Travel Backpack vs. Rolling Suitcase (In-Depth Carry On Buyer's Guide)

Which type of Carry On Luggage is Best? A Backpack or a Rolling Suitcase?

In this video, we talk about Backpacks vs. Suitcases for Travel, compare travel backpacks and roller luggage, and give key considerations, plus the pros and cons for each type.

Carry On Luggage Shown in this Video:
- Osprey Porter 46 Travel Backpack

- Nomatic McKinnon Backpack 35L

- Monos Carry-On Plus

- LEVEL8 RoadRunner Carry On (Use code "awaytogether" for an extra 10% off your order)

- LEVEL8 Full Aluminum Carry On (Use code "awaytogether" for an extra 10% off your order)

- Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside Luggage

Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission.

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At Away Together, our mission is to help DIY travelers like you plan, afford, and enjoy better travel with your friends and loved ones.

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⏰ Timecodes ⏰
0:00 Travel Backpack vs. Rolling Suitcase
0:50 Mobility vs. Comfort
2:30 Carry-On Luggage Weight
3:00 Appearance
4:01 Luggage Security
4:33 Best and Worst Carry-Ons for Organization
5:11 Carry-On Luggage Organization Tips
5:50 Which Type of Carry On is Right for You?
6:10 When To Use A Backpack
6:38 When To Use A Roller Bag
7:07 Which Carry On For Europe

#carryonluggage #packing

[ChipyRose]

Im currently on my first month of a two month trip through Greece and the Balkans. I started with a backpack with wheels and a personal item. The idea was that if I couldn’t roll I would use it a la a backpack… well guess what?! It was just too heavy and I quickly decided it was crazy to hurt my back. Another issue I found was that the roller backpack didn’t have a surface to hold my personal item. Because of the amorphous shape of the backpack nothing will stay on top of it while carrying it. So I decided to buy a roller carryon in Greece. It’s great to know that what seems yo be a hard shell case is really a little flexible. I can now place my personal item over it. And I have ditched the backpack with wheels. Oh, Another thing I like about carryons is that the are square and I can utilize every single inch of the case with my packing cubes. There’s no space wasted and everything fits beautifully.

Thank you so much for your video. It is very comprehensive.

[korrasm]

In the last decade, I have been traveling with just a 30L backpack and a foldable tote bag as my personal item. I prefer using a backpack over carry-on luggage because it gives me mobility and allows me to move around hands-free.

During my recent trip, my flight was delayed by 30 minutes due to heavy air traffic, and I only had 15 minutes to catch my connecting flight. If I had been using rolling luggage, I don't think I would have made it in time. Thanks to my backpack, I was able to run and catch my flight with ease.

[angelajuneau]

My carry on is a backpack now and forever after going on a couple of trips and having to navigate subways and stairs. Now I really need a good personal item that will work with my backpack.

[jessica_video_projects]

I know this, I am never ever going to carry a roller bag again!
I went to Europe last summer to a music festival. Seven months to plan this and I decided to get a roller bag because I thought oh cool I could just pull everything 😢😅
Big mistake! It was a total holdup and hell going upstairs and downstairs all the walking I had to do it sucked…
lol
I didn’t know what I was thinking I thought maybe was on wheels I could haul everything better …
Lesson learned!
Next year definitely going with a back pack !
Awesome video 👏😎

[RKSudan]

Backpack for me. Tried and tested for over a decade of travelling. It keeps me comfortable and moving with a weight of upto 12 kg.

[the_wiki]

I like the regular size under seat backpack + roller bag combo. Gives you about as much space combined as a medium sized checked bag and then you have a daypack if you need one. Plus it keeps your entertainment and quick access items with you in the seat.

[volkswagen]

I've been a backpack guy for years. My wife not. I'm in my mid 70's and still use a rugged military backpack. I spent 35 of my 45 working years as an Engineer working and living overseas (Middle-East, Africa, Europe and South American). I learned how to travel light by doing a hitch in the Army. I raised my 3 kids on the road for the most part with me. I still continue to travel to this day. Just got back from a month of travel in Italy by rail.

