Deciding to backpack in Europe is a great idea for those who are interested in flexibility during their travels. Rather than having to haul a 50 pound suitcase around from city to city, you'll have all the essentials right there on your back.
It's all very exciting, but packing everything into one bag can also be very overwhelming - especially if it's your first time. Not to worry, because below I've included all of the essentials on what to bring with you in your pack.
The most important thing to remember is to pack right and light. That means selecting products and materials that will fit your traveling needs, while also maintaining a manageable pack weight.
Let's dive in!
Table of Contents
Picking your backpack
First things first, you'll need to have a proper backpack to store all of your belongings. This is arguably the most important thing to consider before you leave. Finding the right backpack is essential because it will be what determines your comfort and storage throughout the duration of your travels.
The first thing to take into consideration is the size of the backpack. Packs are usually measured in liters. For travels longer than a few days, I would recommend getting a backpack between 40-45L.
Anything below 40L would be too small for most travelers, and 45L is generally the maximum capacity for a backpack to be considered a personal item on an airplane.
Anything within the 40-45L range hits the sweet spot for packing all of your essentials while still traveling light.
Things to keep in mind:
Each brand measures a little bit differently, so make sure to research or try on backpacks before you buy them.
Many backpacks are gender specific.
Some backpacks come in different sizes. This is usually a measurement of your torso length. Be on the lookout for measurement sizes! If you aren't able to measure yourself, REI offers to measure your backpack size for free in stores!
Quality backpacks that I have seen for traveling are...
REI Co-op Rucksack 40 Recycled Pack - Women's / Men's. This was the backpack that my boyfriend and I brought to Europe and we couldn't be happier about our purchase. This backpack was on reasonably priced and had all of the components we wanted in a backpack... hip and sternum straps, plenty of inside compartments, a U-shaped zipper, and the ability to convert it into a duffel bag. Here are some pictures for reference:
Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack - Men's / Fairview 40 Travel - Women's. Osprey is one of the best brands for backpacks, and these are no exception. With many of the same features as the REI's backpack, this pack also has a LightWire frame suspension and mesh back panel for ventilation to keep the air flowing!
Gregory Mountain Products Jade 38 Backpacking Backpack - Women's / Zulu 40 Pack - Men's. Also known for their high quality packs, Gregory's backpacks come with moisture wicking mesh, a rain cover for your pack, and a 3D comfortable, body-hugging fit.
You will also want to keep in mind that there are times when you'll be leaving your backpack in the hostel/hotel. For the times you won't have your pack on you, it's a good idea to bring a day pack that you can use for on the go. I brought a small travel purse that I carried with me daily that fit easily in my bag. Other good ideas are fanny packs or foldable daypacks.
Choosing your footwear
Choosing the proper footwear comes in close second to the most important factor to consider before leaving for your backpacking trip. You'll have to keep in mind that in Europe you'll most likely be doing a lot of walking, and you'll be carrying an additional 20-25 pounds on your back. Comfort and support are extremely important.
Now, as fellow travelers we understand wanting to dress the part in Europe. Unlike in the US, Europeans don't typically wander around town wearing tennis shoes. So, how do you find that perfect in-between? We've got you covered!
Tips for buying shoes for Europe:
Plenty of sport shoe brands sell comfortable and supportive everyday shoes that don't give off the appearance that you're about to run a marathon. Consider looking at Nike's Lifestyle Shoes, Adida's Casual Shoes, or Reebok's Walking Shoes.
Try to buy a neutral-colored shoe that will fit all of your outfits. Black, white, or earth-tone colored shoes work best to match your wardrobe. Plus, Europeans adhere to more of a neutral colored style anyways!
Break your shoes in before leaving! I can't stress this enough - there is absolutely nothing worse than getting blisters on your first day on vacation.
Feel free to pack an additional pair of shoes for other excursions. If you're planning on going out to eat somewhere fancy or want to explore some museums, there may be a dress code. Bringing one pair of nice shoes may suit you well. On the other hand, if you're planning some time on the beach, bring some flip-flops! The important thing to remember is that shoes will take up a lot of space in your bag, so try to find a pair that aren't super bulky. ** (For women) I ended up bringing some lightweight wedges that I could use for the beach and nice dinners!
