Tony, I agree with you re: packing room. We have both - backpack carryon & wheelie carryon bag. Depends on the trip re: which one we take. We got our wheelie backpacks at Walmart & it is good quality. Walmart has several types.

Our 22" wheelie carryon bag is roomy enough that it eliminates the need for a checked bag, if the trip is not much over 2 weeks (we are trying to accomplish the academy award of packing & get our 6 weeks of travel into it - yikes!). For us, the backpack is just enough for our carryon things - electronics, rx & over the counter meds, makeup, & all of the things one does not want 'lost' in the checked bag - but naturally we do end up filling it! We use our wheelie backpacks when we check another bag; that way we don't have to wheel 2 bags (the checked bag & the carryon bag) at the same time.

Of course, with the recent airport security breach, we may all be checking all of our bags = no carryons!

Wish you many happy travels with your new luggage! Julie