Usually, young people travel with a huge backpack and a frontpack.
They also carry laptops, cameras and lenses, portable hard drives, smartphones, and all the cables and chargers and adapters needed for these. Standard kit for the modern young traveller.
I've seen a few older travellers trying to haul their 20+ kg suitcase up to hotels in hilly areas, up stairs of hotels without elevators etc. I CANNOT imagine that being easier on their backs than a well-fitted modern backpack. I am not a fan of the combi-ones. They are generally heavy and awkward. Very glad I downsized to my current never full 45 L. I never take more than 10 kg anyway, including the clothes and shoes I wear and small shoulder bag with valuables
Traveling light is really always the best way to go.....there are no disadvantages,and plenty of advantages. Unless you really need specialist sports gear etc....even then,you can usually hire it.
The only people who can't see this are those who travel with too much gear..and even most of them learn from their experiences and go lighter the next time.
I have never, ever met a traveler who says "My bag is top light. .I want to bring more stuff next time"
Maybe only of you stay in very flash hotels and take taxis everywhere does it not make a real difference. ..
I am not a fan of the combi-ones.
I agree, Jack-of-all trades master of none. The wheels and frame tend to dig into your back, not comfortable even for short distances. It's the last thing I would buy.
Thanks everyone! I think it sounds reasonable to travel with my 10+ years old, light weight but very basic carry-on size suitcase. I like it because it is small, super easy to pack and has a lock on the zipper. I was torn between that and my 45 litter pack which was my go-to choice when I was on my 20's but lately I just don't like carrying it on my back. I also had a knee injury which I think 6-8kg is okay weight, but I also don't want to push it. My travel budget isn't much more compared to my 20's, still travel on same buses and stay at cheap hotels, but I can afford to pay/tip someone to help me when I needed extra hands so I don't have to work "hard" on my vacations. Hey, it creates jobs!
What bag you decide to take is entirely your decision, but you do need to be able to get on a motorbike taxi with it. A holdall is fine if you can put your arms through the handles and wear it in your back, like a backpack, or sling it over your shoulder. Drivers will often put your bag by their legs, but not always. The only time I took a wheeled bag to Asia, I ruined the wheels and bag within minutes on a dirt road, so never again. On my last trip, I just took 5 kg in a small holdall as hand luggage, and it was very liberating. For longer trips I take a north face soft suitcase style bag, with hidden backpack straps that I only use when I have to. Keeping it all to under 10 kg is the key, especially if you have to carry it in the heat.
is the key
Do you think motorbikes can carry 22 cm x 35 cm x 55 cm between legs? It is a carry-on size hard case (but on the bigger side) with box shape, no straps, just handles on the side. Your soft suitcase sounds nice too, may be when this 10+ years old travel buddy dies, I'll upgrade to that. Under 10kg is how I pack normally for a month+ trips.