1

You might be limiting yourself by what you think is a 'traditional' back pack style. I know what sorts of packs you're thinking of. However, trekking-design backpacks have practically no compartments or sections. The main body has one or two sections: a large top-load part and perhaps a lower zip-to-open part. Usually, they have no outside pockets. For example, the non-green packs in this assortment:
http://store.berghaus.com/c/equipment/packs/backpacks-rucksacks

The trekking designs are very efficient to carry, are shaped to contour the body (nothing sticks out the sides), even adjusted for male-vs.-female body size. You option #2 above just seems clumsy to me. The weight distribution would make it a pain to carry as a pack. If you want a pack, get a genuine one. I do have a duffel bag, and can carry it in the way shown. But, it's a poor compromise if you want to go in the direction of a pack.

Whether to go with a pack or wheely-bag .. I suppose that depends on .. I'm not sure what. Even if I'm not trekking I find a pack useful - frees the hands, don't need to worry about surfaces where wheels don't work well, based on observation my pack is easier to get in and out of luggage racks on trains etc than a comparable sized wheely-bag. When I evaluate the relative pros and cons of both a pack wins for me. For someone else the balance may be in the other direction.

2

I did wonder about the duffel being clumsy, went around 4 or the major outdoor stores in Aberdeen and all seemed to suggest this duffel. I guess it wins in the way there is a large D opening on the bag, instead of having to rummage around for things in the bottom of the sack?

I understand the straps on a backpack are more designed for comfort rather than the duffel for a short term carry.

I will mainly be using trains/buses and will be in each place around 3 days at least if not more.

thanks

3

Some trekking packs have a front opening as well.

Sometimes people have a preference for option A and they look for reasons why option B isn't good. The rummaging part isn't always relevant. With me, for example, I have so little with me that there is little to rummage around for. Immediate-need items (eg toiletries) are either in the small lower compartment or in the top pocket flap of the pack. And the only things at the bottom of the pack are to-be-washed clothing items. Anything else is at or close to the top (such as extra clothing layer).

In the evenings my pack contents tend to circulate, things sinking to the bottom or rising to the top. It's not as if I'm constantly digging around. And I could probably completely unpack (turn pack upside down and dump contents on bed) and repack in about 10 minutes.

It's a matter of practice and planning, and your own habits in how you do things -- not a major structural inconvenience of a pack.

That's how trade-offs work. I choose for carry-convenience because the other issues (loading, rummaging) are relatively less inconvenient for me or I find acceptable solutions ..

4

If it was a choice out of the 2 links you provided, I would go with option A. You can pull it along like a traditional suit case in most cities (lots of locals do this too!). You can be hands free when required but it would not be very comfortable.