Yay, you’ve booked your first adventure abroad – how exciting! An important next step is picking the right travel bag to ensure a smooth journey. Because everyone’s needs are different, in this post we’ll dive into which option is best for you so you can decide between a backpack vs a suitcase.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission on products if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.
I’m pretty sure every traveler has been here before! Debating which is best for their next travel trip – a suitcase or a backpack? It is for sure a common discussion in the travel community so don’t worry.
Fortunately, there is no right or wrong answer! It all simply comes down to preference, travel style, duration of trip, and overall travel intention/goals.
Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned one debating on making the switch, I’ve got you covered! Here are some helpful insights and points to consider so you can decide between a backpack vs a suitcase for your first trip abroad.
Backpack vs Suitcase Misconceptions
I just want to start by pointing out that there truly isn’t a right or wrong option here – no matter what style of travel you’re doing.
That being said, you might experience some judgemental looks from backpackers if you choose to travel with a suitcase. I know I did when I started traveling solo in Southeast Asia. I got a lot of confused looks and scoffs.
Don’t let this deter you from picking a suitcase if that is what turns out to be best for you! It’s a common misconception that because you’re traveling “backpacking” style you need to have a backpack.
Unfortunately, there can be a bit of arrogance in the backpacking community when it comes to what bag you choose to travel with. Just be aware and don’t be afraid to do what’s right for you! In the end, you’re the one who will have to be living out of it, not anyone else.
Backpack vs Suitcase: Factors to Consider & Questions to Ask Yourself
There are many crucial points to consider when choosing the right type of bag to travel with. Below are some questions to get you started in your decision-making process and help narrow down the choice for you!
What Type of Travel Are You Doing?
This might be the most important question you need to ask yourself. Are you traveling or vacationing? If you’re not sure, take a glance at my post here outlining the difference between the two.
If you are traveling and intend to adventure to remote towns to experience various cultures and different ways of life, then a backpack might be easier for you. This is because it’s often easier to carry your backpack than it is to drag your rolling suitcase along a non-paved road.
Plus sometimes it takes multiple forms of transportation to arrive at your destination and a suitcase is much harder to transport on and off busy buses and trains. You also can’t ever be sure what kind of environment you’ll arrive in.
However, if you’re vacationing in a nice hotel and relaxing by the beach most of the time, then a suitcase is probably the best option. You don’t have to worry about carrying your suitcase around as much. You’ll likely be able to unpack in one hotel and that’s it.
How Long Will You Be Traveling?
The duration of your trip is another important factor to consider when deciding between a backpack vs a suitcase.
If you plan on traveling or “backpacking” the world for an extended period, then a backpack might be better for that. This is because there is the ease of convenience when traveling out of a backpack. A suitcase might be trickier to travel with for longer trips.
However, for a short trip or vacation then a suitcase would be a much better alternative! You won’t get tired of dragging it around if you’re only gone for a week or so.
How Often Will You Be Traveling To A New Place?
If you’re planning on moving around to more than one place, a backpack is likely the better option. As already mentioned, it’s easier to carry while having both hands free to use.
If you’re just staying in one room for the duration, a suitcase will work just fine. You won’t have to worry about carrying the heavy thing up and down many flights of stairs.
What Destinations Are You Visiting?
When deciding between a backpack vs a suitcase, your destination is an important factor to think about! If you’re traveling to Thailand, for example, and hopping in between islands, a suitcase is going to be much more inconvenient.
There were times when the boat dropped me off right on the beach and I had to wade through the water and sand to get to the main road. It is much easier to carry a backpack than to carry a bulky suitcase over your head avoiding the water.
A lot of SE Asian countries also don’t have the best infrastructure like smooth roads and efficient buildings. There are not always elevators, instead small narrow spiral staircases. A backpack would be much easier to navigate in this situation.
However, if you’re traveling to Europe or other more developed cities, then it might not be as big of a concern to bring a suitcase along. Take some time to consider what part of the world you will be visiting.
Are You Traveling On A Budget?
Money is also an important thing to think about. Not only because backpacks tend to be more expensive than suitcases (and require an initial investment) but because they will determine your style of travel.
If you are a budget traveler, then you’ll likely be taking the cheaper transportation methods like buses and trains where backpacks will be easier to carry and even more secure.
If you don’t have a budget or are more of a luxury traveler, then you might opt for private transportation from point A to point B. There might even be drivers or concierges who are willing to carry your bags for you.
How much you are willing to spend initially as well as during your trip should be a factor in your decision-making process. Backpacks are expensive and if it’s your first trip, you might not want to invest in a backpack just yet but you likely already have an old suitcase lying around.
What Are You Packing?
What you plan on packing will also make an impact on your decision. If you are vacationing and want to bring a bunch of different outfits, shoes, and a blow dryer then a suitcase will not only fit those things better but you also don’t have to worry about carrying the weight.
If you are backpacking for an extended period, then you have to be more thoughtful of what you are packing. You want to make sure you’re bringing enough diverse clothing options to last you a while but also not packing unnecessary things you won’t use often.
Of course, you have to consider the weight of the backpack and if you can carry it comfortably. It’s easy to overpack and then be uncomfortable on your journey.
So if you plan on packing a lot of things, especially heavy things, then consider traveling out of a suitcase. It’ll be much easier to roll than to have to carry the weight.
What Activities Do You Plan on Doing?
This sort of falls into what kind of traveler you are again. If you enjoy relaxing more than adventuring then a suitcase will probably work just fine for you. Especially if you plan on staying at hotels or resorts where most of the activities are located right there.
