15 Best Backpack for Traveling Europe: Essential Picks (July 2024)

Reviews of the best backpacks for traveling in Europe, highlighting convenience and durability.

Packing for a European adventure can be both exciting and daunting. With so many amazing sights to see and experiences to have, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got the right gear to keep you comfortable and organized on the go. A good backpack is essential for any European traveler, and finding the perfect one can make all the difference in your journey.

From navigating bustling city streets to exploring picturesque countryside trails, your backpack will be your constant companion. It needs to be durable enough to withstand the rigors of travel, spacious enough to hold all your essentials, and comfortable enough to carry for long periods.

But with so many different options available, choosing the right backpack for your European adventure can be overwhelming. That’s where we come in! We’ve compiled a list of the 15 best backpacks for traveling Europe, taking into account factors like size, weight, features, and functionality.

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Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-timer, this comprehensive guide will help you find the perfect backpack to carry your essentials, keep you organized, and ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey through the captivating landscapes and vibrant cities of Europe.

QUICKLIST
Item	Image	Where to buy	Rating	Read More
Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack		$169.95 at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Tortuga Outbreaker 45L Travel Backpack		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L		$299.95 at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Aer Travel Pack 2		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Patagonia Black Hole Backpack 40L		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Nomatic Travel Backpack		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Osprey Porter 46 Travel Backpack		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
eBags Mother Lode Weekender		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Timbuk2 Authority Backpack		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
North Face Borealis Backpack		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Herschel Supply Co. Retreat Backpack		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
SwissGear 1900 Scansmart TSA Laptop Backpack		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Pacsafe Venturesafe G400 Anti-theft Backpack		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Eagle Creek Global Companion 40L Travel Backpack		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Travelon Anti-theft Signature Slim Backpack		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
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Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack

$169.95 at Amazon

A versatile and lightweight backpack perfect for shorter trips.

Specifications:

• Capacity: 40 liters
• Weight: 2.9 pounds
• Dimensions: 22" x 13" x 9"
• Materials: Nylon

Reasons to buy:

• Durable and water-resistant
• Comfortable to carry with adjustable straps and a hip belt
• Plenty of storage space for essentials
• Lightweight and compact

Reasons to avoid:

• Limited storage space for larger items
• May not be suitable for longer trips

What you need to know:

Buy it if:

• You're looking for a lightweight and versatile backpack for shorter trips.
• You need a backpack that is easy to carry and comfortable for long walks.
• You want a durable and water-resistant backpack that can withstand the elements.

Don't buy it if:

• You need a lot of storage space for larger items like clothes and shoes.
• You plan to travel for a long time and need more storage capacity.

Bottom Line: The Osprey Farpoint 40 is a great option for travelers looking for a comfortable and durable backpack for shorter trips. It's lightweight and easy to carry, with enough storage space for essentials. However, if you need more storage space or plan to travel for a longer time, you may want to consider a larger backpack.

Tortuga Outbreaker 45L Travel Backpack

N/A at Amazon

A durable and feature-rich backpack perfect for longer trips.

Specifications:

• Capacity: 45 liters
• Weight: 4.1 pounds
• Dimensions: 22" x 14" x 10"
• Materials: Nylon

Reasons to buy:

• Durable and water-resistant
• Plenty of storage space for clothes, shoes, and other essentials
• Comfortable to carry with adjustable straps and a hip belt
• Features include a built-in laundry bag and a shoe compartment
• A TSA-friendly laptop compartment allows for easy airport security checks

Reasons to avoid:

• Can be bulky and heavy
• Pricier than some other travel backpacks

What you need to know:

Buy it if:

• You're looking for a durable and feature-rich backpack for longer trips.
• You need a backpack with lots of storage space for clothes, shoes, and other essentials.
• You want a backpack that's comfortable to carry and has features like a laundry bag and a shoe compartment.

Don't buy it if:

• You're looking for a lightweight backpack.
• You're on a tight budget.

Bottom Line: The Tortuga Outbreaker 45L is a great option for travelers who need a durable and feature-rich backpack for longer trips. It's comfortable to carry and has a lot of storage space for all your essentials. However, it's also bulky and heavy, so it's not the best choice for those who are looking for a lightweight backpack.

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

$299.95 at Amazon

A sleek and stylish backpack that doubles as a carry-on bag.

