Imagine standing in front of the Eiffel Tower, a delicious gelato in hand, with the whole continent of Europe waiting for your next adventure. Sounds amazing, right? Backpacking through Europe is a dream for many, but figuring out where to start can feel like a puzzle with too many pieces. It’s tough to know which countries are best for your budget, what kind of backpack to buy, or even how to get from one incredible city to the next without getting lost!
Maybe you’ve spent hours scrolling through travel blogs, feeling overwhelmed by all the advice. You want an epic trip, but the planning stress is real. You worry about spending too much money or missing out on the best experiences. This guide is here to help you ditch that worry and embrace the excitement. We’ll break down all the important stuff so you can plan a trip that’s perfect for you.
By reading on, you’ll discover how to pick your dream destinations, pack like a pro, and travel smart without breaking the bank. Get ready to turn that European dream into a reality. Let’s dive into the incredible world of backpacking Europe!
Our Top 5 Backpack Europe Travel Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Backpack Europe Travel Detailed Reviews
1. tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L
Rating: 8.9/10
The tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L is a fantastic choice for anyone who travels a lot. It’s designed to be your go-to carry-on, making airport security a breeze and your journeys more comfortable. This backpack is built tough and looks great, too.
What We Like:
- It has a huge main space for all your stuff. There’s a special spot for your laptop and lots of other pockets to keep things neat.
- You can get to your main bag quickly from the front pocket. It also opens up like a suitcase, which makes packing super easy.
- The laptop part opens flat, so you can zip through airport security without taking your laptop out. It fits most airline carry-on rules.
- It’s made from strong, recycled materials, which is good for the planet. The zippers are top-notch, so they won’t break.
- The back and straps are padded for comfort, even when the bag is full. You can carry it by the top or side handles, or slide it over your suitcase handle.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s water-resistant, it might not be completely waterproof in heavy rain.
- The exact capacity can vary a little because it’s handmade.
Overall, this backpack is a smart pick for travelers looking for space, organization, and ease of use. It’s built to last and makes traveling much simpler.
2. Taygeer Travel Backpack for Women
Rating: 8.8/10
The Taygeer Travel Backpack for Women in pink is a versatile carry-on designed for modern travelers. It cleverly combines style with practicality, making it ideal for everything from weekend getaways and business trips to daily commutes and college life. This backpack aims to simplify your journey with smart features and ample storage.
What We Like:
- The built-in USB charging port lets you easily charge your phone on the go. Just remember you need to provide your own power bank!
- It’s surprisingly roomy inside, with three main compartments and nine extra pockets to keep all your essentials organized.
- The dedicated laptop compartment safely holds a 15.6-inch laptop and a 12.9-inch iPad.
- This backpack is flight-approved and designed to fit overhead bins and under seats on most airlines, making airport security a breeze with its 180-degree zipper.
- You can carry it as a backpack or a handbag thanks to the adjustable padded straps and grab handles.
- It’s water-resistant, protecting your belongings from light rain.
- The separate shoe pouch keeps dirty shoes away from your clean clothes.
- It’s lightweight, weighing only 1.74 pounds, which is great for carrying around all day.
What Could Be Improved:
- The backpack itself doesn’t come with a power bank for the USB port.
- While water-resistant, it might not be suitable for heavy rain or submersion.
This Taygeer backpack is a fantastic choice for women who need a reliable and stylish carry-on that can adapt to various needs. It offers a great balance of features and convenience for any adventure.
3. MATEIN Carry on Backpack
Rating: 8.8/10
The MATEIN Carry on Backpack is a fantastic travel companion for anyone who loves to explore. This extra-large, expandable bag is designed to fit airplane overhead bins, making it perfect for weekend trips or longer vacations. Its water-resistant and lightweight design ensures your belongings stay safe and comfortable, no matter where your adventures take you.
What We Like:
- It’s expandable and offers a large capacity (40L to 45L), easily fitting all your essentials like packing cubes, outfits, and gear.
- The convertible design lets you switch between backpack and briefcase styles, and it has a handy luggage strap for easy transport on suitcases.
- Carrying is comfortable with adjustable, padded shoulder straps, a ventilated back panel, and grab handles on the top and side.
