Anywhere you go you need your backpack full of all the essential things like clothes, traveling gear, traveling essentials. Also, you have to avoid less useful things. So here is the ultimate backpacking Europe packing list for making your backpack perfect for any trips and slow travel. Here we give you tips for how to make lightweight travel backpack, backpacking essentials, backpacking Europe gear, ultralight backpacking gear list for your Europe vacation. Also, I give you which list of things I do not put in my bag. So get ready to challenge yourself to pack less for your next trip.
Pack light – Backpacking Europe Packing List
Whether you are going to some of the best hiking trails in Europe, camping, or backpacking trips to Europe, Asia or Australia, the first most crucial thing is pack light your bag.
Do you know why you should pack light?
- Pack your bag within 20 lbs because mostly low-cost airlines allow handbag within this weight limit. If you have a heavy backpack, then you can’t choose these airlines, and eventually, your traveling budget will go out of its limit.
- You will get tired and getting stress during walking, tracking with a heavy backpack.
- After all, during traveling, you will understand that many items you are carrying without any reasons!!
- Thinks about if you would lose any items within your bag or even full suitcase then you may not have to worry and your travel will be going on.
What to Pack
First, bag packing for travel is the most challenging task. We become confused about what to put and what not to put in a bag. Take many bags with you during the journey will make difficulties in every phase of travel. Whether you are in the metro or any public transport, take more than one bag with you create a problem during traveling. Also, Make bag with lightweight is a significant task. Here we give a list of items and gear you should take with you during your backpacking tour through Europe. Let’s start our Backpacking Europe Packing List.
Full Backpacking Europe Packing List
First, we make the list of items that should be in our Backpacking Europe packing list. After we will discuss each in detail.
| 1 Backpack ( For Men/ Women) |
| One pair of sneakers |
| 1 pair of flipflop for Men and flipflop for Women |
| 1 pair of hiking shoes (optional) |
| 2 shirts |
| 1 thermal full-sleeved t-shirt or 1 jacket |
| 3 normal full or half sleeved t-shirt |
| 1 track pant |
| 2 jeans |
| 4 pair of socks |
| 4 underwear |
| Backpacking Towel |
| A small packet of tissue paper |
| Power bank |
| A universal travel adaptor for international use |
| Medicines |
| Packing cubes |
| 1 Packable daypack |
| 2 padlock |
| A DSLR camera and 1 extra battery |
| Flexible water bottle |
Choosing a Backpack for Traveling
Choosing the right backpack for travel is a difficult task. The backpack should be comfortable while traveling. We have checked and made a list of best travel backpack which you can buy for your backpacking Europe.
- Osprey Packs Farpoint 40 Men’s Travel Backpack
- Osprey Packs Fairview 40 Women’s Travel Backpack
- Peak Design Travel Line Backpack
- Eagle Creek Wayfinder Backpack for Women
Also, you do not need to buy a backpack for every trip. I recommend you to check how to clean your backpack guide to clean it after completion of the backpacking trip so you can use it next time.
Shoes in Backpacking Europe Packing List
Choosing the right Backpacking Europe shoes is the main thing you take with you during your trip. Always use lightweight shoes during traveling to Europe. In which activity you are going to involve most during your travel is very important to choose proper footwear.
Sneakers are the best option for sightseeing, city tour in dry weather. These lightweight shoes are best for a long-distance walk. I personally recommend Skechers, Nike, New Balance sneakers for men and Fila, Adidas, Nike sneakers for women.
Best sneakers for traveling
- Ecco Women’s Soft VII Fashion Sneaker
- Ecco Men’s Soft Tie Fashion Sneaker
- Adidas Originals Women’s Superstar Sneaker
- Adidas Originals Men’s Superstar Shoe
If you are traveling during the rainy season, then hiking shoes are a more preferred option for shoes. Hiking shoes come with a hard sole, and mostly these shoes are waterproof. So take one pair of shoes, either sneakers or hiking shoes. Take both if you need it depends on your activities. Good brands for your shoes are Merrell, Reebok, and Adidas.
