Are backpacks good for travel or should I get a roller bag?

There are no roller-bags in the Sahara.

I am team backpack. If you’re on team roller bag, I’m sorry, but you’re wrong. At least, for long-term travel sabbaticals and adult gap years. Just so I give both sides an honest shake, I’m sharing my pros and cons list for each so you can assess what makes sense for your circumstances:

BACKPACK:

Pros:

• When you’re traveling on unpaved sidewalks, sand, and cobblestone, your bag isn’t going to get in your way.

• A good backpack allows for weight to fall where it’s best for your body (on your hips)

• If you’re trying to get away with a carry-on and your bag is a bit oversize, you are way more likely to get away with it than if you have a roller bag.

• You rarely have to worry about whether the overhead bin space is full.

• You won’t stand out among other long-term travelers, who will think you’re super weird for having a roller bag (unless you’re traveling exclusively in Europe.)

• Because you have to carry everything on your back, you are going to be acutely attuned to how much you’re bringing and will probably carry less.

Cons:

• You need to be careful putting on and taking off your backpack. Swinging a heavy bag onto your back can hurt you if you’re not careful.

• You will look like a backpacker.

ROLLER BAG:

Pros:

• You won’t look like a backpacker! Hopefully this is not the most important thing to you though.

Cons:

• These are the worst on any surface that isn’t perfectly paved. Outside of the western world, you’ll run into a lot of situations where you’ll have to lug this bag through dirty, sand, and over cobblestones.

• You either need to check it or put it in the overhead bin.

If you still want a roller bag, just get a backpack that also has wheels and can convert between the two. The first time you have to carry all your stuff down the beach to get to your hotel, you’ll understand.