How should I carry all my stuff? That's a question that a lot of people ask. Here are my thoughts.
If you're going to be lugging your things around a lot, don't bother with a suitcase, not even a 'wheeley' one - get a backpack. Imagine trying to wheel your suitcase from your boat, over 3 more boats, along a rickety pier then along a pretty much unmaintained road on Thailand's Ko Phi Phi island and you get the idea. Your stuff should be on your back.
Personally both Annie and I choose to carry Interloper packs by Kathmandu. They can hold a LOT, can behave like a normal top-load backpack but also have the main flap located on the front so you can open it right up like a suitcase. They also come with a small day pack that's part of Kathmandu's 'Gluon' range - it can be carried by itself or can attach to the main pack so you can carry both at the same time. Ok so this is starting to sound like an advertising pitch but I swear by the travel stuff from Kathmandu. It's awesome.
If you're going to be shuttled everywhere in taxis and take a holiday of the more luxurious style, sure, get a suitcase but otherwise I'd go for the comfort of backpack-style storage. You'll also look like a real backpacker too, not a pretend one. :)