Specifications:

• Capacity: 45 liters
• Weight: 4.7 pounds
• Dimensions: 21" x 14" x 9"
• Materials: Nylon and recycled polyester

Reasons to buy:

• Durable and water-resistant
• Sleek and stylish design
• Comfortable to carry with adjustable straps and a hip belt
• Plenty of storage space with multiple compartments
• Features a built-in camera cube for photographers

Reasons to avoid:

• Can be expensive
• Not as much storage space as some other backpacks on this list

What you need to know:

Buy it if:

• You're looking for a sleek and stylish backpack that can double as a carry-on bag.
• You want a backpack with multiple compartments and plenty of storage space.
• You're a photographer and need a backpack with a built-in camera cube.

Don't buy it if:

• You're on a tight budget.
• You need a backpack with the absolute maximum storage capacity.

Bottom Line: The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is a great option for travelers who want a stylish and functional backpack that can be used as a carry-on bag. It's durable, comfortable to carry, and has plenty of storage space for all your essentials. However, it's also one of the more expensive backpacks on this list.

Aer Travel Pack 2

N/A at Amazon

A minimalist and functional backpack perfect for the frequent traveler.

Specifications:

• Capacity: 25 liters
• Weight: 3.4 pounds
• Dimensions: 19" x 13" x 8"
• Materials: Nylon

Reasons to buy:

• Minimalist and sleek design
• Comfortable to carry
• Durable and water-resistant
• Plenty of storage space for essentials
• TSA-friendly laptop compartment

Reasons to avoid:

• Limited storage space for larger items
• Not as much padding as some other backpacks

What you need to know:

Buy it if:

• You're looking for a minimalist and functional backpack for frequent travel.
• You want a backpack that is comfortable to carry and has a TSA-friendly laptop compartment.
• You need a backpack that is durable and water-resistant.

Don't buy it if:

• You need a lot of storage space for larger items like clothes and shoes.
• You want a backpack with more padding for added protection.

Bottom Line: The Aer Travel Pack 2 is a great option for frequent travelers who want a minimalist and functional backpack. It's comfortable to carry and has enough storage space for essentials. However, it's not the best choice for those who need a lot of storage space for larger items or who want more padding for added protection.

Patagonia Black Hole Backpack 40L

N/A at Amazon

A durable and water-resistant backpack perfect for adventurous travelers.

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Specifications:

• Capacity: 40 liters
• Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Dimensions: 21" x 13" x 9"
• Materials: Recycled nylon

Reasons to buy:

• Durable and water-resistant
• Comfortable to carry with adjustable straps and a hip belt
• Plenty of storage space for essentials
• Made with recycled materials
• Features a padded laptop sleeve

Reasons to avoid:

• Not as much storage space as some other backpacks
• Can be a bit pricey

What you need to know:

Buy it if:

• You're looking for a durable and water-resistant backpack for adventurous travel.
• You want a backpack that's comfortable to carry and has plenty of storage space for essentials.
• You're looking for a backpack made with recycled materials.

Don't buy it if:

• You need a backpack with the absolute maximum storage capacity.
• You're on a tight budget.

Bottom Line: The Patagonia Black Hole Backpack 40L is a great option for adventurous travelers who need a durable and water-resistant backpack. It's comfortable to carry and has plenty of storage space for essentials. However, it's not the best choice for those who need the absolute maximum storage capacity or who are on a tight budget.

Nomatic Travel Backpack

N/A at Amazon

A stylish and functional backpack with a lot of features.

Specifications:

• Capacity: 40 liters
• Weight: 4.5 pounds
• Dimensions: 21" x 14" x 9"
• Materials: Nylon

Reasons to buy:

• Stylish and functional design
• Comfortable to carry with adjustable straps and a hip belt
• Plenty of storage space with multiple compartments
• Features include a built-in laundry bag, a shoe compartment, and a packing cube system
• TSA-friendly laptop compartment

Reasons to avoid:

• Can be bulky and heavy
• Pricier than some other backpacks

What you need to know:

Buy it if:

• You're looking for a stylish and functional backpack with a lot of features.
• You need a backpack with plenty of storage space and a packing cube system.
• You want a backpack that's comfortable to carry and has a TSA-friendly laptop compartment.

Don't buy it if:

• You're looking for a lightweight backpack.
• You're on a tight budget.

Bottom Line: The Nomatic Travel Backpack is a great option for travelers who want a stylish and functional backpack with lots of features. It's comfortable to carry and has plenty of storage space for all your essentials. However, it's also one of the heavier and more expensive backpacks on this list.

Osprey Porter 46 Travel Backpack

N/A at Amazon

A comfortable and durable backpack perfect for long trips.

