I’ve explored Europe with a backpack more times than I can count. Trust me, choosing the right travel backpack for Europe is a crucial decision for your trip. It’s the one piece of gear you’ll rely on every single day.
With over 8 years of continuous global travel under my belt (more on why you can trust my recommendations later), and the collective experience of the Travel Lemming team, we’ve rigorously tested numerous backpacks. This guide presents our top recommendations.
While some backpacks can work as a single bag, I generally recommend using a larger main backpack combined with a smaller daypack. Therefore, this guide begins with our rankings of the 8 best main travel backpacks we’ve tested. Following that, we’ll explore 4 excellent travel daypacks to complement your main bag.
| If you want … | Go for … | Carry On Compliant? |
|---|---|---|
| Our Top Pick | Tortuga Travel Backpack | Yes |
| Supreme Comfort | Salkan Carry On | Yes |
| Budget-Friendly Choice | Osprey Sojourn Porter | Yes |
| Spacious & Outdoorsy | The Backpacker by Salkan | No |
| Unique and Colorful | Topo Designs Global Travel Bag | If packed lightly |
| Maximum Space | Osprey Farpoint 55L | No |
| Digital Nomad Focused | Nomatic Travel Backpack | Yes |
| Premium Material Feel | Peak Design Travel Backpack | Yes |
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Top 8 Travel Backpacks for Europe: Main Bag Comparison
Short on time? Here’s a quick rundown of the best large travel backpacks for Europe:
Best Overall
The padded back panel of the Tortuga Travel Backpack
Tortuga Travel Backpack
Designed specifically for carry-on travel, the Tortuga Travel Backpack maximizes space and comfort, making it an ideal single-bag solution for your European adventures.
Read Full Review
Unique Style
Abigail Bliss holding her Salkan Carry-On Backpack
Salkan Carry-On Bag
The Salkan Carry-On offers a unique, trendy design that’s perfect for both city exploration and hiking. Comfortable and carry-on compliant, it’s a stylish and practical choice.
Read Full Review
Best on a Budget
Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L in black, angled view
Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L
The Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L is a durable and timeless backpack, known for its reliability and backed by Osprey’s “All Mighty Guarantee,” making it a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers in Europe.
Author’s Current Favorite
Salkan Backpacker Backpack angled view
The Backpacker by Salkan
The Backpacker by Salkan stands out for its exceptional comfort. Its straps and weight distribution system make it feel incredibly light, even when fully packed.
Read Full Review
Top Organization
Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 40L in black, front view
Topo Designs Global Travel Bag
For travelers who prioritize organization, the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag offers numerous pockets and compartments, including a dedicated laptop sleeve, ensuring everything has its place.
Best Large Capacity
Osprey Farpoint 55L in black, front view
Osprey Farpoint 55L
Need extra space? The Osprey Farpoint 55L offers ample room for those who pack more, while still providing comfort and Osprey’s renowned lifetime guarantee. Available in men’s and women’s specific versions.
Best for Digital Nomads
Nomatic Travel Backpack in black, angled view
Nomatic Travel Backpack
The Nomatic Travel Backpack is a digital nomad’s dream, packed with innovative features and exceptional organization for remote workers on the go, all within a carry-on size.
Another Excellent Choice
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L in black, front view
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L balances structure, organization, and capacity with highly durable materials, making it a reliable choice for various travel styles in Europe.
That’s the quick overview. Now, let’s delve into the details of each of these top-rated backpacks for traveling in Europe:
#1 – Tortuga Travel Backpack
Best for Carry-On Focused Travel
The padded back panel of the Tortuga Travel Backpack
Tortuga Travel Backpack
Specifically designed to avoid checked baggage fees, the Tortuga Travel Backpack is engineered for maximum carry-on space and exceptional comfort, making it a perfect single-bag solution for savvy travelers exploring Europe.
