They each have their strengths and weaknesses and are better suited for certain situations.

The choice between these two might seem arbitrary.

In that situation, chances are you wont be dragging your suitcase around everywhere, unlike a backpack.

Wheeling a suitcase through airports is far more comfortable than walking with a backpack.

Unless youre an expert packer, its easier to pack formal wear wrinkle-free in suitcases.

Suitcases are infinitely easier to repack than a top-loading backpack.

Most suitcases, especially hard shell ones, are waterproof.

Some suitcases make it easier to separate dirty clothes from clean ones.

Organization in general is easier with a suitcase.

Wheeling around a suitcase in a crowded city or onto crowded trains is usually a hassle.

If youre shopping for a new suitcase, wevecollected some reader favorites over the years.

Tiny and easy to carry anywhere, giving you near-limitless mobility.

Small backpacks are multi-use.

That usually means trying on a bunch.

The size can be a big problem if you like to have a lot of options when you travel.

Small backpacks dont work well if youre going to be in multiple climates and need a variety of clothes.

Pros and Cons of Large Backpacks

Larger backpacks might be the perfect compromise for travel.

Im talking about twice the size of a daypack, around the 30-50L range.

The larger the backpack, the more pockets you get.

The more pockets you get, the more ways you have to organize stuff.

Tend to find yourself running late a lot?

Its way easier to run with a backpack than it is with a suitcase.

Its easy to keep an eye on a backpack when youre traveling since its attached to your back.

Larger backpacks can be expensive and its harder to find one that fits you well.

Youll need to master the art of rolling clothes, because folding clothes in a backpack almost never works.

Its often a little difficult to find the right size bag for a trip.

When a backpack isnt full, some models tend to sit weirdly on your shoulders.

TheTom Bihn Tri-Staris also highly recommended, though pricey.

Thats also totally fine!