So you’ve finally decided to take a trip, a crucial step in going forward and enjoying your trip is correctly packing, and with correctly packing comes with the crucial decision of what you are going to pack your belongings into.
One of the first things you’re going to have to decide on is how you are going to enjoy your travelling. Here I will be breaking down each approach to packing and weighing the pros and cons to a suitcase, and a backpack so you can properly make a decision for yourself when you do decide to go travelling.
First up, we have the,
Suitcase
Pros
You most likely already own one, or know someone that does.
Suitcases are usually build very sturdy (great for protecting your belongings.)
Most allow you to attach a lock.
Usually bigger than the standard backpack, and therefore you can pack more.
Cons
Bulky, and not convenient if you are constantly travelling around
Either your wheeling it around, or carrying it, which isn’t exactly ideal.
Although you can pack more, is it really necessary?
Backpack
Pros
Easy to carry around, and keeps your hands free.
Allows you to pack less (could be an advantage).
Great for the outdoors if you’re tenting.
Cons
Soft, and doesn’t provide as much protection for belongings inside.
Most don’t have a way to lock it shut.
Smaller, therefore you can’t take as much stuff.
You’re most likely going to have to buy one.
When I was deciding for myself the biggest factor in my decision was mobility. Ideally what I look for in my trip is having the freedom to travel around the east coast easily without having to worry about lugging around a suitcase. A backpack in my eyes keeps everything you need on your back and keeps the whole process a lot simpler for where ever you decide to go.
Once I had decided to buy a backpack, some basic research yielded that it is worth the extra to go for quality, and the size of bag can be totally your decision. Whether you do want the bigger bag for anything you pick up along the way, or packing lightweight and keeping it simple with a smaller one. Regardless in my opinion you want to be looking for one that is roughly between 40L-70L.
I ended up finding a bargain on a great used 60L hiking bag for around 80$ (retails at upwards of 200$) on my local classifieds bulletin.
All in all, it going to come down to your opinion and how you would like to experience your travels, if you are likely staying in one place taking a suitcase is going to be your best bet. While if you’re feeling adventurous and want to be mobile throughout your trip then you might want to consider taking a backpack.