Eddie Bauer luggage?

Anything that rolls has a frame that eats your spine when you put it on your back. It gets worse with weight and makes your eyes water after a block. Roll or hump. Pick one.

Backpacks, including those that convert into suitcases, are useful for trekking or, just maybe, long flights of stairs. Most of the rest of the time, in this era of wheeled luggage, they are bulkier and heavier, to no advantage.
I used a rolling duffel and was satisfied. But I find my current conventionally rectangular suitcase with sturdy wheels and extended handle easier to pack and reassuringly durable. What really is worth extra cost is plenty of double-stiched seams and heavy zippers.

"Most of the rest of the time, in this era of wheeled luggage, they are bulkier and heavier, to no advantage. " That perfectly describes rolling luggage! I don't think that was what you intended to say, but it's true. Rolling luggage is bulkier, heavier, to no advantage. My 1¾# Essential Carryon is so light that, along with sensible packing, there is no need for wheels. It's just easy to carry as a backpack.

Christine, I'd suggest either using a wheelie bag OR a Backpack, rather than trying to get one product that does both. Wheeled bags that convert to Backpacks tend to be heavier, somewhat awkward to carry and the wheel and frame mechanism reduces cargo space. In addition to the brands that you've mentioned, you could look at: > Eagle Creek > Osprey Packs > Tom Bihn > Red Oxx > Rick Steves That will give you lots of different models to compare, and hopefully one of them will fit your needs. Happy travels!

If you choose rolling, I would be sure it can stand up. I have the small RS rolling bag I used this summer (not for Europe) and it was great. My friend had some kind of rolling duffle bag and it was hassle - would never stand up, kept falling/flipping while walking... They all might not, but I would just be aware because it looked like a hassle! Kim

As someone who takes a RS 21" roller bag to Europe for the last 11 years, (and in the US) I have never had a problem with it falling over or not being able to pull it over rough surfaces. Since I have a debilitating back problem, I am not able to use any type of item that one would put up on their back. I had a problem with the pull-out handle not extending all the way out a few years ago so I took it up to the RS headquarters in Edmonds, WA, and they replaced it no questions asked calling it a manufactures defect.

I often use a small roller bag (17 X 14 X 9) that has a shoulder strap which allows the bag to be carried via the shoulder or cross body if necessary. The need rarely surfaces, but it is convenient when it does. In answer to your question, I would pick: http://www.mec.ca/product/5030-440/mec-fast-track-3-rolling-duffle/?h=10+50007+50042+50806+50611&f=10+50007+50611

Thanks for all the advice/suggestions. Turned out the MEC bag was really gigantic. After looking at the Eddie Bauer ones again, I checked out a luggage store and got a 20" expandable National Geographic rolling bag with backpack straps...seems very similar to one of the Rick Steves bags.
Again - thanks!

Several years ago, I bought a carry-on sized Eddie Bauer suitcase at Target, and I used it and a school backpack for my 18-day Britain trip last year. I was able to pack everything I needed, including five days of clothes (did laundry twice, once in York and again in Orkney), a second pair of shoes, toiletries, and purchases on the way home, with no problem. If I were to get a new suitcase now, the only thing different I would be sure to get is wheels that move in every direction.