Check these best hiking shoes for your Backpacking Europe.
- adidas outdoor Terrex hiking shoes Men
- Columbia Women’s Hiking Boot
- Merrell hiking shoes Men
- Merrell hiking shoes Women
Take one pair of flip flops for your beach mood. It will be beneficial while exploring beautiful beaches in Europe. Also, you can wear flip flops when you are in a hostel. As you know that it is very uncomfortable to wear shoes during your hostel stay. Tell us other where you use flip flop and what is your favorite brands of shoes and flip flops.
Shirts and T-shirts in Europe Packing List
While traveling to Europe, a full sleeve casual shirt becomes the right choice as per my opinion. Choose a dark color shirt for visiting so it will not get dirty quickly.
Take shirts with non-wrinkle material. There is a lot of chance that your shirts get wrinkles when you pack them in bags. Iron a shirt while traveling is also a time-consuming and challenging task.
Take good color shirts by choosing them wisely, which can make good pairs with any trousers and your sweater.
Take 4 to 5 both half and full-sleeved t-shirts in your backpack. As you know that the t-shirts are very light in weight, quick-drying and also you can wear them anytime. You can wear them while sleeping in a hostel, during tracking, while visiting beaches. You can also wear it as Undershirt or inside any warm cloth.
Use long-sleeved thermal top and bottom wear under your shirt and jeans during winter. If you are traveling during cold weather, then put a sweater or jacket by replacing two t-shirt and other less useful stuff. We have also included a topic for what to pack in winter and summer.
Pants
I during backpacking travel usually take two pairs of h me. I choose dark color jeans, and others I want light blue jeans. Any color you choose, but it should be making a good pair with all your other outfits.
Also, take one pair of nightwear with you which you need for a relaxing time. Choose lightweight clothes as nightwear.
Socks
If you on any trip then you do not want your socks to become wet and make a smell. Buying a pair of socks is also a vital thing. Your socks should have some characteristics.
Should be dry quickly:
If you wash them, then it should be dry overnight, and you would use it the next day.
Should be odorless after use:
You know that if you buy any cheap socks, wear them for one day then it will make a bad odor. So buy your socks wisely. Good material and branded socks never get smell even after two-three times use.
Buy three to four pairs of excellent quality socks which you can take with you during your trip. It should be worn two-three times without getting any trouble. Instead of cotton socks, buy nylon, polyester and wool material mixed ultralight socks.
Underwear
Buy underwear with your choice and in which you get comfortable. Because trying a new brand feels you uncomfortable while traveling. You can use brands like Exofficio, Uniqlo Airism, Saxx, Under Armor. These brands sell the best backpacking underwear, which is very comfortable.
Backpacking Towel and Tissue Paper
While your any backpacking, you do not get tissue paper near your hands. Small and cheap hostels do not provide tissue paper most of the time. So put one packet of tissue paper in your backpack. After you get there at your destination, you can buy it anytime. So do not take tissue paper in large quantities. I recommend you to choose the second option also, the backpacking towel if you sweat a lot or you are going on camping and backpacking. Take two backpacking towels made with nylon microfibers which will dry quickly, light in weight, compressible. The backpacking towel differs from a regular towel. Just wipe your face after wash with this backpacking towel; you would feel fresh. PackTowl Ultralite, Sea to Summit Pocket Towel and PackTowl Nano are the best backpacking towels.
Power bank and Adapter
Don’t forget to take a power bank with you. You will need a power bank any time during traveling. It is the easiest option to make your mobile always on condition. Sometimes mobile battery drain when you get late to reach your hostel or during a full-day visit to different places. At this time mobile can be charged by power bank. Also, take an adapter with you which is also must required thing while you are planning for a Europe trip or going to the World tour. Mingtong Universal travel adaptor is an excellent choice for your Europe trip.