Choosing your clothing
With a comfortable backpack and pair of shoes, it's now time to think about style! It's very easy to want to overpack clothes for different occasions, but you'll want to refrain from this! There are a few things that you'll want to keep in mind:
Pick solid, matching colors.
Ditch the bulk & pack layers.
Fabric matters.
Pick solid, matching colors.
You'll only be packing a few sets of tops and bottoms, so it's a good idea to make sure that everything you pack matches each other. Ideally, you'd want to be able to pull out any combination of top and bottom at random and have it match.
A lot of the time, people assume that this means the only thing you can pack is neutral colors. That's actually a huge misconception, although you could only pack black, white and cream colored clothing if that's what you like. The colors that you choose are completely up to you!
For example... I brought light pink nikes shoes that I wore everyday. To match them, I brought dark green, black, white and cream colors tops and bottoms!
Ditch the bulk and pack layers.
Leave the bulky items at home! This means any heavy sweaters, jackets, or anything else that takes up too much space. The easiest way to stay warm is to pack layers - and they don't have to be super thick to do the job! Layering is especially important if you're traveling somewhere cold, or traveling to places with different climates. Whether you're traveling in the summer or winter, packing layers is always a good idea!
A good example of proper layering looks like this...
Two base layers - Tank tops and/or short-sleeves
One to two long sleeves - These can be worn on their own or over the base layers
One to two mid-layer pieces - This could be a down vest for men, or wool/polyester lightweight cardigans or sweaters for women.
One lightweight jacket for insulation - Typically, a wind and water resistant/proof jacket can easily be rolled up into your bag to fit nicely. Down jackets are also a great option for a lightweight jacket, however they can be on the costly side.
How you layer will depend on what season you travel. For women, I suggest bringing two pairs of pants, one dress, and one skirt. For men, two pairs of pants and one pair of shorts will work great.
Fabric matters.
For traveling there are good fabrics and there are bad fabrics. Generally, you'll want to avoid cotton like the plague. ESPECIALLY for socks and undergarments. The reason is because cotton is super absorbent, so whenever you sweat, the fabric will hold that moisture in. They also pick up odors quickly.
Your best bet is to buy moisture-wicking, odor repelling, quick-dry clothing. Typically these fabrics are wool, polyester, nylon, spandex, or synthetic blends.
Brands:
Socks: Smartwool and DarnTough make amazing socks that provide foot support and decrease the likelihood of getting blisters.
Pants & Shirts: prAna, Athleta, Duluth Trading Co., ADAY
Undergarments: REI, ExOfficio, Uniqlo
**A backpacking checklist will be available for download soon with more details on what clothing to bring**
Other essentials:
Electronics
Don't forget to pack a European charger adapter for your electronics! Europe has different outlets than other parts of the world, so this is a must! On the same note, don't forget your chargers!
Unless you absolutely need it, leave your computer at home - You can always use your phone for anything you need to do online.
Toiletries
Airlines only allow 3oz or less for fluids, so you'll have to buy smaller products or mini travel bottles to store your cosmetics.
I've also found that bringing a small, plastic toiletry bag comes in handy when going through security. You can find them at Walmart, or on Amazon.
A small pack of Kleenex or baby wipes works like a charm for the times there isn't toilet paper available!
Baby powder is a miracle if you have (or want to prevent) any chaffing from walking all day.
If your hair allows it, bring a comb instead of a brush. It takes up way less space!
Leave the medicine at home! If you really need allergy meds, you'll be able to find it there. It's always better to start off lighter than with a bunch of stuff you'll never use.
Other
If you have a long flight, it might be tempting to bring a book to read. It will take up some room in your bag, so I suggest bringing a paperback on the smaller side. Most hostels offer a book exchange, so once you're done with it you can leave it for the next person, or exchange it for a new one!
If you're concerned about safety, Amazon has TSA approved luggage locks that you can use on your backpack to prevent theft.
So there you have it! A guide to your backpacking trip to Europe! Of course, this list may differ based on your personal needs or the season, but the important part is to pack light and right!
Remember to choose the proper shoes and backpack, and to bring clothing that is stylish but will match! Leave the one-time use items at home, and make sure that everything you bring is useful to you!
Once you know how to pack your backpack with the essentials, you may never want to go back to luggage ever again. I know I don't!
Have a great trip!
If you found this blog useful and would be interested in seeing a backpacking checklist, please feel free to subscribe or comment below!
- The Lifestyle Travelers
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