Why You Need a Good Backpack To Travel Europe

Imagine a 20-year-old college girl lugging a 50-pound check-size suitcase through Spain and France alone. At a thin, yet bold 110 pounds, that was me.

It was on that trip that I learned yes, you need to take a good hiking backpack to travel Europe. Read on for more on how I learned my lesson, and some key reasons who I recommend you take a backpack on your next European adventure.

Avoid this mistake

If you’re reading this, that means you’re considering taking a backpack to Europe. Congratulations! You’re already better off than I was on my first backpacking trip!

To start, it didn’t occur to me that I should take a backpack to travel Europe. In the travel and packing session for Study Abroad students I attended on campus, I was given a list of all the things I would need for 5 weeks in Spain. And I blindly packed them.

All of them.

The next thing I know, I was miserably dragging my suitcase up and down the metro stairs, sweat dripping down my face. Arriving in Madrid’s busy Puerta del Sol on a hot July afternoon, I proceeded to lug my heavy suitcase across the uneven cobblestone. Bumping along, I dodged some tourists before making it to my hostel. Of course, the hostel didn’t have an elevator. So, I pulled my suitcase up five flights of stairs, one step at a time. Needless to say, I was exhausted and re-thinking this decision. (I’m not the only one who has had some blunders though, check out these 10 honest and funny truths about backpacking.)

Then, two days later, I did the same in Barcelona.

After that ill-fated trip, I declared that I would never again use a check-size suitcase. I actually tried all manner of carry-ons on subsequent trips. However, it wasn’t until about five years later that I discovered wearing that a lightweight 40L-ish backpack (like this pack) was the best way to explore Europe (and the world).

Why should you take a backpack to travel Europe?

Quite simply put, wearing a backpack will help you to be more mobile and flexible, open to new experiences, places, and people.  Let’s dive in.

First, carrying a comfortable and well-fitted backpack allows you the freedom to move around as needed and at a moment’s notice.  With your possessions strapped safely on your back, your hands are free to check directions on your phone, take pictures, and drink from your preferred water bottle. You can even hold hands with your new European beau (oooh la la) while slipping through the metro turnstile. No more trying to get yourself and your suitcase through the turnstile in one go! You’ll find the ability to use both of your hands to manage small tasks to be extremely useful on your new on-the-go lifestyle.

In the case that you like to “just go,” wearing a backpack gives you more freedom to explore anywhere your heart desires. You have everything that you need on your person from clothes to guidebooks to laundry detergent. Yes, you can carry all of that in your suitcase. But with a backpack, you don’t have to worry about storing your luggage for the day before heading to the next city or town. Instead, you easily walk around town with your backpack all day. (Check out this great walking tour of Seville.) You’ll may even avoid baggage fees on budget airlines.  Because you have everything with you, you are ready for anything and can change your plans at a moment’s notice. Rain? No problem, let me just reach for my poncho… Swimming hole? Let me grab my suit… (You get the point.)

Whenever I traveled with a rolling suitcase, I wasn’t concerned about the weight of my bag and tended to over pack. Hence, I found myself struggling at the overhead bin since I couldn’t lift my bag. Then, I’d come home with unworn shirts only to wonder why I packed them in the first place. Once I started carrying a backpack, I became acutely aware of exactly what was in my pack. Because I was more conscious of the fact that I had to carry each item, I packed less. I was thoughtful about the items I brought, analyzing each item’s purpose. I loved the simplicity of packing light. As far as souvenirs, you also won’t want to carry four jars of Turkish hazelnut butter because you know you have to carry it!

You become more conscious and aware of what you really need.

So, the answer to the question, “Should I take a backpack to travel Europe?” is yes! Don’t make the mistake of lugging a heavy suitcase! There’s no better option as you hop from place to place on various transport and visit all kinds of sites. Pick out a quality backpack that fits your body, is rip-resistant and waterproof. Once you’ve bought it, you’ll be ready to explore at a moment’s notice.

 

How to Pick out a Backpack

Since you’re ready to purchase a backpack for your European adventure, you may be wondering, “ What kind of backpack should I get?” Choosing a backpack is a bit of a science, but it’s not impossible. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

Size:

The bigger the bag you carry, the more likely you’ll fill it with things you don’t need. This is just a natural tendency. No, you don’t need an 80-liter backpack to travel in Europe like you may need in order to carry all of your camping gear. Look for a pack around 40L, and that will be plenty. It won’t be too full nor too heavy when fully packed. Remember, you want to leave some room for souvenirs, so don’t leave your house with a full pack!

Style:

Any pack that is properly fitted to your body will work. You’re going to be toting this backpack all over, so you want to make sure it fits comfortably.  Look for padded shoulder straps and a comfortable hip belt. When fastened properly, most of the weight will be carried by your hips, making it easier for you to carry the pack for several hours. I recommend heading to your local REI for a professional fitting. If you don’t have an REI in your town or country, head to a local sporting goods store. Even if you end up purchasing your pack online, it’s important to try out different styles to see what fits your body. I suggest women look for women’s specific fit backpacks, but even then, every body is different, and many women prefer a unisex or men’s pack (My first pack was a men’s pack).

Features:

You can use this pack for years, so think of it as an investment. Purchase a high quality pack made of rip-resistant material. Next, check for multiple compartments. Some items you’ll want to access often, such as sunscreen and guidebooks. Having a small outer compartment or two will help you to organize and access your items easily. You do not need a hydration pack. Tablets, e-readers, or laptops can usually sit safely in the hydration compartment. Your pack may even come with a padded electronics compartment. In order to avoid damaging your pack in the rain or on the airport conveyor belt, purchase a waterproof cover to protect your bag (not all bags come with one).

Although traveling in Europe is generally safe, travel scams and petty crime such as pickpocketing is commonplace. Thieves work in crowded tourist areas such as the Vatican or on public transportation. You are also likely to leave your pack in storage some days. With this is mind, check that all parts of the bag can be securely fastened and locked with small locks or zip ties.

Ready to go

You’re now ready to go! All that’s left to do is plan your trip, pack your backpack, and don’t forget to protect yourself by purchasing travel insurance. Then, you’ll head out and have a wonderful time as you backpack around Europe.

What about you? Do you prefer traveling with a backpack in Europe?

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