Read Full Review
Pros:
- Carry-on compliant dimensions with maximized internal space
- Exceptional carrying comfort, even when fully loaded
- Eco-conscious materials for sustainable travel
- Lightweight yet highly durable construction
- Comprehensive Tortuga Worldwide Warranty
Cons:
- Understated, simple design aesthetics
- No integrated lock for added security
Tortuga Travel Backpack In-Depth Review
Adjustable harness system of the Tortuga Travel Backpack demonstrated.
Launched in early 2023, the Tortuga Travel Backpack is a standout model tailored for travelers seeking a streamlined, single-bag travel experience in Europe.
Abigail put this backpack through rigorous hands-on testing, and here are her key takeaways regarding the pros and cons of Tortuga’s latest offering:
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Avoid Baggage Fees: The primary advantage of the Tortuga Travel Backpack is its design for carry-on-only travel, perfectly aligning with budget-conscious European travel. Its construction maximizes packing space within carry-on limits. Abigail successfully packed a week’s worth of clothing and essentials, ideal for a typical Europe trip itinerary.
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Comfortable Under Full Load: Many backpacks feel comfortable until fully packed. The Tortuga Travel Backpack excels with ample padding and an innovative harness system, effectively distributing weight. Abigail found it remained comfortable even when packed to its maximum capacity, crucial for navigating European cities and transport hubs.
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Effortless Packing: The front-loading design of the Tortuga Travel Backpack simplifies packing and unpacking, similar to a suitcase. It also includes a convenient front quick-access panel for essentials like passports and travel documents, enhancing efficiency during airport transits and border crossings in Europe.
Overall, the Tortuga Travel Backpack is an excellent choice for travelers prioritizing carry-on convenience and efficiency for their European trips. For a comprehensive analysis, see Abigail’s detailed Tortuga Travel Backpack review.
#2 – Salkan Carry On Backpack
Unique and Stylish Travel Companion
Abigail Bliss holding her Salkan Carry-On Backpack
Salkan Carry-On Bag
For a versatile backpack that’s equally at home on a hiking trail or in a European hostel, the Salkan Carry-On is an excellent choice. This new carry-on compliant model boasts a trendy and unique aesthetic, comfortable padding, and generous space, all while helping you avoid checked baggage fees on European flights.
Read Full Review
Pros:
- Carry-on compliant size, ideal for European airline restrictions
- Stylish design suitable for both urban and outdoor environments in Europe
- Comfortable padding combined with a durable exterior for varied terrains
- Eco-friendly construction using recycled materials
- Lifetime warranty and a 100-day free trial period, ensuring peace of mind
Cons:
- Extensive padding reduces packing space if used as a single bag for longer trips
- Hip belt may not offer an optimal fit for travelers with smaller frames
Salkan Carry-on Backpack Deep Dive
Salkan, a boutique company founded by seasoned backpackers, recently launched their carry-on model in summer 2024. Abigail’s review highlights her positive experience after extensive use.
This backpack is particularly well-suited for light packers aiming to explore Europe with just a single carry-on, without compromising on comfort and style.
Its substantial padding ensures exceptional carrying comfort, a significant benefit when navigating cobblestone streets and crowded public transport in European cities.
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Distinctive Outdoorsy Style: The Salkan Carry-On’s design bridges the gap between a dedicated travel backpack and an outdoor-focused backpack. This aesthetic versatility is perfect if your European itinerary includes both city tours and outdoor adventures in the Alps or Scottish Highlands.
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Thoughtful Organization: Despite being a carry-on bag, it offers a wealth of organizational features, including lid storage, front storage, internal mesh pocket, laptop sleeve, dual side pockets, bottom gear loop, fitted rain cover, hip belt pockets, side pockets, a tall back pocket, and a hidden security pocket – ideal for safely storing passports and valuables while traveling through Europe.
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Eco-Conscious Choice: Salkan’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the use of recycled materials, making it a responsible choice for environmentally aware travelers exploring Europe’s natural beauty and urban centers.
