Luggage for train travel in Europe

Old Jan 23rd, 2017, 04:28 AM
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Luggage for train travel in Europe

I'd love to hear opinions for ideal luggage while travelling by train in Europe. I'm considering either a carry on sized Samsonite Cosmolite wheeled case or a small backpack. I'll be spending a number of days in each city/town so can leave the luggage at my accommodation (hence not having to cloak when visiting museums etc). This is my first trip to Europe so am a bit wet behind my ears. I guess if the footpaths are cobbled the case may be an issue. (PS. I'm an older person.) I'd really appreciated your thoughts.
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Old Jan 23rd, 2017, 04:46 AM
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I'm 56 and I take a 2 wheeled bag, while there are the odd cobblestones to get over and puddles to avoid it works well. Not so sure about hard cases but if you have one don't buy another. Europe is full of cheap airlines with tight bag size control, if you end up using them you will find the cost of hold luggage equates to a sensible new bag. So unless you are going just to a cobblepacked town I'd go wheeled.

I'd not use a back pack today, partially because you will find many trains pretty full and no one likes a bag in the face, also they are attractive to the odd pick pocket.
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Old Jan 23rd, 2017, 04:51 AM
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I use either an eBags Mother Lode TLS Weekender or a small roller bag, depending on the circumstances.

I'd not use a back pack today, partially because you will find many trains pretty full and no one likes a bag in the face, also they are attractive to the odd pick pocket

I take mine off as soon as I get on and put it in the overhead hold. As for the pickpockets, small zipties or similar do the job. But I can totally understand not wanting to have a backpack.
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Old Jan 23rd, 2017, 05:34 AM
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This is the current version of the bag I (69 y.o. female) am currently using:

http://shop.eaglecreek.com/ec-advent...EC%20Adventure

It fits in most (although not all) train overheads, or between the seat backs. However, I always check it for flights. It is carry on size for US flights, but at 22 in too big for many European carriers. If you care about that you should look for a 21 inch bag. If you are not checking the bag you might look at four wheeled bags, although those wheels always look flimsy to me.

This is designed for European carry on, but the last RS bag I had one of the zippers failed:

https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/rolling-carry-on

I traveled for 10 years with an Eagle Creek convertible back pack (i.e. the straps zipped out of the way for flights), and that is better for stairs and cobbles, if you can handle it. I don't think that it was any more or less attractive to pickpockets than my current bag, given that I used the same padlock on both.
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Old Jan 23rd, 2017, 06:09 AM
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Hi Aussiefolk,

I live in Germany and travel often by train.

My favorite bag is a 4-wheel case, because it can go sideways down the train aisle. For years, I had a 2-wheel case, and I was forever bumping folks' elbows & knees that were sticking out into the aisle. When you can turn the case sideways, it glides easily down the aisle.

As I said, I live in Germany, and I often pull my case over cobblestones; I've never had a problem with it. I just don't go racing over the stones.

I agree that a backpack can be dangerous for those already seated . . I have seen the bag-in-the-face often. Yes, if you take the backpack off IMMEDIATELY as you enter the train or bus, then it shouldn't be a problem . . . but then why have a backpack at all?

Have fun as you plan!

s
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Old Jan 23rd, 2017, 06:38 AM
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We live in France, travel often around Europe by train, and use 21" or 22" four-wheel bags everywhere we go, and no matter for how long. We've been slowed down a bit in certain places by cobblestones, but it's never been a big deal.

I sometimes think of getting a backpack so as to have my hands free when moving about, but then I think of all the times some inconsiderate lout has banged me in the face with one, and I decide against it.
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Old Jan 23rd, 2017, 06:41 AM
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sporkchaser: see my post on the Help board . . .
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Old Jan 23rd, 2017, 07:05 AM
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I'm 77 years old and travel several times a year for weeks at a time with a carryon-size two-wheeled roller bag and a backpack purse. If you're female, look at the Baggallini backpacks. Just make sure the style has a zipper on the backside against the body where you can keep money and your passport. When I'm in a congested area or on public transit, I simply pull the purse around to the front. Never had a problem with theft. If there is a double zipper, I often attach a small combination padlock for extra security.

I like the backpack purse because it's lightweight and comfortable to wear and, most importantly, leaves my hands free when I'm walking or shopping. Even crossbody bags require constant fussing to keep them in a comfortable position.

Most importantly, just constantly be aware of your surroundings. Pickpockets look just like you and me. . . if they were scuzzy looking you would avoid them, but if they look safe they have successfully lulled you into a false sense of security.
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Old Jan 23rd, 2017, 07:17 AM
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Where in Europe are you going? It depends on where you are going.

For those who only go to countries with smooth enough streets, 4-wheel spinners are ok.

If you go to places with frequent uneven streets, a 2-wheeler is better cause they usually have larger wheels that take cracks and shocks better.

If you go to places with even more uneven surfaces, you might have to lift your luggage anyway, in which case, you want the lightest.

