Roller bag or backpack? Packing advice

Looking at it a little differently. It is good to have a personal item on the airplane and on the tour bus. A daypack-sized backpack like the size of a teen's school backpack, works also works as a daypack while you're out on the tour. So something like that and a carryon roller bag is what I see most people travel with.

I like my Osprey 36liter combo roller or backpack. Having been on 3 RS tours and traveling on our own to other places-- I have the option to roll or use as a backpack-- I find this very convenient and flexible depending on the situation. I carry another small backpack that latches onto this bag. It gives me another 15 liters.

I hate rolling my roller bag over cobbles, curbs (there are no ADA rules in Europe) and then there are steps. Elevators are not guaranteed, and frankly, it's quicker and easier to use the stairs. Many elevators can only fit 1-2 people they are slow, slow, slow. The elevators, not necessarily the people.

The backpacks are not that heavy, mine was 20 pounds and maybe 25 after adding souveniers. I am petite and am in good shape. You don't know if it's too heavy until you try it. I suggest going to REI and getting fitted and trying it out with stuff in it. If you can lug a bag up stairs, a back pack would be much easier. Just my opinion.

I took this tour several years ago. I had a roller bag and a backpack. There were no real issues. I put a small empty bag in my suitcase that became my "bus bag." I would put water, and extra sweater, whatever in that bag for on the bus.

I'm not taking the RS tour but I've traveled solo a lot in Europe using buses and trains and I don't use roller bags. I hate them. They are unnecessarily bulky due to the hard shell and they are hard to maneuver in crowds.

A backpack or duffel bag can easily be squished into a much smaller space.

I used a carry-on Hynes Eagle travel backpack for a few years but after awhile I switched to an even lighter nylon duffel bag with a crossbody strap that I can put across my opposite shoulder. It is TINY but I can fit 3 days' worth of clothing changes in it and it barely weighs anything. I also carry a tote bag with odds and ends in it (toiletries, water bottle, sweater, raincoat, etc.).

The advantage of a backpack or duffel bag is that they can be squished into your seat on a bus or train so you don't have to leave it in the communal area where it can be stolen. I NEVER let my luggage out of my reach or my sight.

I usually take 3 changes of clothing with me for a 7-9 day trip and I wash the tops in the hotel sink. I take enough underwear that I don't have to wash that.

I make a list of what I take and then make notes when I get back regarding whether I used an item or not. I find that there are usually several items that I don't use. Check the temperature and weather of where you're going and bring clothing appropriate for those conditions. I don't go out dining at night by myself so that cuts down on "nice" clothes/sandals/shoes to bring. Usually I wear jeans on the plane and bring 2 other pairs of neutral pants (usually gray and black). If it's chilly weather, I bring a wool baselayer, a turtleneck, a sweater, and several long sleeved tops. I don't bring shirts that need to be ironed. I steer clear of polyester as it tends to hold underarm odor and can't be washed well in a sink.

I also bring a very lightweight silk baselayer which has been my lifesaver on many occasions in chilly, rainy weather. Also a pair of nylon long pants to wear in bed if it's chilly.