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I missed the comment regarding backpack luggage. My High Sierra w/zip pack also HAD straps on the major rollerbag. First thing I did was remover the strps from the back pocket, knowing full well that bag would never be on this woman's back! I now have a very handy flat pocket for a guide book or small watercolor or similar. I typically remove extraneous straps and such from any case--just don't want to fool with useless junk!
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It depends on what you're doing at your destination. I oftentimes am taking day trips or will spend the day in the city before I go to wherever I'm staying for the night. I don't desire to drag a roller bag around town and try to look as inconspicuous as possible. I just carry a regular backpack. I've tried fancy ones but never can get as much as I can in my old backpack from junior high with no structure to it. I've just about worn it out but I can pack everything tightly and I've gotten everything in it for a 9 day trip before. I ended up taking a tote bag with a sleeping bag, pillow and other bedding to be more comfortable but everything I needed was crammed into my backpack, rolled tightly.
This also means that I'm not forced to check my bag on a full plane. Even if I have 2 pieces, they can cram under the seat in front of me if necessary. I make sure that I don't have to gate check a bag because it rains so much in CAE and ATL that it's easy for gate check bags to get soaked unless you have hard-sided.