Wheeled suitcase or backpack: which suits your journey?

Wheeled suitcase or backpack? The answer depends on your route, the ground beneath your feet and what you carry. The right bag is one you can use comfortably throughout the day, rather than one that merely looks tidy when you pack it.

Wheeled suitcases: easier on smooth routes

At an airport, railway station or hotel, wheels save you from carrying the whole load on your shoulders. A case also makes clothes easy to organise and access at your destination. Check its empty weight, wheel quality and the dimensions allowed by your carrier.

Stairs, cobbles and uneven pavements change the picture. On those stretches you may have to lift the case. Think through the whole journey from your front door to where you are staying.

Backpacks: useful when you need to move freely

With your hands free, it is easier to change platforms, climb steps or take an unpaved path. A well-adjusted pack can suit frequent short moves. It becomes less comfortable if you load it beyond what you can carry easily, so try it on fully packed before you leave.

What about a duffel?

For a car journey or a break where you will carry your bag only briefly, a soft duffel may be enough. It fits easily into a boot or luggage rack. Over a long walk, carrying its weight by hand or on one shoulder may be less appealing.

A useful combination

A case for clothes and a small backpack for things you need en route make a practical pair. Keep documents, medicines, devices and valuables with you. If you are flying, check that your ticket includes both pieces and that each meets the relevant size limit.

Choose by the journey

• Smooth surfaces and a simple route: consider a wheeled case.
• Stairs, walking and frequent changes: choose a comfortable backpack.
• A short car or train journey: a duffel may do the job.

If you are still unsure, count the times you will actually need to lift and carry the bag. That often matters more than the number of nights away.