Specifications:

• Capacity: 46 liters
• Weight: 4.2 pounds
• Dimensions: 22" x 14" x 10"
• Materials: Nylon

Reasons to buy:

• Comfortable to carry with adjustable straps and a hip belt
• Durable and water-resistant
• Plenty of storage space for clothes, shoes, and other essentials
• Features include a built-in laundry bag, a shoe compartment, and a packing cube system

Reasons to avoid:

• Can be bulky and heavy
• Not as stylish as some other backpacks

What you need to know:

Buy it if:

• You're looking for a comfortable and durable backpack for long trips.
• You need a backpack with a lot of storage space for clothes, shoes, and other essentials.
• You want a backpack that's comfortable to carry.

Don't buy it if:

• You're looking for a stylish backpack.
• You're on a tight budget.

Bottom Line: The Osprey Porter 46 is a great option for travelers who need a comfortable and durable backpack for long trips. It's well-built, has a lot of storage space, and is comfortable to carry. However, it's not as stylish as some other backpacks, and it's one of the heavier backpacks on this list.

eBags Mother Lode Weekender

N/A at Amazon

A spacious and versatile bag that can be used as a backpack or a duffel bag.

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Specifications:

• Capacity: 40 liters
• Weight: 3.8 pounds
• Dimensions: 23" x 13" x 10"
• Materials: Nylon

Reasons to buy:

• Spacious and versatile
• Can be used as a backpack or a duffel bag
• Durable and water-resistant
• Plenty of storage space for clothes, shoes, and other essentials
• Features include a built-in laundry bag, a shoe compartment, and a packing cube system

Reasons to avoid:

• Can be bulky and heavy
• Not as comfortable to carry as a traditional backpack

What you need to know:

Buy it if:

• You're looking for a spacious and versatile bag that can be used as a backpack or a duffel bag.
• You need a bag with a lot of storage space for clothes, shoes, and other essentials.
• You want a bag that's durable and water-resistant.

Don't buy it if:

• You're looking for a lightweight backpack.
• You want a backpack that's super comfortable to carry.

Bottom Line: The eBags Mother Lode Weekender is a great option for travelers who need a spacious and versatile bag that can be used as a backpack or a duffel bag. It's durable, water-resistant, and has a lot of storage space. However, it's also one of the heavier bags on this list, and it's not as comfortable to carry as a traditional backpack.

Timbuk2 Authority Backpack

N/A at Amazon

A durable and stylish backpack perfect for everyday use and travel.

Specifications:

• Capacity: 30 liters
• Weight: 2.5 pounds
• Dimensions: 19" x 13" x 8"
• Materials: Nylon

Reasons to buy:

• Durable and water-resistant
• Stylish design
• Comfortable to carry with adjustable straps and a hip belt
• Plenty of storage space for essentials
• Features a padded laptop sleeve

Reasons to avoid:

• Limited storage space for larger items
• Not as many features as some other travel backpacks

What you need to know:

Buy it if:

• You're looking for a durable and stylish backpack for everyday use and travel.
• You need a backpack that's comfortable to carry and has a padded laptop sleeve.

Don't buy it if:

• You need a backpack with a lot of storage space for larger items.
• You want a backpack with a lot of extra features.

Bottom Line: The Timbuk2 Authority Backpack is a great option for travelers who want a stylish and functional backpack for everyday use. It's durable, comfortable to carry, and has plenty of storage space for essentials. However, it's not the best choice for those who need a backpack with a lot of storage space for larger items or who want a lot of extra features.

North Face Borealis Backpack

N/A at Amazon

A classic and reliable backpack perfect for everyday use and travel.

Specifications:

• Capacity: 28 liters
• Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Dimensions: 19" x 13" x 7"
• Materials: Nylon

Reasons to buy:

• Classic and reliable design
• Comfortable to carry with adjustable straps
• Durable and water-resistant
• Plenty of storage space for essentials
• Features a padded laptop sleeve

Reasons to avoid:

• Limited storage space for larger items
• Not as many features as some other travel backpacks

What you need to know:

Buy it if:

• You're looking for a classic and reliable backpack for everyday use and travel.
• You need a backpack that's comfortable to carry and has a padded laptop sleeve.
• You want a backpack that's durable and water-resistant.

Don't buy it if:

• You need a backpack with a lot of storage space for larger items.
• You want a backpack with a lot of extra features.

Bottom Line: The North Face Borealis Backpack is a classic and reliable backpack that's perfect for everyday use. It's comfortable to carry, durable, and has plenty of storage space for essentials. However, it's not the best choice for those who need a backpack with a lot of storage space for larger items or who want a lot of extra features.

Herschel Supply Co. Retreat Backpack

N/A at Amazon

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A stylish and functional backpack with a classic design, perfect for carrying your essentials on day trips or short adventures.

