Backpack vs. Suitcase

Over dinner, Dear Lorenzo expressed his experience travelling through South America. His stance on backpack vs suitcase was firm. Dear Lorenzo had started off his epic adventure with a backpack that was dumped only a few weeks into his trip in favour of a suitcase.

Dear Lorenzo, you say a year hauling-ass with a backpack in place of a suitcase is something I will regret. Challenge accepted.

I promise to keep a tally of all the times I say "I wish I had a suitcase with wheels rather than this shitty backpack".

Feeling the receipt of my spanking new backpack burning through my pocket, I left the dinner defiant, convinced my 55litre backpack is the only thing I would ever want.

But is it? Feeling the doubt, I decided to think about the pros and cons.

Suitcase               
Pro: 

• Wheels

• And these wheels

• The unproved feeling that everything in the suitcase would be better organised

• Space for hairdryer, additional shoes and accessories

Con:

• I'll be flagged as an imposter backpacker for sure

• Cobble stone roads and steps will be a major barrier

• One strong arm required for constant dragging

Backpack
Pro:

• Instantly more legit as a 35yr old fatpacker

• Hands-free travelling

• Comes with a zip on backpack to cater for more clothes

Con:

• Requires me to carry it

• No wheels

• Sweaty back

• Tiny weeny space for a years worth of life-accessories

• Many expensive backpack accessories I 'must-have'

Solution: take a backpack - and a good Sherpa. 

Instagram: @thelisaphillips #somedaysherpa