Backpack v. Suitcase – Which is the Best Option?

A few years ago when David and I traveled to Italy, we were trying to decide what the best option would be to take all our gear and what would be versatile enough for the type of trip we were going on. We were going on a 11 day multi-city tour of Italy and would be doing a lot of walking from one transportation site to the hotel/destination and vice versa.  We did not want to be to burdened with having items in our hands while we try to figure out where we needed to go or in case we needed to hold onto a rail in a subway/train. We were left with the age-long conundrum of do we use a suitcase or do we get a backpack? We decided to go to a local Backwoods store and see what our options were and if there was a backpack that would fit our trip.

Before we knew it, we stepped into a whole new world that I was never expecting. There was a backpack for every occasion! There were backpacks that talked about liters and weight, and the next thing I knew I was lost. I never had to think about all this with a suitcase. There were straps everywhere and some had secret compartments for valuables or sleeping bags. After thinking about it and looking at our options, we thought the backpack was best for this trip, but we also had to weigh any future trips since the initial investment was around $300-$350. Would we be able use these bags more than once? Can we use them for hiking trips? Are they durable enough to go on multiple international/domestic flights? Neither of us wanted to spend all this money for just one trip. After weighing our options and thinking about future trips, we decided on the backpack.

In researching this topic, you will have to forgive my ignorance because I had no idea how heated this topic of backpack v. suitcase was among travelers. Just like with food or parenting, we all have different styles, tastes, and idiosyncrasies that make this discussion lively. Suitcases and backpacks serve two different purposes, so really the answer to the question can be one or the other, or even both (although we probably need to have a chat about traveling light).

Before we get to the positives and negatives of each, there are many factors that need to go into this discussion. You have to ask, what is the mode of travel? Is it a day trip, a business trip, or a long trip? Will you be in one place, or going to multiple places? How do you plan to get to the various destinations along the trip? How is your health? What is most important to you? The type of trip will most likely be the determining factor. If lugging your stuff where you can use the wheels is available, then a suitcase may be the best bet. I would also say that if you will be using taxis frequently, a suitcase may be better. If you will have to carry the bag for a long distance because it is a third world country or all the streets are cobblestone, I prefer a backpack. (Note: for this discussion, I am not talking about bringing a big suitcase and a small carry-on backpack that holds your valuables. This is trying to compare “apples-to-apples” by looking at the question of big suitcase versus big backpack.)

There are significant advantages and drawbacks to each, simply it comes down to personal choice and the type of trip. But, in an effort to help you think through this, lets take a look at each and see the positives and negatives:

Backpacks:

1. Flexibility – Your normal mobility will be available by being able to walk, run (if needed), crouch, or climb a steep hill. There were many times when David and I were running late for something and we had to haul tail to get to that place. The suitcase would not have allowed us this opportunity and would have been wiggling around because of the fast movement. Also, climbing stairs can be bothersome with a suitcase; a person may think their fancy wheeled suitcase is king, but I guarantee when you encounter stairs and have to lug that heavy, oversized suitcase you won’t be happy.

2. Complex schedule – This goes with the mobility advantage, as a challenging itinerary can be an enemy of the suitcase and a friend of the backpack. Suitcases struggle when a traveler just needs to go. The suitcase works against you anytime you have to wheel it across a cobblestone street, and thinking about the potential for rain and mud is a nightmare. I would much rather try to run or jump over the puddles with the pack. It can be easier to take a backpack when on a trip that requires going to multiple places.

3. Versatility/resourcefulness – Backpacks have been engineered in such a way to provide various pockets and compartments for many different needs. Whether it is for a sleeping bag, or rain coat, there is a compartment (or strap) for that. Backpacks do offer some pockets that are not as visible that are perfect for valuables or documents. I love the expandability that a backpack offers. The number of pockets/compartments helps for putting various items in different places for easy access.

4. Weight distribution – This especially goes with the above points and is not to be confused with weight relief. A properly fitted backpack allows the weight to be evenly distributed to different parts of the body. This is key for those times when you face the stairs, the cobblestones, the late gate change, hurried transportation issues, and the mud.

