Vacation: Luggage or Pack?

Hi Joe,

I had the same problem when I went to the Philippines in college. I'd be doing a lot of traveling with my stuff that didn't involve smoothly paved anything, so rolling luggage would be almost useless.

What I did was get a cheap duffle (more like heavy-duty, really big stuff sack) to put my pack in while it was in the hands of the brutal luggage handlers. Then I would just roll it up and stuff it in the pack for when I was carrying it. I can only imagine the kind of havoc an airline's luggage machinery would wreak on all those loose straps and buckles!

Devin,

Thanks for the help. I think I'll avoid all the baggage handlers and machinery as we intend to carry-on everything, since it is a short trip to a warm place.

I always bring a pack so that I can use it when I am on this type of vacation, as I always manage to get in a good walk or two. But if you know that you won't be doing any day hikes, then the luggage is the way to go. My wife wants to know if I will ever go on vaction and leave the pack at home. Travelling with only carry-on is the way to go. Bon voyage! Mike

Yeah, she "told" me that this is a "relaxing" vacation, not one where we always have to go out on a hike or outing. I agreed (though it won't stop me from getting in a few runs).

However, I retorted and told her that the trip to Utah that I'm planning will be an adventure vacation, and to be prepared to hike every day.

if you are going to be carrying your luggage on board, then you shouldn't have to worry about anything happening as your luggage will be with you always. i have to say that the backpack is the way to go. it is always easy to carry and leaves your hands free. luggage is not necessarily designed to be carried around.

by the way, where are you vacationing?

We're going to Anguilla. This requires a trip through Charlotte, landing in St. Maartin, and a cab-ferry-cab ride to the place in Anguilla.

This is why I think the backpack would be easier, especially if we visit Phillipsburg on our way back home.

Hi Joe – either would work but it really comes down to what you're most comfortable with. I usually travel carry-on only with a pack; and I usually travel with lightweight packs (talon 33, but have since gotten a Jam2 that I'll be using). I have done the roller luggage thing and it worked fine, but I just preferred a pack as I'm usually wearing one anyways.

Have a great trip.

Check out MEI's convertible carryon backpack bags. They are excellent. My wife and I have one each in black. With the backpack straps hidden and in single shoulder strap mode, they look like regular luggage. Weigh around 3.5 lbs. Best, most comfortable suspension and padded shoulder straps I've ever seen in a bag like this at this weight. Very durable cordura material.

We each also carry a lightweight day pack or shoulder bag made of silnylon (each weighs about 10 oz.), and we also carry a lightweight nylon duffel (bought at Campmor) if we have extra stuff to bring back.

Don't bother with wheels. This pack is so versatile that we almost never use our wheeled carryons anymore, even for business.