Another Luggage Question / Opinion Request
 

I usually travel with a 22” suitcase and a nice sized tote (structured more like a small suitcase - 17 x 10 x 6.5) that slips over the handle of the roll-along 22”. I would like to take a backpack type thing instead of the tote on my trip to Italy, as we will be getting the train several times and I would like to have to lift only 1 suitcase.

I saw this one on http://www.ebags.com/ebags/weekender...modelid=15026# which is just what I’m looking for shape-wise, but I it’s too big – really it’s another 22” that I would be carrying on my back!

I like this one too http://honeymoons.about.com/gi/dynam...erabradley.com but it isn’t structured like a suitcase. It’s also smaller than my current tote.

So, I guess my question is -- does anyone know of or have a backpack similar to the ebags one -- but smaller? Any experience with the Vera Bradley? I’m sure I could find exactly what I want for $$$, but I am trying to keep this purchase under …. $100 or so.

Thank you in advance for any information. Fodorites seem to know EVERYTHING!

Here's my $.02, Celiaanne. I often travel with a Kelty Redwing backpack - a bigger version of a bookbag type pack. http://tinyurl.com/qbp36
They often carry these at sierratradingpost.com, which is where I've bought the 4 that our family has. (don't think they have one right now, though). I think I usually pay around $50.

Mine is about 19" high (which may be bigger than you want). The reason I prefer it over a suitcase type is:
1. It is very soft, so if you don't fill it, it is smaller than if you do.
2. It has some great outside pockets, and a clip system that I can clip my coat on the outside, which is really useful for the airport.
3. Since I'm going to wear it on my back, for comfort purposes I'd rather have something designed as a back pack rather than a hybrid piece of luggage. The waist strap really helps distribute the weight. My pack has often weighed a lot when I've traveled with my laptop (a dinosaur) and my 35mm camera with lenses.

Noe, Thanks for your reply and advice. I looked at the Kelty bag it's a bit more than $50) . It looks great, but as you said, is a little larger than I want. I really just want the "backpack" aspect for getting on and off trains, etc., as I will check it and wheel it except for the train thing....

Shop where kids shop. It seems you're simply after a daypack configuration, like everyone uses as a book bag for school these days. Shouldn't be more than ~$25 or so at a Walgreen or like.

Please don't buy a bag at Walgreens or Walmart. What is fine for a school or college book bag is not fine for carrying all over Europe. A well-built bag will be far more comfortable, will easily carry more weight, and will last for years. If you don't have a hiking store locally (EMS, REI) google them. They will give you size and sizing.

Why I like the less expensive bags is that they ARE lighter weight. The REI type bags are of heavier construction than I have ever felt the need for. I don't need one to last for years because I like to use different ones for different trips.

Will it EVER EVER have to be checked onto an airplane?

Many manufacturers are making wheeled daypacks.

LLBean has three sizes on their website that might be of interest: $49, $69, and $79. www.llbean.com - go to the Book Pack Guide section.

www.landsend.com also has a wheeled book bag for $59.

Jansport has several styles available for under $100. One source is Zappos:
http://www.zappos.com/n/es/d/722369523/page/1.html

Wheeled daypacks are heavy, invariably uncomfortable & much more expensive than an equivalent unwheeled daypack. Whilst this may not be a problem going from kerb to checkin desk in the US it will start being a problem if you have internal flights in Europe or you have to travel any sort of distance to get to your accomodation.

If you do need wheels get yourself a separate luggage trolley to which you can strap what you like when you like

I agree & would not recommend a wheeled backpack. It is the worst of both worlds. The frame, wheel, and handle mechanism are heavy. Plus this person plans to prop it on top of the other larger bag that already has wheels. Two wheeled bags doesn't work very well.

I like my Rick Steves Veloce bag. It is small enough that I can hang it off my 22" roll-along and it doesn't drag. It can be carried back pack style or messenger bag style. It can be expanded to hold more treasures. Check it out at: http://travelstore.ricksteves.com/ca...d=8&id=217

Thank you for all the replies. I love the Rick Steves bag. Not sure if I have enough time to get it for this trip, but I have put it in my favorites for later.

Thanks to everyone for the advice and links.

Got this one and love it...
http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7227242/c/3.html