The Best Travel Backpack for Europe: A Complete Guide
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If you’re planning a trip to Europe, congratulations! You’re in for the experience of a lifetime. But before you start packing your bags, there’s one important thing you need to take care of: finding the perfect travel backpack for Europe.
A good travel backpack is essential for any trip, but it’s especially important when you’re visiting Europe. That’s because Europe is such a diverse continent, with so many different types of terrain and activities. From the mountains to the cities and everything in between, you’ll need a backpack that can keep up with your itinerary.
There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the best travel backpack for Europe. But don’t worry, we’re here to help. In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about finding the perfect travel backpack for your trip. We’ll also share our top picks for the best travel backpacks for Europe, so you can start packing for your adventure today!
What to Look for in a Travel Backpack for Europe
When you’re looking for the best travel backpack for Europe, there are a few key things to keep in mind.
Backpack Size
First, consider the size of the bag. You’ll want something that’s large enough to fit all of your belongings, but not so large that it’s cumbersome to carry around. Second, think about what type of activities you’ll be doing on your trip. If you’re planning on doing a lot of hiking, for example, you’ll need a backpack with different features than if you’re mostly going to be sightseeing in cities.
Backpack Material
You’ll also want to consider the material of the backpack and the straps. A bag made from durable materials like waterproof nylon is a good choice if you’ll be doing a lot of outdoor activities. And padded or adjustable straps will help make sure your bag is comfortable to carry, even when it’s full.
Organizational Features
Finally, take a look at the organizational features of the backpack. Things like compartments and pockets can help you keep your belongings organized and easy to access, which is especially important when you’re on the go.
Top Picks for the Best Travel Backpack for Europe
Now that you know what to look for, let’s take a look at some of the best travel backpacks for Europe based on different needs.
Best Hiking Backpacks
If you’re planning on hitting the trails during your next European vacation, a good hiking backpack is an essential piece of equipment. Hiking backpacks are designed with plenty of space for all your gear and can be easily adjusted to perfectly fit your body and provide maximum support for long hikes. So if you’re looking for the ultimate in comfort and convenience while trekking through the wilderness, here are some of the top-rated hiking backpacks on the market:
HOMIEE 50L Hiking Backpack
Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just starting out, the HOMIEE 50L Hiking Backpack is a great choice for your next trip. With a 50L capacity, it’s perfect for short trips up to 5 days. The included rain cover protects your belongings in wet conditions, and the back suspension system includes adjustable padded shoulder straps, a padded hip belt, a chest strap, and breathable fabric.
The multiple attachment straps provide stability and extra storage space, while the compression straps keep everything secure and organized. Plus, the phone pocket gives you easy access to your device on the go. So if you’re looking for a functional and durable backpack for your next hike, the HOMIEE 50L Hiking Backpack is a great option.
We particularly like this as a hiking backpack for Europe because its large capacity and sleek design make it easy to explore comfortably for long periods.
Features
Loowoko Hiking Backpack 50L
Our second choice for hiking backpacks is the Loowoko Hiking Backpack. It has enough space for 3 to 4 days on the trail and comes with a rain cover in its own storage pocket.
The Loowoko has an adjustable suspension system that includes a chest strap, hip belt, and shoulder straps, all of which are padded with highly breathable material to get the perfect fit. The hip belt includes storage pockets for easy access, and there are two mesh pockets to hold water bottles or umbrellas. You’ll also have plenty of places for your tent, sleeping bag, poles, and more with eight adjustable compression straps on the bag’s exterior.
The interior is roomy and includes a pocket that will fit your water bladder or can double as a laptop sleeve if you decide to use this as a carry-on.
Two of the features we particularly love about this hiking backpack are the separate shoe compartment and a small external zip pocket that keeps small items from getting lost in the main compartment.
This is one of the best backpacks for Europe thanks to its durability, roomy capacity, and the extra comfort features on the suspension system that make multi-day trips in the wilderness a breeze!
Features
Best Traditional Backpack: Lovevook
If you’re a fan of traditional backpacks over anything else, check out the LOVEVOOK Unisex Travel Backpack. This may have our top vote for the best travel backpack for Europe, thanks to its classic but roomy design, paired with some welcome anti-theft features.
This stylish travel bag works just as well as a carry-on backpack as it does as a daypack. The top-loading pack has multiple compartments, including a padded laptop sleeve, a front pocket organizer with mesh pockets, a roomy main compartment, and several hidden zippered pockets. It also has an elastic water bottle pocket on each side.
But the functionality is where this bag really shines. The back of the pack has a luggage strap and a hidden security pocket that sits snugly against your back to protect valuables. The main compartment features lockable zippers that pop into a built-in combination lock for extra security. And finally, a built-in USB charging port makes it super convenient to charge your phone whether you’re rushing through the airport or meandering the streets of Europe.
