An editorial comparison centered on the surfaces, transfers and carrying demands of a real itinerary.
1 answer
Map the parts of the trip when the luggage is moving. A backpack can be convenient for stairs, uneven paths and frequent transfers because your hands remain available. A rolling suitcase can be easier across long, smooth terminal floors because you are not carrying the entire load on your back.
Now add your own comfort and access needs. If supporting the luggage on your body is uncomfortable, the benefits of hands-free movement may not outweigh that problem. If the route includes several stair-only stations, the suitcase’s wheels cannot help on those sections.
For a concrete comparison, imagine a hotel reached by taxi followed by a week in one room, then an itinerary with a different train and apartment every other day. The first gives a suitcase a straightforward role. The second creates more opportunities for a manageable backpack to be useful.
Try your likely full load before choosing. The best format is the one you can handle repeatedly, including when tired or in a hurry. Clothing access also matters: inspect how the bag opens rather than assuming every backpack is awkward to pack or every suitcase automatically organizes itself.