Backpack vs Suitcase: Which One to Choose?

Are you torn between a backpack and a suitcase? Not sure which one is best suited to your travel style?

Transporting your belongings is essential For your travels, if you are used to your suitcase or backpack, the transition to the other side can make your trip a nightmare...

But don't panic! We are experts on this subject and we will help you see things more clearly.

In this article, we will answer this duel by comparing the pros and cons of a suitcase and a backpack.
Now let's get to the heart of the matter!

Throughout our travels, we have seen many hikers struggling day after day to carry heavy and usually overly heavy backpacks that are most often bigger than they are. That's when we started thinking about the backpack and suitcase enigma. 

We've seen travelers trying to carry huge backpacks on and off buses, up and down stairs, and struggling to walk on the road without seriously injuring their backs.

This brings us to ask this question of the new wave of “ flashpackers » currently roaming our shores. Is the backpack really an essential travel item? Or are we sitting at home preparing to travel, thinking, "I'm going backpacking, so I have to buy a backpack."

Backpack vs. Suitcase – Pros and Cons

Backpacks are often way too big

We have seen so many people who cannot even lift their own backpack.

How many travelers does it take to safely maneuver a backpack? Answer… three.

A traveler pretending that everything is fine and that he can manage on his own. A second to help lift him off the ground. The third to help put the bag on the owner's back without him losing too much dignity and self-confidence.

If you fall with a backpack strapped to your back, can you get back up?

Then there's the recurring fear that once the backpack is securely fastened, if you were to trip and fall, would you be able to get back up? Or would you be left lying on the ground like an upside-down turtle, unable to right yourself?

You can just roll your suitcase behind you!

This is where we start to think that the good old-fashioned rolling suitcase might be the solution. If you have to walk a long distance, the suitcase is simply pushed behind you. Because, let's face it, most backpackers aren't crossing the Sahara Desert or attempting to climb Mount Everest!

Clothes are much easier to find in a suitcase.

Clothes and other belongings are more easily accessible in a suitcase (with most backpacks, you have to empty the entire contents to get dressed). You also have the advantage of not losing your favorite top for 6 months only to discover it was at the bottom of your backpack all along.

Backpacks are generally lighter than suitcases.

Without wanting to be completely biased, we know there are legitimate reasons to have a backpack. For example, a suitcase can be very heavy to begin with, even before you've added all your valuables and travel essentials, like a first aid kit and toothpaste, because of course you're going to the other side of the world and it's impossible to sell those things there! 

Backpacks, on the other hand, are generally lightweight and do not exceed the 20 kg weight limit, which, if you exceed it, will certainly cost you €40 or more.

You won't crush people's feet with a backpack!

Another reason for a backpack. If you find yourself in a confined space with your nose constantly in someone's armpits, it's much easier to control your luggage when it's strapped to your back rather than having to deal with a suitcase that has supermarket trolley wheels and keeps crushing the ankles of the 60-year-old granny in front of you, who you end up sitting next to for the 12-hour flight!

Should you buy a backpack or a suitcase?

Everyone is different; some people prefer a rolling suitcase, others prefer a backpack, and still others prefer having a friend carry their bag for them (we call them smart people). However, it's important to choose the bag, backpack, or suitcase that's best for you, and for those who don't know yet, here are some things to consider.

Look for quality

We speak from experience when I say that there's nothing worse than having your bag break halfway through a trip. Sometimes you're not sure where you're going, and you, as well as your bag, need to be prepared. 

Making sure you have a bag that will withstand all kinds of activities and terrain is vital. I know it can be difficult to invest money before your trip, but it's worth it in the long run.

Size matters

Consider what size you need before purchasing a backpack. 

Are you looking for a backpack that will allow you to carry all your luggage for three months or just a few weeks? 

We recommend having one large bag and one smaller one for everyday use. After all, you don't want to be carrying all your luggage on day trips around the region. Before buying your bag, think about what you need for your trip and choose a size that reflects that.

How much do your belongings weigh?

Replace your heaviest items with lighter ones. This should be common sense, but we see a lot of travelers bringing the strangest gear with them…

 Do you really need to travel with a hair dryer, a hair straightener, and 6 pairs of shoes? 

Think about the things you really need during your trip and get rid of unnecessary items, keeping in mind that most hostels have hairdryers or straighteners for rent, or you can usually find someone who does anyway!

Plan your clothes according to the season and the weather

Where are you going and what will the weather be like? If you're going to the Seychelles, you don't really need four pairs of jeans and two wool sweaters. If you're visiting Canada in the winter, leave behind your bikinis, summer dresses, etc. 

One trick we've done in the past is to ship my winter clothes to the destination I'm traveling to so I don't have to carry them around for the 6 months we're in Southeast Asia. As long as you know where you're going, it's easy to do.

Share your stuff

If you're traveling with a friend, or with people you've met along the way, you can share your belongings. This also gives you the opportunity to carry something different for a change! Sharing your belongings will allow you to carry a lighter bag, but you'll still have everything you need with you!

Look for multi-use items

Look for clothing or gear that has multiple uses. This will help reduce the weight of your backpack, but you can still have all the items you need. The classic example of a multi-purpose item is the sarong. You can use it as a beach towel, a wrap dress or skirt, or even hang it over your bunk to give you some privacy in your room.

Make your choice!

Finally, choose a bag that suits you. It should be pleasant to look at, you should want to take it everywhere with you, and it should be comfortable.

Having a good backpack/bag/suitcase is important, they don't call you a backpacker for nothing! It's the one thing you carry with you all the time, so make sure it's the right one.

The next time you're packing for a trip abroad, stop and ask yourself if you really need a backpack or if a suitcase would be better suited.

And if you want to optimize and secure your suitcase, come take a look at our sublime travel accessories ✈️