Best Travel Backpacks For Europe

12 Best Travel Backpacks for Europe, 2022 (Tested & Ranked)

Finding the best travel backpack for Europe can be a daunting task. A backpack might be the biggest investment you make in your Eurotrip beside plane tickets. Plus, you’ll use your travel backpack literally all the time (they don’t call it “backpacking Europe” for nothing)!

I am a travel blogger who has been backpacking the world non-stop since 2016 (see section below on why you can trust my recommendations – I know what I’m talking about). My team of travel reviewers and I have tested many backpacks over the years.

✨ Our current overall top-rated backpack is the Osprey Porter 46, an awesome and durable bag I’ve personally carried in more than 60 countries ! I recently also tried out the Salkan Backpacker and love it’s roomier size and comfy padding. Both are awesome, so choose based on your preferred style!

I always suggest traveling with a large main pack plus a smaller day pack. This post starts by ranking the 8 best travel backpacks we’ve tested to date, then we’ll cover 4 best travel daypacks. They are all different, but that’s the beauty of it in my mind – I think everyone is likely to find their perfect bag somewhere among these 12 travel backpacks:

Table of Contents

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8 Best Travel Backpacks for Europe Compared

In a rush? Here’s a quick summary of the top 8 travel backpacks for Europe reviewed in this post below:

I’ve personally taken this bag to over 60 countries, and it’s held up remarkably well! A timeless design and durable construction, backed by Osprey’s famous “All Mighty Guarantee,” is why this is the popular bag you will see in Europe’s hostels. If on a budget but can’t sacrifice quality, choose the Osprey Porter.

I use Salkan now because it’s THE most comfortable backpack I’ve ever found. The straps and weight distribution are unbelievable – it barely feels like I’m carrying it! Perfect for those long walks between hostels. I also love that it’s BOTH front and top loading, the built in laundry bag, and the customizable colors. For a serious backpacker like me it’s worth the investment. Note: You can get the main bag alone, or the “Backpacker” bundle with Salkan’s stylish daypack.

This is the perfect bag if you prioritize staying organized on the go. You’ll love the many pockets and compartments, including one for your laptop. The Global Travel Bag has comfortable straps and a thick hip belt, making it easy to carry.

Just want a single carry-on friendly bag? This is it! Durable construction and timeless style means this investment will last for many trips. Comfortable straps, sensible organization, and more. Tortuga thought of it all!

You’ve got plenty of space to add some extras to your pack! Though I prefer to travel light, for travelers who want more space, this is the best travel backpack for Europe. Men’s and Women’s versions available. Plus, it comes with Osprey’s lifetime guarantee.

The viral Nomatic bag is taking the digital nomad world by storm for good reason. The bag has dozens of innovative features designed for remote workers – or just obsessive organizers. It has thoughtful features for stashing away everything you need, and is still carry-on size.

Worried about safety on your Euro backpacking trip? Pacsafe is made for worrywarts like you. This bag comes loaded with anti-theft and security features, plus it’s pretty stylish and comfortable to boot.

Ok, that’s the summary.

But maybe you want a little more info to help decide which one of these awesome travel bags is best for you?

Let’s now deep dive into the best backpacks for traveling Europe, starting with our top ranked bag – the one I used for nearly a decade of travel:

#1 – Osprey 46 L Porter Backpack

I’ve personally taken this bag to over 60 countries, and it’s held up remarkably well! A timeless design and durable construction, backed by Osprey’s famous “All Mighty Guarantee,” is why this is the popular bag you will see in Europe’s hostels. If on a budget but can’t sacrifice quality, choose the Osprey Porter.

✔️ Pros

• Converts to a duffel
• Lightweight, simple design
  Single compartment great for stuffing in more clothes
• Best value/quality combination
• Carry on size
• Backed by lifetime guarantee

❌ Cons

• Shoulder straps have minimal padding (they need to be small to stowaway)
• Very few pockets – just one big compartment

Osprey Porter 46L Review

The Osprey 46 L Porter is the most up to date version of the travel backpack I took to over 60 countries across 6 continents over 10 years of travel. Yeah, I put it through some serious wear and tear (I dropped it into the Amazon river at one point even). It is a beast of a backpack that held up remarkably well through all that wear and tear. If you want a reliable travel backpack, you can’t go wrong with the Porter.