Download offline maps
Here we are putting offline maps as an essential thing you should consider before traveling to Europe. Sometimes you may not get the internet during your traveling. Also, download an offline google map for Europian countries like France, Italy, Spain, Iceland and more which you are going to visit. Download train time tables, local train route maps. Do not depend on mobile always. Write down some frequently required phone numbers and addresses in your diary.
Packing Cubes – Backpacking Europe Packing List
If you are listening to this word the first time, then let me explain to you about this. It is a small fabric container with zip lock which you can put in your backpack, suitcase or bag.
You can put many packing cubes in your bag. Packing cubes make your clothes organized in your bag. Also, it will keep your clothes compressed so your clothes can be kept in good condition, neat and clean.
As a result, it makes more space in your backpack. After choosing packing cubes, do not worry about finding in a full bag and unfolding everything for one cloth because you can put clothes by category.
Packing cubes target, Ikea packing cubes and Rei packing cubes are among the top packing cubes brands available nowadays.
Credit cards and Debit cards
Choosing the right debit cards and credit cards during your Europe tour will make a significant effect. If you are a frequent traveler then select your bank cards which allowed international transactions with no additional fees. You can check their website for the best available packs for the global traveler. Also, your credit card should be valid for international use. Sometimes there are chances of blocking the card by the bank after its first international use.
Medicines
Take your medicine with doctor’s prescriptions. Keep regular medicine like for cold, headache, diarrhea and painkillers. Also, take vitamin tablets if you use them regularly. Prescribed drugs are required to avoid any trouble during immigration time. Take mosquito repellent with you to protect your body from danger mosquitos.
Important documents
Keep important travel documents, Identification documents and, passport and flight tickets, hotel tickets in one small pocket type bag. Also, put them properly so you can get it quickly when you need it. Also, take scanned documents on your mobile.
What not to pack for Europe – Backpacking Europe Packing List
We have discussed things you should pack during your Europe trip. Now let’s see items you need not include in your backpacking Europe packing list.
Expensive Jewellery
Don’t take expensive jewelry, electronic items. Only take a maximum of two electronics with you.
If you are going to visit Paris in Europe then check this Discover the Beauty of Paris.
Over-ear headphones
Don’t take over-ear headphones rather you really need it. Use of earbuds is the best replacement for over-ear headphones. Otherwise, use wired earpiece during traveling. Choose the noise-canceling option for these items.
Heavy cloths
Try to eliminate heavy cold-weather clothes in your backpack. It will take most of the weight of your backpack. Nowadays warm thin layer clothes are famous in the winter wardrobe. So wear clothes in layers. It will look nice and also you can make space in your bag. You can add or remove these layered clothes as per the outside temperature. It is the best benefit you can get from this idea.
One best item I found on the internet for a woman who travels alone is infinity scarf with zipper pocket. It should be in the backpacking Europe packing list. You can put extra cash, cell phone, credit cards and many more little but important items in its pocket.
Do not take too many toiletries. You can buy most of the things in a place where you are traveling. Also for a large size, you have to check your luggage which is more expensive than you buy it from traveling place. Also, you can use it all during your trip if you buy a small size.
Point and Shoot Camera
If you have a DSLR camera then you can take it in a camera bag as personal items at the airport. If you have a point and shoot camera than in my opinion you should avoid it. Nowadays mobile camera photo quality is as good as this point and shoots camera.
Bathing Towel and Bedsheets
Don’t take a bathing towel in your backpack. Most of the hotels and hostels provide bathing towel during your stay. You can inquire before by a phone call for your requirements.
Don’t take bed sheets with you. First, check out the hostel review on the internet. If you find any bad reviews regarding bed cleanness then you can change your hostel. But most of the hostels keep their things clean and also serious about visitor’s reviews. That’s why we have not included bedsheets in our backpacking Europe packing list. So don’t make your bag full of bedsheets and get more space.
Restricted Foods
Don’t take restricted foods with you. Fruits, vegetables are permitted in little quantity in most of the countries. You should not take meat or any dairy products as much as possible. Otherwise, try to eat before you land.
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