By all means, GF. Two 14 pound bags are a lot easier than one 28 pound bag, no matter what type of bag it is.

In your case you had a triple advantage:

1. None of the bags were at the 10% limit (or so I figure ), which makes it less stressful to carry any one of them.
2. Both bags were equal weight which is good for a balanced load.
3. One of the bags was a backpack. Even if a backpack is worn just with one shoulder strap, its weight is already shifted to your back which makes bigger loads easier to carry.

What I am talking about is a rule that makes it easy to determine whether a ONE (1) bag set-up with a SHOULDER bag is feasible.

You are a very smart and proficient packer. And still you were lugging 28lbs. Imagine you'd have had to carry that in a single shoulder bag. Is it possible? Yes. Will you regret it? Most likely!

If you use a Skytrain, Tristar, Motherlode, Aeronaut or other convertible bag in true backpack mode, you will of course be able to put in even a 30 pound load - possibly more but then we aren't really talking about packing light anymore.

The Aeronaut due to its squarish main compartment is also not ideal for packing a suit jacket so many professional travelers need.

Till