Suitcase or backpack

I prefer wheeled luggage ( carry on size)

By the time active posting ends it will be close to a 50/50 split .

Do what works best for YOU

-

Here’s a similar recent post. Check the answers they received regarding the two types of luggage. My two cents? I use a carry on 2-wheel suitcase.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/rolling-suitcase-or-backpack-in-italy

Hi gembrie,

Are you traveling solo? Are you going on a guided tour and a day or two of solo traveling before or after?

Staying stationary in one hotel makes it easier if you prefer the luggage.

Moving around every two or three days, then perhaps the backpack would be easier. (Even if I was to go on a tour though, I would still use rolling luggage and some type of smaller carryon/tote for day use.) I don't like backpacks.

You can bring a small backpack if that is your style - for day things out and about, buying little souvenirs, etc. Make sure you do not keep your valuables "at the top" or in a "convenient outside pocket." They would be "prime pickings" and convenient for a thief to steal.

Those who take a 2-week tour bring rolling luggage and a small carry on (if you are spending one/two nights in a place) - large luggage can stay on the bus - underneath storage (as I understand it.)

I like rolling luggage - a rolling duffel with two wheels or Travel Pro Walkabout (Closeout!) with two big rugged wheels.

You can organize more efficiently using various sizes of packing cubes - found at WalMart, TJMaxx, Marshall's, Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond, etc.

They would be good whether you use your rolling luggage or the backpack. A big backpack can become cumbersome and irritating if you are trying to find something "at the middle or bottom."

Also, get a lock for your backpack. Not necessarily a key one for obvious reasons - maybe a combo or even a short, small bike lock with combination. Not foolproof but detainable.

You don't state your travel mode - hotels? hostels?

My husband and I used backpacks on our 3 week trip to Italy since our airline had a 8 kg weight limit and we didn't want to check bags on the way over. Starting with a lightweight backpack gave us more flexibility in what to pack. We both had Osprey Farpoint packs (I think the current model is Fairpoint--or vice versa), which come in two sizes for short or longer torsos and full harnesses including hip belts. So they were comfortable to wear and the straps all zipped away into their own compartment so they weren't catching on things when not in use. We could also just pull out one strap for a short transfer, and they had handles on 3 sides for carrying that way. I was glad of the backpacks when climbing multiple flights of narrow stairs in the hotels, walking from train or bus to hotels, and particularly through Venice.

That said, most of the people on our tour took rolling bags and seemed to do just fine. So go with what you think will work best for you.

There is no right answer just opinion. Have you asked yourself what you would prefer? That's what is really important.

I agree with everyone else here who says that this will come down to what makes you the most comfortable. If it were me, I'd take a small suitcase with wheels. It's easier on my back.

As someone else already said, some of this may depend on your travel plans. If you're moving around a lot with loads of stairs, public busses, etc., you may find the ease of a backpack more to your liking. If you're just staying in two or three hotels, the suitcase may be a better option.

You could always throw some clothes into both and walk around a neighborhood to see what feels more comfortable for you? You may find that trying out both methods before you leave answers the question for you.

Hope you have a wonderful trip!!

Thanks all for your advice. Since this is our first time to Italy reading different opinions/tips has been helpful! We’re staying at a few agriturismos and Airbnbs so will probably go with backpacks (we have one of the ospreys someone mentioned already)
Thanks again, happy travels!

Wheels, always wheels unless you enjoy torturing yourself....
But, sometimes the wheels are not meant to be...maybe you are going over the Rialto bridge. Then the backpack is handy.
We have been using the RS rolling backpack...not to promote that brand but it's not a bad bag...If I were travelling like I did before I retired I'd expect it to wear out pretty quickly (light material) but we have found it to be perfect for two, three, four week trips. 99% of the time we roll and the other odd time or two we use them as backpacks.
I would not buy a bag that could not be used both ways........not with this as an option.https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/rolling-backpack It's surprisingly good with lots of well thought out space. Use it with packing cubes to get the best bang for the buck.

Thanks all for your advice. Since this is our first time to Italy reading different opinions/tips has been helpful! We’re staying at a few agriturismos and Airbnbs so will probably go with backpacks (we have one of the ospreys someone mentioned already)
Thanks again, happy travels!

Great! Have fun in Italy. And, thanks for the update on your traveling sched.

Ha ha, yes, you will receive many suggestions because everyone is different of course and what we take.

I joke that "extra light" packing and Girasole = no match. :) But, I don't fill my luggage to the brim either. I save ample space for things I buy. I also split up my clothing and toiletries 'just in case.'

So if you are more comfortable with the backpacks, then yes go for it.

Maybe keep in mind my suggestion of organizing with packing cubes? In case you have to reach in and grab something, you won't have to plow through your clothes and things, lol.

Just returned from 5 weeks in Europe and I cast my vote with RS and those who advise "travel light." Lay everything you think you'll need out on the bed, then delete half of it. Don't carry usual toiletries (shampoo, lotion, etc.); buy there. Don't take anything you can't wash in a bathroom sink. If you are a reader, take one book that you can leave in a hotel room when you finish it. Don't take anything you would be sad to lose (except your passport, a credit card, and...if necessary...a cell phone, and keep those close at all times).

I agree with one of the posters above that your age is a major factor in your choice. I did Europe in 1983 with a backpack. I did it this year with a little rolling suitcase. But always: the lighter the better.

Have fun!

" Lay everything you think you'll need out on the bed, then delete half of it. "

LOL - as I've heard it, the saying goes "lay out everything you're going to pack, and then take have the clothes and twice the money".

I'll be doing my lightest trip of all when I go to Italy in October: 4 weeks with a rolling 21" carry on. There will be too many train trips and flights of stairs to pack anything more, but I can't promise that I won't come home with 2 suitcases though (if I find some un-pass-by-able purchases).