August 31, 2017

Suitcases vs. backpacks. This has been one of longest on-going showdowns in history, hasn’t it? While backpacks are easier to carry, they can be a hassle when you need to find things in a hurry. Suitcases on the other hand, give you more space to pack, but can also become quite the temptation to overpack.

To help you decide between these two dueling forces, here are some advantages and drawbacks for each contender. Let the battle begin!

Backpacks

1. Mobility

   If you plan on running, climbing, or doing a lot of activities while you travel, the backpack can provide you with the mobility you need. Also, if you’re in a hurry to catch your flight, backpacks will allow you to sprint and climb stairs a lot easier.

2. Balanced weight distribution

   Weight is easily distributed both on the left and right side of your body (unless you plan to carry your backpack on only one shoulder, which we strongly advise against).

3. Pockets/Compartments

   For all the pocket lovers out there, this is definitely the winning trait. The pockets in the backpack allow for more versatile organization of your things, so everything has a particular spot. There are also backpacks that have “secret pockets” — and these are our absolute personal favourites.

4. Noise free

   Imagine walking through cobblestones with a suitcase. Dragging those wheels along half-century old rocks is not the most pleasant experience, not to mention the mud when it rains! #ThanksButNoThanks, right?

Suitcases

1. Protection

   If you own a hard case you know what we’re talking about. Some airports may be less caring with your luggage than you’d want, and a good suitcase could protect your fragile belongings from becoming smithereens. Also, small boxes and packages tend to get bent inside a backpack which happens less so with a suitcase.

2. Weight relief

   One of the significant changes you will notice if you’ve tried both backpacks and suitcases is the change in weight distribution. While backpacks put pressure on your back, suitcases have the weight relegated on your side and feet; it may make you a bit slower, but having the weight off your shoulders (literally), is so worth it.

3. Easy access

   The lie-flat access that the suitcase gives you lets you get your hands on everything at once. Digging around to the bottom just to get what you need is now the least of your worries.

4. More space

   The shape and size of the suitcase allows for more space availability. So, if you’re planning a long trip or you just want to have enough space for, well, your entire closet, a suitcase is definitely the better option.

   Read our article about 6 Clever ways to pack for your trip to really maximize the space you have in your luggage or 7 Things you DON’T need to pack.

Whether you travel with a backpack or a suitcase is entirely up to you and the destination you’re off to. But what is really our responsibility to make you aware of is the awesome fact you can make your trip pay for itself. How, you ask? After you’ve packed, if you notice that you have some free luggage space, agree to do someone a favor, carry an item that they need delivered to where you’re already going, and earn some extra moola via AirWayBill’s app. We’re pretty sure you’ll find some room regardless of the luggage option you decide to go for!

Comments