Backpack vs Suitcase - What to Pick for Your Trip
Hey Traveler!
Let’s chat about your specific travel needs. Suitcase? Backpack? Both? Let’s figure it out!
table of contents
Pros of Traveling with a suitcase
Organization: Suitcases often have compartments and dividers that make it easier to organize your belongings and keep items accessible.
Capacity: They typically offer more space, allowing you to pack more items, including bulkier clothes, shoes, and souvenirs.
Protection: Hard-shell suitcases provide excellent protection for fragile items, keeping them safe from damage during travel.
Ease of Packing: The structured shape of suitcases makes it easier to pack and unpack, helping you see everything at a glance.
Wheels: Rolling suitcases with wheels make it easier to transport heavy loads without straining your back or shoulders.
Professional Appearance: Suitcases can present a more polished, professional look, which can be important for business travel.
Stability: They stay upright and stable, preventing items from shifting around and reducing the likelihood of spills and wrinkles.
Multi-Purpose: Some suitcases come with features like built-in garment bags, making them ideal for special occasions or business attire.
Security: Many suitcases come with built-in locks and durable zippers, offering added security for your belongings.
Durability: High-quality suitcases are designed to withstand the rigors of travel, often lasting for many years and many trips.
Versatility: Suitcases can be suitable for various types of travel, from short weekend getaways to extended vacations, providing flexibility for different packing needs.
cons of Traveling with a suitcase
Mobility Issues: Navigating through crowded places, cobblestone streets, and uneven terrain can be challenging with a suitcase, especially one without sturdy wheels.
Stairs and Public Transport: Lugging a suitcase up and down stairs or on and off buses, trains, and subways can be a hassle and physically taxing.
Limited Flexibility: Suitcases can be cumbersome when you need to move quickly or navigate through tight spaces.
Storage Space: They can be difficult to store in small hotel rooms, hostels, or budget accommodations where storage space is limited.
Weight Restrictions: Suitcases tend to be heavier than backpacks, and airlines often have strict weight limits for checked baggage.
Durability: Suitcases can suffer from wear and tear, especially if they are frequently checked in at airports. Wheels and handles are particularly prone to breaking.
Handling on Rough Terrain: Suitcases with small wheels or those not designed for rugged use can be problematic on rough terrain, making travel less enjoyable.
Expense: High-quality suitcases can be expensive, and cheaper options may not hold up well to the rigors of travel.
Security Concerns: While suitcases can be locked, they might still be more prone to theft or tampering compared to backpacks that you can keep close to you.
Environmental Impact: Larger and heavier luggage can contribute to higher fuel consumption during travel, impacting the environment more than lighter, more compact options.
Pros of Traveling with a Backpack
Free hands
Backpacks weigh less, you can pack more
Don’t have to worry about a broken wheel or cracked shell because they are more durable than hardshell suitcases
Easier to take on long walks and go up and down stairs (don’t count on elevators)
Easier to maneuver through crowds
Don’t have to worry about gravel or cobblestones
If you enjoy a variety of activities such as camping and hiking, then you’ll get more use out of a backpack
Some backpacks have cool features like built-in whistles for emergencies and waterproof covers
While wearing your backpack it would be harder for someone to snatch than a suitcase that is set down
The convenience of having a water bottle pocket (I personally love this!)
Generally, they take up less room in transportation and accommodations
No roller noise of wheels clunking along streets
You don’t have to worry about them being banned from cities, unlike roller suitcases
Twenty-year-old me still wants to carry a backpack everywhere we go, but I have to say that I also love the ease of rolling my travel necessities along with me.
Ultimately, the decision is always made with these factors in mind:
location & activities
mode of transportation
physical abilities
length of the trip
In this guide, I will share the pros andcons of using a backpack vs. a suitcase regarding convenience, mobility, weight, and versatility to help you choose the best luggage for your next trip.
Cons of Traveling with a Backpack
Harder to organize your clothes and gear
It is harder to access your items because they don’t open easily and as fully as a suitcase
It can become heavy and cumbersome once full (I am guilty of overstuffing)
Clothes could wrinkle more easily depending on the fabrics
Less protection for the contents
Straps can be annoying, and get caught in things
You may not notice if someone steals from you while wearing your backpack in a crowded place
Often ends up on a lot of dirty floors vs just having the wheels touch the ground
Sometimes, it’s a smart idea to travel with both a suitcase and a backpack. When deciding what to pack, think about your fitness level, destinations, activities, transportation modes, and accommodations. If you’re going for the suitcase-and-backpack combo, don’t forget a handy piggyback clip to attach your backpack to your suitcase. A friend of mine was so grateful for this tip after pulling a shoulder muscle halfway through her Scottish adventure!
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when choosing between a backpack or a suitcase. Go with what feels right for your comfort and travel style. Happy travels!
I hope you travel more & pack less. Cheers, Amanda Holt
