Go to any airport and you'll find rolling luggage of all sizes and styles. From soft-shell suitcases to the more durable hard cases, rolling luggage is designed for ease of movement over relatively even surfaces, such as airport terminals and parking lots. The smaller ones fit in the overhead bins of most airplanes -- or even under the seat in front of you -- and the larger ones hold all your clothing, with extra room for gifts purchased during your trip. The ease of movement of this luggage makes it ideal for waiting in long lines -- such as while passing through airport security -- or walking to your hotel.
Backpacks are often the choice of teenagers and young adults while traveling. They're convenient and durable, and available for purchase through outdoor gear suppliers or at department stores. Frame backpacks are used for mountain and wilderness hiking. The sturdy metal frame on the inside or outside of the pack provides additional support and distributes the weight more evenly on your shoulders and hips. Frameless backpacks resemble the bags students use for carrying books to school, but many of these have more pockets and hold more gear. While these aren't great for carrying lots of weight, they work well with lighter loads, and sometimes the pack can be made smaller using straps built into it.
When deciding whether to use a rolling suitcase or backpack, consider where you'll be traveling and the amount of walking you'll need to do with your luggage. Rolling luggage works best if your walking time will be limited and in well-paved areas. It's not as convenient when used on cobblestone streets or unpaved paths. Backpacks are more suited for trips that are off the beaten path, but that's not limited to forests and mountains. If you plan on walking around a city with your luggage for any length of time, consider using a backpack. It will be easier to navigate the streets and shops with your possessions strapped to your back. If you're uncertain, you can always choose a hybrid backpack with wheels, or a rolling suitcase with straps. While not as comfortable to wear as a standard backpack, these offer more flexibility when moving from the airport to narrow city streets or parks.
Comfort is key when traveling. This starts with reducing the amount of stuff you bring with you. If you have a shoulder, neck or back injury, a backpack may aggravate your condition. Before traveling, check with your doctor or try wearing the pack before you depart. If you experience pain, you may need to have the backpack adjusted at the store where you bought it, or consider using a rolling suitcase. Likewise, rolling luggage may not work well if you have a broken leg and are walking on crutches. Again, explore your options before traveling. It's better to know what works before being thousands of miles from home.