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Designed for Comfort: The Salkan Carry-on is engineered for comfortable carrying with a supportive hip belt and extensive padding. However, Abigail noted that the hip belt might not be ideal for those with petite body types.
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Risk-Free Purchase: The lifetime warranty and 100-day free trial period minimize purchase risk, allowing you to test the bag’s suitability for your European travel needs.
#3 – Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L Backpack
The Classic and Reliable Choice
Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L in black, angled view
Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L
Having personally carried a previous model of this backpack across over 60 countries, I can attest to its exceptional durability. The Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L, with its timeless design and robust construction, is backed by Osprey’s renowned “All Mighty Guarantee,” making it a common sight in European hostels and a top recommendation for travelers seeking quality on a budget.
Pros:
- Versatile conversion to a duffel bag for varied carrying preferences
- Lightweight and simple design, maximizing packing capacity
- Spacious single compartment, ideal for efficiently packing clothing
- Excellent balance of value and quality for budget-conscious travel in Europe
- Carry-on compatible size, suitable for most airlines
- Available in a range of color options to suit personal style
- Backed by Osprey’s lifetime guarantee, ensuring long-term reliability
Cons:
- Minimal padding in shoulder straps (designed for stowaway functionality)
- Limited pocket organization with primarily one large compartment
Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L: My Tried and True Companion
The Osprey 46L Sojourn Porter is the latest iteration of the travel backpack that accompanied me across 6 continents and over 60 countries throughout a decade of travel. Its resilience is remarkable; it even survived an accidental dip in the Amazon River! For a dependable travel backpack that can withstand the rigors of European travel, the Sojourn Porter is an unmatched choice.
For those seeking an even lighter carry-on option, Osprey also offers the Sojourn Porter in a 30-liter version. Taylor’s comprehensive Osprey Sojourn Porter 30 review provides further insights.
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Enduring Popularity: The Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L remains a favorite due to its affordability and ideal size for backpacking across Europe. It features stowable shoulder straps and a waist belt, allowing it to convert into a duffel bag for varied carrying needs. Its slim profile also makes it one of the best carry-on backpacks available.
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Efficient Packing Design: The Osprey Sojourn Porter features a large, front-loading main compartment, simplifying packing on the go. Internal compression straps help maintain a compact profile, often meeting carry-on size restrictions for most airlines when not overpacked, crucial for avoiding extra fees on European budget carriers.
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Duffel Conversion: A standout feature is its ability to transform from a backpack to a duffel by tucking away the straps. This offers the convenience of a carry-on suitcase with backpack portability, though the compromise is slightly less padded shoulder straps.
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Stylish and Discreet: In black, the Sojourn Porter has a stylish aesthetic, avoiding the typical “disheveled backpacker” look, which is great for blending in while exploring European cities.
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Unmatched Lifetime Guarantee: Osprey’s exceptional lifetime guarantee is a major advantage. They commit to repairing any bag, regardless of age or reason for damage, reinforcing the long-term value of this backpack for European travel.
#4 – The Backpacker by Salkan
The Author’s Top Comfort Pick
Salkan Backpacker Backpack angled view
The Backpacker by Salkan
Salkan’s larger offering, The Backpacker, is the most comfortable backpack I have ever used. The exceptional design of its straps and weight distribution system makes it feel remarkably light, even when fully packed, perfect for extended travel days in Europe.
I also appreciate its dual front and top-loading access and customizable color options, adding both functionality and personal style.
Note: You can purchase the main bag separately or opt for the “Backpacker” bundle which includes Salkan’s stylish and functional daypack.
Read Full Review
Pros:
- Unique front and top-loading access for versatile packing and retrieval
- Unmatched carrying comfort, superior to any backpack tested, thanks to an exceptional harness system
- Thoughtful additions including a flight cover and rain cover for travel protection
- Option to bundle with a stylish and practical daypack (in the Backpacker bundle)
- Free shipping and returns enhancing purchase convenience
Cons:
- Slightly exceeds standard carry-on length restrictions (though personal experience includes successful carry-on on multiple flights).
