carry on

I prefer backpacks over wheeled suitcases, If you are unable to carry a backpack by all means a wheeled bag is great, but to be able to move quickly through airports, walk down cobbled streets, up stairs, etc, a backpack gives you the most flexibility. I have used this bag for 7 years and it has been amazing. It is getting worn so I am looking into a replacement, I hear a lot of good things about some fancier, more expensive packs, and I may give those a shot, but it is going to be hard to beat a workhorse like this. It is pretty no frills, if it rains it gets wet, etc, but I have never had any issues with it (im not normally out in the rain long with my luggage). I prefer the big open compartment to lots of slots for things, it ogives you more flexibility. I also like that this is soft sided, a little more give if you need to cram in an extra souvenier at the end of a trip, and flattens nicely if you dont have a lot of stuff on a short weekend trip, or to stick in a closet for storage. this looks like the new version of the packl that I have.