Side by side
Backpack vs REI Trail 25
Backpack
16 positive (100%) · 0 mixed (0%) · 0 negative (0%)
Trust + time weighted: +100%
AI summary — not a quote
Travelers overwhelmingly favor backpacks for their mobility and 'freedom,' particularly when navigating public transit, stairs, or uneven terrain where wheeled luggage is impractical. The consensus is that backpacks simplify city-to-city travel and encourage a more efficient, lighter packing style.
Pros
- Hands-free navigation is essential for managing tickets, maps, or other bags
- Superior mobility on rough sidewalks, cobblestones, and stairs compared to wheeled luggage
- Fits more easily into tight spaces on buses, trains, and overhead bins
- Encourages lighter packing and more flexible, spontaneous travel
Cons
- Can become physically taxing and heavy if overstuffed for long periods
- Generally offers less total volume and organization than large suitcases
Top excerpts
I take a backpack as a carryon with about 2 days of clothes in case they lose my luggage.
If I’m travelling from city to city and regularly taking trains/buses between them, then backpack.
Backpack as "personal item". Wheeled suitcase for everything else.
Always backpack, and that's all.
Roads and sidewalks across much of the world are not as smooth as in the US, and you'll have a much easier time navigating around with a backpack.
REI Trail 25
15 positive (88%) · 2 mixed (12%) · 0 negative (0%)
Trust + time weighted: +90%
Top excerpts
The REI Trail 25 is a favorite of mine.
If you don’t need a laptop sleeve, the REI Trail 25 is similar and 18”x13”x8”.
I have an REI Trail 25 that is 18”x13”x8” vs the CZ36 at 17.7”x12.2”x7.9” I use that as my under seat maximum. It has a fair amount of top to bottom taper so it might not pack as much. It does have a plastic frame sheet, sternum strap, waist belt, rain cover and daisy chains.
The REI Trail 25 is one of my favorites, but it has typical mesh water bottle pockets. At 18”x13”x8” it will fit under a seat.
REI Trail 25 or Commuter 22, Patagonia Black Hole 32.