What advantages do backpacks have over more traditional trolly bags?

Here’s what I ended up doing: I went with a Goruck G1 (the 26L pack). A little pricey, but it seemed to match really well with what I was looking for. I’m going to start out with that along with my existing standard 22" rolly bag carry on.

Since I’ll need to bring a fair bit of medical supplies with me, I think it’s prudent to have both, particularly since we’ll be spending weeks at a time in each location instead of moving along every couple days.

If the rolly bag breaks down, I can replace it cheaply or I’ll have figured out that I can just make due with the Goruck on its own.

Thanks for the advice!

That’s the one, except they come in 25"/60l and 28"/80l… I want the bigger one.
good catch on the 20% promo! thanks!

Has anyone tried out the TLS Professional Weekender? Seems a lot like the idea behind the Tortuga, but cheaper.

I guess it depends on how you plan to travel the “last mile” off the train/bus/airplane and if you usually book ahead or walk around to find accommodation.

Also, if you’re packing two bags instead of one (dedicated laptop bag), a roller bag might be more appealing. If you’re staying weeks or months at a time in a single place the type of backpack isn’t really an issue in my opinion (assuming you have a day-pack).

I think people prefer backpacks due to sand, poorly constructed roads, puddles, mud, cobblestone, etc.

In SE Asia I find myself using a side-handle more than anything since I’m typically handing my bag off to somebody else or walking very short distances. By side-handle I mean like the Tortuga has, or the Patagonia Transport MLC (which is what I’m currently using, not sure I’d recommend it though).

I just found this article last night which I identified with quite a bit: http://www.theprofessionalhobo.com/2014/05/best-luggage-long-term-travel-backpacks-vs-rolling-luggage/

Article ends with her currently using this one: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AE0NSL4/ref=twister_B00AE0NLD4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I travel with a rolling suitcase and a laptop backpack. I am using the Travelpro T-Pro Bold series and a Targus laptop backpack. Not sure I’d necessarily recommend either of these because I burn through the combination at a rate of one a year, roughly. Actually, it’s time for me to replace both the bag and the backpack. However, I can recommend the combination and type of bags. You don’t want spinners, you want the kind of bag that has recessed wheels because spinner type wheels break off and don’t fit properly in baggage sizers. Also, you can bring more stuff with you split between a good laptop backpack and a bag (have a good sense of what is sensible to carry versus buying locally when you arrive), and it all fits into a single airline carry-on baggage allowance.

Rolly bags drive me insane. Well, they do now since I started this lifestyle. Once upon a time I would swear on getting a 4 wheeled suitcase as “only idiots use 2 wheels”. Back then though I only traveled for leisure. But traveling as a non-stop lifestyle through Asia has taught me that flat, suitcase friendly surfaces are a rare commodity.

It all depends on the type of traveler you are. I do a lot of walking with my bags every few weeks and a traditional suitcase would kill me. If you’re the type to use taxis and shuttles going from airport/bus/train station to your lodgings, you’ll probably be fine with a suitcase.

I wanted to try the EagleCreek Switchback 22. It’s a rolling backpack, it seems pretty comfy to wear and it has a detachable daypack, wich makes it great for hiking (I’m not a hardcore trekking person but I do like to do short treks from time to time, and usually a small backpack is enough for what I need to take with me). It’s a bit expensive (u$340) but it looks durable and very comfortable (it has padded straps and waist/chest straps for weight distribution). My only concern is that the back straps are attached with velcro…
I prefer rolling luggage because I’m not much of a backpacker, my luggage only goes from airport/train-station to a hostel/apartment. Still, I like to have the option to turn my luggage into a backpack for those places where it’s impossible to roll it.

here’s the link: