I bought the Rick Steves bag a couple of months ago based on recommendations from folks on CC and was very happy with it on a recent trip. Lots of handy little pockets. The side handle is on the opposite side from my previous luggage, which is taking a little getting used to.
Vote here for the backpack with wheels. I have an old black Eastpack with wheels that is my standard carry on for abroad travel. Get tired, use the wheels, need to move through the crowd, wear it. the wheels that touch the ground never touch my back. Well designed. There is a plastic piece that helps it stand upright that also never touches my back. I have looked to replace the thing, but aside from the very nice Swiss Army ones, I can’t see anything that would work as well as what I have.
Similarly preference for 2 wheeled bags vs 4 wheeled spinners is very personal.
I agree about personal preference. But I did buy my husband a new carryon because my personal preference was that he stop using a 20 or more year old bag that was hooked together with duct tape.
But when my daughter needed luggage, we went on a day long trip looking all around for,the lightest bags, and ones she liked (these were not carryon bags, but she still needed to choose herself). We went to Macy’s, TJ Maxx, and Kohls, looking for the best deal in what she wanted. We ended up getting them at Macy’s…(before I stopped shopping there). I think they are High Sierra but they are not made anymore.