Wheeled back­-packs

Rick Steves in the June ’08 issue notes that he travels with a convertible suitcase/backpack, adding that he avoids soft-sided suitcases with wheels.

“As long as I’m strong enough to carry my bag on my back, I will,” he states.

Good for him! But if he checks out a luggage shop he’ll find that some backpacks also have wheels, giving one’s aching back a break now and then. They also can be used as “roll aboards.”

MIKE STEIN

Irvine, CA