The Best Travel Backpacks for Europe: Travel Smart with My Expert Picks

Looking for the best travel backpack for Europe? Check out this post for some of the best ones you can get before your trip!

Choosing the right travel backpack can make or break your trip to Europe. Between navigating narrow cobblestone streets, catching trains with tight boarding times, and squeezing into overhead compartments on budget airlines, you need a travel backpack that’s versatile, durable, and easy to carry. Add in hostel stays, unexpected staircases, and crowded metros, and it quickly becomes clear: rolling suitcases just don’t cut it in many parts of Europe. That’s why selecting a travel backpack designed for European travel isn’t just smart, it’s essential!

Therefore, in this post, I’ll help you find the best travel backpack for Europe based on years of personal experience, comfort testing, and travel hacks I’ve picked up along the way. Whether you’re heading on a 2-week rail pass adventure or city-hopping across Italy, you’ll find options here that balance size, organization, and carry-on compatibility. So, keep reading if you want to spend more time enjoying your trip and less time wrestling with your luggage.

What to Look for in the Best Travel Backpack for Europe

When choosing a travel backpack for Europe, look for features that match the continent’s unique travel style. For example, think trains, cobblestones, hostels, and budget airlines. With that in mind, here are some features you should prioritize:

• Ideal Size for Carry-On (35L–45L)
  • Perfect for 1–3 weeks of travel without checking a bag
  • Fits most European airline carry-on limits (like Ryanair’s 55 x 40 x 20 cm)
  • Encourages minimalist packing and eliminates baggage fees
• Expandability & Compression
  • Has expandable compartments that allow extra space when needed
  • Has compression straps that help reduce bulk and stabilize the load
  • This is great for packing souvenirs or layering clothes as the weather changes
• Comfort and Weight Distribution:
  • Has padded shoulder straps to help reduce strain during long walks
  • Has hip belts to help transfer weight off your shoulders for better balance
  • Has ventilated back panels to keep you cool while walking through cities or train stations
• Accessibility (Clamshell Opening, Side Zips)
  • Has clamshell-style openings that let you pack and unpack like a suitcase
  • Has side and front zippers that make it easier to grab items without digging through your bag
    • This is great for quick access in hostels, airports, and on train platforms
• Security Features (Anti-Theft)
  • Has lockable zippers to help prevent pickpocketing in busy areas
  • Has RFID-blocking pockets to protect your passport and credit cards
  • Has hidden compartments and slash-resistant straps to add peace of mind in tourist hotspots
• Train & Airline Compatibility
  • Has a slim profile that fits easily in overhead racks and under train seats
  • Complies with strict budget airline carry-on rules (like EasyJet and Wizz Air)
  • Has side/top handles that make lifting into luggage racks quick and easy
• Weather Resistance
  • Made of water-resistant materials to protect your belongings during light rain or splashes
  • Has built-in or removable rain covers to keep your gear dry during sudden downpours
    • This is great for unpredictable weather in cities like London, Amsterdam, or Prague

Ultimately, these features together create the perfect travel backpack that’s ready to handle a European trip without slowing you down.

My Top Picks: Best Travel Backpacks for Europe

These are my 10 best travel backpacks for Europe based on durability, comfort, organization, and carry-on compatibility:

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L (Best Overall)

• It’s expandable from 35L to 45L, making it ideal for both weekend trips and extended travel
• Has a sleek, minimalist design with premium materials and thoughtful compartments
• Perfect for one-bag travelers, digital nomads, or photographers on the go
• Meets most airline carry-on limits even when it’s expanded (with compression straps)

Aer Travel Pack 3 (Best for Urban Travel)

• It’s made with ultra-durable 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon
• Has amazing internal organization, especially for tech gear and laptops
• Has a clamshell opening, hidden pockets, and a professional aesthetic, making it ideal for city-hopping
• Has excellent weight distribution and comfort for all-day wear

Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Backpack (Best for Safety-Conscious Travelers)

• Has built-in anti-theft features: slash-resistant straps, RFID-blocking pockets, and lockable zippers
• It’s lightweight, compact, and perfect for crowded places like Rome, Paris, or Barcelona
• Designed with security in mind, without sacrificing everyday travel usability

Samsonite Detour Backpack (Best Brand Name Value)

• Designed by a globally trusted brand in luggage
• Has a checkpoint-friendly laptop compartment and excellent internal layout
• Great option if you want something reliable and well-known without overspending
• Has durable construction that balances function and affordability

Amazon Basics 40L Travel Backpack (Best Budget Option)

• Spacious 40L capacity at a budget-friendly price
• Clamshell suitcase-style opening for easy packing
• Includes internal dividers, a laptop compartment, and stowaway straps
• Great starter bag for first-time travelers or minimalists

BAGSMART Falco 40L Expandable Backpack (Best Affordable Expandable Option)

• Expandable design with water-resistant polyester fabric
• Multiple compartments for tech, clothes, and travel essentials
• Sleek look that works for both casual and business travel
• Ideal for travelers who want flexibility without a high price tag

AREYTECO 50L Expandable Travel Backpack (Best Large Capacity for Long Trips)

• Massive 50L capacity with compression for carry-on compliance
• Great for long-term travelers, winter trips, or those who like extra space
• Well-structured compartments for organization
• Surprisingly affordable for the size and versatility

Open Story 35L Travel Backpack (Best for Weekend Getaways)

• Compact and minimalist, perfect for short European city breaks
• Personal item-sized, often fits under airplane seats
• Beautiful, modern design with high-end touches
• Sold at Target and some Amazon sellers

GORUCK GR3 (Best Rugged Option)

• Made in the USA with military-grade materials
• Built for serious wear and tear, making it great for adventurous, long-term travelers
• Lifetime warranty and excellent reputation among digital nomads
• Simple design, but unmatched in durability

Travelpro Altitude 30–36L Laptop Backpack (Best for Business Travel)

• Compact and expandable design with USB port and padded laptop sleeve
• Trusted brand by flight crews and business travelers
• Looks sharp while offering plenty of travel-specific features
• Ideal for quick business trips or digital nomads

So, whether your priority is style, size, or security, these travel backpacks are highly recommended by me for your next European trip.

