I dread backpackers, they take up so much room on transits and we all get hit in the head or face.

I think a backpack with wheels might be the idea.

Something like this?

http://www.oo.com.au/Roman_Great_Kep...Bac_P23889.cfm

The thing I like about a backpack also is that you can "squeeze" it into tight places of required, whereas a big hard suitcase is less flexible.

I have been to Europe a few times with an older version of this Eagle Creek pack: http://www.eaglecreek.com/bags_lugga...ive-65L-10066/

I've been able to pack for a week to 10 days in winter using ziplocks, and it is small enough to carry on the plane without the daypack attached. My husband uses a similar version from REI.

We loved the ease of movement and freedom...until our most recent trip to Italy when we had to trudge for a couple of miles across Bologna to our rental apartment (because we are too cheap to take taxis) and again around Milan looking for a restaurant during a long wait for a train. Those things got HEAVY and my shoulders were screaming.

Maybe we are just finally getting old, but I was looking enviously at the people with wheeled suitcases, while on previous trips I just felt smug and superior watching their wheels catch on the cobble stones as I strode along easily with my pack.

We used to do backcountry backpacking, so we were in better packing shape then. It is all what you are able to do comfortably. Now that we are creeping into middle age and no longer regularly walking miles up hill with heavy packs, I'm looking at the wheeled version as a middle ground for middle age.

For security,look at the PacSafe brand that is made of some sort of super mesh material that can't be slit, but one easy thing we've done in train stations and crowds was to pull the integrated rain covers over our packs, making all the zips inaccessible. Sure, someone could slit through it with a knife, but the smooth layer of nylon prevents casual hands from finding an easy way in.

On the side of the backpack, though, we arranged for transport to the train station in La Spezia, and the driver was very late. We had to run through the streets, up the stairs, and across the station to make the train we had reserved tickets on, and with our packs, we were able to do it quickly, making the train with a minute to spare. Wheeled suitcases would have been impossible in this situation with crowds and stairs.

A related question: when I flew London-Seattle last year, the lock on my checked bag was sawn through, but nothing was missing. We assumed that you are no longer allowed to check locked luggage when flying to the States. Is this true?

To BlueSwimmer -
I hadn't thought of it as an age thing but you are right I think. Both my husband and I didn't think anything of carrying backpacks when we were in our 20's, in fact I don't think wheeled cases existed then anyway. Now we are nearer 50, the thought of carrying all that on my shoulders make me wince. We would just end hot and sweaty with sore backs. Wheeled cases make it a breeze, though you do need to be able to lift them up and down stairs.

To tarquin -
I'm not from the USA but am pretty sure the authorities there have the legal right to break locks and open any bags. We used to always travel with locked luggage but rarely do so any more. There are so many security checks it's just easier.
Kay

"taking up with width of 3 people, but with the attention of only one person."

An backpacjkers take up at least the depth of 2 people but with the attention of only 1 person.

tarquin- you can buy TSA locks that can be opened by authorities. If opened they will put a notice in the bag before relocking it.

Hi Tony, That link looks good although I'm not in favour of anything 'behind' me! The only person on our trip 3 years ago that got robbed entering the Metro station CONCORDE was a friend who insisted on a backpack instead of a purse slung around her chest. Yes, she did bring a very large suitcase, but for daily use it was the backpack. Lost eveything.
The light-fingered "foreigners" are at the top of their game - so if using the backpack at anytime please get your family member to always hug you from behind and never pay attention to distractions.

Tod, i think i'd only use it in "backpack mode" when we need to walk distances, like from the train to the hotel etc.

I can imagine that if you a standing still with a backpack on you'd be a sitting duck for thieves !

No Tony - not standing still only! These little cockroaches get you whilst on the move! That's the beauty of their technique. Everyones moving so when you discover the awful truth they are long gone and even IF you suspect someone, they would have already passed the item onto their accomplices walking in the other direction.
I do like the look of the wheel backpack - you are obviously young and have bones that won't creak under the effort!Ha Ha!

I personally detest backpacks. Been there, done that.

I much prefer a suitcase on wheels and I have a garage full of different Kipling pieces that I rotate depending on where I'm traveling to. I love Kipling.