Salkan Backpacker: A Personal Experience
The author modeling the Salkan Backpacker bagAuthor with the Salkan Backpacker, highlighting its comfortable carry.
Having tested over a dozen travel backpacks, Salkan’s The Backpacker has recently become my go-to choice for extended trips. Here are the features I particularly appreciate and some considerations:
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Versatile Design Spectrum: The Salkan Backpacker adeptly functions as both a premium travel backpack and a robust backpacking backpack. Its padded carry system ensures comfort for day hikes, while its stylish design and practical organization suit urban environments and European train travel.
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Dual Loading Advantage: A key debate in travel backpacks is the choice between front or top-loading. Front-loading simplifies packing and organization, while top-loading is often more convenient in tight spaces like hostel dorms or while hiking. The Salkan Backpacker uniquely offers both, providing unparalleled versatility for different travel scenarios in Europe.
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Integrated Daypack Solution: The Backpacker bundle includes a detachable daypack, perfect as an under-seat personal item on flights, for carrying laptops, or as a daypack for city exploration throughout Europe. This 2-in-1 system is incredibly practical for varied travel needs.
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Built to Last with Lifetime Guarantee: Salkan backpacks are built with evident material quality and durability. The robust construction is designed for longevity, backed by a lifetime guarantee for added assurance.
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Convenient Purchase Experience: Salkan offers free shipping to the USA and easy returns, enhancing the purchase experience. My bag arrived promptly, and the free returns policy minimizes risk if the backpack does not meet expectations.
For a detailed exploration of all features, read my comprehensive review of the Salkan backpack.
#5 – Topo Designs Global Travel Bag
The Ultimate Organizer’s Backpack
Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 40L in black, front view
Topo Designs Global Travel Bag
If staying organized is your top priority while traveling through Europe, the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag is an ideal choice. It’s equipped with numerous pockets and compartments, including a dedicated laptop section. Comfortable straps and a supportive hip belt ensure easy carry, even when fully loaded.
Pros:
- Exceptional organizational features with numerous compartments and pockets
- Robust laptop compartment providing secure tech storage
- Comfortable straps and hip belt ensuring ease of carry
- High-quality and durable materials built for long-term travel
Cons:
- May exceed carry-on dimensions if overpacked
- Can feel bulky when fully loaded, especially in tight spaces
Topo Designs Global Travel Bag: Designed for Order
View of the main compartment of Topo Designs Travel Bag BagOrganizational system of the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag, akin to built-in packing cubes.
Travel Lemming’s writer, Sky, recently reviewed the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag during an extended trip to Portugal and was particularly impressed by its organizational capabilities.
If you are a traveler who values a dedicated place for every item, the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag is tailored for you.
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Extensive Pocket System: The backpack features numerous pockets and compartments, facilitating an efficient packing system. It even includes a dedicated water bottle pocket, a rare find in travel backpacks of this type.
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Suitcase-Style Access: The main compartment opens fully like a suitcase, simplifying packing and unpacking at hostels or hotels. This feature is particularly useful for quick access and organized living out of your bag during a Europe trip.
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Adaptable Carrying Options: The Global Travel Bag can be carried as a backpack with shoulder and hip straps, or converted into a duffel bag for briefcase-style carry, offering flexibility for different travel situations and preferences.
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Premium Build Quality: Sky was particularly impressed by the high-quality and durable construction. The Global Travel Bag is built to endure the demands of frequent travel, ensuring it will last through many European adventures.
#6 – Osprey Farpoint 55
For Those Who Pack It All
Osprey Farpoint 55L in black, front view
Osprey Farpoint 55L
For travelers who need extra packing space, the Osprey Farpoint 55L is the best travel backpack for Europe. While I advocate for traveling light, this backpack is ideal for those who prefer to bring more. It’s available in both men’s and women’s versions and comes with Osprey’s lifetime guarantee, ensuring reliability and peace of mind.
