The great debate between backpacks and suitcases is one that stirs strong opinions among travellers. For many, carrying a backpack is a badge of honour, a symbol of independence and adventure. It represents the idea that travel should be earned, that each step, each destination, and each moment feels more authentic when you have carried everything you own on your back. To these travellers, choosing a suitcase with wheels can feel almost like cheating, as if they are giving up a small piece of their wanderer’s spirit.
But as the years go by, that romantic attachment to the backpack can start to lose its shine. The once effortless swing of the bag over your shoulder becomes more of a struggle, and the appeal of gliding smoothly through the airport with a rolling suitcase grows stronger. The practicality of wheels starts to outweigh the pride of straps.
There is no denying that a suitcase has its time and place. For resort holidays, cruises, or any trip where you will have smooth floors and airport transfers, a rolling suitcase is the clear winner. The convenience of standing your bag upright while checking in, or effortlessly rolling it between transfers, can make travel feel much more relaxed, especially when you are not constantly lifting heavy weight onto your back.
On the other hand, backpacks remain unbeatable in certain situations. They shine on uneven terrain such as cobblestone streets, dirt roads, or sandy beaches, where suitcases become more of a burden than a help. Many overland tours in Africa even require soft bags or backpacks because they are easier to pack into vehicles. In trekking destinations such as Nepal, a backpack is essential. But in countries like Egypt, Israel, or Morocco, where travel often involves hotels and transfers on paved roads, a suitcase may simply make more sense.
The choice often comes down to the nature of your trip and your personal comfort. Navigating stairs or crowded train stations is easier with a backpack, while walking longer distances on smooth ground is more comfortable with a suitcase. Fortunately, the travel industry has found a middle ground: hybrid bags. These clever designs combine the structure of a backpack with the convenience of wheels, giving travellers the best of both worlds. They let you keep that adventurous backpacker identity while still enjoying the ease of rolling your bag when you need to.
Perhaps this hybrid style is the future, a bridge between the rugged spirit of the backpacker and the comfort-seeking holidaymaker. It is a way to hold on to that sense of adventure while embracing a bit more practicality.
Of course, some people will always be backpack loyalists. A few weeks ago, I saw an elderly couple, likely in their seventies, proudly navigating an Italian train station with their well-worn backpacks. The smiles on their faces said it all. For them, slipping on their packs was not just about convenience; it was a ritual, a cherished part of their travel identity. Maybe, for some, the backpack will always be more than just luggage. It is a symbol of who they are when they set out into the world.
