Hand Luggage Only -Backpack or Pull Along?

Hand luggage only (HLO) is one of the most liberating ways to travel. You get in and out of the airport faster, public transport becomes hassle free and you can easily find a place to store your bag. Both Drew and Milton love HLO but they each take a different approach.

Osprey Backpack vs Rimowa Rollaboard 

Drew advocates the Osprey backpack while Milton is a Rimowa Rollaboard fanboy. Let’s find out why and let you decide.

Pros of the Osprey Stratos 36L Mens Hiking Daypack.

1. My hands are free when I travel, meaning I can carry extra stuff (think pyjamas or duty free). I have one of those compact shopping bags that I keep in the side pockets as overlfow,
2. The free hands also make it  easy to keep my passport and boarding pass  at the ready,
3. I can keep important things easy to access using the chest straps eg cash, phone, wallet etc,
4. There is side access for documents laptop etc. So I don’t need to go through the top,
5. Liquids can be stored separately if i need to access them in a hurry (think through security),
6. It can carry enough clothing and amenities for my needs ,
7. It has a waterproof coverall when I am out and about,
8. I can fit it in an overhead bin easily,
9. When I am on a daytrip in a city I can take it with me for shopping,
10. If I don’t have too many clothes it can packed smaller,
11. When travelling over cobbled stones or longer distances I believe you can move faster with a back pack, and
12. Finally it is well designed so it sits off your back meaning you don’t sweat excessively

The Osprey was a recommendation from both my daughter and my friend Alan. I bought it online and it was relatively inexpensive. Both of my children have taken it on overseas trips so it is well travelled.

An add on from our guest budget blogger Annie who is a keen outdoorswomen: “It also doubles as a hiking pack, with enough room to take on an overnight hike fitting a tent, sleeping bag and a tie on area for a mat… lightweight titanium supports and an adjustable back area means its is more than just hand luggage“

Pros of the Rimowa Salsa Cabin Trolley

I’ve always admired the design of Rimowa luggage and took the plunge in 2012, purchasing a black IATA compliant cabin trolley for €285 (which converted to A$355 back then). Prices have gone up since it was acquired by the global luxury house LVMH, with the same cabin trolley now priced at €500 (or A$810).

I went with a rollaboard for the following reasons:

1. The wheels take the strain, rather than my back
2. The polycarbonate case protects fragile contents well, e.g. dress shoes
3. Distinct compartments make it easy to pack, e.g. a folded suit can comfortably fit in the lid of the Rimowa
4. Sufficient storage for a two week trip
5. Trolley handle serves as a docking station for a personal item, such as my Tumi laptop bag
6. Shower proof so the contents won’t get wet
7. Doesn’t damage the shoulders of my blazer! 

My Rimowa has survived sub zero temperatures in Barrow, Alaska in mid-winter and the wheels glide as smoothly as when they were new. The only repair done to date has been a lock replacement, as it was damaged one of the few times I checked my suitcase, and the Rimowa shop in Martin Place was able to do it within half an hour.

So the choice is yours Rimowa luxury or Osprey independence. Don’t forget if you spend more than $300 on your new bag you should be able to get your tax back.