The Great Luggage Debate

So, one of the first questions we asked ourselves when it came to travel gear was backpack or suitcase? We dove deep into research, scouring trusted sources like Travel and Leisure, which raved about the best carry-on backpacks in their 2025 reviews. They highlighted how wheeled suitcases struggle on uneven surfaces (think Morocco's sandy paths and Europe's cobblestones), often lead to broken wheels or awkward hauls up subway stairs. Bloggers echoed this: The Savvy Backpacker detailed real-world tests in Europe, noting backpacks keep hands free for holding water bottles, cameras or totes, while Reddit threads from one-bag travelers warned against rollers for multi-city trips involving buses and trains.

Travel and Leisure's tested picks emphasized durability and versatility for international travel, and bloggers like those on the Bucket List Family, Indie Traveller and Uncharted Backpacker stressed packing light to avoid fees and waits for lost bags. We soon realized that minimizing gear will be key. I'm not thrilled by this idea but do know that versatile layers, quick-dry clothes, and homes with washing machines will keep us all under carry-on limits. 

 Among the top recommendations, the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack stood out. Travel and Leisure called it their best overall carry-on backpack, praising its refreshed 2025 design with durable materials, air mesh shoulder straps for comfort, and better weight distribution, perfect for long walks with kids. The Savvy Backpacker confirmed its carry-on compliant, with dimensions (22 x 14 x  up to 11 inches) fitting most airlines, including TSA requirements for easy security checks thanks to its clamshell opening. Pack Hacker and Wandering Dots reviews loved the organization: suitcase-style access, anti-theft zippers, and pockets galore to separate family essentials like snacks, passports, and kid entertainment. Plus, the Del Día version's unique recycled fabrics added a fun, eco-friendly vibe that Penny and I both love. After comparing it to Osprey and other favorites in NY Times and Condé Nast Traveler roundups, we agreed: the Allpa 42L was our top choice. It balanced size for three months' worth of minimized gear without tempting us to overpack, and its TSA compliance means (hopefully!) no checked bag hassles on European flights.