Pros:
- Generous interior space for extensive packing needs
- Functional and practical design suitable for various travel styles
- Excellent balance of price and quality, offering great value
- Backed by Osprey’s lifetime guarantee, ensuring long-term reliability
Cons:
- Slightly heavier than smaller capacity backpacks
- Limited organizational pockets, primarily one large main compartment
- Not carry-on sized, requiring checked baggage on most flights
Osprey Farpoint 55: For Extended Trips and Heavy Packers
If you’re not a light packer, consider upgrading to the more spacious Osprey Farpoint 55.
Sky’s detailed Osprey Farpoint 55 review offers a comprehensive look, but here’s a quick summary:
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Ample Space: The Osprey Farpoint 55 provides nearly 10 liters of extra space compared to smaller models, accommodating additional clothing, shoes, or gear. It includes a robust hip and harness system designed to comfortably manage the added weight, essential for longer trips in Europe.
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Need Even More Room?: For truly extensive packing needs, Osprey offers a 70-liter version of the Farpoint series.
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Popular Choice Among Travelers: The Farpoint 55 is a widely favored backpack for European travel, frequently seen in hostels across the continent. Its popularity is a testament to its reliable design and functionality, making it a safe and trusted option. Just remember to personalize yours to avoid any mix-ups in busy hostels!
#7 – The Nomatic Travel Backpack
The Digital Nomad’s Essential Pack
Nomatic Travel Backpack in black, angled view
Nomatic Travel Backpack
The Nomatic Travel Backpack has become a sensation among digital nomads for good reason. It’s loaded with innovative features specifically designed for remote work and organization. Despite its many compartments, it remains carry-on compliant, making it perfect for navigating European airports and co-working spaces.
Pros:
- Specifically designed for digital nomads and remote professionals
- Unmatched organizational features, best-in-class among tested bags
- Expandable capacity from 20L to 30L, offering versatility
- Center-split opening for suitcase-style packing convenience
- Sleek, minimalist design with high-quality construction
Cons:
- May be too small for travelers needing a single bag solution for extensive packing
Nomatic Travel Backpack: A Digital Nomad’s Perspective
The Nomatic Backpack angled viewAuthor testing the Nomatic Backpack.
I appreciate the organizational design of the Nomatic Travel Bag, and it was a close contender for my recent travels—ultimately, I needed slightly more space. However, for light packers or those using a two-bag system, it’s an outstanding option, especially for digital nomads in Europe.
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Designed for Remote Work: This bag gained popularity in the digital nomad community for valid reasons. It’s expertly designed for organizing tech gadgets, with numerous pockets and sleeves that make accessing items on the go easy and efficient—perfect for working remotely from various European locations.
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Adaptable Carry-On Size: The Nomatic Travel Backpack expands from 20L to 30L, offering significant versatility. Expand it to full capacity for air travel, then compress it for daily use at co-working spaces or cafes across Europe, adapting to various needs.
#8 – Peak Design Travel Backpack
A Top-Tier All-Around Travel Backpack
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L in black, front view
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L strikes a balance between structure, organization, and capacity. Its highly durable materials and thoughtful design make it a top contender for travel in Europe, though it offers limited color options.
Pros:
- Solid organization and numerous compartments for efficient packing
- Highly durable exterior materials built to withstand travel
- Soft and stretchy interior materials, yet durable for longevity
- Comfortable, adjustable, and padded shoulder straps for extended wear
Cons:
- Limited color options available
- Can occasionally be out of stock due to popularity
- May feel somewhat bulky when fully packed, especially in confined spaces
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L: A Balanced Review
Our writer, Lea Rose, recently reviewed the 45L Peak Design Travel Backpack after extensive testing during a backpacking trip through Spain and Portugal. Lea Rose was highly satisfied with its performance and features.
