As we plan for a 3 week trip to South East Asia, Nikki and I were discussing whether we should bring a backpack or a suitcase. We have been to South East Asia before, for which we brought a backpack. We were thinking of doing the same this time, but then we began thinking about how much we hate the shoulder pain from walking around with a heavy backpack. It is a toss up at the moment!
The Suitcase
A suitcase takes a huge weight off of your shoulders, literally. It carries its own weight for the most part and you can throw a carry on on top of it. The biggest downside to a suitcase is that it is NO FUN rolling it down a cobblestone road or a dirt road. This is the dilemma for this next trip. We will be going to Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. There are plenty of paved roads and walkways, I'm sure, but what about when we run into a bit of off-roading, if you will?
The suitcase pictured in the cover photo of this post is the one I have been taking with me the last few international trips and I love it. It gets scuffed up when I tilt it on uneven roads, which I have to do on a dirt/cobblestone road. but it has saved my shoulders so much. I also know it will fit in an average sized overhead compartment, and I don't have to unpack everything every time I need to get something out. Also, with this company, Away, if my suitcase is to get damaged they replace it free of charge. I have had one replacement already. It also comes with a rechargeable battery for my electronics and a built in TSA approved lock. They are such a great company and I highly recommend them.
There are so many pros to taking the suitcase, but I can easily say the same about a backpack.
Th Backpack
I have taken my backpack ( also featured in the cover photo of this post) EVERYWHERE! It has been awesome. It has a zipper flap all the way down the back so I don't have to unpack everything every time but it is a bit narrow so I do have to still do that somewhat. I don't have to worry about dragging it around on unpaved roads and it is so much easier to go up and downstairs, well, other than the resistance it adds to the leg workout, but I do love a good leg workout when I can fit one in 😉. The canvas material allows for flexibility in packing, unlike the hard case suitcase that has no flexibility, but that means it can also be ripped easier against a sharp object. The hardshell can be good or bad, I keeps me from overpacking but it makes it more difficult to pack in those last minute souvenirs. The size is perfect because it still fits in a standard overhead bin, but flight attendants tend to think it won't fit due to its appearance, it is smaller than you think guys! I have had to argue my case a few times, I usually am right about it fitting though. I will have to get back to you about the size it is, just incase you are wondering.
All in all there are more pockets in a backpack and I am so much more mobile with it. Who knows when you will be running for a flight or train and need to be as compact as possible.
Any suggestions to help Nikki and I in deciding which to bring this time around?
Which do you prefer to travel with? Please comment below! Thanks for reading! 😘