Hmmm. That’s a tough one. For you, probably something like the Osprey Sojourn 28″ Wheeled Convertible Pack ($289). Not a duffel, but a big suitcase (4,800 cubic inches) that has both wheels and zip-away padded shoulder straps so you can throw it on your back if need be. Lots of organizer pockets, retractable handle, all the features that make a good travel piece. REI’s cavernous Wheely Beast 35” ($169, 7,200 cubic inches) is a prototypical rolling duffel, but doesn’t have the backpack feature.
Your wife might like the Wheely Beast. Or, Eagle Creek’s Tarmac 28 ($340). It’s big (5,600 cubic inches), providing the capacity for extended travel. But it’s not huge. Rugged construction, good organization. And it’s designed to accommodate Eagle Creek’s Pack-it modules, so everything fits neatly and you can stuff in more than the size would normally suggest. The North Face’s Longhaul 30 Rolling Duffel ($279) would be another good choice. It’s really more of a suitcase than a duffel, and ruggedly built.
The Sojourn 28″There are a million options for your around-town bag. Let me recommend the Billingham Packington, an extremely stylish, durable all-purpose camera bag that has the great virtue of not LOOKING like a camera bag. Good for carrying all sorts of things. Beautifully made from canvas and leather with brass fittings. And yes, it’s wildly expensive at just under $300. Lowepro’s Classified 250 AW offers good functionality as well, for a lesser price ($230 retail; 170 street price). But it isn’t nearly as classy.
Have a great trip!