Other Factors: Those who favor the suitcase typically bring up items like the backpack will make your back all sweaty; this is true. However, many backpacks offer a ventilation system in the back to keep the sweat off your back, but I have found it still makes my back look sweaty (but it is also 90 degrees so…). Suitcasers say backpacks aren’t as versatile due to the “top-down” system. There are many backpacks that open like a suitcase and have some type of panel access. This is a great feature and I highly recommend it.

Please know there is a difference between a hiking backpack and a travel backpack. The travel backpack opens like a normal suitcase without the top loading. This allows easier access to what you need without the top-load hassle. Also, some travel backpacks don’t have the additional straps and suspension system (i.e. shoulder straps and hip belt) as they can be stored so its safe for transport in buses, planes, etc. While all of this sounds great, the travel backpacks are still “relatively” new and are still not as advanced as the traditional hiking packs. The drawbacks are the suspension system, hip belt, zippers are the weakpoint, and a general “boxyness.” For a recommendation, look at the Osprey Farpoint 40. It is smaller but offers lots of space, opens like a suitcase, but also has a handle and detachable shoulder strap for carrying it in confined spaces without bumping into people.

Suitcase:

1. Weight Relief – This is the biggest difference. The weight is no longer on your back or hips, but at your side. This will help in not feeling as tired at the end of a day as you may feel with a backpack. Your mobility may be hampered, but your back will probably be in better shape. With the wheels, it doesn’t really matter how heavy it is since you just roll it everywhere. If you do have to carry it, it will only be for a short time like putting it in the car, walking up a flight of stairs, or over cobblestones.

2. Protection – Suitcases are generally able to handle the wear and tear of travel a bit better. They also allow better protection for your valuables. You could go for the hardcase and throw it against the wall if you wanted and things would probably be fine. Also, I feel that for transporting packages or souvenirs, a suitcase is a better way to go as it not only protects, but should keep the packaging in better shape. The straps on the backpacks can also get caught or torn during transportation; the straps can also get gross with where you may have to temporarily put it, i.e. a bathroom, subway station.

3. Easy access and organization – As discussed above, having to load and unload everything in a top-load pack can be difficult and frustrating, especially if you are strapped for time. Even some of the panel packs do not allow easy access to belongings and you may still have to unload things to get to the bottom. In comparison, with a normal lie flat suitcase, you can generally get to anything in a few seconds or steps. You don’t have to search endlessly for the rogue pair of socks like you would in a pack. The panel backpack while great, is still only half as good as the suitcase since it sometimes does not open all the way. The suitcase also allows the user to organize their belongings much easier.

4. Business travel – This also depends on the work you do, but in general, it is more professional looking to have a suitcase than a backpack. Also, if you are bringing along nice or formal clothes, the suitcase will provide a better option for decreasing the wrinkles. No matter how careful you are when packing your backpack, the clothes will have wrinkles so plan on using an iron!

5. Appearance – Even with the ventilation system, the backpacker is still probably going to have a sweaty back, and can leave the traveler with an uncomfortable wetness. Also, you will probably not look as “worn out” as a backpacker.

The Verdict?

Simply, it depends on the trip. If you are going to be in one place for a while, a suitcase is probably better. But if you will be going to multiple places and the terrain could be an issue, the backpack is the way to go. Both have the advantages and disadvantages. If you do go with a backpack, make sure you go to an outdoors store to get it properly sized so that it fits you and the weight is evenly distributed. One more suggestion is to purchase an airport bag (I use the Osprey Airporter LZ Duffle) for your backpack. This protects the pack and keeps all the straps in one place.

In general, I prefer the backpack as it offers a little more versatility and mobility in going from destination to destination. Generally speaking, I’ve found it fits more of my requirements or needs, especially when trying to be hands free. But, there are many times when we take suitcases because we will be in one place and will not be doing anything strenuous. Everything has its place.

One final suggestion, regardless of your preference of backpack or suitcase, be aware of your fellow humans and your surroundings. We have all been hit by people on planes or airports as they swing their big backpacks or suitcases and we get knocked in the face or gut and it isn’t pleasant.

Disclaimer: The backpack that I personally own and use is the Osprey Aether 70 , while I use various suitcases depending on the trip. Please note, to follow government regulations, any purchase from the links affiliated to Amazon will result in the authors receiving a small commission.