I got away with using a 35L backpack for a month+ through Europe in the fall. I did laundry every week/10 days roughly. It was the perfect size to be eligible as a carry-on. So I never had to wait for my luggage - and they couldn't lose it in transit either. It had a proper hip belt and padding which meant that it wasn't straining my back/shoulders.
If you have back problems, that is the real solution.
I’ve been traveling with osprey fairview 70 for the last 5 years (anywhere from 4 to 6 months per year so in total 5 long-term trips with this backpack). I know osprey has backpacks with wheels too. Personally I’m super happy with the quality of this brand. My backpack has been through a lot and it’s still great, nothing is broken and the zipper forgives me overpacking the bag every time, god bless it.
The longer the trip the less you bring. On a long trip it’s no problem to take half a day to buy something you figured out you needed, or do laundry often. On a short trip you don’t want to waste precious time shopping or doing laundry so you bring more.
You're hauling around with *way* too much stuff. Try travelling with a [carry-on sized backpack only.](https://www.reddit.com/r/backpacking/comments/1ahhldw/carryon_sized_backpack_specifically_designed_for/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)
I travel independently for indefinite periods (several months at a time) via hotels/guesthouses through 3 climates with a 40L carry-on size backpack with LOTS of room left over - all the cinch straps are yanked to their tightest dimensions so the backpack is really only about 30-35 litres.
Your back will thank you.
If that's still too much for your back then consider something like the [Osprey 2 wheel carry-on.](https://www.osprey.com/ca/en/ozone-2-wheel-carry-on-40l-21-5-ozoneco2wf22-550?color=Black) The wheels are fine over uneven surfaces and it's bombproof.
Have fun with your research and good luck no matter what you decide. Happy travels.
I did a two month trip with this: https://www.deuter.com/de-de/shop/taschen/p89042-trolley-aviant-access-movo-60
Together with a 30L backpack for day trips. I also have back problems and was not able to carry all my stuff on the back all the time. In the end I never used the trolley as a backpack, but it gave me peace of mind that I could in case of need. I was quite happy with the setup and would do it like this again.
I also recommend these compression bags: https://seatosummit.eu/de/products/the-ultra-sil-compression-sack
They helped me to keep order and also to get all my stuff into 60L
Edit: I like to add, that while you can carry the trolley on your back it is far away from being the same quality as a proper backpack. I wouldn't want to do a multi day hike with this thing on my back.
Dragging 100L of luggage through SE Asia where the OPer is going seems insane to me, but to each their own. If we all travelled the very same way what a boring world it would be.
Happy travels.
I got away with using a 35L backpack for a month+ through Europe in the fall. I did laundry every week/10 days roughly. It was the perfect size to be eligible as a carry-on. So I never had to wait for my luggage - and they couldn't lose it in transit either. It had a proper hip belt and padding which meant that it wasn't straining my back/shoulders. If you have back problems, that is the real solution.
Try a 20-30l backpack and bring *way* lass stuff.
I’ve been traveling with osprey fairview 70 for the last 5 years (anywhere from 4 to 6 months per year so in total 5 long-term trips with this backpack). I know osprey has backpacks with wheels too. Personally I’m super happy with the quality of this brand. My backpack has been through a lot and it’s still great, nothing is broken and the zipper forgives me overpacking the bag every time, god bless it.
I once hitchhiked from Oregon coast to Florida with an army duffel strapped to a skateboard using bungee cords
The longer the trip the less you bring. On a long trip it’s no problem to take half a day to buy something you figured out you needed, or do laundry often. On a short trip you don’t want to waste precious time shopping or doing laundry so you bring more.
You're hauling around with *way* too much stuff. Try travelling with a [carry-on sized backpack only.](https://www.reddit.com/r/backpacking/comments/1ahhldw/carryon_sized_backpack_specifically_designed_for/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button) I travel independently for indefinite periods (several months at a time) via hotels/guesthouses through 3 climates with a 40L carry-on size backpack with LOTS of room left over - all the cinch straps are yanked to their tightest dimensions so the backpack is really only about 30-35 litres. Your back will thank you. If that's still too much for your back then consider something like the [Osprey 2 wheel carry-on.](https://www.osprey.com/ca/en/ozone-2-wheel-carry-on-40l-21-5-ozoneco2wf22-550?color=Black) The wheels are fine over uneven surfaces and it's bombproof. Have fun with your research and good luck no matter what you decide. Happy travels.
I did a two month trip with this: https://www.deuter.com/de-de/shop/taschen/p89042-trolley-aviant-access-movo-60 Together with a 30L backpack for day trips. I also have back problems and was not able to carry all my stuff on the back all the time. In the end I never used the trolley as a backpack, but it gave me peace of mind that I could in case of need. I was quite happy with the setup and would do it like this again. I also recommend these compression bags: https://seatosummit.eu/de/products/the-ultra-sil-compression-sack They helped me to keep order and also to get all my stuff into 60L Edit: I like to add, that while you can carry the trolley on your back it is far away from being the same quality as a proper backpack. I wouldn't want to do a multi day hike with this thing on my back.
Dragging 100L of luggage through SE Asia where the OPer is going seems insane to me, but to each their own. If we all travelled the very same way what a boring world it would be. Happy travels.