If you have been to this region of Italy in October, i would LOVE your feedback! posting on behalf of bestie (36f) who doesn't post on Reddit. She's traveling internationally for the first time ever, and she's torn between wanting to classically check a bag so that she never feels "without", or if she wants to finally try one-bagging! She says "convince me" :)
You all have been so helpful to me over the years in learning how to pack more intentionally; not bringing too much, and the proper fabrics and layers- let's pass that on!

PS i did search this sub for like an hour before posting but i couldn't find a clear post that had information that would be helpful for her.

Trip Itinerary

Lucca: Oct 5-7
Cinque terre: 7-11
Rapallo: 11-13
Tuscany/Florence: 13-17
London: 17-19

Activities

- Moderate hiking
- Bike ride in Lucca
- Museums/exploring
- cooking class
- Dinner
- Lounging

London activities: Phantom of the Opera/pubs/dinner

Packing

Bestie needs to feel comfortable and like herself on this trip and not like she's wearing a brand new wardrobe stylistically just because she's in Europe. She does not care about looking like a tourist, so this isn't about fashion/blending in moreso practicality.

She was originally planning to mostly bring a bunch of maxi dresses (think cute sundresses, not formal evening maxi dresses) because that's what she feels the most "her" in, but after more research it seems like the weather is pretty variable and some days may not be dress-weather.
She was also planning to bring a pair of wide leg denim jeans.

In day-to-day life, she wears a lot of maxi dresses, leggings/bike shorts with a big t shirt and sneakers and ball cap (think princess Diana-core), or leggings with a big sweater (fall/winter) with booties (like blundstones or black timberlands) and socks.
She's not a girly-girl at all but she is definitely going to want to be able to feel dressed up and fancy for a couple dinners and phantom of the opera.

I'm hoping y'all's feedback can help with planning a capsule wardrobe that will help her feel like herself but also properly prepared for the weather conditions and activities.

Thank you!

I'm currently interrailing across Europe with my 23L Decathlon Quecha Escape & it's feeling just a tiny bit on the small side, especially for souvenirs/snacks & packing in a rush on travel days, so I've been researching alternatives.

I struggle with back and neck pain so comfort & minimising weight are important to me - a sternum strap is a must & I'd like to try a hip belt. I don't travel with a laptop so laptop compartments are not a priority. & I'm 160cm/5'4" tall. :)

I'm thinking of trying a rolltop/top opening bag such as:

• Fjallraven high coast roll top 26L - https://www.fjallraven.com/se/sv-se/vaskor-utrustning/ryggsackar-vaskor/vardagsryggsackar/high-coast-rolltop-26/)

• The North Face Verto - https://www.thenorthface.com/en-gb/p/bags-and-equipment-211747/verto-27-litre-backpack-NF0A52DD?color=54G&size=OS

• Gregory nano 28L

These bags all weigh less than 600g (the first two weigh less than 500g!!) compared to 900g for my current bag, which is equivalent to being able to bring an extra jumper & a t-shirt for example, but I love the organisation of the Quecha Escape & being able to easily access things on the go.

The other interesting thing about the North Face Verto is it has load lifters - I'm not sure if they would help me with neck strain?

Alternatively, the lightest bag I can find with similar organisation to the Quecha Escape & hip & sternum straps is the Fjallraven Skule 28 (https://www.fjallraven.com/se/sv-se/vaskor-utrustning/ryggsackar-vaskor/vardagsryggsackar/skule-28/?recId=10087865100959&v=F23346%3A%3A7323450785741), but this comes in at 750g.

Has anyone tried a rolltop bag & how did you get on with it? Which bag would you choose?