What do you bring

Read here: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?threadID=2297311

Then read here: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?threadID=2280830

Then ask questions.

I have traveled on shorter trips (2-4 weeks) several times with a backpack by High Sierra that has wheels, a retractable handle and backpack straps. It has a zip off day bag and each has backpack straps. If you travel light, this is what I suggest. A lot of other companies make this style of luggage also, but I bought it on impulse for $100 in a store when I saw that it fits carryon-luggage requirements. I'm not sure if it would for EasyJet or Ryan Air or others with much smaller bag limits.

That's a shame davotrav. For future travel I suggest you do some research (start with the above links) and learn better than to carry more weight than you needed to. I won't even go into the street cred of someone using one of those type of abominations.

Thanks for the feedback guys. travelinstyle46: the links you posted offer some good advice but i am keen to hear from more than one person about their experiences - my questions are still valid to other travelers.

I found that my main rucksack (a typical expedition style pack like that of most travelers) was not suited to or, even designed for urban travel

Could you explain in some detail why?

I usually travel with a soft, wheeled case - but after a trip where the wheels/axles got bent out of all recognition and reduced me to pulling along a 'reluctant elephant' I now carry a spare set of wheels + base from a cut-down luggage trolley,and bungey cords.

To those who don't understand why a wheelie bag is better in urban environments may I offer the following:-
#1. public transport: if you have to travel within a city a backpack is not only inconvenient, it's a hazard to you and to fellow travellers. Especially if you need to travel in rush hour.

And although you aren't travelling with it on a day-to-day basis while in one place, you still need to go from place to place with it.
#2. finding a place to stay: some places will turn away a person who arrives with a backpack. A wheelie is always welcomed; this can be helpful if you haven't booked ahead.
#3. (though this isn't limited to urban environments) a backpack can make you very sweaty in hot countries. :>))

I've just bought a new one ('Cabin Max', from Amazon) which holds 44 litres, weighs in at 1.7kg, is small enough to be an airline carry-on, and looks to be made of very tough fabric. You can get the range as backpack+wheelie or wheelie only, I think. It looks good value.

I travel with a backpack.A small one.

I don't have particular problems with using it on public transport (it is small,not one of those 90l monsters ;-) And the places I usually stay at (hostels) are quite used to people travelling with backpacks.

I have never travelled with a wheeled thing,so can't say what the pros and cons are.One obvious one is uneven ground..obviously more in some countries than others,but even in my European city it would be difficult to wheel something around (pavements disappearing,pavements full of holes,cars parked blocking the way etc etc...

On the items which just waste space

Anyone who has travelled more than once should know what not to carry the next time ;-)

So...I don't have any items which waste space.Everything has a function.

Thanks again for the input everyone.

Max; i think go_2 highlights some of the key issues with backpacks in city environments but i'll add a few other things that i've noticed:

• With most expedition style packs the main access is through the top hatch, i frequently found myself having to empty the entire back in search of one item.

• Although I've never been turned away from a hotel for using a backpack, i have certainly found them extremely awkward on tightly packed public transportation such as trains and buses.

• Airport check-in often required me to head to another area of the airport to check-in my backpack due to the many loose straps.

• The expedition packs are generally designed for people travelling in the wilderness and therefore have features that are not necessary for city travel such as: the many straps for tents, roll mats etc.

With that said, I can see how having only wheels without a backpack function would be less than ideal. The Cabin Max looks like an interesting idea for city.