[leannbl]

I am 56 and use an Osprey Porter 46 to pack in and a tote bag for my personal item. I like to keep my hands free and makes me more conscious of packing only what I need with room to expand for any purchases. I traveled with my grandson last year and needed to keep my hands available to carry or roll his luggage if necessary. Just easier with a backpack for me!

[FazerJr]

Depends on the situation of travel. I have and use both depending on my needs 🤙🏼

[seanyunt]

My wife and I just completed 3 weeks of travel through central Europe that included 5 countries, and 15+ hours of train rides. The hard shell wins. Compliment with a mini-backpack (underseat on the airline bag) that included a "trolly sleeve" and it's a winning combo.

Some rural train stations only have stairs, many are adjacent to metro stations. We were constantly moving between transportion modes. Having 4 wheels was very helpful. Wearing a thicker backpack would have been a hinderance on very crowded buses and trains where it was standing room only.

[minneapaulis]

Nik, I gotta tell ya. You’re getting ALL the exact content I’m looking for when it comes to travel. All super relevant and different than other creators. Keep it up, my friend!

Turtle.

I’m going to Europe this December and trying to figure out what makes more sense for me

[StirlingQShagnasty]

We lived in China for a while. It is very common in China to wear "back"packs on the front, especially when on some sort of transit convenance. The advantage is that you don't have to worry about hitting folks, getting pickpocketed and it is very convenient to get into if needed.

[patreispower]

I carry on a soft suitcase with hidden back straps and wheels . It works in all situations ( cobbles or steps ) . I am an older smaller woman, so this is a game changer for me .

[grantw]

We are in our mid-70s and have always travelled the world with soft-sided roll-ons. As I am forbidden to drive for most of this year (medical), our trip to Scotland in September will now see us travelling by train around the region. As we discovered while travelling by train in Thailand a few years ago a backpack will be more convenient. Finally, I will be forced to cut back on what I take (no more "what if I need this item, but never do"). My personal bag will be an over-the-shoulder one. We are curious to see if this works and if it will be used for all future trips. I always enjoy your videos. Thanks

[bretaskinner]

Backpack checked. In 2010 we traveled around Scandinavia with 15 year old Eagle Creek large backpacks. On a smaller flight from Estonia to Stockholm, they had us check the main section, but we zipped off the "day pack" section. So, it can happen ;) We are in our early 60's now, and too out of shape for those bags now. Once we emerge from hibernation (we hate crowds, so are hoping the post covid travel frenzy will calm down) we will likely get rollers. Thank you for your insight to traveling.

[jakirahmcgillivray]

you’re literally my comfort person i love you kislux !

[stalean]

Turtle! I am going on an international trip soon and bought the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable as my carry-on and the WONHOX Large Travel Backpack that opens like a suitcase for my personal item bag. It has a strap that attaches to the handle on my carry-on luggage, so I don't have to backpack it. It's the perfect size for United Airlines personal item requirements.

[WilyHazzard]

kay, I’ve always scratched my head about the obsession around the kislux book totes and their practicality, but this one is adorable!! Congratulations

[richardmyracle]

Turtle. I started using a backpack for shorter trips. I like it. I don't have a travel pack yet and just use my regular daycare. I have been o e bag traveling for years. I am 62. A roller bag going by to Paris socks. There are too many stairs using the metro and the cobble street are terrible. One day I will have a travel backpack.. I look forward to your video.

[ulvesparker]

For 40 years, I have used a rolling, carry-on sized backpack. I travel to places where sometimes there is no pavement or only dirt roads. I only use my rolling hard luggage when it is raining or snowing and I expect my luggage to sit out in it. My back pack does have a raincover but is not as waterproof as my hard shell.

For the person who asked about having a backpack already as their personal hand baggage, I sometimes use my daypack as a front pack (like a baby carrier on my belly).

I actually travel with three pieces of luggage every time, and they are like those Russian nesting dolls. I have a carry-on cabin sized rolling backpack. Inside of it, folded up into about the size of a small pizza box is a large military ballistic cordura duffle bag also with straps, and capable of holding my rolling carry on sized backpack inside it if necessary. And my third item is my Osprey daypack which is pretty much my EDC bag.