✔️ What We Love: Travel backpacks have come and gone over the years, but the Osprey Porter 46L maintains its popularity becuase it is relatively affordable and the perfect size for backpacking around Europe. The Porter has shoulder straps and waistband for easier carrying, but they can be tucked away to make this appear like a duffel bag.

Packs Like a Pro: The Osprey Porter has one large front-loading main compartment. This makes it super easy to pack on the go. It also has some nifty compression straps that help to keep your profile small (it can function as a carry-on backpack for most airlines if not overfilled).

Converts to a Duffel: One awesome feature is that this bag converts from a backpack into a duffel bag by folder the straps into the back. This means you can carry this backpack like a carry on suitcase, though the price you pay for that is that the shoulder straps are a little thin.

✨You Won’t Look Like a Dirty Backpacker: I happen to think it looks pretty stylish (I have the black version) compared to other backpacks that scream “I’m a scruffy backpacker who hasn’t showered in days” to everyone you meet.

Lifetime Guarantee: I love Osprey because they have a really great lifetime guarantee – Osprey will repair any bag they’ve ever made for any reason!

If you just want a “can’t fail” option, I say grab the Osprey Porter 46L and get on with planning your Europe backpacking trip already.

#2 – The Backpacker by Salkan

I use Salkan now because it’s THE most comfortable backpack I’ve ever found. The straps and weight distribution are unbelievable – it barely feels like I’m carrying it! Perfect for those long walks between hostels. I also love that it’s BOTH front and top loading, the built in laundry bag, and the customizable colors. For a serious backpacker like me it’s worth the investment. Note: You can get the main bag alone, or the “Backpacker” bundle with Salkan’s stylish daypack.

✔️ Pros

• Front AND top loading
• By far the most comfortable bag to carry I’ve ever tested (the harness system is awesome at distributing weight)
• Thoughtful touches like a detachable laundry bag
• Comes bundled with included day pack
• Free shipping and returns

❌ Cons

• The size is technically just a couple inches longer than most carry-on limitations (with that said – I’ve now personally carried it on planes twice with zero problems).

Salkan Backpacker Review

Me with my bag – I love how easy it is to carry for long periods!

Having personally tested over a dozen bags, I personally choose to travel with Salkan’s The Backpacker these days. Here’s what I personally like about this bag (and why it might not be right for everyone):

✔️ Why I Chose This Bag: Salkan is a small company founded by serious travelers, and it shows in the design of their signature bag The Backpacker. The bag is loaded with features, like a built in rain cover and laundry sling, and has a sturdy weatherproof exterior that someone manages to stay fashionable while still being highly functional. I travel full time all around the world, and so chose this bag to carry with me as it is more versatile than any other I’ve tested.

Front AND Top Loading: One of the biggest debates in travel backpacks is whether to go with a front or top loader. Front loading is easier when you are trying to organize and pack your bag, but top loading can be much more convenient when actually using the bag in a crowded hostel dorm room or out in the wild. The Salkan Backpacker is the only I’ve ever seen that offers both options, so you don’t have to choose!

Perfect Daypack Combo: The Backpacker comes with a detachable daypack that is perfect for an “under the seat bag,” carrying a laptop, or throwing essentials in a pack for a day-to-day use around whatever European city you’re currently exploring.

Lifetime Guarantee: Salkan bags are built to last, and you can literally feel it in the quality of the material. I’ve already put this backpack through a lot, and I’m guessing it can survive a lot more, but they offer a lifetime guarantee just to be sure.

Free Returns and Shipping to USA: Salkan is a British outfitter but they ship free to the USA, though, and my bag arrived in just a couple days. Plus, if for whatever reason you don’t like the Backpacker, they offer free returns.

Read a my full review of the Salkan backpack for a more in-depth look at this bag’s many features.

Best Travel Backpacks For Europe

A proper travel backpack for Europe will make travelers’ lives much more manageable! For many of you, it’s the first backpack you’ll ever purchase, and there is a good chance you’ll live out of it for a couple of weeks, months, or even years.