Specifications :

• Dimensions: 17.5" x 12.5" x 5.5"
• Capacity: 25 liters
• Material: Polyester
• Weight: 1.5 lbs
• Features: Laptop sleeve, water bottle pocket, front pocket

Reasons to buy :

• Stylish and versatile design: The Herschel Retreat Backpack can easily transition from a day trip to a casual everyday backpack.
• Durable construction: Made from high-quality polyester, this backpack is built to last.
• Plenty of storage space: The 25-liter capacity offers enough space for your essentials.

Reasons to avoid :

• Limited organization: The lack of dedicated pockets might make it difficult to stay organized.
• Not very water-resistant: It is not designed for heavy rain or wet weather.

What you need to know :

Buy it if

• You're looking for a stylish and functional backpack for everyday use or short trips.
• You prioritize a sleek design over extensive organization.

Don't buy it if:

• You need a backpack with extensive organization or water resistance.
• You plan on carrying heavy items or traveling for long periods.

Bottom Line:

The Herschel Supply Co. Retreat Backpack is a great option for those who want a stylish and functional backpack that can handle everyday use or short trips. Its sleek design and durable construction make it a reliable choice, but the lack of organization and water resistance might be drawbacks for some travelers. If you're looking for a simple and stylish backpack for carrying your essentials, the Retreat is a solid choice. However, if you need a backpack with extensive organization, multiple compartments, or extra water resistance, you might want to consider other options.

SwissGear 1900 Scansmart TSA Laptop Backpack

N/A at Amazon

Designed specifically for air travel with a TSA-friendly checkpoint-friendly design for easy airport security.

Specifications :

• Dimensions: 19" x 13" x 8"
• Capacity: 35 liters
• Material: Polyester
• Weight: 3.5 lbs
• Features: TSA-friendly laptop compartment, multiple pockets, padded shoulder straps

Reasons to buy :

• TSA-friendly design: The laptop compartment opens flat for easy security checks, saving you time and hassle at the airport.
• Plenty of storage space: Offers ample space for your essentials, including a dedicated laptop compartment, multiple pockets, and a spacious main compartment.
• Comfortable to carry: The padded shoulder straps and back panel provide support and comfort for extended wear.

Reasons to avoid :

• Can be bulky: The size and multiple compartments may make it less compact and convenient for smaller trips or everyday use.
• Not as stylish as some other options: The focus on functionality over aesthetics might not appeal to everyone.

What you need to know :

Buy it if

• You travel frequently by air and value the convenience of a TSA-friendly design.
• You need a backpack with plenty of storage space and organization.

Don't buy it if:

• You prioritize a sleek and compact design over functionality.
• You're looking for a backpack for everyday use rather than travel.

Bottom Line:

The SwissGear 1900 Scansmart TSA Laptop Backpack is an excellent choice for frequent air travelers who want a backpack that streamlines airport security checks. Its TSA-friendly design, spacious interior, and comfortable fit make it a practical and functional option. However, its bulkiness and less stylish design might make it less appealing for shorter trips or everyday use. If you prioritize airport security convenience and ample storage, this backpack is a smart choice. But if you value a sleek and compact design, you might want to explore other options.

Pacsafe Venturesafe G400 Anti-theft Backpack

N/A at Amazon

Designed with innovative security features to protect your belongings from theft while traveling.

Specifications :

• Dimensions: 19.5" x 13.5" x 7.5"
• Capacity: 28 liters
• Material: 400D nylon
• Weight: 2.5 lbs
• Features: Anti-theft features including slash-proof material, lockable zippers, and RFID blocking pockets.

Reasons to buy :

• Enhanced security features: Provides peace of mind knowing your belongings are protected from theft.
• Durable construction: Made from high-quality materials that can withstand wear and tear.
• Comfortable to carry: Offers a comfortable fit with adjustable shoulder straps and a padded back panel.

Reasons to avoid :

• Can be expensive: The security features come at a premium price.
• Not as stylish as some other options: The focus on security might compromise style for some travelers.

What you need to know :

Buy it if

• You're traveling to areas where theft is a concern.
• You want a backpack with extra security features to protect your valuables.

Don't buy it if:

• You're on a tight budget and don't need the extra security features.
• You prioritize style over security.

Bottom Line:

The Pacsafe Venturesafe G400 Anti-theft Backpack is a great option for travelers who prioritize security and want to protect their belongings from theft. Its innovative security features, durable construction, and comfortable fit make it a reliable choice for those who want to travel with peace of mind. However, the high price and less stylish design might be drawbacks for some. If you're concerned about theft and want a backpack that prioritizes security, the Pacsafe Venturesafe G400 is a smart investment. But if you're on a budget and prioritize style, you might want to consider other options.

