Backpacking Europe Packing List: 10 Real Essentials You’ll Actually Use

You’ve got your route planned (or you’re winging it—we love chaos), and now comes the million-euro question: What to pack for a trip to Europe?

Been there. Panic-packed a million times. Trust me, after backpacking through Europe, I’ve figured out the real things to pack for a trip—and which items you’ll end up ditching in a hostel donation bin.

This isn’t a Pinterest-perfect packing list for Europe. It’s a real one. Made from trial, error, and one very sweaty train ride in Spain. So if you’re gearing up for a Europe backpacking trip and wondering what to pack for Europe, keep reading. Here’s the human-approved, mildly chaotic but effective backpacking Europe packing list.

1. Best Travel Backpack for Europe (AKA Your New Closet)

First things first. Before we talk about things to pack, let’s talk bag. You need the best travel backpack for Europe—something that fits in an overhead bin and won’t kill your back halfway through Rome.

My go-to is a 40L backpack (mine’s the Osprey Farpoint). Perfect size for backpacking in Europe, whether it’s two weeks or two months. It’s not a suitcase, it’s not a hiking pack—it’s a travel MVP.

Biggest tip? Don’t bring a massive European backpack just because you might need that fourth pair of jeans. You won’t. I learned that the hard way while sprinting through Berlin Hauptbahnhof.

2. Packing Cubes: Not Fancy, Just Genius

I once rolled all my clothes and tossed them in loose. Nightmare. Now I swear by packing cubes. They keep everything compact, and your backpack doesn’t explode every time you open it.

Seriously, when packing for a trip, little tools like this make a huge difference. Think of them as adult-level Tetris for your clothes.

Add it to your backpacking packing list. You won’t regret it.

3. Clothes: What to Wear in Europe Without Overthinking It

Let’s be real—figuring out what to wear in Europe can be stressful. You want to look decent, not sweat to death, and maybe get that perfect street café selfie.

But honestly? Less is more. Here’s what I usually pack:

• 3 tops (versatile and easy to re-wear)
  
• 2 bottoms (jeans + comfy pants)
  
• 1 dress or “nicer” outfit
  
• 1 jacket or fleece
  
• 1 rain jacket (lightweight)
  
• 5 undies, 3 socks, 1 swimsuit, sleepwear
  

That’s it. That’s the section. If you’re building your packing list for Europe summer, throw in a sunhat and sunglasses. Done.

4. Shoes: Choose Wisely, Grasshopper

If you only remember one thing from this article, let it be this: Packing for trip = do NOT overpack shoes. I once brought three pairs. Mistake.

For a solid backpacking across Europe adventure, all you need is:

• 1 good pair of walking shoes (broken in, please)
  
• 1 lightweight sandal or slip-on
  

And that’s it. Seriously. If you’re doing a backpack Europe whirlwind, your feet will thank you.

5. Electronics & Techy Bits

Let’s talk Europe travel essentials. Here’s what to bring to Europe tech-wise:

• Universal adapter (duh)
  
• Power bank (don’t die mid-map)
  
• Phone + charger
  
• Headphones
  
• Kindle or book (for long train rides)
  

When asking yourself what do I need to travel to Europe, don’t forget these tiny lifesavers. They’ve saved me from being tech-dead in cafes more times than I can count.

6. Toiletries (Keep It Basic)

You’re not moving abroad. Just bring travel-sized everything. Here’s what to pack on a trip:

• Toothbrush/paste
  
• Mini shampoo (or better, solid bar)
  
• Razor, deodorant, face wash
  
• Small quick-dry towel (hostels don’t always have ’em!)
  

Toiletries are one of those things to pack for travel that everyone overthinks. Don’t be that person.

7. Daypack: For Daily Wandering and Snack Storage

I carry a tiny fold-up backpack for daily adventures. Fits a water bottle, snacks, camera, jacket—everything. It’s the unsung hero of my Europe backpacking packing list.

On train days, it holds 10 items needed for a trip without digging into your big bag. Ideal for those “quick snack runs” that turn into wandering a city for hours.

8. Reusables: Save the Earth, Save Your Euros

Some things to take on a trip are practical AND eco-friendly. I always pack:

• Reusable water bottle
  
• Foldable tote bag (perfect for groceries or surprise shopping)
  
• Reusable utensils
  

Not only do these belong on every backpacking essentials Europe list—they also make you feel like a travel wizard when you pull them out at just the right moment.

9. Docs & Safety Stuff (Don’t Zone Out Here)

You know this already, but let’s go over it again. For real. How to pack for a trip includes thinking about logistics.

What to bring backpacking:

• Passport
  
• Visa (if needed)
  
• Credit/debit cards
  
• Travel insurance (DO IT)
  
• Emergency contacts (print them)
  

Add this to every packing list, always. Don’t be the person who forgets their passport. Or worse—doesn’t back it up.

10. Snacks, Vibes & The Little Things

Last but not least: the unsung heroes. Here’s a quick rundown of things to pack on a trip that you don’t realize you need until you do:

• Eye mask + earplugs (hostel survival kit)
  
• A few protein bars (trust me)
  
• A pen (for customs forms)
  
• Notebook (because journaling hits different on the train)
  

These bits round out your packing list Europe without adding bulk. Small stuff, big comfort.

Final Thoughts: What I Learned on My Tops Trips

After a few backpacking Europe loops—some smooth, some total messes—I’ve learned this: you’ll never pack 100% perfectly, and that’s fine. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s adventure.

So whether you’re headed out backpacking across Europe or building your first-ever packing list for Europe, remember: don’t stress every item. You’ll forget something. You’ll find something cool along the way. That’s part of it.

This list? It’s not a rulebook. It’s a starting point. Add your flair. Break the rules. And most importantly—go.