If you have plans to city-hop between Dublin, Paris, Amsterdam, and Rome, you need a bag that can move as fast as you do. However, finding that perfect pack can be tough with many options available on the market. On our first backpacking trip around Europe, we used traditional hiking packs but found them to be a pain and not suited for our style of travel.

Since then, we’ve accumulated a collection of various packs for different travel styles. That means we have one backpack for hiking in Norway and another for city hopping between Prague and Lisbon.

This post breaks down the differences between travel-specific and hiking backpacks. That way, you can choose the perfect backpack for traveling in Europe. These are all of our recommendations after years of European travel. We’ll get right to our top picks for a European backpacking trip.

Best Travel Backpacks for Europe

Our Featured Pick

Osprey Farpoint/Fairview

It is the gold standard of travel backpacks for Europe. We’ve used it extensively in our travels worldwide, and it’s always reliable. The Farpoint is the men’s version, and the Fairview is the women’s version.

Best Travel Backpacks

These travel-specific backpacks are great for the majority of travelers these days. We’re not all mountain lovers who need a pack built for multiday hikes and built to withstand a rain/snowstorm.

In recent years companies have caught on, making a slew of travel backpacks purpose-built for city hopping in Europe. It’s not all sleek travel backpacks for Europe, too, as many are a potent blend of hiking and travel, making them perfect for backpacking.

Osprey Farpoint/Fairview Travel Pack

Best For Backpackers In Europe

MSRP: $220 | Weight: 3 lbs. 2 oz. | Capacities: 40L, 55L, 70, 80L

Key Features

Removable Daypack, Stowaway Straps, Hip Belt, Sternum Strap, Side & Top Handles, U Zip Opening, Laptop Sleeve, AirScape Panel, Compression Straps, Exterior Loops, Mesh Panels For Organization,

• Excellent Build Quality
• Large Roomy Interior
• Removable Daypack
• Suspension System
• Excellent Features
• Great For “Backpackers”

• Not Versatile For Business or Hiking
• Capacity Includes The 15L Removable Daypack

The Osprey Farpoint/Fairview is well constructed with intelligent design features that are perfect for travel. The Farpoint is the men’s model of the bag with a frame better suited for men, while the Fairview is for a woman’s frame. It’s a highly functional bag that’s been a traveler’s favorite for years.

It all starts with a lightweight frame and excellent suspension for comfortable carry. Osprey has a lot of experience in hiking backpack design, so they know how to create a fantastic bag for all-day comfort.

A large panel makes it easy to access the roomy interior and organize your luggage. More organization features include a sizeable top mesh zip pocket, a side mesh pocket, and two interior compression straps. A rear laptop sleeve offers secure placement and can hold a hydration reservoir.

The bags come in four sizes (40, 55, 70, 80L), but we believe the 55L to be the best value. The 40L and 55L are the same backpack, but the 55L includes the removable Farpoint/Fairview Travel Daypack. When removed, the 55L is carry-on compliant and can attach to the front straps for secure carry if it holds valuables. It’s important to note that the 55L is a 40L bag with a 15L daypack which can create confusion.

Other stand-out features include the zip-away suspension, lockable zippers, and an adjustable torso fit. Even the padded carry handles to make life easy for placing in overhead bins or quick grabs. The Farpoint or Fairview is an easy decision as one of the best travel backpacks for Europe. Business travelers will want to look elsewhere, but the travel backpack is the gold standard for backpackers.

Check Prices On Osprey Backpack

Peak Design Travel Backpack

Best Travel Backpack For Savvy Travellers

MSRP: $299 | Weight: 4.5 lbs | Material: 400D Nylon | Capacities: 45L

Key Features

Laptop Sleeve, Hip Belt, Sternum Strap, Multiple Carry Handles, Peak Design Accessories, Lockable Zippers, Expandable Front Pocket, Two Hidden External Pockets, Two Stash Pockets, Mesh Internal Organization, Soft Pocket, Luggage Pass Through,

• High Quality
• Professional Look
• Excellent Accessories
• Wonderful Carry Handles
• Organization System

• High Price
• Heavy

The Peak Design Travel Backpack is my most used travel bag. Attention to detail is evident throughout the bag. It’s a sharp-looking bag, and its quality is evident through stitches and materials. You won’t look like a “budget backpacker” wearing the pack, and you can comfortably carry it in most environments.

