suitcases over backpacks?

[leena]

I was thinking of taking a suitcase during by trip, will it still be easy to handle as a backpack? Are there places (in hostels) to keep suitcases? Is it safe?

Leena

[Eagle]

leena, I can only relate my personal experiences in terms of using a Suitcase vs. a Backpack. IMO a Backpack is far easier to travel with, whether traversing airports, walking from lodgings to the train or climbing several flights of stairs. I haven't travelled with a Suitcase in years, as I find them too cumbersome. The "wheelie bags" really annoy me as I find them difficult to "tow" properly, while still walking forward.

From my limited experience in Hostels, there might be a problem fitting Suitcases into some Lockers, given the fact that these tend to be somewhat "inflexible". It's usually possible to fit a Backpack into a Locker just by re-arranging it a bit and "molding" it to fit. If you're really concerned about theft, you would probably be able to leave your suitcase behind the reception desk in a secure area?

Having said that, I'll probably be travelling with a Wardrobe Carrier and a small Backpack on a short one week trip that I'll be taking this week. I have to take a dress suit on this occasion, and those don't usually fit Backpacks too well. I found that out on my last trip to England, as I had to roll up my dress jacket and stuff it into my Daypack; that's the only place I had room to put it! However, if my plans work out this fall, on my next trip to Europe I will strictly be using a Backpack with detachable Daypack (I won't need the dress suit this time).

That's my preference. Hopefully some of the other regulars will post a few thoughts.

Good Luck!!!

[WillTravel]

Leena, I don't think there's a right or wrong answer on this, as everyone finds different things comfortable. My kids insist on backpacks, and find rollie suitcases unpleasant. I can manage with a backpack, but prefer not to, and find I can manage a 22" rollie suitcase just fine, whether staying at a hostel or hotel. But you can't lock up a suitcase in most lockers. You would take the valuables out and store those in a locker. For your important documents, either way, use a money belt. Many people report problems with cobblestones and suitcases - I had no problems in my case. I am fairly strong and can quite easily lift and carry my suitcase if I feel the need. But my daughter reports the same problem as Eagle with rollie suitcases - that is, they constantly get in her way when she's trying to walk with one. The best way to tell - try simulating a day of travel and extensive walking, including stairs, with your local public transit system, using a suitcase one day and a backpack another day.

[rchua]

are you thinking of bringing a lot of clothes and travel stuff? if you plan on bringing everything then i'd go with a suitcase. but if you plan to travel light and have some change of clothes i'd go for a backpack. backpacks are easy to travel with coz they give you more mobility. just imagine lugging suitcases through the subway. i did see travelers with suitcase but it did not look comfy to me. some hostels do have places to store your belongings. but i would advise to carry your important stuff like passport, money, etc on you the whole time. never leave those behind just to be on the safe side. but overall hostels are safe.

[GoJoel]

I took a suitcase to Europe last year b/c I had to have a lot of extra clothes for a program. I didn't have any problems with the suitcase because as long as it rolls, you only have to lift them in and out of trains and over step-ups. But I agree with Will: take a simulation run to see if you like how the suitcase rolls and everything. A couple nice benefits of the suitcase are that you can store more without being very creative with your packing (i.e. you can just throw stuff in) and you might have room for extra souvenirs or clothes you might pick up.

[liz]

A further query on this topic-

Does anyone have any thoughts on whether suitcases or backpacks are less 'effort'? I had a bad back injury earlier this year, and so am not supposed to carry heavy stuff, but am travelling to Italy later this summer. I had planned to take a wheelie suitcase, but I guess if they have to be carried up stairs and suchlike all the time, a backpack might be better as it at least distibutes weight evenly...
(also the area I'm spending most time in is a village in the back of beyond, so I have no idea what the roads are like.)

Any thoughts?

Liz

[dumbdiety]

That's a tough one Liz. You may be fine if you get a properly fitted backpack and distribute the weight properly, but you'd have to check with a doctor.

[Jules80]

hi liz

i also badly injured my back about 6 months before my europe trip. a well adjusted back pack worked fine for me. make sure you put it on a chair to put it on your back and always attach the hip belt... thats what makes it carryable cause 90% of the weight is on your hips not your back. but doug is right... double check with your doc. carying a suitcase up stairs is harder on my back.

Jules

[Eagle]

I've also been having some back and neck problems lately, but Physiotherapy has been clearing these up quite nicely (BTW, where's Stanncie lately?). I've found that a properly fitted Backpack hasn't been a problem so far, as most of the weight is resting on my hips, which is below the "problem area". The reduced amount of weight on my shoulders hasn't been an issue yet (although travelling will be the ultimate test!).

Liz, if the "village back and beyond" that you'll be visiting has a lot of cobblestone streets, a wheelie bag might be a real "pain". The best way to tell whether a Backpack will work for you, would be to try hiking about with a fully loaded Backpack in your home town for a few hours.

Cheers all!!!

[WillTravel]

I think in either case, carrying your luggage up flights of stairs could be a problem with your back. Is there any way you can arrange ahead of time so that someone can help you in the village? Are you staying with family or friends? If your suitcase is small, it shouldn't be a problem in a hostel, and a backpack wouldn't be either of course.

I'm also in a minority in that I have used a suitcase numerous times, over miles of cobblestones, and the suitcase handled it fine. But if you have your accommodation prearranged, there are only a few minutes every few days in which you will actually have to carry your luggage, particularly if you take a taxi. I'd consider taxis if you can, when you are carrying your luggage, because the 10 or 20 Euros per taxi ride could save your trip.

I agree with Eagle - the best way is to pretest the two methods, and see what works for you. And if you're at an airport, or using public transit, and an elevator is available, hold out for it. Be as easy as you can on your back. Go as slowly as you need, because wrenching movements are the worst.