We’ve gotten great use out of our Samsonite luggage over the last few years, and while they’re in surprisingly good shape, on a few occasions I’ve wanted something a bit more mobile. Over the past few months I’ve been researching convertible bags, i.e. bags that let you have both backpack straps as well as a wheeled option. This weekend I finally settled on one and we purchased a 22″ Osprey Meridian Wheeled Convertible pack (reviewed favorably by Outside online among others). I like that the bag has wheels for the airport, backpack straps for moving through rougher environments, and a removable daypack for sidetrips. Plus, as long as the daypack isn’t full, the entire bag is carry-on sized.

On the left you see the main bag with the daypack attached; on the right, the front of the bag with the straps stowed behind the flap. Below you see the main bag separate from the daypack.

Leandra and I have been gradually paring down the amount of stuff we bring on our trips, and my goal is to use this bag exclusively on our 11 day Barcelona trip this summer. Fortunately I’ll have a few chances to try it out on smaller trips before then!