- Built for travel, it has smart pockets for small items, internal compression straps, and a sternum strap to relieve shoulder weight.
- It’s made from heavy-duty, water-resistant polyester with lockable zippers and sturdy construction, built to last through various temperatures and travels.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it fits standard carry-on sizes, some budget airlines might have stricter dimensions, so it’s always wise to double-check.
- The “extra large” capacity might feel a bit bulky for some if not fully packed or if you prefer a more minimalist approach to travel.
This MATEIN backpack is a strong contender for anyone seeking a versatile and durable travel bag. It makes a thoughtful gift for any traveler in your life.
4. LOVEVOOK 40L Travel Backpack for Women & Men
Rating: 8.7/10
The LOVEVOOK 40L Travel Backpack is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a versatile and practical carry-on bag. It’s designed to make your travels smoother, whether you’re flying on a budget airline or heading out for a weekend getaway.
What We Like:
- It’s airline-approved and fits easily under seats or in overhead bins, making it perfect for budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier.
- The 40L capacity and multiple compartments help you keep your belongings organized for trips lasting 3-7 days.
- It comes with 3 helpful packing cubes and a special wet pocket to keep damp items separate and prevent leaks.
- The backpack is made from strong, water-resistant materials that can handle travel wear and tear.
- Comfort is a priority with adjustable, padded shoulder straps and a padded back panel for long journeys.
- The suitcase-style opening makes it easy to get through security checks, and it includes a padded laptop sleeve.
- It’s a great gift idea, and LOVEVOOK offers a one-year warranty and 24/7 customer service.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it fits a 17″ laptop, some users might find the laptop compartment could be a bit more padded for extra protection.
- For very long trips, the 40L might be a bit snug for those who pack a lot of extras.
This backpack offers excellent value and functionality, making it a smart choice for your next adventure. It’s designed to simplify your packing and travel experience.
5. Travel Backpack For Women Men Airline Approved Carry On Backpack Flight Approved Waterproof Sports Luggage Backpack Casual Daypack Small Hiking Backpacks
Rating: 9.1/10
This travel backpack is a real all-rounder! It’s designed for both women and men and is airline-approved, making it perfect for your next flight. Plus, it’s waterproof and can handle sports and hiking, so it’s ready for any adventure. It’s also a great choice for everyday use as a casual daypack.
What We Like:
- It has a large main compartment that can hold enough clothes for a 2-3 day trip, plus a separate spot for your 15.6-inch laptop.
- You get a special compartment for your shoes and a waterproof pocket for wet items, which is super handy.
- The built-in USB port lets you charge your devices on the go – just pop a power bank inside!
- It meets most airline carry-on size requirements and opens flat like a suitcase, making airport security a breeze.
- The backpack is comfortable to wear with its padded back and adjustable straps, and it even has a hidden pocket for your valuables.
- It’s versatile enough for college, work, hiking, and short trips, and you can even slide it onto your suitcase handle.
- You can return it for free within a month if you’re not happy.
What Could Be Improved:
- The backpack doesn’t come with a power bank or a data cable for the USB port.
- The listed dimensions and weight are for reference and may vary slightly.
This backpack offers a lot of smart features for travelers and everyday users alike. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a versatile and convenient bag.
Your Essential Guide to Backpack Europe Travel
Planning a trip to Europe with just a backpack? That sounds like an amazing adventure! Picking the right backpack makes all the difference. This guide will help you find the perfect travel companion for your European journey.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re choosing a backpack for Europe, think about what you’ll need.
Size Matters
- Capacity: Backpacks are measured in liters. For a typical European trip, a 40-60 liter backpack is usually a good size. This lets you pack enough clothes and gear without being too bulky.
- Carry-on Size: Many airlines have strict carry-on size limits. Check these before you buy! A backpack that fits these limits saves you time at the airport and baggage fees.
Comfort is King
- Adjustable Straps: Look for padded shoulder straps and a hip belt. These help distribute the weight evenly, so your shoulders and back don’t hurt after a long day of exploring.
- Back Panel: A well-padded and ventilated back panel keeps you cool and comfortable, especially when you’re walking around cities in warm weather.
Organization and Access
- Multiple Compartments: Pockets and compartments help you keep your things organized. You can put your laptop in one, snacks in another, and your toiletries in a separate one.