While the Peak Design Travel Backpack is available in limited colors, it excels in organization and material quality, offering both durability and a premium feel.
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Zippered Compartment Organization: A standout feature is the front zippered compartment, which includes four separate zippered pockets (two mesh, two enclosed). Additional pockets are available for passports, pens, and other quick-access items, enhancing organization for European travel documents and essentials.
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Dividing Panel with Dual Access: Peak Design’s focus on organization is further evident in the dual-access dividing panel within the main compartment. This panel allows for structured packing or can be stowed away for open space, adapting to different packing needs.
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Stowable Straps for Versatility: The back panel features a magnetic flap for easy storage of shoulder and hip straps. This provides options for carrying the backpack in different modes, depending on load and personal preference, ideal for navigating varied European terrains and transport.
4 Top Travel Daypacks for Europe
For most backpackers in Europe, a daypack or laptop bag is essential in addition to their main backpack. It’s incredibly useful for carrying cameras and daily essentials while exploring cities and sights.
A daypack also provides extra packing capacity for carry-on travel, fitting under the seat as a personal item.
Here are 4 excellent travel daypacks for your European adventure:
Nomatic Navigator Lite
Best Everyday Carry Daypack
View of the Nomatic Navigator Lite Backpack 15L angled view
Nomatic Navigator Lite
The Nomatic Navigator Lite is a lightweight yet durable everyday carry bag, perfect for minimalists who value organization. Comfortable and robust, this premium daypack is excellent for both travel and daily use in Europe.
The Nomatic Navigator Lite series includes some of the newest and most innovative travel daypacks. Travel Lemming writer Abigail recently tested this backpack and shared her insights in her Nomatic Navigator backpack review. Here’s why we rate it as the best all-around everyday carry bag:
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Stylish and Multi-Purpose: Investing in a daypack for your Europe trip? The Nomatic Navigator Lite is functional for your travels and everyday life back home, serving as a stylish commuter, school, or work bag.
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Optimal Organization Balance: This daypack achieves a great balance, providing sufficient organization without overwhelming with too many pockets and compartments. It’s designed for efficiency and ease of use, perfect for daily excursions in Europe.
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Smart Features: Nomatic has equipped this bag with practical features like a charging cord slot, a concealed water bottle pocket, and a luggage strap, enhancing its functionality for travel and everyday use.
Tortuga Laptop Bag
Best Personal Item Laptop Bag
Tortuga Laptop Bag
The Tortuga Laptop Bag is the ideal laptop and “personal item” bag, keeping your tech and essentials secure and accessible. It combines robust construction with thoughtful organization and ample space, perfect for European city hopping.
Tortuga has consistently impressed us with their “main” backpacks, so the Tortuga laptop bag was eagerly anticipated. My partner, Clara, currently uses and highly recommends it:
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Excellent Organization: True to the Tortuga brand, this bag offers exceptional organization with numerous pockets and compartments for small items like keys, passports, and chargers. It’s designed to keep everything in place and easily accessible during your travels in Europe.
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Supreme Comfort Straps: Laptop bags are often carried for extended periods, and laptops can be heavy. Clara appreciates the Tortuga Laptop Bag’s super-cushioned straps, providing comfort even when fully loaded, especially useful for navigating airports and train stations in Europe.
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Versatile as a Standalone Bag: While designed as a personal item, the Tortuga laptop bag surprisingly offers enough space for more than just a laptop. It can function as a single bag for short trips or long weekends, efficiently carrying essentials for a minimalist European getaway.
Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack
Best Value Daypack for Travel
Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack in black, front view
Osprey Daylite Daypack
The Osprey Daylite Daypack is a reliable and affordable daypack that I’ve personally used in over 50 countries. It offers unbeatable value, solid construction, multiple color options, and practical compartments, all at an incredibly accessible price point.