Best Wheeled Backpack: Matein
Looking for a travel backpack that gives your back a break? Consider a wheeled backpack! We particularly like the MATEIN Waterproof Wheeled Backpack as a backpack for Europe because it combines some remarkable carry-on features with an excellent design for full days of exploring.
This top-loading backpack features a padded laptop compartment that sits flat against your back, a quick-access compartment with a mesh pocket, and two external zippered pockets for small items.
However, the main compartment is what we really love about this travel backpack. Although these are top-loading backpacks, the zippers go down to the bottom, allowing you to open up the bag almost completely. This gives you easy access to the main compartment, which features compression straps and lots of room for clothes, books, snacks, or whatever you need for your Europe trip.
Some additional features we like include lockable zippers, adjustable padded shoulder straps, a water-resistant bottom panel, and the ability to store both the telescoping handle and shoulder straps in hidden pockets as needed.
Best Duffel Bag Backpacks
Duffel bags have long been a favorite of travelers, and for good reason. They are spacious, durable, and easy to carry. But what makes them especially well-suited for travel in Europe? First, duffel bags offer a lot of storage space. This is ideal for travelers who like to pack light, as it allows you to fit everything you need into one bag. Second, duffel bags are very versatile.
They can be carried by hand, thrown over your shoulder, or even worn as a backpack. This makes them perfect for exploring European cities, where you often have to walk long distances or take public transportation.
Finally, duffel bags are very durable. They can withstand being thrown around by baggage handlers or dragged over cobblestone streets. So if you’re looking for a travel bag that will last, a duffel bag is a great choice.
KAKA Wear-Resistant Durable Backpack
If you’re a fan of convertible duffel bags, check out the KAKA Wear-Resistant Durable Backpack. This stylish and high-quality duffel bag is an easy way to comfortably carry all your stuff to nearly any activity.
The exterior of the duffel bag is made with strong oxford material to stand up to every adventure. It features a detachable shoulder strap, a rugged handbag handle, and two backpack shoulder straps that can tuck away into a back pocket for sleek storage. We also love that it includes adjustable compression straps and a chest buckle.
This versatile backpack is perfectly set up for use as a carry-on backpack, light hiking backpack, or a daypack for exploring the town. It has a large capacity interior with a laptop compartment, interior mesh pockets, and a hidden zippered pocket. It also has multiple front pockets for easy access to small items and a side pocket for a water bottle.
Reviewers particularly loved this as a solo travel backpack for Europe, thanks to its fashionable design, durability, and versatility. We also like that it has both front loading and top loading capabilities for convenience.
G-Favor 40L Travel Backpack
Our second choice for duffel bags is the top-loading G-Favor 40L Travel Backpack. While not quite as sleek as the Kaka, it has excellent features and is highly durable. If you want a convertible duffle bag that can double as a hiking backpack, it’s a perfect choice.
This bag excels with organization, thanks to multiple compartments and various mesh pockets. The main compartment is open and roomy and includes a laptop sleeve and a mesh pocket built into the top cover.
The front organizer pocket makes it easy to keep track of everything from credit cards to keys to a tablet, and two zippers on either side of the main compartment give you quick access to your most-used items. Last but not least, the bottom of the bag has a waterproof shoe compartment.
We love that you can carry this bag however you want. There’s a built-in side handle, and it comes with a clip-on shoulder strap to use it as a duffel. When you don’t need the backpack straps, you can just tuck them away into their special pocket.
Best Anti-Theft Bag: Kopack
The KOPACK Waterproof Anti Theft Laptop Backpack is the best travel backpack for Europe if your main priority is protecting your items. An anti-theft bag is a must for travelers in busy areas where pickpocketing is a problem. It’s also generally a good choice for solo travelers. This particular travel backpack has all the features you need to feel secure from day to night.
While typical front-loading backpacks have vulnerable zippers, the KOPACK’s innovative back-loading design makes it nearly impossible to steal from. The main zipper is entirely hidden against your back, and there are no external pockets on the front! However, some well-placed hidden pockets make it easy to get what you need without compromising safety.
The bag features a convenient external charging port and a hidden card pocket underneath one of the shoulder straps. Additionally, you’ll find two hidden pockets next to each hip strap, which are perfect for storing wallets and passports if you use the bag as a carry-on.
The exterior is made from water and scratch-resistant fabric, but a built-in rain cover zipped into the bottom of the bag protects your items even in heavy rain. The main bag also has two reflective stripes to keep you safe while traveling at night.
Inside, you’ll find decent space and organizational pockets for all your stuff, from electronics to a few clothes. The shockproof padded laptop sleeve has two device pockets for a laptop and a full-size tablet, and multiple organizational sleeves and pockets keep your small items and electronics organized as you travel.
