When we first started travelling as a family of 4 we were completely clueless about our luggage. About what to pack, how much we should bring, and how to find information on where to buy supplies at our destination. Most of all we were clueless about the types of bags to bring – especially for the type of holiday we were doing.
The First Big Adventure…
Setting off on a journey through Asia, Europe, and the US, we were only going to be encountering warmer weather. We had 3 suitcases, 2 carry-on backpacks, 2 kids backpacks, and an itinerary that would make even seasoned travellers nervous.
Now I need to point out that we were heading out of Australia for almost 3 months. As well as leaving in the middle of Winter with two growing kids. The kids were 2 and 4 and both in nighttime nappies. One of our suitcases seemed to only be full of nappies; enough (we hoped) to last us until we got to Kuala Lumpur, where we knew we could buy more.
Our first stop was Singapore and was relatively painless. A regular holiday; if you will. Taxi from the airport to the (dodgy) hotel and then an elevator up to the room. Easy.
Then there was Vietnam. Again airport to the family hostel. This cozy joint was three floors of fabulous, and Rog being the superstar he is, carried the bags up and made the flights of stairs several times over.
From Saigon, we were going to be train-hopping around Vietnam.
Now here is where we made the life-changing decision to never use suitcases again! With the first trip from one major station to the next, it was fine, But then the next one…2 kids, multiple bags, and train tracks to cross as our train didn’t pull up to the platform. Oh, and only 5 minutes to board the train, with all the directions in Vietnamese.
We arrived in Europe after another few weeks in Asia, and we were exhausted. On (another) train to Italy from Switzerland when we made a quick decision. Changing direction, we added another week to catch up with family and friends in The Netherlands. This is when the suitcase came in handy. Not for needing the room for the winter clothes we needed to buy due to the coldest summer in 80 years once we got to NL, but for a makeshift bed for Tate while we were waiting for the train to arrive.
It was time for a change…
Years later, we made the decision to go to South Africa for our honeymoon. Not only did our suitcases look tired but we were tired too. Tired of many awkward suitcase Tetris games when arriving at a place. And then there was the awkwardness of being top-heavy, and the two wheels pulling from behind. It wasn’t the right type of luggage for us.
Now the children were older they were able to carry their own stuff. We started researching alternatives to the hard cases we had. We felt that backpacks were the right option for us. They allowed us to be hands-free in busy airports (something which we had struggled with in the past). The children had never been runners, but we preferred holding their hands when it was busy.
When researching, we saw that there was more than just the traditional stuff in the top backpacks. For us, they seemed impractical. We also felt we wouldn’t take advantage of the various compartments designed for camping gear.
Osprey
Discovering the Osprey brand with what they call “travel” backpacks, was a game-changer. They open entirely around the edge with a double zip. This way you can pack the bag flat like a suitcase with all the convenience of hands-free carrying.
Osprey offered multiple sizes available so we knew this would also be an option for both the children. Tate was still a short 5 year old, and Mick a tall 7-year-old, so we could find a hands-free option for everyone.
What I love most about my Osprey is the detachable smaller back park. I use this as a carry-on bag. After baggage claim, it zips straight back onto the outer of the larger backpack; still fully packed. The pack is also versatile enough that if the larger bag is quite heavy then you can wear the smaller backpack (day pack) on the front. I also love all the clips making it secure. This bag (I THINK) is designed for women. It feels comfortable on the hips, back support straps, shoulder straps are comfortable and all fit to my size body.
While the smaller one for Tate doesn’t come with as many features it is comfortable for her. Rog and I can also use it and it is just as comfortable. We also found the benefits of having different sizes when traveling over weekends or road trips.
There are so many unique designs and colours to choose from. However, what stands out about Osprey for me, is their range specifically designed for women. Choose from a top loader for backpacking or a flat “travel” pack; which you can pack like a suitcase but with all the hands-free benefits of backpacking.
All options offer state of the art ventilation in their straps and back support so travelling through humid climates won’t be uncomfortable.
PacSafe
A few years ago for Mothers Day, I got a backpack. Most mothers would probably freak out about a gift like that. but I love getting anything travel-related.
There is nothing else out there like the PacSafe Anti-theft luggage range.
This environmentally friendly brand uses recycled plastic to make these stylish bags but safety is what they do best. All options in this range have state of the art anti-theft features such as
- security clips to secure to tables and seats
- turn and lock devices or security zips for harder access by quick hands
- Slash free material
- RFID anti-theft technology to ensure the safety of your credit cards.
They also offer wallets and shoulder bags for all your check-in luggage needs.
4 years later – rain hail or shine, it still looks like new. It has been soaked through many times without any of the contents getting wet including a laptop, iPad, etc. And it hasn’t lost any colour.
Final Thoughts
The type of luggage you use is certainly dependent on the type of holidays you choose to go on. It also depends on what type of packer you are. The main things to consider are the durability and how your chosen piece handles general wear and tear. You need to see your luggage as an investment and for those who frequently travel, treat the purchase like you would a new car.
