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Backpacking Europe Packing List
What goes in the pack, what stays home, and the weights and counts the sources suggest.
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Winding streets are unkind to heavy packs. The World Was Here First suggests keeping your bag under 15 kilos (33 pounds), and ideally under 10 kilos (22 pounds), with the main pack under 50 litres. This list covers bags, clothes, toiletries, electronics and money, and leaves out route planning and booking. Laundry is likely at least once, depending on trip length, so pack for repeats. A travel adapter, laundry soap sheets and prescriptions in their original bottles are on it too.
Why these items are on the list
- Backpack, ideally under 50 litres. The World Was Here First suggests under 50 litres to curb overpacking; Blissful Delight favours a 75L pack.
- Belt bag, worn in front. Holds passport, wallet, cash and medications. Sits in front, so it is harder to pick.
- Foldable daypack. Doubles as a souvenir bag or a carry-on for a change of clothes.
- Packing cubes. One example: tops in one cube, bottoms in another, socks and underwear in a third.
- Bottoms, one dark, one light (Blissful Delight). Blissful Delight packs one dark and one light pair. Neutrals mix and match into many outfits.
- Leggings, 1 pair (Blissful Delight). One pair of leggings can be paired with almost anything.
- Neutral tops, short and long sleeve. Beige, black and white mix easily. Long sleeves also work as a base layer in cold months.
- Dresses, with cardigan. Adventures with Sarah packs at least two. She says a cardigan makes a dress look office-appropriate; pockets help sightseeing.
- Hoodie, plus casual sweater or cardigan. Pick one that can be dressed up, so you look fine when it's chilly.
- Socks, 8 pairs (Blissful Delight). Eight pairs is Blissful Delight's count; laundry may be needed depending on trip length.
- Underwear, 10 pairs per Blissful Delight. Laundry may be needed at least once, depending on trip length: machine, hand wash or hotel service.
- Pajamas, 2 pairs. Blissful Delight's basic clothing list calls for two pairs of pajamas in your backpack.
- Shoes, 2 pairs (Blissful Delight). Running shoes, dressier comfortable shoes or sandals, depending on the weather.
- Packable rain jacket. Spring and fall call for lightweight layers and waterproof walking shoes.
- Thicker jacket, if cold. Winter trips need thermal layers, a coat, scarf, hat and gloves.
- Travel-size toiletries. Decant big bottles into small containers. They weigh less and suit airplane limits.
- Waterproof toiletry bag. Blissful Delight advises waterproof; its pick has a hanging hook and multiple compartments.
- Prescription medication, original bottle. Add painkillers, allergy and motion sickness medication if you use them.
- Laundry soap sheets. A listed alternative to travel laundry detergent.
- Travel adapter. The Blissful Delight calls it a must for anyone travelling from other continents to Europe.
- Portable charger. Handy when you don't have access to a power outlet.
- Chargers and cables, all devices. Do a quick count before you leave the room each time.
- Phone with eSIM data. Your map and directions. Blissful Delight suggests the Airlo app for eSIM data in Europe.
- Lightweight tablet or e-reader. Skip the big laptop unless you're working online, advises The World Was Here First.
- Passport and travel documents. Gather them before you leave and keep them in the belt bag.
- Card with no foreign fees. The World Was Here First says a card without foreign transaction fees avoids extra charges per withdrawal. Apply early.
Tick it off on your phone as you fill the pack, then run through it again at the door. Nothing fancy.
When to use it
Use it before you leave, and apply for your card early, since bank approval can take a while.