An excellent pocket layout offers organization without consuming the bag’s roomy interior. That roomy interior works with Peak Design’s packing & camera cubes that lock to interior loops. It’s an intelligent system, but it does require further investment in an already expensive travel backpack.

An interior back pocket for a laptop/tablet is well-padded and sits closest to your back, which creates a more rigid, secure, and balanced backpack. It’s got some other slick features, such as a hidden luggage tag, theft deterrent zippers, a lined pocket, stow-away straps, two hidden external zip pockets, and compression straps. A luggage pass-through allows you to secure the bag to a roller handle.

The suspension on the bag feels robust, and the straps are comfortable for carrying heavy weight. This is needed as the bag is a little heavy because of the bag’s extensive features and durable materials. Its most significant negative is the weight with a non-vented back panel. This makes for a sweaty lower back in heat.

Despite that, the Peak Design Travel Backpack is great for a minimalist, businessman, or more modern backpacker with a sleek design. At 45L, it’s a little small for extended travel, but with the right packing strategies, it’s very doable. If cost is not a concern, this is my favorite European travel backpack.

Shop For The Peak Design Travel Backpack

REI Co-op Ruckpack 40 Pack

Best Outdoor/Travel Backpack

Price: $149 | Weight: 2 lbs. 13.5 oz. | Fabric: Nylon 210D | Capacities: 18, 28, 40, 60L

Key Features

Stowaway Strap Panel, Hip Belt, Sternum Strap, Side Handles, U Zip Opening, Laptop Sleeve, Vented Back Panel, Compression Straps, Exterior Loops, Mesh Panels For Organization, Hydration or Laptop Compartment, Trekking Pole Attachment, Lockable Zippers

• Suspension System
• Hiking Pack Features
• REI Guarantee
• Compression Straps
• Zip Away Straps
• Value

• Rain-fly Placement
• Stiff Side Pockets

We have transitioned from hiking packs to purpose-built travel backpacks within a few years. Many backpacks are great for travel or hiking, but very few are good at both. However, REI Co-op has created a backpack that attempts to blur the line between hiking and travel with the REI Co-op Ruckpack.

The design is similar to the Osprey Farpoint, except it has several features that Osprey lacks. A more robust suspension system allows for an impromptu hike in the mountains or up to the top of the local hill. I love the laptop compartment, hydration reservoir, rain cover, and straps for trekking poles. You can choose from three sizes 28L, 40L, or 60L. The 60L is capable of handling multiday backpacking trips in the backcountry.

The pack has a lie-flat feature with a large zip opening for easy access to all of your belongings to top it all off. This is the travel bag for those who want to blend city hopping and adventure travel all in one bag. It’d be an excellent choice for travelers trekking the Camino De Santiago.

5 Best Backpacks for Backpacking Europe • (2022 Reviews)

Welcome to our expert guide to choosing the best backpacks for backpacking Europe. Whether you’re a young lionhearted individual or a 30-something individual (like me) who wants to save your back the trouble of lugging everything on your back, we’ve got you covered!

There are several ways to backpack Europe. If you plan to go off the beaten path and venture into nature for some picturesque hiking sessions, you may want to stick with the traditional-style backpacking backpack. Even then, you may want to consider bringing a separate daypack for those epic hikes.

Then, there are the city travelers like myself who prefer to hop from city to city to get a genuine taste of local culture and experience the nightlife. If you fall into this category, the best option is to go wheeled, rolling, or pack light.

Believe me, I’ve been living out of a suitcase the past five years, and I can’t imagine using a massive backpack instead of the rolling suitcase/backpack combo I use.

It’s not just about your back, it’s about convenience. If you’re jumping from city to city, packing a more functional rolling backpack or weekender pack is a lot easier than packing a cavernous traditional backpacker pack.

