Luggage

[FeltCarrot]

Off travelling around Quebec in September which will include several hotel stops and train travel. We have always used Kipling hold-all for holidays in the past which are great but I’m thinking they will be too big/cumbersome for this holiday.
can anyone recommend some decent pack backs (not DofE style!) or lightweight portable suitcases.

Our favourite backpacks are Osprey, Camelbak and Arc’teryx.

We own 5 Osprey packs in various shapes and sizes and have recommended them to others.
They also do an amazing range including ones that can be used as both wheels cases and backpacks. I don’t know what you mean by DofE style but my large Osprey pack is a 65l hiking “stuff” style which I think you’re trying to avoid? Definitely check out their website.

You may find the “clamshell” / full opening (and lots of pockets) of Camelback Motherlode 43l useful. It’s a good size too, not too big. It’s really versatile.

These are the Osprey ones I’d consider:
https://www.ospreyeurope.com/shop/gb_en/osprey-farpoint-wheels-36-f22
https://www.ospreyeurope.com/shop/gb_en/osprey-fairview-40-f22

I’d recommend using packing cubes too. Transformed our cases on multi stop holidays.

The price of that Osprey one, though!

How about Cabin Max?

They have wheels and straps to make it into a backpack. (There's a smaller one too, which I have, which fits under the seat, if you were to be flying EasyJet or Ryanair, which is useful.)

The Osprey one is lovely but quite pricey.
Am liking the Cabin Max one and will definitely be buying packing cubes!

I have a great Osprey one (40l Farpoint, no wheels, NB the design has changed recently, so I don't know about the new ones). Easy to carry, cabin bag size. If you're buying something to carry a lot I'd advise trying one out in a shop (and putting some heavy stuff in it to try out).

I second the packing cubes recommendation - on our last holiday, I used them for the first time. What a revelation. If you're moving on a lot they really help to keep your stuff organised.