Pros of the wheeled travel bags

Before starting to explain why I favour rolling bags on vacation, I would just like to make something clear: yes backpacks with a heavy capacity are sometimes more handy: on treks that is. They allow you to carry your luggage more easily through rugged paths by evening out the weight on the shoulders and hips. But if you are not planning on venturing into a forest, I highly recomment the rolling luggage.

From backpacker to freeroller

This is not addressed to people out on business trips and all-inclusive vacations that are already fans of rolling bags. These folks have already understood the benefits of this kind of luggage. I am talking to people that are looking for adventure, spontaneity and long trips without necessarily having a huge amount of money on hand. These types of travelers often choose the budget-friendly hotels, restaurants and means of transportation. We often call them backpackers. I have often travelled as one, hurling my backpack around Europe and Asia. I came to the conclusion that this expression should definitely be revised. I am not criticizing the etymology of the term which goes up to the very cool 60’s Hippy Trail. I only believe that too many novice travelers automatically go for backpacks, more often than other guided by clichés. Here is why wheeled-luggage would constitute a better choice for a number of them:

As soon as you arrive at the airport, the backpack becomes an inconvenience; its shoulder straps and slings are just waiting to get stuck in the machinery of the luggage transporters between the plane and the terminal. A number of flight companies even demand that the bags be wrapped in a heavy plastic wrap in order to avoid damage and loss of content, generally at the cost of the traveler. What a way to start a modest vacation!

Wheels facilitate the number one activity of travelers: exploration. When looking for the best place to crash in a new city, they allow you to walk great distances without getting tired. In 99% of towns and villages, good wheels are fully functional. It’s much harder on the morale when you have walked two kilometers the wrong way and you’re shoulders are on fire, your legs are jelly and your back is sweaty.

I think that we should also bust the myth that backpacks are more practical than rolling bags when traveling on a budget. In developed countries, all streets are paved. It’s also simple and easy to carry your luggage in public transit. In developing countries, where infrastructures can be precarious, individual transportation means such as taking the taxi are so cheap that this option becomes realistic and affordable.

In terms of packing, the luggage is in a separate category all together since it opens on its whole width, allowing the traveler to have access to the entire content in one shot. All vacationers know the importance of easily finding their stuff. On the other hand, many backpacks require you to empty a good part of the content in order to get your hands on an object that is located in the middle for example. It’s as though you had to empty your whole drawer every morning and put everything back consequently; blissful vacation!

I can already hear some say: yes but some backpacks have access all along the pack. These kinds of bags have not convinced me in the past. Your clothing is easily accessed; however the shoulder straps and belt are less well adapted than a traditional pack and thus less comfortable.

Are you looking for flexibility while travelling? What’s better than being able to bring a couple pieces of additional clothing that allow you to be more comfortable in a number of situations, without your shoulders paying the price. You’ll enjoy your evening out on the town so much more when you can wear something else than your multi-use pants used the same day while visiting. What’s more, you can take advantage of this on the way back to bring back souvenirs for your loved-ones.

Here's hoping that my comments will help you take a better decision. You can also check out Top 3 Rolling Luggage videos. Also, don’t forget, if you need tips and advice, our customer service agents in store or on the web are there to help you choose your camp.