RTW Trip for 1 year SUITCASE HELP!

With that type of trip, I assume you will be staying for an extended period in many locations. You would start will a basic wardrobe and then add to or delete from as the weather changes. Probably always have a good windbreaker/rain jacket, a light weight vest for chilly nights, normal undergarments, with long underwear top and bottom.. For luggage I would probably take a rolling bag, carry on side, and a backpack about 2/3 size of a carry on bag because you probably need an extra pair of shoes and a few other items for the year. There are big people everywhere and they have to buy local clothing so I am sure you can find what you need.

Thank you all !!!!! I appreciate your help. I am thinking that you are right about a "ruck sack". I never thought of getting rid of clothes I won't need along the way. I am in china for 3 weeks and in Egypt for 3 weeks and Cambodia for 1 month. Greece 1 mnoth and then mostly will be in Italy for the rest of the year.

Any suggestions on light winter boots, I don't want my feet wet in the snow in China.

If this were me, I would use a carryon sized wheeled suitcase so I could pile my day bag, etc. on top when changing locations so I didn't have to carry everything. Or get a wheeled underseat bag so you can wheel your backpack when you want. However, if you purchase a backpack for this entire year, I'd suggest going to REI (or similar store) and getting fitted properly for one.

And this is assuming you have the legal right to be in Greece/Italy/Europe for more than the 90 day limit most American travellers face.

You picked the right place to go...Xian (Sian under the old spelling prior to pin yin)

Any suggestions on light winter boots, I don't want my feet wet in the snow in China.

If most of your travels are urban, I'd forget the boots. Just go with waterproof shoes and wool socks.

Use summer weight clothing and then add warmth by using underlayers (long johns and extra tanks) and overlayers (sweater, puff jacket, rain shell)

You should start Googling "one bag," it's a whole thing. There's a great subreddit on it, as well as one especially for women who one-bag. r/onebag and r/heronebag, respectively. I'm not a true one-bagger but I pack very light and I've gotten a lot of good ideas from them.

Thank you after reading all the posts and remembering how much I LOVE just picking up my bag and going I think I am going to go with the backpack that RS offers or one very simiular I think it is called the Ravenna bag. This way I won't over pack and if I do bring an extra bag with me through china then I can leave it or donate content to someone else. I also think layering is going to be the key!

Visa I think what I might do is 3 months in Italy and then 3 months in Ireland, through the summer, then back to Italy for 3 months, that will take me out of the country long enough....I think.

Careful! It's 90 days, not 3 months. And both the arrival day and the departure day count.

I'm on my third 3-to-4.5 month trip. One thing I hadn't figured on before I stated these long trips was what happens to clothes when the same few garments (which come out of my closet rather than being bought new) are worn over and over. In short, they wear out. Although it can be nice to have an excuse to pick up a new top, if you're worried about sizes, it may not be so easy. I'm quite short and have been able to buy lightweight cotton pants (capri-length or full-length) at European street markets that are an acceptable length on me. It would be tougher if I were 5'8". So I'd be cautious about taking a very small wardrobe of well-worn clothing, especially slacks and shorts. It's my impression that tops are easier to replace.

I walk a lot, and my travels are hard on socks. Fortunately, they are often sold at street markets. It's Day 74 and I've just thrown away a pair of socks. Last week I mended a pair of footies. I know I checked all the socks before packing them. I'm glad I threw an extra pair in the suitcase.

I would prepare a back up set of clothing espec wick away socks like Thorlos, over the counter meds also to be sent to a location where u know u will be ahead of time. Allow 3 wks for for shipping time. Hopefully u have a friend or family member that would send to u on a schedule or as needed.

Not sure about the suggestion from JS to mail OTC medications -- I sent vitamins in a package of clothing to my daughter when she was staying with a family in Finland, and the package got stopped at customs and the vitamins not allowed.

If you already have back and health issues, I would not use a duffle with strap as the principal bag. It strains to one side and will cause problems over time. I would look st some of the either posts here for recommendations of a wheeled backpack option, if you think you really need to carry, otherwise stick to a rollie case is worried about the toll on your body.
A good pair of gortex lined walking shoes/boots would be recommended. My family and I swear by Salomon. They are not the best ice traction, but I leave Canada in -25 to -40C weather and wear then leaving and during my jaunts in Africa and S. America up to +40C...with wool socks.
Also agree with layers and donating along the way.

I second wearing layers. you may want a Dickies thermal hoodie and wind breaker for the cold. perhaps you can wear legging under your jeans, cuddle dud top, camisoles and cardigans for warmth. gloves and a knitted ski cap too. I'd pick a wheelie bag OR a backpack to keep the wheelies weight off of your back. yes wear your oldiest and least favoritems clothing and toss it. I'd consider a broad brimmed travel hat like tillers to keep the sun off of my face.

My son has back issues too, for his 1 mo backpacking trip in Asia he tested many, many backpacks. He settled on the Gregory Model Zulu 40 for it's comfort and construction. It was perfect for him. He's now backpacking in Europe for 5 wks and still loves it.

If it were me, I'd go to REI and try many. Even bring some contenders home, as he did, until you find the right one.

look into cashmere... lightweight, but ultra warm!
bring good hat and gloves for the cold places.... if you don't want to leave, mail it back to home with snail mail.
one good thing... scarves...scarves...scarves!!!!
buy good sun hat when needed..... summer clothes where you are going will be inexpensive. In Cambodia you probably could have clothes custom made in a few days for same price as here.
I totally agree with wool socks and rubber shoes/boots.
Can you ship sandals to your warmer location? Large size women's shoes are very difficult to purchase.

Very jealous of your adventure... happy travels.

Use what I use, a Pacsafe Venturesafe 45L backpack, I love this bag for travel and the security features are practical, especially for someone traveling alone. I would seriously look at clothes by Clothing Arts.com, I have never worried about pickpockets since I stated using these 3 years ago. Finding a way to purchase needed prescriptions during the year could be a problem, I guess you could take a years supply with you as long you only take 2-3 medications. What a wonderful adventure your undertaking, hope you enjoy every minute!

I'm a 47 yo female too and used this pack for a trip to Europe in June:
https://www.rei.com/product/879847/osprey-ozone-46-travel-pack

This pack is only 2lb 1 ounce and has great suspension/ergonomics. The Tortuga of a similar size is 5 lbs 1 ounce. 46L is pretty roomy too IMHO. The Osprey has a laptop sleeve, which might be useful. Are you starting in Beijing? Bring heavier outer layers than you either discard (Goodwill?) or mail home. Layer the rest (lightweight wool tank, short sleeve, long - Ibex, SmartWool, Icebreaker) with scarves. Get inspired by ultralight packing websites and truly go as light as possible. I'd go for a backpack over a wheelie given your destinations. I'd also try and make it possible to put your personal item (cross body day bag or smaller pack) inside of your backpack so when you are moving on land you only have a single item you are in charge of. My 2 cents. Good luck and safe/happy travels.

I just wanted to mention that careful shoe selection will make a difference. I suggest waterproof hiking shoes will cross these climates and that if you add a pair of good walking sandals, you should be set. I have loved my Ahnu brand shoes.