Backpack or Suitcase for travel around Europe for 3 months
#21
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Thanks again for all your suggestions so far, it's making for good research.
Has anyone ever tried these for their travels??
http://www.allweathers.co.uk/the-nor...dium-740-p.asp
http://www.outdoorkit.co.uk/product....mpaign=froogle
it's for approx 3 months travel in winter round East/West Europe
Has anyone ever tried these for their travels??
http://www.allweathers.co.uk/the-nor...dium-740-p.asp
http://www.outdoorkit.co.uk/product....mpaign=froogle
it's for approx 3 months travel in winter round East/West Europe
#22
Join Date: Jul 2004
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The Berghaus one looks good and unlike all these suggestions of American products, you can obviously get it in the UK. *But* do check the exact size - I'm wary when I see "carry on size" & no actual dimensions. If you think you want an airline carry-on size, check the dimensions against Ryanair's rules as they are about the most restrictive (outside of flights on very wee planes to very small islands). Personally I can't go away for more than about 4 days with a carry-on size bag only - clothes are only the half of it (or less).
#24
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Yeah think in the end it's gonna be a backpack, especially 3 month winter travel. I have 22kg checked luggage as my first flight so might as well go for something that I am gonna use and not panic when over there and no room to store anything.
#25
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Did 4 months in the Balkans last fall/winter and went with a roller suitcase (not huge, like a size above checkin) and small backpack/daypack. Went through the same debate as you're going through... honestly, I was really glad I went suitcase. There were certainly a few times I had to struggle up 5 flights of stairs, but overall it was a big relief OFF the back and I had very little problem with the "old cobblestone" factor.
Once things got cold inland like Zagreb and Sarajevo, it was also nice not to carry a heavy pack over my winter coat. Just my two cents~
Once things got cold inland like Zagreb and Sarajevo, it was also nice not to carry a heavy pack over my winter coat. Just my two cents~
#26
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In 2008 I embarked on a one year, around the world trip using a standard sized backpack. The lesson I learned from that was that you never need all the stuff you think you will and less, really is more. Carrying a heavy backpack or, worse still, a suitcase, wheeled or not, really can become a PITA after a short while and actually detracts from your enjoyment of the trip. An exception to this is if you need lots of different clothes to stay in 5* hotels etc.
Most hostels will have laundry facilities so washing clothes along the way is pretty straightforward and anything you forget can be purchased along the way.
I have now purchased a Lowe Alpine TT 40 Carry On backpack which I have used on several trips of a couple of months and now wouldn't use anything else. It is big enough to contain everything I need but is small enough to take on board an aircraft thus reducing the possibility of losing your luggage and the waiting times at airports.
Most hostels will have laundry facilities so washing clothes along the way is pretty straightforward and anything you forget can be purchased along the way.
I have now purchased a Lowe Alpine TT 40 Carry On backpack which I have used on several trips of a couple of months and now wouldn't use anything else. It is big enough to contain everything I need but is small enough to take on board an aircraft thus reducing the possibility of losing your luggage and the waiting times at airports.
#28
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I don't have any opinion on which the OP should take as I think this is just a personal opinion.
However, I usually take a 25 inch suitcase on my European trips (a lightweight one) and have no trouble taking it on trains. I handle it myself and I also am about twice the OP's age. If the OP is very weak and out of shape, maybe they will have trouble, who knows, but if that is the case, they can't be toting around the same thing basically on their back.
Sounds like the OP wants a backpack which is fine, but a lot of these issues about what you can't do with a wheeled suitcase are bogus. And with a backpack, you are stuck toting that around on your back, you can't get a rest by pulling it which is what you want to do most of the time with a suitcase.
However, I usually take a 25 inch suitcase on my European trips (a lightweight one) and have no trouble taking it on trains. I handle it myself and I also am about twice the OP's age. If the OP is very weak and out of shape, maybe they will have trouble, who knows, but if that is the case, they can't be toting around the same thing basically on their back.
Sounds like the OP wants a backpack which is fine, but a lot of these issues about what you can't do with a wheeled suitcase are bogus. And with a backpack, you are stuck toting that around on your back, you can't get a rest by pulling it which is what you want to do most of the time with a suitcase.
#29
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I take a 21" suitcase all over the place and have no trouble with it. I am only 4'-10" tall, so I am quite small. I take it on trains, Metro, etc. and often stay in hotels without an elevator. I rarely take taxis and walk from the metro/tram/whatever to my hotel over cobblestones. I think a 25" case might be too much for me though.
#31
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22kg doesn't seem a lot to me - only just enough, even in the summer. With our medium-sized wheeled I can fit in all I want capacity-wise, but struggle to keep the weight down to 22/23kg. And as a short unfit woman in my 50s, I can manage that weight easily - in a wheeled suitcase (with occasional lifting required). I wouldn't fancy carrying it all the time in a backpack, though.
#32
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Not sure where you live but you may want to go to a dealer that will make specific recomends to suit you.
I got my last pack at REI. It's designed for woman's body, has many secured zip pockets, a place for water bottles.
It's also very well padded and is made of water resistant fabric. The part that comes in contact with my body is made from a breathable mesh.Most importantly it has wide cushioned straps that buckle around my chest and waist - very important for even weight distribution.
One more thought, as I've both -if you go the suitcase route use one that's only as wide as your body. This helps you navigate thru crowds better.
Good luck.
I got my last pack at REI. It's designed for woman's body, has many secured zip pockets, a place for water bottles.
It's also very well padded and is made of water resistant fabric. The part that comes in contact with my body is made from a breathable mesh.Most importantly it has wide cushioned straps that buckle around my chest and waist - very important for even weight distribution.
One more thought, as I've both -if you go the suitcase route use one that's only as wide as your body. This helps you navigate thru crowds better.
Good luck.