Best Carry-On Backpacks
When it comes to carrying your belongings when you’re traveling in Europe, a good carry-on backpack is essential. Not only does it help make your trip a bit easier by reducing the amount of baggage you have to haul around, but it also keeps your gear safe and secure. Given this, there are several factors that are important to consider when choosing a travel backpack for Europe.
For starters, you’ll want to look for one that has ample storage space for all of your essentials without being too bulky or heavy. It should also be made from high-quality materials that are built to last and provide adequate support for any weight you might be carrying.
Additionally, features such as sturdy straps and compartments can come in handy when dealing with the inevitable wear and tear that comes with frequent use.
Ultimately, the best carry-on backpack for traveling in Europe is one that can keep up with your needs while providing comfort, convenience, and peace of mind throughout your journey.
Matein 40L Anti-Theft Weekender
Want to avoid bag fees by traveling carry-on only? We get it. If you’re specifically in the market for a carry-on backpack for Europe, the MATEIN 40L Anti-Theft Weekender is one of the best backpacks around. Not only is this travel backpack super roomy, but it’s one of the few side-loading backpacks out there. This makes it extra convenient to pack it like a standard carry-on suitcase.
This Matein has a 40L capacity with multiple compartments for easy access to everything you need during the flight. The separate padded laptop compartment will fit a 17-inch laptop, and the organizer compartment is perfect for tablets, magazines, notebooks, headphones, and other small items you want during the flight.
The main compartment unzips on three sides so that you can load it up with clothes and accessories, and a separate shoe compartment with venting holes makes sure everything arrives smelling fresh. It will even work with packing cubes to fit more into the space. The bag also has a few external pockets, including a hidden pocket that sits along your back and a water bottle pocket.
We also like the comfortable padded shoulder straps, luggage strap, and lockable zippers. Plus, with its dimensions of 20″x”13″x8″, it’ll fit the carry-on rules for even budget airlines!
Distinctis 40L Waterproof Weekender
The Distinctis Waterproof Weekender comes in at a close second for the best carry-on backpack. It has multiple compartments and lots of great storage with the profile you’d associate with traditional backpacks.
It also has a 40L capacity, and we love that the main compartment is side-loading rather than top-loading to make packing super easy. It also works great with packing cubes, but it has built-in compression straps as well. The interior even has a waterproof pocket for your toiletries and a breathable mesh pocket for other items.
The front of the bag has two zippered pockets, and the separate laptop compartment has slots for a 17-inch laptop and a tablet.
We particularly like this as a travel backpack for Europe for its sleek versatility and comfort. It has a handle to carry it like a handbag, a strap to slip it onto your luggage, and a nearly invisible compartment to tuck away the padded straps when they’re not in use. There are even external straps to help keep it within carry-on limits and a chest strap to reduce the weight on your shoulders.
Best Travel Backpack for Backpacking Europe
Basic backpacks for hiking won’t do when you’re planning a backpacking trip that will take you across Europe. You need a quality travel backpack that’s spacious, comfortable, and made to handle extreme conditions. For those days, we recommend the Mountaintop 80L with Rain Cover.
This oversized bag is perfect for backpacking Europe, with enough extra space for up to 2 weeks of clothes and supplies!
The first thing we love about this top-loading pack is that it has a zippered side opening so that you can get to the middle of your bag without unpacking everything! Our second favorite convenience feature is the zippered pockets built into either side of the padded hip belt! These give you quick access to phones, wallets, snacks, etc.
Another reason we like this travel pack over standard hiking backpacks is that it has an internal frame and an 8-stage height adjuster. So regardless of your size, you can fully adjust the bag to your body. The shoulder straps, chest strap, and hip belt are also fully adjustable.
The exterior of this bag has tons of loops and straps to hold any camping gear that won’t fit in the main compartment. There are specific attachments for hiking poles and tripods and many daisy chains for your carabiners and tools. And you can pack your tent and sleeping bag up safely with the multiple compression straps on the top and sides of the bag.
Other features we love are the separate bladder sleeve compartment, built-in rain cover with its own pocket, and durable, water-resistant nylon construction.
Conclusion
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of what is the best travel backpack for Europe. However, we’ve highlighted a few of our favorite bags that are perfect for different types of travelers. Whether you’re looking for a carry-on backpack, a weekender bag, or a backpack for backpacking in Europe, there is sure to be a bag on our list that will meet your needs! So take some time to consider your travel style and the features you need most, and then choose the best bag for you!
We hope that our best travel backpack reviews have helped make the choice easier. And if you found yourself on the fence about any of these bags, we encourage you to do some more research. Look up customer reviews or even reach out to the brand directly. We’re sure that they’ll be happy to answer any of your questions and help you find the perfect bag for your travel style!