For example a place like this requires you to pickup luggage. This is not a side street. It is THE main street in town.

http://journalistontherun.com/wp-con...sia_greece.jpg

And this is the ONLY way to enter the town.

http://camperistas.com/it/wp-content...mvasia_287.jpg

Don't assume that streets are this rough only in the country side. We had to negotiate 80m of this kind of street in Prague after getting off a taxi:

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com...3f22bd316f.jpg
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Old Jan 23rd, 2017, 09:21 AM
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In my experience (older woman) a sturdy (Eagle Creek) compact 2-wheeled bag will serve you anywhere. I've never been troubled by cobblestones or stairs (pack light in a light-weight bag) or trains between cities (most will have luggage racks as you enter).

The main thing is weight, that you can lift it & carry it up stairs (hotels, train & metro stations) when you must. I suggest you do your best to get a small lightweight bag, then pack it with a bunch of stuff well before you go and test-drive it. Carry it around the house and up stairs to make sure you can. If it isn't comfortable, get a smaller one as I think most of us tend to fill whatever size we have. If you buy on http://www.ebags.com/ you'll have free shipping & "easy returns" in case you need to swap one for another.
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Old Jan 23rd, 2017, 09:23 AM
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Oh, sorry, I see you are apparently in Australia so the ebags suggestion probably is no use. But do get one you can return, if possible, in case you discover one may be too heavy.
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Old Jan 23rd, 2017, 11:37 AM
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I agree that a four-wheeled spinner is great in train stations and airports, but not so great on rough paving. Another disadvantage of the spinner is that you have to hold on to it all the time, or it will roll away from you. I've seen many a spinner spinning down the aisles of metro cars and trains.

When traveling on trains, I prefer two small bags. I have a very small two-wheeled suitcase similar to this:
https://www.amazon.com/Delsey-Quilte...f=cts_ap_1_vtp

Mine doesn't have all those tiny compartments, which I find to be of limited value.

On top of this bag, I can perch a small duffle bag, which has a strap that goes around the handle of the wheeled bag. The big advantage of this is that I don't have one heavy bag to carry, but two manageable ones. If I have to go up steps, I carry one in each hand. On trains, I put them in the overhead compartment one at a time. On planes, if I put my purse inside one of the bags, I can carry both onto the plane; however, if I have to change planes, I usually check the duffle bag so that I can be a little less burdened in the airport. Both bags will fit under most airline seats, but I put one in the overhead compartment.

I usually put shoes, raingear, charging devices, toiletries, etc, in the duffel bag. I put clothing and my tablet, and one charger, in the rolling bag. I can easily carry enough for two weeks in these two bags, and I never do laundry on the road. (I do wear things multiple times, and plan my wardrobe so that everything goes well with everything else.
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Old Jan 23rd, 2017, 12:35 PM
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I spent 2 weeks last June travelling Switzerland by train and the one thing I'll say about luggage on trains is that you never know what to expect. The storage options varied so much from train to train that there was nothing that would have been a sure bet for every situation. So, just keep that in mind--there is no perfect choice out there.

Personally, I think the 2 wheel bags, which handle rough terrain better, is probably the way to go. While the spinners might be nice going down the aisle of a plane or train, for train travel, you don't want to find yourself in a situation where you are rolling luggage down the aisle for a considerable distance hunting for spaces--you've got bigger problems than the of rolling your bag if you find yourself in that situation.
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Old Jan 23rd, 2017, 01:08 PM
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https://www.amazon.com/Lipault-Pliab...rds=lipault+20

I love this bag, two wheels, super light and I can stick it up above my head on a train. I have a small tote that fits over the pull handle.

I can fit so much stuff in this bag. My husband has the 18 inch and a smaller back pack.
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Old Jan 23rd, 2017, 04:02 PM
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A few years ago I was looking for an 'ultra light' bag and got this one
https://www.amazon.com/Brics-Travel-...2Bspinner&th=1

The weight isn't listed on the website but I think it's about 2.5kg (about 5 pounds). Airlines are just as concerned with weight as size. This one is 21 inch and I've never had it denied on easyjet, ryan air, iceland air, etc. The Lipault mentioned above is also very light but most bags are 7-8 pounds or more and those extra 2 or 3 pounds makes a difference. The one I have has 4 wheels and I actually prefer 2 but it doesn't make that much difference. If you go slow cobblestones are really not a problem.
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Old Jan 23rd, 2017, 04:57 PM
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WOW!!!! I'm overwhelmed with the number of responses. So much food for thought. Thank you all so much. I'll check out all the links and make a decision.
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Old Jan 23rd, 2017, 05:10 PM
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Hi Janisj!! How do I access the help section please?
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Old Jan 23rd, 2017, 05:51 PM
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>>Hi Janisj!! How do I access the help section please?
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Old Jan 23rd, 2017, 08:01 PM
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Thank you
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Old Jan 23rd, 2017, 09:32 PM
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I also prefer a small, light two wheel roller - and a day pack if I need extra capacity. A backpack is also fine if that's your preference - they're very practical and I used one with a zip off day pack for years. Depends on where you're travelling to. Whatever you buy, check the weight empty.
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