I prefer a backpack. recently bought one with a couple of compartments..
a good bag for a weekend trip with your tools and clothes.
I tried a backpack for awhile. Functionaly it was great and I liked it much better than a regular case. I got rid of it after carrying it into several meetings. I just felt like it didn't look quite right (kinda "studenty"). I dont think Id go as far as saying "unprofessional" though.