Below are several key considerations we took into account when selecting the packs in our top 5:

• Age of the User
• Planned Activities
• Functionality
• Durability

• Internal/External Organization
• Anti-Theft Features
• Style/Appearance
• Price

#1 Osprey Farpoint Travel Backpack

• The Osprey Farpoint is the perfect solution for adventure travelers with its detachable daypack and hideaway suspension system
• The bag doesn’t scream, “Look at me, I’m a foreign backpacker!” This is one of the key considerations we made. The design is sleek and clean enough that it won’t draw eyes or stick out like a sore thumb.
• Available in several sizes: 40L, 55L, 70L, and 80L
• Another advantage is the main bag opens fully like a suitcase, allowing you to pack your belongings more neatly and perhaps even employ vacuum space-saver bags (these are a key ingredient for my travels)
• Compression straps, padded top & side handles, adjustable hip belt, sternum strap with easy-slide vertical adjustment rails
• Built with premium Osprey ripstop nylon (will stand the test of time)
• For the 55L, successfully bring the main bag on board as a carry-on – even on stricter budget European airlines such as Ryanair – by detaching the daypack and counting it as a personal item backpack
• Dimensions: 25″ Height x 13″ Width x 13″ Depth (55L M/L)
• Weight: 4 lbs (55L)

#2 Osprey Sojourn

• Of the bags in our Top 5, the Osprey Sojourn wheeled backpack is our personal favorite for backpacking through Europe. However, the biggest drawback is no detachable daypack is included with this model.
• The Osprey HighRoad chassis provides more clearance than other wheeled backpacks, making this bag the perfect choice for rolling over cobblestone streets, especially with its larger wheels
• The solution for the lack of a detachable daypack is to take advantage of the Sojourn’s dual front panel daisy chains to secure a separate daypack
• Hideaway suspension system featuring a hip belt and sternum strap is superior to the High Sierra AT3
• Easy-access top zip pocket for travel documents and other small items
• StraightJacket compression does an incredible job of squeezing every last drop of air out of your bag and stabilizing the load on your back
• Telescoping handle with push-button release
• Dimensions: 22″ Height x 14″ Width x 9″ Depth
• Weight: 7.93 lbs
• Total Capacity: 45L (also available in 60L & 70L)

#3 Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP

• Pacsafe manufactures the best travel anti-theft backpacks on the market, and they dressed to impress with the larger versions of the Venturesafe. Since Europe is notorious for its pickpockets, the Venturesafe is an excellent choice for travelers who plan to hop between cities using public transportation.
• Large suitcase-style flip open main compartment and full-panel mesh zipper pocket
• Anti-Theft Features: internal slash-proof eXomesh stainless steel wire mesh in the outer panels, puncture-resistant ToughZip zippers, interlocking zippers, and the Pacsafe signature Roobar lock that provides several useful security functions including the option to lock the bag to a fixed object
• Stowable Suspension System: padded shoulder straps, fully adjustable sternum strap, and hip belt
• Easy-access front pocket with internal organization and padded laptop sleeve (fits up to a 15″ laptop)
• Includes 3mm stainless steel locking cable w/ pouch for locking the bag to a fixed object
• Carry-on ready for most major airlines
• Dimensions: 21.7″ Height x 13.8″ Width x 8.7″ Depth
• Weight: 3 lbs 13 oz
• Total Capacity: 45L (also available in 65L)

#4 Inateck 40L Travel Backpack

• The Inateck backpack is one of our favorite budget anti-theft travel backpacks that offers a whole lot more than anti-theft features. In fact, the functionality of this bag is top-notch, especially at this price point.
• Both the 30L and 40L versions are carry-on ready, and Inateck made the shoulder straps hideaway to give the user the option to carry the bag like a briefcase through the airport
• Anti-Theft Features: kissing zippers to pass a luggage lock through, hidden pockets throughout the bag including a hidden rear pocket and zip shoulder strap pocket (these are great for storing important travel documents/credit cards/pocket money you need easy access to while in transit)
• An adjustable sternum strap for better load distribution
• A luggage strap if you choose to hook the bag to a rolling suitcase
• Padded laptop & tablet sleeves (fits up to a 17″ laptop and 13″ tablet)
• Includes a rain cover
• Built with surprisingly durable materials
• Approved carry-on backpack for Easyjet, Ryanair, Monarch, and more!
• Dimensions: 21.7″ Height x 13.4″ Width x 7″ Depth
• Weight: 3.95 lbs
• Total Capacity: 40L (also available in 30L)