This daypack is a true classic. I highly recommend The Osprey Daylite Daypack and have used it extensively in over 50 countries. It’s simple yet incredibly effective for European travel. Here’s why:
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Lightweight Yet Feature-Rich: At 13 liters, it’s perfectly sized for carrying a camera and other essentials, even accommodating my drone. This daypack is lightweight, preventing back strain, and includes a small hip strap for added support when needed for longer days exploring European cities.
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Osprey Pack Integration: A key feature is Osprey’s locking system, allowing it to securely attach to my main Osprey Sojourn Porter 46 backpack. This allows for carrying both bags as a single unit, streamlining travel through airports and train stations in Europe.
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Osprey Lifetime Guarantee: Consistent with Osprey’s commitment to quality, the Daylite daypack includes their impressive lifetime guarantee, adding significant value and assurance.
Salkan Daypack
Best Daypack and Laptop Bag Combo
The Salkan Daypack angled view
The Daypack Backpack | Salkan
The Salkan Daypack is my current personal choice, offering a perfect blend of a padded laptop sleeve and utility for day trips. It’s an ideal combination for travelers in Europe needing both laptop protection and a functional daypack.
Unable to decide between a laptop bag or a traditional daypack? The Salkan Daypack bridges the gap, offering the best of both worlds. It is included with the Salkan Backpacker but is also available separately. I personally endorse it as an excellent daypack for Europe; it’s what I currently use!
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Laptop and Day-Trip Ready: My daypacks serve dual purposes: carrying my laptop and flight essentials, and functioning as a utility pack for day-to-day use in a destination. The Salkan Daypack excels in both roles, accommodating a laptop securely and carrying essentials for city or beach excursions in Europe.
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Stylish Design: Beyond functionality, the Salkan Daypack has a distinct aesthetic appeal. Its stylish design makes it a great accessory for urban exploration and everyday use in Europe.
Why Trust Our Recommendations for Europe Travel Backpacks?
Best backpacks for traveling Europe: author and backpack in AmsterdamAuthor with his Osprey 46L Sojourn Porter in Amsterdam, a trusted travel companion across 60+ countries.
Who am I, and why should you rely on my travel backpack recommendations for your Europe trip?
I’m Nate Hake, a full-time traveler since 2016.
My life is literally packed into a backpack and a daypack.
The photo above shows me in Amsterdam with my 46L Osprey Sojourn Porter. I have extensive travel experience in Europe, having visited nearly every country (Albania, I’m coming for you!). I backpack in Europe almost every summer. (If you’re feeling inspired, check out my list of the best places to backpack in Europe and our comprehensive Backpacking Europe Travel Guide).
Through all this travel, I’ve learned one crucial thing: a quality travel backpack is invaluable when traveling through Europe.
First, let’s discuss key tips for choosing the best travel backpack for Europe…
4 Essential Tips for Choosing a Travel Backpack for Europe
Let’s cover the fundamental aspects to consider when choosing a backpack for your European travels.
While many considerations are universal to travel backpacks, some are particularly relevant for backpacking in Europe:
#1 – Determine Your Ideal Size First
Variety of travel backpack sizes, including Salkan, Nomatic, and OspreySide-by-side comparison of Salkan Backpacker, Nomatic Travel Backpack, and Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L.
Primarily, decide on the necessary luggage capacity. I advise aiming for the smallest possible size. You’ll be carrying this backpack frequently, so lighter is definitely better for comfort and ease of movement throughout Europe.
Benefits of a smaller backpack include:
- Carry-on compliance saves money on checked baggage fees, especially with European budget airlines like Ryanair.
- Easier storage in overhead train compartments and often small hostel lockers.
- Less cumbersome in crowded dorm rooms – avoid being the backpacker with the enormous bag!
You might wonder about laundry.
Fortunately, laundry services are readily available and affordable in Europe. Most hostels offer laundry rooms or services, and if not, laundromats are usually nearby. Alternatively, consider carrying a Scruba laundry bag for quick washes in your accommodation.