Eagle Creek Global Companion 40L Travel Backpack

N/A at Amazon

A versatile and durable travel backpack designed for long-term travel or adventure trips.

Specifications :

• Dimensions: 22" x 14" x 9"
• Capacity: 40 liters
• Material: Nylon
• Weight: 3.3 lbs
• Features: Expandable capacity, multiple pockets, compression straps, and a built-in rain cover.

Reasons to buy :

• Durable construction: Made from high-quality nylon, this backpack is built to withstand the rigors of travel.
• Expandable capacity: Allows you to pack more items when needed.
• Multiple compartments: Offers plenty of storage space for organization and easy access to your belongings.

Reasons to avoid :

• Can be bulky: The size and multiple compartments may make it less convenient for shorter trips or everyday use.
• Not as stylish as some other options: Focuses more on functionality than aesthetics.

What you need to know :

Buy it if

• You're planning on long-term travel or adventure trips.
• You need a backpack with expandable capacity and plenty of storage space.

Don't buy it if:

• You're looking for a backpack for short trips or everyday use.
• You prioritize a sleek and compact design over functionality.

Bottom Line:

The Eagle Creek Global Companion 40L Travel Backpack is a reliable and durable option for travelers who need a spacious and versatile backpack for long-term adventures. Its expandable capacity, multiple compartments, and durable construction make it a practical choice for carrying everything you need. However, its bulkiness and less stylish design might not be ideal for shorter trips or everyday use. If you're planning a long-term adventure and need a backpack that can handle it all, the Eagle Creek Global Companion is a solid investment. But if you prioritize a compact and stylish design, you might want to explore other options.

Travelon Anti-theft Signature Slim Backpack

N/A at Amazon

A stylish and secure backpack designed for travel with anti-theft features and a slim profile.

Specifications :

• Dimensions: 17.5" x 12.5" x 4.5"
• Capacity: 18 liters
• Material: Polyester
• Weight: 2.2 lbs
• Features: Slash-proof material, lockable zippers, RFID blocking pockets, and a hidden pocket.

Reasons to buy :

• Stylish and slim design: Offers a sleek and modern look without sacrificing functionality.
• Anti-theft features: Provides peace of mind knowing your belongings are protected from theft.
• Comfortable to carry: Offers a comfortable fit with padded shoulder straps and a breathable back panel.

Reasons to avoid :

• Limited storage space: The slim design might not be ideal for those who need to carry a lot of items.
• Can be expensive: The anti-theft features and stylish design come at a premium price.

What you need to know :

Buy it if

• You're looking for a stylish and secure backpack for travel.
• You want a backpack with anti-theft features and a slim profile.

Don't buy it if:

• You need a backpack with a lot of storage space.
• You're on a tight budget.

Bottom Line:

The Travelon Anti-theft Signature Slim Backpack is a great choice for travelers who want a stylish and secure backpack that offers peace of mind without sacrificing style. Its slim profile, anti-theft features, and comfortable fit make it a practical and fashionable option for those who are conscious of their belongings' safety. However, the limited storage space and higher price might be drawbacks for some. If you value style and security and don't need a backpack with a ton of storage space, the Travelon Anti-theft Signature Slim Backpack is a smart choice. But if you prioritize spaciousness and budget-friendliness, you might want to explore other options.

Choosing the right backpack for your European adventure is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Consider your travel style, the length of your trip, and the climate you'll be encountering to make an informed decision. Whether you opt for a sleek carry-on or a larger pack for extended adventures, remember to prioritize features like durability, comfort, and organization. With a well-chosen backpack, you can confidently explore the charming streets, bustling markets, and breathtaking landscapes Europe has to offer.

Packing strategically is key to maximizing your backpack's capacity. Opt for versatile clothing items that can be layered and easily mixed and matched. Utilize packing cubes and compression sacks to keep your belongings organized and easily accessible. Remember to pack essential travel documents, electronics, and personal hygiene items, ensuring they are readily available during your travels.

Remember, the best backpack for you is the one that suits your individual needs and preferences. Research different options, read reviews, and consider trying on backpacks before making a purchase. By investing in a high-quality and well-suited backpack, you'll set yourself up for a smooth and unforgettable European journey.

So, pack your bags, grab your trusty backpack, and prepare to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning scenery that Europe has to offer. With a well-chosen backpack by your side, you'll be ready to embark on an adventure of a lifetime!