- Front-loading vs. Top-loading: Front-loading backpacks open like a suitcase, making it easy to pack and find things. Top-loading ones are more traditional but can be harder to access items at the bottom.
- Lockable Zippers: For extra security, look for zippers that you can lock.
Important Materials
The material of your backpack affects how durable and weather-resistant it is.
- Nylon: This is a strong and lightweight material. Ripstop nylon is even better because it has a special weave that stops small tears from getting bigger.
- Polyester: Another durable option, polyester is often used in backpacks. It holds up well to wear and tear.
- Water-resistant Coatings: Many backpacks have a coating that helps repel water. This protects your belongings from light rain.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Good quality means your backpack will last for many trips.
What Makes a Backpack Great:
- Sturdy Zippers and Buckles: Cheap zippers can break easily. Strong, well-made zippers and buckles are a sign of a quality backpack.
- Reinforced Stitching: Look for double stitching in high-stress areas. This means the backpack can handle a lot of weight.
- Ergonomic Design: A backpack designed to fit your body comfortably reduces strain.
What to Watch Out For:
- Thin, Flimsy Material: This can tear easily and won’t protect your gear well.
- Poorly Padded Straps: Uncomfortable straps can make carrying the backpack a chore.
- Weak Frame or Support: A good frame helps distribute weight. Without it, the backpack can feel heavy and awkward.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your backpack matters.
Everyday Exploration:
For city hopping, a backpack that opens like a suitcase is super helpful. You can easily grab your camera or a snack without unpacking everything. A smaller, more streamlined backpack is also good for day trips from your main base.
Longer Stays and Varied Activities:
If you plan to hike or move around a lot, a backpack with excellent support and adjustable features is key. It should feel secure on your back even when you’re on the move. A backpack with a detachable daypack is also a great option. You can leave the main pack at your accommodation and explore with just the smaller daypack.
Choosing the right backpack is an important step in planning your European adventure. Take your time, consider these points, and you’ll find a backpack that makes your travels comfortable and enjoyable!
Backpack Europe Travel: Your Top Questions Answered
Q: What is the best size backpack for Europe?
A: For most European trips, a backpack between 40 and 60 liters is a good choice. It holds enough but isn’t too big to manage.
Q: Can I take a travel backpack as a carry-on?
A: Yes, many travel backpacks are designed to fit airline carry-on size limits. Always check the airline’s specific dimensions before you fly.
Q: How important are padded straps and a hip belt?
A: They are very important! Padded straps and a hip belt help spread the weight of the backpack evenly, making it much more comfortable to carry for long periods.
Q: What materials are best for a travel backpack?
A: Strong materials like nylon and polyester are good choices. Look for water-resistant coatings to protect your belongings from rain.
Q: Should I get a front-loading or top-loading backpack?
A: Front-loading backpacks open like a suitcase, making it easier to pack and find your things. Top-loading backpacks are more traditional.
Q: How can I tell if a backpack is good quality?
A: Look for sturdy zippers and buckles, reinforced stitching, and comfortable, adjustable straps. These features show good craftsmanship.
Q: What does “ripstop nylon” mean?
A: Ripstop nylon is a strong type of nylon fabric. It has a special weave that prevents small tears from spreading, making it very durable.
Q: Is a backpack with many compartments better?
A: Yes, multiple compartments and pockets help you stay organized. You can keep different items separate and easy to find.
Q: How can I make sure my backpack is secure?
A: Look for backpacks with lockable zippers. You can also use a small travel lock to secure the main compartments.
Q: Can a backpack be too big for Europe?
A: Yes, a backpack that is too large can be difficult to carry, especially on crowded trains or cobblestone streets. It can also lead to overpacking.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Melody Smith is a passionate writer, outdoor enthusiast, and camping expert based in the Seattle Metropolitan Area. With a deep love for nature and adventure, she shares her personal experiences, tips, and insights on MyCampingPro.com. A seasoned camper and traveler, Melody combines her creative background in design and writing with her love for the great outdoors, offering practical advice and inspiring stories to help others make the most of their outdoor experiences. When she’s not exploring the wilderness, you can find her painting, collecting vintage treasures, or diving into a good book.