So, leave those extra outfits behind and plan to do laundry periodically!
Regarding travel backpack sizes:
Sizes are usually in liters (L). For context:
My main travel backpack in the Amsterdam photo is 46 liters, which is approximately the largest size typically allowed as carry-on.
Note that I am quite tall, so the 46L bag might appear larger on me than on someone of average height.
#2 – Prioritize Comfort
Author Lea Rose Allbaugh carrying the Peak Design Travel Backpack, highlighting hip beltTravel Lemming editor Lea Rose showcasing the hip belt of the Peak Design bag, emphasizing comfort.
You’ll be carrying your backpack often, so comfort is paramount. A backpack that fits your body well is crucial.
A hip strap significantly aids in weight distribution.
If you’re new to hip straps, they might initially feel unusual, but they effectively transfer weight from your shoulders to your hips. Your shoulders will thank you for utilizing this feature after a day of walking around Europe.
However, remember that backpacking in Europe differs from trekking in Nepal or Patagonia.
Typically, you won’t carry your travel backpack for more than a kilometer at a time. Therefore, you don’t necessarily need a bulky, high-end hiking backpack. True “backpacking backpacks” are often top-loading and feature enhanced comfort elements like padded hip belts and advanced suspension systems, which are overkill for European city travel.
#3 – Durability Over Price
I’ve seen countless backpackers in hostels with damaged bags—tears, ripped straps, or generally worn-out and unhygienic-looking backpacks.
Backpacks endure significant wear and tear, so investing in a reputable brand known for durability is wise. Even for budget travel in Europe, a more durable backpack will save money in the long run by lasting longer.
Consider backpacks with warranties or guarantees, which often reflect the manufacturer’s confidence in their product’s durability and quality.
#4 – Features: Consider, Don’t Overthink
Traditional hiking backpacks are loaded with pockets and compartments, and often feature a main compartment accessible only from the top.
Some travelers prefer this for organization—dedicating pockets for toiletries, clothing categories, etc.
Personally, I find excessive pockets restrictive. Fewer, larger compartments are more versatile and simplify packing.
Some backpacks include built-in waterproof covers.
While useful, I don’t consider this essential for European travel.
Rain is common, but you’ll often be indoors (Europe isn’t Patagonia!), and shelter is usually easily accessible.
Don’t overanalyze minor features like pocket quantity. Focus on size, comfort, and durability when selecting your backpack. Packing solutions can be adapted to most bag designs.
FAQs: Travel Backpacks for Europe
Author Nate at the Coliseum in RomeAuthor exploring the Coliseum in Rome, a popular European travel destination.
What is a good backpack for traveling Europe?
Our top recommendations for Europe travel backpacks are the Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L and the Salkan Backpacker. Both are excellent for European trips, with the Salkan offering more space and the Sojourn Porter providing optimal carry-on convenience.
Is it better to travel with a backpack or suitcase in Europe?
This depends on your preference. Hostels commonly host backpackers due to the ease of carrying backpacks. While debated, both travel backpacks and carry-on suitcases are viable for European travel. Backpacks offer more mobility on uneven pavements and stairs, common in historic European cities.
How big of a backpack do I need to travel to Europe?
Smaller is better. Laundry is easily accessible in Europe, and less weight means greater mobility. A 40-50 liter backpack is generally sufficient for most travelers.
Is a 40l backpack carry-on compliant?
Yes, typically a 40L backpack meets carry-on standards in both the US and Europe, though airline restrictions can vary. Always check specific airline guidelines before flying, especially with budget airlines in Europe.
Can I bring two backpacks on a plane to Europe?
Yes, often you can bring two backpacks. Most airlines allow a carry-on (main pack) and a personal item (daypack) that fits under the seat. However, European budget airlines often charge for all carry-ons, including personal items, so verify your airline’s policy.
What’s your opinion on the best backpack for traveling to Europe? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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