As any experienced traveler knows, gear is important. Forgotten items can lead to big headaches down the road. And if you are setting off with just a backpack on your back, your capacity for bringing non-essentials is severely diminished. But rest assured! You always need less than you think. And packing the essentials in one backpack is extremely doable. That is why I put together this backpacking Europe packing list.

This guide will outline everything you need to bring, and will also give you an idea of the type of backpack to invest in.

Without further ado, here is my ultimate backpacking Europe packing list.

Purchasing a backpack

What type of backpack should I buy?

You’ll want to bring along a sturdy pack with a strap that fits snugly around the waist. The main key here is to make sure that your backpack fits your body. The waist-band should hit just above your hips, and the shoulder straps should fit tightly to your shoulders. 

REI sells a wide array of great travel backpacks, and they also offer free measurements and recommendations. Head to your nearest REI to try a few on!

Gregory and Osprey make excellent travel backpacks. They are a bit on the pricier side, but I’ve had mine for 10 years now and it has not failed me once.

The backpack I use is the Farpoint 75L. It opens in the front like a duffel bag, and has a detachable day pack. 10/10 recommend!

What size travel backpack should I buy?

I recommend a 75L traveling backpack.

The size of backpack you select will largely depend on how long you are traveling for. I have a 75L backpack, and have always been able to sneak this onto airplanes as a ‘carry-on’. For me, that is the perfect size: large enough that I can comfortably fit everything I need, but compact enough that I have to eliminate packing useless items.

The ultimate backpacking Europe packing list

When creating your backpacking Europe packing list, the name of the game is ‘multi-utility’. Select items that can easily be dressed up or down to maximize your space. If you have items that you’re not too sure how to wear… skip them. Other items to skip: anything that has to be ironed. We don’t have time for that.

Let’s breakdown this backpacking Europe packing list be category:

Clothing

1. Non-wrinkle sundress – Dresses are wonderful because they create an entire outfit with one single item. I recommend bringing one or two. 
2. Lightweight pants – Make sure you bring a couple of pairs of lightweight pants. Jeans are wonderful but, as this is a backpacking Europe packing list, skip them. They take up so much space. Opt instead for pants that can crunch down to take up minimal space and won’t wrinkle.
3. Shorts or skirts – If you’re traveling in the spring or summer, you’ll want to consider packing shorts or skirts. Make sure you select options that can be dressed up or down so you can wear them at any point of the day.
4. Button down tops – A button down, linen blouse is an excellent option to pack. You can wear them over dresses or T-shirts to create layers, or you can wear them on their own for a more formal option. Make sure you select options that will not wrinkle!
5. Sweater – If you’re traveling in the fall or winter, bringing a sweater is a must. Sweaters take up so much room in your pack. So guess what? Your sweater is also going to be your airplane outfit. 
6. Tshirt – T-Shirts are a must. I would pack one for sleeping in, and one or two for wearing around your destination. 
7. Rain Jacket – Listen, you don’t need a heavy duty coat to make it work. Just bring an easily foldable, waterproof jacket and you’ll be all set. 
8. Nano Puff jacket –  Again, if you’re traveling in the fall or winter, assume it will get cold. When you’re backpacking, you want to avoid bringing along anything that is hugely bulky (unless you plan to wear it on the airplane). A nano puff, down jacket is a great option. They are small and can easily squish in a backpack, but they are also super warm. They’re a bit pricey, but are absolutely worth it.
9. Socks – Do yourself a favor and get yourself some good socks! You’ll be wearing them a lot. Pack 4-5 pairs.
10. Underwear – Enough said. You need less than you think – especially if you plan to do laundry in your accommodations.
11. Walking shoes – Bring one pair of shoes that you can walk miles in. I recommend one pair of sneakers. Ideally, these shoes could also be “dressed up” in case you want to wear them with a dress or more formal attire at night. These are also the shoes you will wear on the airplane.
12. Fancy shoes – Your second pair of shoes should be your “fancy option”. I recommend sandals over heels, as you can walk longer distances in sandals. Make sure they are comfortable!
13. Flip Flops – Bring one pair of cheap flip flops or water shoes. They take up next to no space in a backpack. But you’ll need them if you’re heading to the beach. You’ll also need them if you plan on taking any showers in hostels!
14. Bathing suit – It’s always a good idea to bring a bathing suit. 

