Backpack, Wheelie, or Hybrid?

I have a wonderful Osprey backpack that I love.  I also have a small hybrid Osprey wheeled backpack that I am looking to sell (it's just never worked for me), and an LL Bean Sportmans wheeled carry-on sized bag.

For this trip, I opted for the LL Bean wheelie.  It's a small wheeled bag, and I plan to pack fairly light so I have room for purchases.  I've never had trouble getting it into an overhead bin, and can carry it quite a ways in a pinch.  At each of my stops, I will be staying for at least five days, mostly with friends.  I'm not doing any formal backpacking or trekking.  Other than going from the train station to where I'm staying, I won't ever need to even take it on a bus (and I plan to take subways and trains, I prefer them). 

In other words, my "big" bag and I will be following paths taken every day by business workers with those little wheeled briefcases.

Another reason I chose the wheelie over my backpack is because my wheelie has some hard edges and corners.  On my flight back out of London, I may choose to check the wheelie, especially if I've picked up any liquids (wine?) or similar.  The backpack is not ideal for that.

Also, the my version (an older one) of the LL Bean Sportsman has two equal-sized compartments when opened, which makes accessing items very very easy.  Backpacks - not so accessible.  Especially since I'll be staying with friends, I like to be able to quickly access my belongings and then pack everything neatly away so I'm not taking up the whole room (or living room!).  A wheelie suitcase is better equipped for this.  

Finally, on the inconsequential side, the wheelie looks neat, smart, and professional.  I like blending in when I travel.  I think sometimes Americans get this insane focus on traveling as lightly as possible and end up in rumpled exercise clothes they would never dream of wearing out at home.  I'll take the extra weight, work on my arm strength as I navigate, and look much more like a normal, presentable, possibly European person.  Works for me.

Carry-on or Check?

For some travel, checking a bag is a must.  For example, in 2007 I took a one week scuba diving trip to Honduras (it was amazing by the way, I highly recommend diving there).  I needed to pack a wetsuit, large fins, a regulator, etc. etc.  Checking a bag was a must.  Skiing vacations also require checking bags - the ski gear is substantial, even withstanding skis, poles, snowboards, and boots.  Fishing or hunting trips are two other vacations that are hard to achieve pack only. 

But for other trips, if possible, it can be incredibly freeing to go carry-on only.  For my Euro 2012 Trip, I'll be flying British Airways Denver to London, British Airways London to Stockholm, and Air Berlin Stockholm to Munich with a short airport layover in Berlin.  Fortunately, the restrictions for carry-on are the same for BA and AirBerlin.

Intro

I've been traveling since I was in the womb, and flying internationally since I was two.  I took my first solo flight at 12 from Denver to Boston, and flew solo internationally at 19.  I do not fear airplanes or airports.

Not a huge fan of sleeper trains where they stack people three high like sardines and glue the windows shut.  And as a slight claustrophobe, I do love my window seat.

I'm currently planning a four week five trip around Europe, and I'm carefully planning out my travel wardrobe and necessities.  I thought I'd share some of my knowledge  here!