Choose a backpack if you switch transport often
For airport-to-metro-to-walking journeys, a backpack keeps your hands free and avoids hauling a suitcase on stairs. It is usually the easiest format for city breaks with lots of movement.
Choose a suitcase if airport and hotel dominate the journey
If you stay on smooth floors, use taxis or transfers and walk little, wheels remove much of the fatigue. A small hard shell also keeps its dimensions more stable when full.
Empty weight matters
A light backpack around 600–800 g leaves more allowance for contents. An underseat trolley can weigh 1.6–2.2 kg before packing. That is not always a problem, but it becomes real weight whenever you leave smooth surfaces.
For laptops, compartment quality matters more than format
A good travel backpack usually makes laptops quicker to access at security and provides dedicated padding. Some small cases do this too, but check whether the tech compartment is accessible without opening the whole case.
Soft bags need depth margin
A bag listed at 20 cm deep can exceed that when overfilled. Compression straps and structure help, but leaving a little unused room is safer than forcing every centimetre.
Our simple rule
Backpack for mixed transport, stairs, walking and laptops. Trolley or hard shell for airports, hotels, short transfers and easy rolling. If unsure, think first about what happens after landing.
| Criterion | Backpack | Suitcase / trolley | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poids à vide | Often 0.6–1.2 kg | Often 1.6–2.2 kg | Backpack |
| Longs couloirs d’aéroport | Weight on shoulders | Wheels are comfortable | Suitcase |
| Escaliers / métro / pavés | Very practical | More awkward | Backpack |
| Dimensions une fois rempli | Can bulge | More predictable | Hard suitcase |
| Ordinateur | Often easier access | Model-dependent | Backpack |
| Protection | Soft | Better with hard shell | Hard suitcase |
How we work
We verify information, cite sources where relevant and date our updates. Prices, availability and rules that may change should always be checked again with the relevant source or service.
Read our full method →