Perhaps you plan on renting a car and driving around. You will definitely have the ease and space to fit a suitcase in the car without having to worry about walking too much.
However, if you’re a hiker or outdoorsy person who wants to end up in the jungle or mountains then a backpack will certainly be the better choice for you. So take some time to think about what activities you’ll be participating in.
What Is Your Ultimate Reason For Traveling?
Lastly, to tie in all of these questions into one overarching one – what is your ultimate reason, intention, or goal for why you are traveling? This will heavily impact and might make choosing between a suitcase vs a backpack undeniably obvious.
What are you looking to get out of your trip? Are you backpacking to step out of your comfort zone and find yourself in possibly uncomfortable situations in underdeveloped countries? A backpack then so you can be prepared for anything!
Is your goal to experience the culture of a single quaint Italian town where you’ll be indulging in food and staying in one single hotel? Then a suitcase should be an easy choice for you!
Are you planning on trekking Machu Picchu or Mt Kilimanjaro? Opt for a backpack then! Are you craving lazy days on the beach and relaxing nights at your resort? Then a suitcase is perfect!
As I’ve already stated, there is no right or wrong option. It just depends on what your priorities, plans, and intentions are for your trip! So after carefully considering all of these questions, choose whichever one is going to make your life and trip easier and carefree.
Backpack Pros & Cons
Pros
- Overall more convenient for most events
- Better for all kinds of terrain
- More durable & weather-resistant
- Lighter & easy to carry (if you utilize the straps to distribute the weight correctly)
- Allows you to be hands-free
- Easier to travel via public transportation
- Best way to keep your belongings safe
- Can hang extra shoes outside of the bag
- You’ll fit in easily as a backpacker at a hostel
- Much better and easier for long walks
CONS
- Might be too big to be a carry-on
- Is easy to overpack and be heavy
- Can cause possible injury if carried incorrectly
- A bit annoying to have to constantly unpack and repack (compared to a suitcase)
- The initial cost is expensive
- Unable to roll in airports or nicely paved roads
- There is not a lot of protection for your stuff (unlike a hard suitcase)
- Clothes tend to wrinkle more often
- You may stand out as a budget traveler
Suitcase Pros & Cons
Pros
- Easier to unpack and access things
- A hard suitcase protects your belongings
- Can roll easily instead of having to carry
- Usually more affordable than a backpack
- More room to pack everything you need
- Allows you to pack heavier, bulkier items
- Small suitcases are the perfect carry-on size
- Most people travel with suitcases in airports so easier to blend in
- Clothes generally stay wrinkle-free
- Suitcases won’t cause possible injuries
CONS
- Cannot be easily carried if need be
- Harder and less convenient to go up and down stairs and uneven terrain
- Requires one hand to roll at all times
- Less durable than a backpack, could get damaged if thrown around
- Easier threat to theft because it’s not secured to your body like a backpack
- Suitcases are generally not weather-resistant
- Uncomfortable for long-distance walks
- Harder to manage on public transportation
Final Thoughts & Experiences
Finally, I just wanted to share my experience and personal thoughts on what I’ve used throughout my travels over the past 6 years.
If I’m “backpacking” or traveling for more than a few weeks, I always choose a backpack. I have a Deuter 50 + 10L pack similar to this style. I ended up getting it in Thailand in 2019 after a few months of “backpacking” out of a suitcase.
Partly because I felt less cool and judged by other travelers for not having an official backpack but mainly because it got hard to roll around the dirt back roads of Laos. It made it so much easier to transition over to the kind of traveling I was doing then.
However, there are still plenty of times I use a suitcase to travel. Like when I went to Egypt and Jordan for 3 weeks. I knew I wanted to bring a lot of pretty dresses and clothes to take pictures in so I didn’t even really consider bringing my backpack and I did just fine with my suitcase!
Lastly, a great option that combines the two for anyone who might feel torn between deciding is this style Osprey backpack! It duals as a rolling suitcase because it has wheels. So you can either carry it or roll it!
Overall, the ultimate decision is all yours. And it might change case by case depending on the kind of trip you are taking. Hopefully, you feel more educated and ready to decide between a backpack vs a suitcase for whatever type of travel you have coming up!
Don’t worry too much. The best way to know is to try it for yourself. After a week or two of traveling, you’ll quickly be able to decide if you made the right choice or not and can always switch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to travel with a backpack or a suitcase?
Ultimately it depends on the kind of traveling you’re doing. If you are planning on traveling to many remote places for an extended period then a backpack will likely be more convenient and versatile for all the modes of transportation, weather, and infrastructure like unpaved roads that you are likely to endure.
On the other hand, if you are on more of a vacation and relaxing trip where you will only be gone for a week or two and spend most of the time in one or two hotels then a suitcase might be best. This way you can also pack more clothes and bring other comforts of home like extra shoes and hair appliances with ease.
Should I carry a backpack when traveling?
Traveling with a travel backpack can make the journey more convenient, make you feel more secure with your belongings, and give you free access to both of your hands. However, ultimately the choice is up to you. Regardless, you should always bring a smaller, more lightweight day backpack to make everyday adventuring easier.
Why do people take backpacks Travelling?
There are many benefits of traveling with a backpack vs a suitcase. Some of these include overall convenience in any situation, best for all kinds of terrain, more durable & weather-resistant, and lighter & easier to carry. Traveling with a backpack gives you the control and ease of being hands-free and more secure with your belongings.
For more helpful posts on Solo Travel, you may also like:
- How to Overcome the Fear of Traveling Alone (Finally!)
- 15 Best International Travel Apps Every Solo Traveler Should Download
- How To Effortlessly Make Friends As A Solo Traveler
