Luggage for traveling RTW

When traveling for business I lived out of my 20- inch roll-on; it was small enough to carry on most planes, including international. And most importantly, rarely did I need to go up or down stairs.

Traveling round-the-world is completely different as stairs seem to be everywhere, especially subways and train stations. I feel sorry for the many tourists I see lugging their heavy roll-ins up and down  very steep and long stairs. Another challenge for roll-on luggage is the braille pattern embedded in most walkways in Korea and Japan; rolling luggage over a bumpy walkway appears difficult and one doesn't realize how many non-smooth walkways there are until one travels with a roll-on suitcase.

Another luggage option I see, especially young Europeans is the large backpack that extends from the butt to the top of your head. These packs carry a lot; I used them many times to lug 40-50 pounds of supplies to hiking and climbing base camps. Unfortunately every time you need something it seems it is at the bottom of the pack. Also, they can be a bit top heavy when full and it is easy to bump into people and things without knowing it; they are also too big for carry on trains and planes; basically they are meant for and work best outdoors.

While researching for this trip I came across Tortuga  backpacks designed for the type of traveling I'm doing. It is a compact backpack that can be carried on your back or as a piece of luggage and the size fits all but the most stringent carry on limits. But the best part about these bags is that they pack and open like a suitcase so it is easy to find things.

I use small zipping bags to organize things within my pack and keep non-clothing items in a small day pack I wear in front.

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