Backpack vs Suitcase. This is the ultimate question and a topic that has divided travellers since the hippie trail.
And I say, travellers, because let’s face it, most tourists will choose a suitcase. So which one is better?
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Or, to be more precise, which one should you choose on your next trip?
Backpack or suitcase. Well, let’s break it down.
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I am a backpack person. I admit it. BUT my Osprey Carry-on 40-litre backpack is perfect for the type of travelling I am currently doing – trying to visit every country in the world.
I used to rock a carry-on suitcase from Samsonite for years while working as a European tour guide, and I loved it.
But let’s look at the pros and cons of choosing a backpack or a suitcase.
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Different things work for different people and different types of travellers. Some prefer the suitcase on wheels, some prefer the backpack.
But when it comes to choosing one for your next trip consider the following:
Are you travelling on holiday and staying in a resort for a week and most likely taking a Uber or taxi from the airport? Then a suitcase might be the better option for you.
Are you travelling long-term or perhaps moving around countries and cities and relying on public transport? Then the backpack might be a better option.
It is something many forget to think about when it comes to backpack vs suitcase decisions. Where are you heading to? A developed destination might have a better infrastructure in place to get around easily with a suitcase, such as a trip to the USA, Canada or Japan.
Europe is a developed continent, but don’t forget there are many stairs and many cobbled streets. Heading to Africa, Nepal or Peru? You might be better off with a backpack.
I’d highly recommend a backpack for travelling in Africa, and this packing list for Africa is ideal for any adventure.
Your budget will also determine the way you travel. In a nutshell, budget travellers are usually better off with a backpack as it suits the budget traveller style.
We’ve got so many tips for how to save money to travel the world.
From public transport, walking to your hostel/guesthouse and carrying clothes that don’t necessarily need to be wrinkle-free.
If you are more of a flashpacker or have a bit of cash, you will most likely use taxis to get to your accommodation and might stay in hotels and larger places for your suitcase to fold out open.
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Regardless of whether you choose a backpack or suitcase, the majority of people will pack too much and buy a bigger suitcase or bag that they need!
I have been travelling with an Osprey 40 Litre carry on backpack (8-10kg) and I am travelling for two years so trust me, less is more. But in my earlier days of travelling, I used a big clunky suitcase or a big oversize 65L bag too.
If you decide on a backpack then trust me, there are some amazing carry on bags that will fit everything you need! It will make your life easier when travelling and even save you money when flying as you won’t need to check it in.
As for women, you should never get anything bigger than 55L size – otherwise is simply way too much to carry. What exactly do you pack to travel with just a carry on?
Find out in our ultimate packing list for travellers.
But unless you are carrying camping gear with you, a carry on is all you need.
If a suitcase is more your style, I also recommend getting a smaller Samsonite suitcase as opposed to getting a large one that you only fill halfway. Trust me, big suitcases are so impractical!
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The key is to pack everything neatly and compress it into your suitcase. It will be easier to carry should you need to run up a few stairs and ultimately you can keep it within a legal carry on size so you don’t need to check it in.
You should spend the extra money on a quality bag or suitcase. Yes, I know it sounds like a lot of money to buy quality brands such as Samsonite, Northface or Osprey, but it’s worth it in the long run.
You’re not just buying it for your next trip or a few weeks, you will use it again and again. I had suitcases with snapped wheels, broken zips and heavy frames. Fail. I had backpacks that were uncomfortable, and weak and the zip broke in a few weeks in the middle of my trip. Another fail.
So trust me to invest in a good bag, you will get your money back in longevity.
I eventually got a decent suitcase from Samsonite which lasted a decade. My new Osprey 40L backpack is also destined to see me travel through 100 countries.
The ultimate tip before you set off – pack what you need in your bag and try to live out of it for two weeks. Leave the stuff you didn’t wear or need. Easy.
So are you a backpack or a suitcase traveller? Let us know in the comments below.
We love to share our knowledge of travelling, and you may enjoy reading our best-ever travel tips and our ultimate packing list for travellers.
For the food lovers out there, donβt miss our top 10 best countries for foodies! And, if youβre more interested in history, these 30 amazing historical places in the world will fascinate you!
Perhaps youβre travelling on a budget? These 10 cheapest countries in Europe to visit may be just the tools you need to start planning an epic trip.
But, here are 8 things to know about travelling to Eastern Europe and itβs good to know these 7 misconceptions about Eastern Europe too.
Or, perhaps these 21 Cheapest Countries to Visit Right Now is just the thing youβve been searching for.
Weβve got a bunch of tips for how you can save money to travel the world, and even when youβre out there travelling, maybe these 20 jobs that PAY YOU to travel the world will help you travel longer. It worked for us, and we bet it can work for you too.
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6 Comments. Leave new
Thank you for sharing your good advice on both types of bags. I choose the backpack myself π
Welcome to the team backpack Sam. π
Thank for sharing your tips
Thank you for sharing your good advice .
Hi Marty,
I’m also a backpack traveler. Loved your article and fully agree with you on this point “A backpack can give you freedom in places where suitcase will fail”
Thanks Jasmin. π It’s harder to go backpacking with a suitcase. π