Angelblue,

As you surmised, luggage type is a personal choice.

I use carryon luggage only, and many carriers to and within Europe have severe weight restrictions. For example, the carryon weight limit on Air France is 12 kg (26.4 lbs).

When I visit Europe, I use a Rick Steves backpack and have had very good results. It is lightweight, and there are handles on the top and side to carry it like a soft suitcase. When using it as a backpack, there is also a waiststrap.

Because of its light weight, it is very easy to carry up and down stairs (in metro stations or hotels) or to place in the overhead space (on a plane or train).

Woody

I also suggest the combo backpack/wheeled suitcase - but with one provision. Get a lightweight one. I have several made by the big companies (Travelsmith, REI,etc) and they all weigh considerably more than the ones I found at a local store (and those name brand ones cost 3-4 times as much). I think ours weigh about 6 pounds which is as light as any case I've found. I almost never use it as a backpack, I much prefer the wheels, but my husband always does. But since you started this thread because you couldn't decide then I think it would make a lot of sense to try to find one of these combos for this trip -especially given the length of your trip. There will probably be times when you wish you had your hands free, or are glad you don't have to drag it up and down a lot of steps. But there will also be times when you have to cover a long distance and would be very glad to have the ability to just drag it on it's wheels.

By the way, I'm glad to see Air France has a 12kg/26pound carry-on limit (I'm booked on them in March). That's actually very generous. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have a 6kg/12 pound limit!

I much prefer convertable backpack soft bag myself as it is easier to handle steps, escaltors, long walks etc. I also prefer briefs to boxers for much the same reasons.

Larry J

<<British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have a 6kg/12 pound limit!>>

Isabel: I went to Paris once on BA with carryon luggage only. Now, that was a challenge! You should have seen my jacket pockets. They were buldging with toiletries and guidebooks! (I have since learned to photocopy the guidebook pages I need and toss them when I'm through.) After that, I never complained about limiting myself to 26 lbs.

Woody

It's not about the type of bag you choose that's the most important thing, it is how LIGHT you are able to pack it!

In the example above that you might go touring for part of a day hauling all your stuff along, I don't care suitcase or backpack... if you have packed alot this will prove to be a bad idea.

As you pack use your bathroom scale at home to weigh your backpack (or suitcase), I would aim for 25 lbs max.

Then use the tried & true test... put that backpack on and go out and walk a couple miles, hop on public transportation, etc. in your own home town.

Whoa! You have 5 months before lift-off. Borrow a back pack, load it with up to 20% of your body weight. Try some short trips. Wear it to the supermarket. Take it to the cinema. Do the same with the roller/wheel suitcase. Please note USA airport travellers. Most seem to be using wheeled carriers. A plus for back packs; hands are free!

Borrowing luggage before buying is a great idea above! That's actually when I switched over to using a roller bag (after borrowing a friends one trip). I was always a die-hard duffle bag with shoulder strap carrier previously.