Luggage

[ampacker]

My fiance and I are currently looking for luggage to add to our wedding registry. We are planning to take a delayed honeymoon next year and take two weeks to travel in selected European destinations.

My question is about registering for luggage that can be multipurpose. We have looked at the High Sierra AT3 wheeled backpack. Is it a good option to purchase a backpack that has wheels for a Europe trip? I keep reading that European sidewalks are not paved the way Americans are accustomed to, so it would be difficult to drag a bag on wheels. She is concerned that her back would get tired from carrying a backpack around, so she is intrigued with the opportunity to have a backpack with wheels. Is it a good idea for this? or would it be a better idea to pick up a good backpack?

We were also wondering about carrying a backpack, or a daypack on our back. How do you keep your belongings safe? It seems like with a rolling suitcase you can see it and make sure that nobody is reaching in your bag. But with a backpack on your back you have no idea if someone is sneaking up behind you.

Here are some backpack options that I found that also have wheels.

www.ebags.com/eagle_creek/centerline_cross_roads_convertible_22/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=66912
www.ebags.com/high_sierra/at3_sierra_lite_22_wheeled_backpack/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=63370
www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47851221&parent_category_rn=4501712&vcat=REI_SEARCH

[WillTravel]

I think in general you will find most people haven't found backpacks with wheels to be a good solution. You sort of get the worst of both worlds. There's a place for good backpacks, and a place for good rolling luggage, depending on the type of trips you are doing, but the combo doesn't seem to work that well overall. I'm sure someone loves it, but I'm just going by the consensus I've seen repeatedly on various boards.

[mango]

I have a Victorinox backpack with wheels and I think it's great.

In many situations like airports, train stations and city centres it means i don't have to carry my luggage - wheeling it is much easier and more relaxed, just like a regular suitcase with wheels. But when i venture away from these places or if I am simply in a hurry I can unzip the back, pull the straps out and wear the thing on my back. Much easier than having to lug the bag around when the footpath surface is unsuitable for wheels or when i have lots of stairs to go up and down.

Also having the option to wheel your backpack means you can wear smarter clothes on your travels and still look the part.

So I definitely recommend the combination if this flexibility sounds good to you.

Just make sure you are getting a good quality one; like all backpacks I would recommend trying it on before you buy to make sure it's a good fit, and make sure it has decent wheels!

[me]

a cheaper alternative might be good normal backpacks with a collapsible wheeled cart on which you could strap your packs. [this way, if you find the wheels are too heavy to be useful, you could just mail them home]

the big backpack is only for between a transport locus (airport/train station/bus station) and where you're staying (hostel/hotel/bed&breakfast). you won't be carrying it all the time!

if there are two of you, it be much easier to keep an eye out for people trying to steal from you backpacks.

Ps. it might help to get backpacks early, load them down to simulate the weight of what you'll have with you, and take a few strolls. this will get you both into better shape for the trip.