Need input quickly re: packing for hostels
 

I'm in the middle of packing as I'm leaving for my trip in a couple of hours and can't decide on whether to pack in a regular suitcase (with wheels) or travel backpack. I'll be staying with friends and relatives mostly except for 4 nights at the Anker hostel in Oslo. My concern is being able to lock my suitcase up while at the hostel. Any thoughts on this? Should their lockers accommodate a suitcase or typically only a large pack?

Thanks for your quick responses! :)

I my own experience, there is usually a "bag room" where you can leave your luggage and the front desk lets you in and out (hopefully). I used a cable lock and would lock my pack to the rack or anything else available (it wont keep out the determined but maybe the quick and opprotunistic?). I did find a few hostels with small lockers for valuables - but my back pack wouldn't fit in them. Hopefully someone else can chime in with their experience too. Someone will likely re-direct you to Lonely Planets Thorn Tree forum as they do get more backpackers on that site. There are some who hostel it here too though so I'll float your question to the top.

Personally, I think if your not moving around much - bring something with wheels and save your back. In my opinion the best option would be a tall back pack with wheels - I understand you can have them put on.

Keep your valubables with you if you can't lock them up.

Cheers,

Murphy

Oh - just don't make it such a big cumbersome suitcase that you can't get it up escalators and stairs :D

Thanks! I'm leaning towards saving my back as well. I noticed on the hostel's Web site that they have a luggage storage so that may be the room that you're referring to. I emailed to get clarification but never heard back. Guess I'll wing it and hope for the best :)

If you are over 25 or have back problems, I would go with a suitcase. Save the backpack for the young and strong.