Best Travel Backpacks for Specific European Travel Styles

Here are some travel backpacks you should get based on your specific European travel style:

For Female Travelers

• Look for backpacks with shorter torso lengths that’s made for women
• Features like contoured shoulder straps and supportive hip belts improve comfort
• Top Pick: Osprey Fairview 40 – it’s lightweight, supportive, and made for female travelers

For Digital Nomads

• Prioritize backpacks with padded laptop compartments, tech sleeves, and cable organization
• Look for durable materials and sleek designs for professional settings
• Top Picks:
  • Aer Travel Pack 3 – top-tier tech organization with an urban style
  • Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L – laptop-friendly with modular add-ons

For Weekend Trips

• Choose a 35L or smaller backpack that qualifies as a personal item
• Lightweight and stylish options are perfect for short city breaks or regional travel
• Top Picks:
  • Open Story 35L – fits under the seat, sleek design
  • Nomatic Navigator 15–21L – expandable and compact

For Train Travel Across Europe

• Go for a slim-profile backpack that’s easy to lift into overhead racks or fit under seats
• Avoid hard-sided or bulky luggage on trains with narrow aisles or tight luggage space
• Top Picks:
  • Amazon Basics Carry-On 40L – simple, spacious, and train-friendly
  • Travelon Anti-Theft Classic – secure and compact for crowded transit stations

Backpack Accessories You’ll Thank Me For

Here are some travel backpack accessories you’ll definitely need for your trip to Europe:

• Packing Cubes
  • They will help organize your clothing, save space, and help you separate your clean clothes from your dirty ones.
• Cable Organizers
  • They will help keep your cords, chargers, and earbuds tidy and tangle-free.
• Travel Locks
  • They will help secure your backpack zippers or hostel lockers
• Rain Covers
  • They will help protect your gear from unexpected downpours
• AirTags
  • They will help track your backpack if it gets lost or stolen

My Personal Backpacking Tips for Europe

Finally, here are some of my personal backpacking tips you should keep in mind for your next trip to Europe:

1. Never check-in a backpack
   • Checking in a backpack leaves it vulnerable to getting lost, damaged, or stuck in an airport delay.
2. Pack light but don’t forget to stay stylish
   • Stick to neutral colors when you’re packing and don’t forget to pack clothes that layer well.
3. Avoid any wheeled suitcases if you can
   • Unfortunately, this isn’t common sense to most people, but you want to avoid wheeled suitcases because of the cobblestone streets in Europe and the stairs
4. Take advantage of the security features in your backpack to avoid pickpockets
   • Lockable zippers and hidden pockets are great features that travel backpacks have in place to keep your passport and any other valuable items safe.

Best Travel Backpack for Europe Frequently Asked Questions

Ultimately, to end this post, I thought I would finish it off with a beautiful GIF and some frequently asked questions about the best travel backpack for Europe!

via GIPHY

What size backpack is best for traveling Europe?

The best backpack size for traveling around Europe is usually between 35L and 45L. This is because that range gives you the perfect balance when it comes to carry-on compliance, mobility, and packing capacity for multi-day or multi-week trips.

Is a 40L backpack big enough for Europe?

Yes, a 40L backpack is big enough for Europe since it’s considered the sweet spot for travelers who want to pack light, stay mobile, and avoid checked luggage fees.

Can I carry-on my backpack on Ryanair or EasyJet?

Yes, you can carry on your backpack on Ryanair or Easyjet, but this all depends on the size of the backpack and whether you have to pay for extra baggage.

What’s the best backpack for a European rail pass trip?

The best backpack for a European rail pass trip should be lightweight, compact, easy to carry between stations, and quick to access in tight train compartments. The Aer Travel Pack 3 is a great one, for example.

Are anti-theft features worth it?

Yes, they are absolutely worth it, especially since pickpocketing is common in tourist hotspots, train stations, and crowded public transportation.

Backpack or suitcase for Europe?

For some travelers, a backpack is better than a suitcase if you’re planning on visiting multiple cities, using public transportation, or staying in hostels. However, it all comes down to personal preference.

Is 40L enough for 2 weeks?

Yes, 40L should be enough for 2 weeks if you pack smart and travel light!

How strict are airlines about backpack size?

Airlines can be very strict or very relaxed about backpack size, but it all depends on the airline, airport, and even the gate agent on duty.

Should I bring a backpack or carry-on to Europe?

For most travelers, a backpack is better than a carry-on suitcase for Europe, especially if you plan on visiting more than one city.

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Overall, I hope you enjoyed this post on the best travel backpack for Europe! Drop a comment below if there’s a specific backpack you’re planning to bring on your next European trip. I would love to hear from you! 🙂

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