Backpacks on Wheels
I recently came across a number of backpacks on wheels and as they seem to be on the increase, I thought I’d share my views and experiences with you all. Personally, I’ve only used them a couple of times as a last minute stand in when a lightweight rucksack of mine broke unexpectantly, but I got a good enough feel for them after carrying one around for a couple of months!
My first impression of a backpack on wheels is that it doesn’t quite look right! It looks like a hybrid between a traditional suitcase and a normal rucksack, but has a ‘cuteness’ that many hardened backpackers would not want to be associated with. Everyone knows the looks they give people when someone turns up at a hostel with a suitcase, and I imagine people that carrying backpacks on wheels get a similar treatment.
They do have many practice advantages however. They have a very rigid back as the handles go the length of the backpack when pushed in, which enables the whole front of the backpack to be hinged on a zip for easy access. Those who have travelled with a top load only backpack will realise just how useful this feature is. There’s nothing worse than having to empty the entire contents of your suitcase to get at a piece of equipment you packed at the bottom.
The wheel s also mean that transporting the backpacking is a great deal easier than normal. It considerably reduces the strain on your upper body when carrying it around town. For those backpackers that like to go off the beaten track they would be a nightmare as stones and grit would soon get stuck in the small wheels.
Another main attraction of a backpack on wheels is the variety of colours and patterns that they come in. I appreciate this won’t appeal to hardliners, but it may to those beginning to take up backpacking and girls in particularly may like to add a bit of flair to their outfit. A red and white striped rucksack isn’t for everyone, but it does make a change from the standard blue/black colour.
Wheeled backpacks have recently fallen in price, with many now available for under $30. However, don’t be fooled into getting a cheap in cheerful one as the build quality will not withstand a long trip away. Makes such as Barghuas and Jansport are very popular, but as usual, Amazon has a very large range and is competitive on price.
To conclude, backpacks on wheels are not something I would set out to buy. For me, you can’t be the versatility of a standard backpack and they can hold significantly more, but I can see the attraction of the wheeled variety and certainly won’t be giving funny looks to those who choose to use them!
November 13th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
The woerst thing about travelling with wheeled luggage is that the wheels seem to always break. But this is a great idea, sometimes you just get sick of carrying your bag.