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Chicken or Egg? City or United? Wheels vs Backpack? All eternal questions that require wheely careful consideration (see what we did there) but for now lets just deal with the travel question.

There are many backpacks out there that can help you lug around your belongings but the options can be quite daunting. When most people think of a backpack, they tend to think of one that straps over your shoulder.

Sometimes people can find that these types of bags can hurt their back if not fitted correctly or they simply don't store enough of whatever they are carrying. What to do?

Travel luggage evolution has seen some more creative ideas that you may have never thought of. Even now it just seems silly that it took so long for someone to think of putting wheels on luggage! Like d'uh!

But now travellers have many options, from wheeled backpacks to over the shoulder backpacks, there are so many bags out there; it's not hard to find the one you're looking for. If you're tossing up between a wheeled backpack and a traditional backpack The lists below should help you make an informed decision.

 

Considerations when choosing:
* Destination. City travel or off the beaten track?
* Environment. Lots of stairs and no elevators? Smooth footpaths? Dirt roads?
* Transportation. Dealing with train stations, buses or airports?
* Weight. Are you carrying a heavy load? And is that over a long distance?
* Need. Is there really a need to wheel at all?

Wheeled Backpack
Pros:
* Versatility. Carrying and wheeling options both available.
* Can carry more weight when wheeling the bag.
* Less back/hip pressure
* Security. When wheeled you can see it at all times
* Ease of use when switching between wheels or backpack
* Need. Wheels will almost always come in handy, whether its in the airport or on your travel

Cons:
* Weight. When switching to backpack mode, the wheel system and handle adds some weight.
* Some models will have a rigid handle pole down your back
* Maybe difficult to wheel along if you're of the taller nature
* Wheels are not suitable for rougher terrain
* Rudimentary backsystem. Unable to adjust heights.
* Harder to wheel up and down stairs
* One hand always occupied with handle
* Price. Higher price tags for wheeled option.

Non- Wheeled Backpack
Pros:
* Lighter weight with a back system only, no wheels and grab handles and all that stuff
* Less "boxy" in shape and design
* Up and down stairs with ease
* Backsystem more advanced. More comfort and height adjustable.
* Free hands at all times
* Price. No wheels tend to be cheaper models
* Great for for places where the streets are less likely to be paved
* Versatility when using a convertible backpack. It's one of those that can be carried as a suitcase, a shoulder bag or has hidden backstraps.
* Better backsystems will mean you won't really notice the weight as it should sit on your hips.

Cons:
* No Versatility. Carry on your back only.
* Heavy weights harder to carry with no wheeled option
* Bumping people in crowded situations like tube trains etc
* Harder to manoeuver and put on and take off in crowds
* Security. It's harder to see your pack when it's behind you.



So there are plenty of advantages to wheeled bags. Just make sure you look at all the alternatives before you buy one. Look for one that fits your needs and try on as many as possible to see what fits you best.

The ultimate wheeled backpack gives you the best of both worlds, a Berghaus Jalan Wheelie which has the great Berghaus Biofit backsystem but also has wheels on the bottom. The handle that usually runs up and down the back has been removed and has a tough strap handle on the top. You can pull it through the airport (straps fold away and a front piece zips over it, so it looks like a bag on wheels) or you can use it as a backpack. And its available in both men's and women's for that perfect fit.