#5 High Sierra AT3

• The High Sierra AT3 previously found a spot on our list of best wheeled backpacks for European travel, and we couldn’t help but bring it back because it’s just that darn awesome!
• Similar to the Osprey Farpoint, the High Sierra includes a detachable daypack that allows you to count the main wheeled bag as a carry-on and the daypack as a personal item
• The AT3 inline skate-style wheels are approved by travelers to tackle the cobblestone streets of Europe
• Telescoping handle with a soft wide grip, hideaway shoulder straps, padded top & side handles
• Large easy-access main compartment, internal multi-pocket organizer, mesh water bottle side pockets on the daypack
• Built with durable 900D Duralite fabric
• Travelers applauded the convenience of the AT3 for train travel through Europe and city stops
• Dimensions: 22″ Height x 13.5″ Width x 9″ Depth
• Weight: 9.5 lbs (this is the biggest con)
• Total Capacity: 52L

What is the best backpack to travel in Europe with?

The #1 factor is what type of activities you plan to do and how you plan to travel. As I mentioned in the introduction, if you plan to jump from city to city like me, it’s a good idea to make convenience your #1 consideration.

The High Sierra rolling backpack and Osprey Sojourn are excellent choices for people who plan to hop around European cities.

Why put extra strain on your back if you don’t have to? Imagine smoothly rolling through the streets of Europe without worrying about back discomfort or any weight on your back for that matter.

The advantage of both of these packs is that they double as backpacks. In my opinion, the Osprey Sojourn is the #1 backpack/rolling suitcase hybrid for backpacking through Europe and the best option available.

If you prefer carrying a load on your back, the Osprey Farpoint and Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP packs are your best options.

Personally, if I took the backpack-only route, I would choose Pacsafe because of its myriad anti-theft features and cleaner appearance.

The bottom line is that all the selections in our Top 5 are the best backpacks for backpacking Europe. First, determine your length of stay and planned activities. Once you figure that part out, choosing the best option from our Top 5 will be quite easy.

Should you carry a backpack in Europe?

There’s no rule saying that you have to carry a backpack in Europe. I wish someone told me that the first time I traveled to Europe back when I was in college.

Nowadays, I wouldn’t dare carry a backpack only for any of my travels unless I was packing light. A backpack with a trolley sleeve and my rolling suitcase is my go-to combination.

The main advantage of using a backpack is that you can check it as a carry-on to avoid checked baggage fees.

Don’t make the mistake of buying a backpack that’s so big you’ll have to check it because that defeats the purpose. Be sure to check the airline baggage allowances of the European airlines you plan to use before you buy your pack.

Is it safe to backpack in Europe?

Western Europe is First World and one of the safest places to travel for novice travelers. Are backpacks safe from pickpockets? This is the more important question since pickpockets are prevalent in Europe due to the sheer number of touristic locations per square mile in major cities.

I once saw a person get robbed by a pickpocket in broad daylight in Amsterdam. The best way to outsmart a pickpocket is to choose the Pacsafe Venturesafe or Inateck backpack. You may also want to invest in a quality hidden money belt to carry your most valuable possessions including your cash, credit cards, passport, and phone.

I also recommend our guide on the best locks for hostels and hostel lockers for additional safety tips.

Some street smarts and planning go a long way to avoid the agony of theft overseas.

Now you know how to choose the best backpack for backpacking Europe. It’s up to you whether you want extra security, the convenience of a rolling bag, or the versatility of a backpack/daypack combo.

Whichever route you take, I’m sure you’ll have a great adventure and learn how to make the next trip even better along the way.

That’s the beauty of traveling. There are always ways to improve the next journey. No matter how many guides you read, you’ll never learn what’s best for you without experiencing the journey firsthand.

Everyone has their own unique preferences, and these packs in our Top 5 are the perfect place to start.

Source https://travellemming.com/best-backpacks-for-traveling-europe/

Source https://theworldpursuit.com/best-travel-packs-europe/

Source https://antitheftboss.com/best-backpacks-for-backpacking-europe/