Are you a backpacker or do you like the freedom of a roomy suitcase? Does it depend on your trip or do you take both? If you want more freedom and adventure you may be a backpacker, but if you like order a suitcase may be more appealing. I would love to discover the freedom that backpacking brings. I have yet to globe trot across Europe or hike the Appalachian trail, but these are on my list! Let’s look at some differences between backpacks and suitcases.
Backpack
- On a flight it can fit under the seat in front of you, no worry of will it fit in the overhead.
- Most people pack twice as much as they actually need, less space means only the items you really need are taken.
- Versatile organization! There are several small and hidden pockets that can allow you to organize and pack effectively.
- Great for complex itineraries, no need to wait on luggage or worry if it got switched to the next plane on one of many layovers.
- The weight of the backpack is distributed over the left and right sides of the body you don’t have to worry about dragging it over rough terrain or leaning to one side or the other to manage it.
- Adventure! Backpacks give you the ease of just going.
Suitcase
- Wheels: they allow you to pack as much weight as you want without breaking your back. This may slow your get away speed maneuvering it on one side of your body, but it relieves the pressure from your back.
- They can provide better protection for your belongings. Many suitcases are hard shelled and can really take a beating while keeping everything inside safe.
- Everything is laid out and easy to get to. Unlike the backpack if you need something on the bottom you have to remove everything on top first.
- Room for souvenirs!
- Impromptu chair! You could always use it as a place to sit if you need to.
So what’s your preference?
Are you all about the adventure, throwing everything on your back and just going where ever the wind blows?
OR
Do you enjoy the carefree life of just dropping it off and letting it meet you at the end of your journey, all while bringing back souvenirs from your travels?
Let me know, email me at [email protected]. I look forward to reading what your preference is and why you prefer it over the other.
“We travel, initially, to lose ourselves; and we travel, next to find ourselves. We travel to open our hearts and eyes and learn more about the world than our newspapers will accommodate. We travel to bring what little we can, in our ignorance and knowledge, to those parts of the globe whose riches are differently dispersed. And we travel, in essence, to become young fools again – to slow time down and get taken in – and fall in love once more” – Pico Iyer