When it comes to hitting the road (or skies), there’s a common dilemma faced by all travellers: do you roll or do you carry? Some travellers love the grab-and-go ease of a backpack, while others live for the glide of a sleek carry-on suitcase. While both are solid options, choosing the right one comes down to your travel style. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or an overseas adventure, Strand is here to help you with our top picks and expert tips to decide which luggage deserves a boarding pass.
Backpacks Vs Carry-On Suitcases: Which One Should You Choose?
Why Choose a Backpack?
When freedom and flexibility top your packing checklist, a travel backpack is the way to go.
1. Hands-Free Convenience
Need to scan your boarding pass, sip a coffee, check Google Maps, and snap an Insta story—all at once? Backpacks let you do it all without the need to juggle your luggage. Perfect for fast-paced travellers or anyone with a coffee addiction.
2. Compact & Lightweight
Backpacks are built for minimalists and movers. They fit under plane seats, squeeze into lockers, and help you skip the check-in desk altogether. Plus, if you’re hopping on public transport or whizzing through tight spaces, they’re a breeze to carry.
3. Better for Rough Terrain
Let’s face it—wheels don’t love cobblestones, stairs or muddy trails. A backpack sits snug on your shoulders and handles tricky terrain like a champ. Ideal for hostels, hiking trips or destinations with less-than-smooth roads.
4. More Flexible & Versatile
From morning coffee runs to overnight stays, a backpack blends into every part of your day. Some even have built-in laptop sleeves, secret pockets, and water-resistant materials, making them perfect for city workweeks and weekend escapes.
Best Backpack Options at Strand
Decided that a backpack is best for you? Here are our top travel backpacks that have got your back.
Nere Seeker Backpack
Adventure-ready and eco-conscious, the Nere Seeker Backpack is built for the modern explorer. With multiple pockets, adjustable compression straps, and a soft recycled polyester build, it’s as practical as it is stylish. With recycled lining and self-repairing zipper sight, it’s light, durable, and perfect for carry-on travel.
Samsonite Large Backpack
A crowd favourite for good reason – the Samsonite Ecodiver is made for everyday travellers and weekend warriors. It is smart, sleek and big on comfort. With three roomy zip compartments and eco-conscious materials, it’s built to carry your entire day in style.
Evity Leather Backpack
Chic meets utility in the Evity Maya Convertible Backpack—a luxe leather essential that effortlessly transforms from backpack to shoulder bag. With multiple compartments and timeless style, it's your new daily go-to for work trips, digital nomads or a stylish city escape.
Explore more backpacks that match your travel energy.
Why Choose a Carry-On Suitcase?
If you like to stay neat and organised and roll your way through terminals like a celeb, a carry-on suitcase might be your perfect fit.
1. More Packing Space
Structured interiors help make packing easy. With dedicated compartments and flat surfaces, you’ll fit more outfits, shoes, and extras. It’s ideal for packers who like everything to have its place.
2. Wheeled Convenience
Let the bag do the heavy lifting so you don’t have to. Glide smoothly through airports, stations and hotel lobbies without breaking a sweat. Plus, the best carry-on suitcases come with 360° spinner wheels that dance around corners with ease.
3. Protects Fragile Items
Whether you’ve got skincare bottles, souvenirs, or camera gear, a suitcase’s hard shell offers way more protection than a soft-sided backpack. Say goodbye to broken bits on arrival.
4. Expandable Options
Many suitcases now feature expandable zips—perfect for when your return flight includes a few more goodies than you left home with.
Top Suitcase Picks from Strand
Here are our best picks from Strand’s collection of carry-on suitcases:
Nere Bondi Carry-On
Big on colour, big on space—meet the Nere Bondi Large, your go-to for bold, carefree travel. Inspired by gelato hues and crafted with a tough, lightweight shell, this award-winning suitcase glides effortlessly on 8 spinner wheels. What makes it a preferable choice is that it is expandable, with a built-in TSA lock and mesh wash bag included.
American Tourister Curio Carry-On
Bold, bright and built to go the distance, the Curio Carry-On combines strong safety with smooth 8-wheel suspension for effortless movement. With an expander, Duosaf zippers, and a built-in lock, it’s a secure pick for long trips.
Antler Heritage Suitcase
A sleek, premium choice for short stays, the Antler Heritage Stripe offers a stylish zip-free design with a tough polycarbonate shell and spinner wheels. With a built-in TSA lock and lifetime warranty, this carry-on hard suitcase is long-lasting. Find your perfect match in our full carry-on luggage collection.
So, what’s better: a carry-on suitcase or a backpack?
The real winner is the one that fits your trip, your style, and your vibe. With Strand’s curated range of travel bags, carry-ons and large suitcases along with accessories, you’re set for whatever journey comes next.