My downfall is a luggage obsession which I've had since junior high school, back in 67, when I picked out a matching set of shocking pink, molded, hard-sided Samsonite and knew that I was the cat's meouw. LOL! I own enough luggage and different brands of it to open a mini luggage store. Smiles. However, as I'm away 1-3 times a year on overseas vacations, it's well used. Happy Travels!

I've traveled mostly with my 21" Eagle Creek "Switchback" model that converts to a backpack when needed. I did use it as a backpack once getting to my hotel on the Amalfi Coast when there were over 60 stairs. It's not nearly as comfortable as a real hiking backpack, but good enough when needed.

One other thing to point out about a pack though - a sweaty back! I much prefer the wheeled/convertible option!

tarquin, the same thing happened to me flying from Seattle to London with TSA locks. I think TSA locks only work in the US. I assume the British authorities wanted to look in my suitcase, so they cut the lock. If it was a thief, they didn't take anything. Anyway, we're back to using cable ties, except in the US.

Guenmai

I share your addiction! Especially for carryon bags. I must have at least 20 and am always on the lookout for more!

Backpack all the way. A great one is the "weekender convertable bag" on www.ebags.com They are around $60 dollars and they can go from a carry on bag-to-back pack in moments. The straps tuck inside the back so it looks as a "soft" briefcase. I have a bad back and was worried about the weight so I tried it Full for a week and then tried dragging a Full wheeled bag behind me for a week before my 3 months in Europe this past summer. Clearly the back pack one and thats all I will bring from now on.
You can always buy them both try them out around the house (full)and which ever you decide to take with you send the other back. Good luck and have fun.
P.S. Having Free hands is the best part and use the high strap across your chest it balances the bag and shifts the weight better for you.

Re the locks. I have used, since TSA, the plastic cords found at hardware stores and have inside the suitcase, on top of my clothing more cords in an evelope on which is written in whatever language is appropriate, "If you open my suitcase, please re-lock it with one of these." Interestingly, I have never had my case opened. My philosophy is if my clothing (which is all that's in my suitcase) is stolen, it gives me another opportunity to SHOP!!

no one can give the best answer for you - you have to try both and see which is best for 1) your height, 2) your fitness level, 3) how much stuff you want to carry, 4) if you have back trouble or not.

As has been said up-thread --- there is no one size fits all answer. It is like asking which shoes are the best -- only your feet can tell . . .

But as for the "<i>I cannot recall ever being hit by a back pack or knowingly ever hit anyone else. Does this really happen? Does it really happen more than with suitcases? I'm genuinely curious.</i>" - I would have thought you were joking, but it is obviously a serious question. I am 5' tall and I literally have been knocked over by backpackers who forget there is this huge thing stuck out behind them. I always sit in aisle seats - but the danger is every 3rd pack toter coming down the aisle will turn to talk to his/her companion walking behind and yep -- whacked upside the head.

Backpacks can be convenient things - those who carry them, not always . . . . .

But security-wise IMO, a rollaboard is safer more secure.

Yes Janisj, I can see it's a completely personal thing - some swear by backpacks, others hate them.

I think we'll probably go with the backpacks with wheels in the end. The tips of security have been great though - I would have thought you'd be safe while on the move, but obviously not.

I can see that a rolling bag that converts to a backpack would be appealing but be sure to check the weight of it empty. My experience of investigating these is that they often weigh about 5kg empty. Given that I can't lug more than about 10kg, that's half my carrying capacity - which makes them a no-go for me. However, there may now be some lighter ones available.

Whatever luggage you choose, if you can take less rather than more, I'm pretty sure you'll be much happier.

I guess if you're accustomed to traveling (carrying) everything on your back, then it may work well.

I always remember the sight of a couple of backpackers in a long line at the train station shifting and shifting and trying to make themselves comfortable and I was really glad to have my little rollie-bag.

I believe that the backpacks referred to in this thread are the usual travel size, not the serious backpacker humungus size! Also, our carryon wheelie backpacks are not packed so full that the weight is overwhelming, but then we each take a checked bag. We use the backpack only for the electronic items, reservation/itinerary copies, meds. We also only use our backpacks on traveling days - plane/train. Once we are settled in our hotel/apt., we don't wear them for siteseeing.

Whether wearing a backpack, wheeling a bag, or carrying a bag, no one should ever lose the important stuff - money, credit cards, air tickets, passports, etc. Those items should be safely tucked in your money belt.

Happing travels, Julie