thank you so much for all the replies you guys.
I've got my eyes set on this bag:
http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...34374302699867
I'm trying to convince my partner to get a bag but i'm guessing a luggage isn't all that bad, given we drop things off at the hostel in the morning and hang around the city until the evening. It's not like i'd be lugging my bag around town anyways, I think it's in my best interest to drop the load regardless if i'm using a bag or not (right?)
I know i don't have much to say regarding the comments you guys made but i've taken everything that you guys have said into consideration! I'm sure i'll have some questions here in a weeks time...i'm leaving at the end of this month.