I'll going on the Tour of Scandinavia with my family in May. I'm thinking of getting the Rick Steves luggage. Do we need the backpack suitcase, the rolling backpack or a spinner suitcase? (My shoulders are awful.) I was worried about traversing cobblestone streets.
Posted by
Chicagoland
2119 posts
Use whatever type of luggage you prefer. There are pros and cons to all of them. Just be sure that whatever you pack, you can handle, including up and down stairs.
I prefer my spinner. I have had absolutely no problems on sidewalks in Europe including Norway. If the terrain is a bit bumpy, I can always tilt it on 2 wheels.
Don't force yourself into a backpack if you'll be uncomfortable. You don't want to start your trip with sore shoulders or worse.
Posted by
California
181 posts
We take rolling bags, and have had no problem with cobblestones. My husband had a problem on one trip with his back, and I had no problem rolling two bags, but I would never have been able to carry two backpacks. I'd say just don't bring too big of bag, bring something you can still carry up some stairs. Have fun in Scandinavia!
Posted by
AZ 🌵
3548 posts
RS Rolling Carry-On has worked great for five tours and other trips. No point of hurting your shoulders with a backpack. My back doesn’t complain when dragging or lifting the suitcase. If you are using a tote for a personal item be sure it has a trolley strap to slide over the handle for easy carrying. All RS bags are on sale now, 20% off.
https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/rolling-carry-on
https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/travel-bags
Have a great trip.
Posted by
Bellingham, WA
1706 posts
For you, I'd say none of the above. Get the two-wheeled bag. Or look for an Osprey Ozone or TravelPro MaxLite. Both of these weigh less than the RS bags. For everyone else, I'd say it depends. I would never recommend a rolling backpack. Many years ago, Rick himself said that if a bag is trying to do two things, it likely doesn't do either one well. Plus, they weigh more. If someone in your family is capable of carrying a backpack, the Classic RS backpack is probably fine, and the price is certainly right. If the person is in their late teens/early 20s and likely to do a lot of traveling, the Osprey Farpoint/Fairview (on sale at REI) is a good investment. It has a similar capacity to the RS bag, but it has an adjustable harness system (that tucks away when not in use) that makes it more comfortable to carry for longer periods of time.