Gear and equipment forum
Suitcase vs. Backpack???
Have questions? Jump to our menu of forum quicklinks
Add your reply
You need to be logged in to add a reply.
Not a member? you can join here.
| Possibly related discussions | Replies | Views | Latest reply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backpack or rolling suitcase ... By msuerowan on 24 Nov 2009 | 20 | 9526 | 21 Nov 2010 |
| Backpack or suitcase with wheels? ... By Emma23 on 18 May 2012 | 8 | 2021 | 18 May 2012 |
OliveOyle826
Joined Travelfish
13th December, 2012
Posts 4
Member profile
Profile private
Messaging not enabled.
I'm trying to decide whether to bring my small suitcase with wheels or buy a new backpack. I remember disliking my backpack when traveling through Europe and never being able to find anything. I will be traveling by bus and train through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Is it feasible to travel with my suitcase, or should i go with a backpack?
#1 Posted: 4/1/2013 - 12:56
MADMAC
Joined Travelfish
6th June, 2009
Posts 5059
Member profile
Profile private
Messaging not enabled.
Backpack is easier to move around, but if you are not planning on looking for a room via your two feet, then it's not a big deal. But if you plan to show up in a new town and walk around looking for a hotel, then definitely a backpack, as the sidewalks here are not conducive to strollers or suitcases on wheels.
#2 Posted: 4/1/2013 - 13:06
------------------------------
Victory in Pattani
Advertisement
somtam2000
admin
Joined Travelfish
21st January, 2004
Location Indonesia
Posts 6404
Member profile
Profile page
Private message
I'd say depends now big the wheelie bag is -- personally I prefer a small pack, but the wheelie bags are increasingly common -- especially as transportation has increased so much, so if you've already got one and didn't like the backpack last time, sounds like a good idea to stick with what you have.
#3 Posted: 5/1/2013 - 01:37
somtam2000's social networks[Twitter] [Facebook] [Flickr] [Google+] [Instagram] [Pinterest]
------------------------------
Travel films for Southeast Asia
caseyprich
Joined Travelfish
3rd March, 2010
Location China
Posts 1000
Member profile
Profile page
Private message
One example - say you are going to 4,000 islands in Southern Laos . . . there is sand, not sidewalk and it won't be fun to carry the wheeled suitcase around. However, if you're only visiting major cities you should be fine as every train/bus station will have plenty fo Tuk-Tuk drivers willing to throw your bag up top for you and take you to a destination. Just have an idea where you want to go before you arrive in town so you don't have to wander around.
#4 Posted: 5/1/2013 - 04:59
------------------------------
千里之行，始于足下
exacto
Joined Travelfish
12th February, 2006
Location United States
Posts 2046
Member profile
Profile page
Private message
Even at my age, I still prefer a backpack to a wheelie suitcase. I probably look even more silly than I imagine, but the flexibility of being able to move around over the almost never smooth surfaces in out-of-the-way places makes it the right choice for me. But as the others have said, it depends on what you'll be doing. If you'll be largely in developed areas and taking a taxi from the bus/train station directly to your hotel, a wheelie case is fine. If you plan to wander in off-the-beaten-path spots, then a pack may be your better option. Regards.
#5 Posted: 5/1/2013 - 10:51
altmtl
Joined Travelfish
18th May, 2009
Location Earth
Posts 765
Member profile
Profile page
Private message
Backpack all the way, those suitcases with wheels are annoying, try and walk past people getting out of somewhere with them and you'll understand, the slowness, sudden stopping, it's not long before you're bumping into these things. Plus I like to have my hands free. As the others pointed out they are not great on sand or crappy roads, expect to lose a wheel or have the handle break at one point.
#6 Posted: 5/1/2013 - 19:40
altmtl's social networks[Twitter] [Facebook]
------------------------------
Join the FB Group: South East Asia 2013 - Travel buddies and more...
busylizzy
Joined Travelfish
31st December, 2007
Location New Zealand
Posts 1873
Member profile
Profile page
Private message
Many accom places in Vietnam in particular are in tall skinny buildings, with only 2-3 rooms per floor. You will invariably end up on the 3rd, 4th or 5th floors. These places don't have elevators, of course - which means hiking up the stairs. It's much easier with a backpack!
#7 Posted: 6/1/2013 - 13:08
------------------------------
As you grow older, you'll find the only things you regret are the things you didn't do.
AddyH
Joined Travelfish
8th November, 2012
Posts 5
Member profile
Profile private
Messaging not enabled.
BACKPACK!
After years of travelling, we've got it down to 30 litre backpack each and this includes carrying fins, snorkel, mask. It makes life so much easier when you don't have to check in luggage for flights. Also, it's a lot more fun walking around a new place looking for a room. Also less hassle because it's not obvious that you've only just arrived.
Happy travels !
#8 Posted: 23/1/2013 - 01:31
JSquared
Joined Travelfish
24th January, 2013
Posts 2
Member profile
Profile private
Messaging not enabled.
They make rolling backpacker-style backpacks these days, a marriage of two great things!
#9 Posted: 24/1/2013 - 00:40
travelmusic
Joined Travelfish
14th January, 2013
Posts 1
Member profile
Profile private
Messaging not enabled.
Less is more! Don't bring much at all. Everything you need is already there. A small pack with out all the bells and whistles is best. My pack fits in my lap.
#10 Posted: 24/1/2013 - 20:44
Advertisement