Osprey or TravelPro

I took one trip with the Meridian and returned it to REI—just not my style. I found the zip-on daypack to be more trouble than I needed. That is, a good travel backpack and separate daypack would have been better. And I don’t need wheels these days ( although that my change!)

However, the pack itself was built to last (osprey!) and the roller-to-pack conversion was competently functional.

If you can get to one, you want to make sure the shoulder straps work for your torso. The whole system with the pack attached is quite deep.

Do you intend to take these as carry on? If so, the weight could become problematic given that they weigh 8 and 7 pounds respectively. If you have any European airline flights, they are not as generous as North America.The Meridian states it is only 9 inches deep but given the views when worn, that looks highly unlikely to maintain as a fully packed bag.
I don't mean to criticize choice, just offer things to consider. Luggage, IMO, is a personal choice, and I don't think there is ever 'the perfect bag', but I do notice these 2 items to consider. Certainly TravelPro is popular here.

The Osprey Meridian 60 L is 1/2 in too tall, and would not be considered to be a carryon for many International carriers. While most US carriers allow 22 in bag height, many European carriers do not. Likewise, it may be that the Travelpro is also too tall. While it is listed as a 21" spinner, the 21" doesn't include the wheels, which add more height. Go to the store (REI is a good source) armed with a ruler. Otherwise, you may wind up sized out of carryon with both bags.

Here is a guide to airline carryon requirements. https://www.ebags.com/BuyingGuides/luggage-and-travel/carry-on-luggage-size

60 L is a big bag, whether you have it on your back or on wheels. As mentioned, it may not qualify as carry-on size, and it may not qualify as carry-on weight... With back issues you will still need to consider how well you will be able to lift your rolly bag or backpack into an overhead compartment on trains/planes. You don't mention the dimensions/weight of the failed bag from your the last Italian trip, but can you find something with a bit more room, but less than 60l? Alternatively, get a 40-45L rolly bag and a lightweight 20L backpack (with an added strap to hold it onto the rolly bag handle sometimes) so that each can be handled separately.

Y’all need to look up the Osprey Meridian before declaring it’s too big. The Meridian is a two-part unit. The main bag is a standard, carryon size, approximately 38-42 liter wheeled bag. It has a detachable 18-22 liter daypack.

After doing the numbers, the biggest bag I could find from Osprey that would fit the 21 1/2 limit of Air Canada, Air France, and others is the Osprey Ozone 42L which measures in at 21.5 inches in height. It's a tight fit, and some retailers, including REI, say that it's 21.7 inches tall. If the gate agent can optically measure within 2 1/10ths of an inch, she is better than I am. My Stanley tape rule says it's 21 and 1/2 inches tall, so that's the number I am sticking with.

EDITED to add that the pull handle is a T style handle, rather than the double style metal grip. This may be a deal killer for some.

I found a place in town where I can physically look at the bags. So I will take my tape measure with me.

I had an ebag roller last trip and the interior was just bad - the handles protruded into the case and took up valuable space. I missed my Travelpro Crew 22 immensely the whole trip - my travel companions did backpacks and they were happy with them but I couldn't do the constant weight pulling at that angle. I can lift and carry for short periods - so getting a 45lb bag into the overhead is no issue.

45 pound bag!!! In the overhead!! Please don't! That could seriously injure a person if it falls out during turbulance. Even 25 is becoming too heavy for many airlines.

When you test out the Osprey load it up with 20-25 lbs of stuff and see how it feels. Make sure the weight transfers to your hips and that the bag doesn't pull away from your back. If you are testing at a sporting goods store they should be able to help insure that the bag is fitting you properly. Even over a short period of time an ill-fitting backpack will not be fun.

This may be too late but here goes. I use the Meridian and like it a lot. I mostly just choose to forget that it can be a back pack and treat it like your basic roller bag. Two week(ish, 16 days) trip with three pairs shoes (wearing the boots) average number of tops, pants, haba, in packing cubes, the bag weighed less than 25lbs- and im not the lightest packer. I usually check it because with curly hair I need a lot of products to keep it under control. I have never used the back pack straps but I keep them with me in case I ever need to. Otherwise I use the backpack strap pocket for a jacket, a book, maybe a pair of shoes. An umbrella would probably fit if you were an umbrella person (I'm really, really not).
I think it would work in the overhead at least domestically (we may have carried it on once, we shift stuff around on the way back depending on what we're bringing back) but don't have the back pack attached when you try it. I usually use the back pack as my personal item.

Things I like:
Top zip pocket for 311 if needed.
Zip pouches on the inside of the front and along the side, large and useful.
Hidden/protected zipper for safety. The lip has some kind of plastic in it so it's harder to slice through and because the zippers are kind of hidden makes it more secure.
Wears well. I've taken it on flights eight times now and it's sturdy and holding up well.
Big strong wheels
Matching backpack that can be attached (also protects access to the main bag when in place)
Not as many people have them so it's identifiable.

Things i don't like
Weight balance when the back pack is clipped on is kind of tippy and will fall on its front if bumped. It also looks huge when the back pack is attached.

Backpack holds more than you think it will but the shape is a bit strange.
Finally, despite this not being a terribly cheap bag, if you're wanting to impress someone with your fancy luggage, this bag, for all its sturdy practicality, just won't do it. Now, that actually might not be a bad thing, but, just saying...

1). What was the size of the bag you took to Italy that was a bust?
2). What bag was it?
3). With a budget of $350 - check out Patagonia or Eagle Creek. (Both are solid companies. Also, Samsonite.). There's also - red Oxx and Tom Bihn.

I am booked in and will be on Delta operated flights so my existing Travelpro that I adore will work so not buying right now.

I bought one of the ebag brand - think it was a TLS but doesn’t seem to still be available as exactly what I had. Bag was only 4 linear inches smaller than my Travelpro and held 1/3 less (I packed in both just to see if I was imagining it).

I will keep looking as I will keep traveling so all the recommendations are helpful

so getting a 45lb bag into the overhead is no issue.

What does one put in a carry-on size bag to get it to 45lb? Lead? Gold or silver bricks? Canned ham?

MariaF -- understand your concern, but as a practical matter, the likelihood is extremely remote