Accessories

15. Scarf or shawl – A shawl or scarf is a must. You can use it to dress up an outfit, sleep more comfortably on the airplane, or cover your shoulders if you are heading into any modest areas (like churches or sacred structures).
16. Jewelry – Optional. But I always like to bring a few pieces of jewelry in case I decide to go out for a fancier event. Don’t go overboard here. 3-4 pieces is more than enough. Make sure the options you pick go with nearly every outfit you bring.
17. Sunglasses – This is an obvious addition to any backpacking Europe travel list. But here’s the hard truth: you only need one pair!
18. Hat – Optional. But you might consider a hat of sorts. If you decide to bring one, I recommend packing a hat that can be easily crushed into a backpack. Alternatively, baseball hats are great because you can clip them to the outside of your pack for easy access.
19. Cross-body bag – If you’re bringing a bag (which you should), then make sure it fits snugly across your body. It should also have a zipper so no sticky fingers can lift your wallet out of your bag while you’re not paying attention.
20. Day pack – I would bring a smaller backpack that can act as your day pack while you explore your destination. When you’re carrying your larger pack on your back, your daypack can be worn on your front. You’ll want one for sure. Just don’t go overboard on size! A small one will do well.

Toiletries

1. Sunscreen – Self explanatory. Protect your skin!
2. Face wash / cleanser – When you spend entire days trekking around cities or trains, you’ll want to wash your face. Bring a bit of your favorite cleanser in a travel-sized container. True travel minimalists might consider this facial cleanser bar from Lush.
3. Contact lenses – If you have these, bring em!
4. Facial mist – Your face dries out so easily on airplanes. I find that having a small facial mist helps keep your skin feeling moisturized. This one from Trader Joe’s is actually incredible.
5. Moisturizer – See above. 
6. Mini Shampoo / Conditioner – If you plan to stay in accommodations that will not provide these essentials to you, consider bringing them in a travel sized container. True travel minimalists may even consider this shampoo bar from Lush.
7. Retainer/dentures – Again. If you have ’em, bring ’em!
8. Toothbrush – Obviously.
9. Toothpaste – Obviously.
10. Q-Tips – Q-Tips have so many purposes and take up so little space. You don’t need many, but I recommend bringing a handful just in case.
11. Wet Wipes – Absolutely bring some wipes. They come in so handy in a pinch. If your hostel shower stops working, now you have a backup. Not ideal, but I never travel without them!
12. Medications – If you have these, bring em!
13. Hand sanitizer – You’ll be touching a lot of stuff when you’re traveling. Always good to bring some hand sanitizer in the event that you can’t find a sink!

Electronics

1. Phone
2. Camera (optional) – Your phone takes great photos, so I recommend sticking with that. But if you are a huge shutterbug, then have at it!
3. Laptop (optional) – I would only bring your laptop if you really think you’ll need it. 
4. iPad (optional) – If you’re trying to choose between bringing your laptop and your iPad… bring the iPad. Again, only pack this if you think you’ll really need it.
5. Chargers – Whatever electronics you’re bringing, make sure you have the charger!
6. SD cards – If you’re bringing a camera, bring a few extra SD cards.
7. Power Adapter – When you’re traveling abroad, the power outlets are different. You’ll need an adapter. This is a MUST. You can purchase them cheaply from Amazon.
8. SIM Card – If you want your phone to work while you’re abroad (You do. Trust me) make sure you get a SIM card. This guide will help you choose the right one.

Other

1. Microfiber towel – A microfiber towel is an absolute necessity for any backpacking Europe packing list. These towels crush up to nothing in a backpack, and they dry insanely fast. You can use the towel at your accommodation, at the beach, or as a makeshift airplane pillow. If your towel is a little damp, you can easily tie them to your travel backpack to allow them to air dry.
2. Passport – Yep. Don’t forget this.
3. Travel Insurance – Yep. Don’t forget this either.
4. Copy of passport – You might not want to carry your passport all the way around your destination with you. In those instances, I always recommend having a photocopy of your passport on your person. If, heaven forbid, your passport gets lost, the photocopy will make your life so much easier when you have to schlep to the Embassy.
5. Money belt – A great option if you’d like to make sure the copy of your passport, a few large bills in the local currency, and your keys stay on your person at all time.
6. Earplanes – If your ears give you nightmares on airplanes due to the altitude and air pressure, consider buying a pair of earplanes. They are a lifesaver!
7. Small first-aid kit – You should build your own little first-aid kit to squirrel away in your pack. The best way to maximize space here is for you to select items that you entirely know how to use. Grab a handful of bandaids, some neosporin, tape, alcohol wipes, and gauze and you’ll be all golden!
8. Water bottle – Make sure you have one of these! 
9. Water purification tablets – Depending on where you’re going, you may need a way to purify your water. Check your travel destinations before you set off to see if these are a must.
10. A lock – I always recommend bringing one of these if you’re heading to hostels. It’s great for peace of mind to know that your belongings are safe.

That’s all, folks!

Hopefully this backpacking Europe packing list gives you a great understanding of everything you need to bring along when you set out for your adventure! A reminder: you always need WAY less than you think. And if you forget something, you can always pick it up in your destination.

Do you have travel essentials that you always pack in your backpack? Drop them in a comment below!

Check out my ‘Top 11 Travel Essentials‘ guide and my ‘Top European cities for new backpackers‘ guide for more inspiration!