"Rollie Bags" vs. "Back Packs" For International Travel...

When in Europe I always carry a backpack. I use an osprey too. Kode 42. I can do a week easy from it.

I’ve been using a 40 liter backpack and much prefer it to a rolling bag. Can carry everything I need and is a lot easier to get around with on cobblestone streets and public transportation.

I would recommend a backpack. We just got from a two week trip and brought these. Osprey Packs Farpoint 55L Backpack

It is technically not “carry on” size, but I carried it 3 separate times with no issues. To fit in the smaller overhead bins you’ll need to detech the breakaway small day. The larger bins will fit both. Having that daybag attach was also very convenient feature. I fit 2 weeks worth a clothes with room to spare. Highly recommend.

I couldn’t imagine having a rolling bag on cobblestone. Nightmare.

Osprey Porter 46.

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Would rather have a very functional, high quality roller......haven’t had any problems w roller on Roman cobblestones, or anywhere else.

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I know you don't honestly believe this.

Its not easy to take a roller up and down stairs, plenty of places this is an issue. I've stayed in many 3 star hotels that didn't have an elevator. Now sure you can carry it short distances.

Rollers are tough in the rain too, gotta be careful about puddles.

Nothing at all wrong with a roller though, you just have to know your limitations and that you will likely have to pay more if you don't want to lift something up a flight of stairs and to have easier access if necessary.

Also, be prepared to have a wheel brake on you. I know the better brands are very well made, but it still happens. Rollers also have less bag space for their dimensions as you have to allot space for wheels to stick out.

Yes, I do prefer a roller to a backpack. I’m a petite middle aged female—I look like a diseased turtle carrying a loaded medium backpack. Double-strapping atop women’s more closely fitted clothing is not easy, very flattering, or good for my back.; my tailored wool winter coat makes it impossible. I can use a roller for business travel and manage it just fine wearing a business suit.

Not all travelers are strapping male 20 year olds....I’ve rolled a Tumi rollaboard into the ground after about 10 years. Replaced it with a four-wheeled Travelpro that is easily half the weight of a Tumi, and I’ve banged it through stones, gravel, up crazy flights of stairs accessing public transit in four or five countries since I bought it about 18 months ago. (ETA: the Travelpro Maxlite I use is on the OP’s roller bag link; nice bag often available for less than $100)

Don’t buy a crappy roller; examine the wheels first. Don’t check your four-wheeled roller, as baggage handling isn’t exactly gentle. Do buy the smaller, international sized carry on rollers—19” or less.

I carry this a lot of the time, a Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45



I switched to it primarily because on our longer trips, we were bringing carryons plus one shared roller and I didn't want to try and manage 2 rollers. Works well. Straps tuck away to make it a clean duffle. Ended up getting this over a lot of the other options (Patagonia MLC and similar).

With this one I pair it with a small laptop bag (also by Tom Bihn, the Pilot), which I can then throw over the handle of the bigger roller. Have no trouble hopping trains and still carrying a couple weeks' stuff for us with this setup (wife handles her carryon and purse).

Only time I don't use it as my main bag is a) when it's going to be really hot and I don't want something on my back or b) when I want to carry a separate backpack most of the time.

We wife got the women’s version of it, which is like one inch smaller. She like the color better.

She is very petite and had no issues FYI, for the other poster who was concerned about being able.

We both thoroughly enjoyed using the bag and will continue to use it frequently. Only wish we had bought it earlier.

I carry it on. I only check it when flying small planes like a CRJ where nobody's regular bag fits.

I’ll never use a roller bag again.

I have a modest 36 liter Deuter backpack that is extremely light and comfortable. It has an attached rainfly that is a lifesaver. I bring enough to last me a week and launder or restock.

I don’t like most of Osprey’s stuff, but the Porter and Farpoint look to be very nice and practical bags. I would think I would only need something that large if bringing a laptop and camera equipment.