after trying it on a shorter domestic trip, he decided he didn't like it and took his trusty wheeled bag, veteran of many Europe trips. My wheeled bag has backpack straps, but I never used them on this trip. In fact I haven't used the backpack straps since a trip 10 years ago when we were on the 5th floor with no elevator. Everywhere we went in Italy this last trip we were able to find a path from hotel to train and back without cobblestones, or only very short stretches. My wheeled bag is a Victorinox with swivel handle which is very nice for avoiding stress o the wrist and elbow.

I've always been very happy with my 21-inch wheeled luggage. I always also have some sort of daybag, so if I had luggage on my back, plus the daybag, that would be difficult and a hassle. Hubby has his wheeled bag plus a backpack, which we mostly use for extra stuff that we're not so worried about security-wise; extra guide books, coats, etc. So he has that on his back, plus the wheeled bag. Unless you NEED the additional piece of luggage, I'd say to stay with what you already own and spend the money you would have used on the backpack bag on either wine or gelato, or both!

keep me hands free so I can fumble with maps and directions, maneuvering about the crowds at a normal pace. Love my Osprey Porter backpack. It loads like a suitcase but carries like a hikers pack, with waist belt and shoulder adjustments. Plus I can carry it on.

I have all types of bags....wheeled, wheeled with backpack straps, convertible, etc. The wheeled bags are now only used on auto trips where I go from car to hotel and back. For Europe it's strictly a convertible soft sided bag that stays with me at all times. I use a messenger bag as a day bag and that gets packed into my convertible bag on "travel" days making me a pure one-bag traveler. But, as someone said, it's your personal choice.

Due to a serious physical problem I can not put a load on my back. Therefore, I have been using a 21" carry-on roller bag everywhere I go for a real long time. Maybe since wheeled bags first came out. I take that roller bag to Europe every summer, and have for at least the last 10 years, and have never had any insurmountable problems with it including going over real cobblestone streets or climbing many stairs in hotels or B&Bs. I guess since I do not have a choice, the wheeled bag just seems normal to me.

My husband has used an Eagle Creek Switchback wheeled/backpack carry on for about ten years in Europe. After a few trips, he ended up cutting out the straps because he prefers wheels, never used the straps, and the straps took up valuable space that he wanted for other things. We thought the dual option would be good, but I think it's personal preference and we like to roll...never had any problems with cobblestones, uneven sidewalks, trains, stairs, etc. with our bags. Of course, we really pack light!

As everyone says, it's personal preference. After wandering around Venice looking for my hotel while schlepping a small-but-heavy roller bag and a duffle, I vowed to keep to one bag with a backpack option for the next trip. Just bought the 22" Eagle Creek Switchback (roller/backpack) and will be taking it to Europe this month. All my stuff for two weeks' business travel and two week's vacation fits fine (I also vowed to learn to pack light). If I was bigger, younger, or stronger, I might forget the wheels and just go for the soft-sided bag. I anticipate using the wheels 80% of the time, but for trains, narrow stairs, and crowded Venetian streets, the backpack will be a lifesaver.

I have always traveled with a rolling suitcase and a school-type backpack and don't see any reason to change. If I carry too much on my back I tend to develop lower-back pain, so it's much easier for me to pull a suitcase (I switch arms often and after a few days, my arms get accustomed to the weight). I've never had to check the bag because of size or weight problems (knocking on my wooden desk to avoid jinxing!).

My wife and I are in our 70s and she cant handle anything on her back.I however like a backpack type and keep it below 14 pounds which I can handle easily.

Neil, unless you're planning on an extremely light backpack (and I mean severely light) make sure your backpack has a waistbelt. You shouldn't be carrying your pack on your back; instead, your hips should be doing the carrying. And make sure it fits up against your body and doesn't swing freely - that's horrible for your back and arms = pain!...And no backpack/wheels combo pack, either. Choose one or the other. Backpacks don't have to cost alot...$70 for RS' Convertible Carry-On. Shop around a bit.

Thank you everyone for your input. It looks like a close split vote. My concern was whether a wheeled bag was a big mistake, but it sounds like it is only difficult in a limited number of situations and preferred by about half. Even RS's family and staff are divided. I did buy (and return)a REI hybird bag that did it all, but as a back pack it was not good. I used straps on a backpack type bag before in the day before wheels, but will use the carry on wheeled bag plus small day pack this time. Thank

I would personally choose between a wheeled bag and a backpack. If you think you will be carrying it, keep it light - lose the wheels and save the wear and tear on your back and shoulders. If you think you will be pulling it through airports mostly, the handle on top is enough to carry it short distances ocassionaly................I personally carry a backpack style carry-on while my wife pulls her wheeled bag. We're both comfortable with our choices.............Northern Italy is probably more conducive to backpacks but I'm sure you will survive either way.

I recently replaced the stock wheels on my 22" wheeled carryons with Labeda inline skate wheels, which are virtually indestructible and have much better bearings than the typical wheels on luggage. The "tire" is a medium hard plastic that should also help to soften the bumps of uneven surfaces-my test of the rolling action on my paver patio showed a major improvement over the original wheels. The wheels cost me $25 each to have replaced, but if you are handy and have a way to remove the stock wheels, you can buy the wheels yourself at a skate or sporting goods store and DIY this improvement for less than $10 per suitcase.