When you’re getting ready for your trip, you need the best backpack for travel in Europe. The travel backpack should be comfortable and designed to avoid back pain, as well as small enough to throw onto a train or a budget airline.
There are hundreds of different backpacks for travel in Europe and around the world, so when you begin your search for the perfect backpack you may feel overwhelmed!
Headed to Europe for your first big trip? Be sure and also read this beginner’s guide to backpacking Europe.
What to look for in a travel bag
As you’re searching for the perfect travel bag, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Backpack vs. Suitcase
- Size of the bag
- Technical aspects
Backpack or suitcase?
The first question you should ask yourself is whether you want a suitcase for your trip or a backpack.
Both have pros and cons, so sometimes it can really come down to preference. Depending on where you travel, suitcases can be easier to transport, as you can just roll them down the street. However, as soon as you find yourself on a dirt road or a cobblestone street, you’ll wish that you could just pick it up and carry it. Backpacks are great for that, as well as climbing up flights of stairs, since many Airbnbs that you stay at in Europe will not have elevators!
At the beginning of my travel journey I was lugging a huge suitcase behind me. Boy, those were the days! After discovering backpacks that I like, I am NEVER going back!
Size of the bag
When I was younger, more naive, and had just started traveling, I was bringing a massive suitcase with me for a trip of two weeks. The bag was too big to carry, so I always needed help transporting it and it was a huge hassle when I had to unpack and repack every few days.
Bring a bag that you can carry YOURSELF. You don’t want to be stuck somewhere waiting for someone to help you. Pack layers and clothes that can be reworn, and do laundry every week so that you can optimize space.
Additionally, in Europe the airlines charge you depending on the size of your bag. Personal items are always free, and some of them are big enough to fit enough clothes for a week or two inside! Carry-ons come with an additional cost and checked baggage cost even more. When packing and booking your flights, keep in mind that you have have to pay 20-50 euros more depending on the luggage you choose to take.
Technical aspects
When choosing your backpack for travel in Europe, you may want to take a look at a few technical aspects.
Weight
The lighter the backpack the better of course, although that isn’t always a dealbreaker depending on the fit.
Fit
The backpack should be comfortable and allow you to carry quite a lot of weight for an extended period of time. If you can, go into a store to try on the different backpacks and see which fits you best. Some brands also come with bags made specifically for men and women, so as to accommodate different torso lengths.
Compartment organization
Personally, I always prefer the bag that opens up like a suitcase, so I’m not having to dig through the entire backpack to reach my things. I also always need a padded laptop compartment, so that’s one of the first things I look for when choosing a bag.
Extras
There are a few extra technical aspects that are up to personal preference. Some bags include anti-theft zippers, so as to make it more difficult for someone to open your bag while you’re on the move. Others are waterproof or water resistant, to provide you with some protection when walking in the rain.
Best travel bag for 2 weeks in Europe
Carry-on size that still holds enough to have you set for 2 weeks.
Cotopaxi Allpa Travel Packs
Cotopaxi
35L Allpa Travel Pack
The 35L version of this bag is the perfect size for mid-length trips. It’s dimensions are carry-on size, but most of the time you can get away with using it as a personal item.
The bag comes with a laptop compartment, anti-theft zippers, and a rain cover included. If you’re traveling less, you could even downsize to the 28L version, which I use as a personal item on flights. Honestly, any of the Cotopaxi Allpa packs would be a great backpack for travel in Europe.
Best travel bag for 3 – 5 weeks in Europe
Slightly bigger to accommodate more items, while still being comfortable.
NorthFace Base Camp Voyager Duffel
NorthFace Base Camp Voyager Duffel 42L
- A versatile pack that can be used as a duffel or worn as a backpack depending on personal preference. It includes a laptop compartment and opens like a suitcase, with a water resistant exterior. Ticks all the boxes for me!
Best travel bag for 5+ weeks in Europe
For those extended journeys when you need just a bit more space.
Osprey Fairview and Farpoint Travel Backpacks
For Women: Osprey 55L Fairview
- Sized for women and comes with detachable daypack that can be used as a personal item
For Men: Osprey 55L Farpoint
- The exact same backpack but height is adjusted to be more comfortable for men
This backpack is amazing because it fits an insane amount of items, and includes a daypack on top that can be zipped on and off. I usually will check the bigger part of the backpack and put all my valuables in the daypack so I can use it as a personal item.
Best daypack for travel in Europe
The backpack that you have inside of your luggage of bigger backpack so that you can take everything out that you need for the day.
Cotopaxi Batac Daypack
Batac 16L Pack
Easily compressed to fit inside any type of luggage and big enough to hold everything you need! I absolutely adore this bag and have been using the same one for years.
The daypack that comes with the Osprey pack is great, but is structured more like a regular backpack. If I’m throwing another daypack inside my luggage, I prefer to have one that is easily compressed. Plus, if I’m bringing the backpack around to beaches and in nature, it’s way easier to clean!
When choosing your backpack, look for something that works for you!
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