Packing Tips for Backpacking Europe
I’m about to leave for my fourth 3-4 week long backpacking trip in Europe, so I finally feel like I have packing down and should share my packing tips for backpacking Europe.
This trip will be three weeks in August and we are visiting: Berlin, Wroclaw, Warsaw, Ostrava, Kosice, and Budapest. Day times temperatures should be ranging from 75-90 degrees and evening temps look to be in the range of 65 degrees. We’re visiting urban cities, and other than exploring some parks weren’t not doing any “outdoorsy” activities that would require special gear or clothes. I think that covers the basics!
Follow along on @brumeanddaisy to see what we get up to. And to check out my other travel and city guides — head here next.
Packing Tips for Backpacking Europe
I use an Osprey Farpoint 40 backpack, which is a convenient backpack for city trips because it opens flat like a suitcase (rather than from the top like a backpack. It’s also a suitable carry-on for most flights, and I’ll be using it as such on this trip.
I pack everything into this suitcase using packing cubes — I got mine from REI, but you can find these anywhere and they are a lifesaver for compressing and keeping your things organized.
I also carry a tote bag, which is what I’ll keep with me on the plane and trains while the rest of my pack is usually stored in an overhead bin. This bag holds my e-reader, phone, headphones, passport, train tickets, etc. I also use it for toting produce when we visit farmers markets while traveling.
Packing List
*Starred items could be considered optional, depending on your travel style.
- Clothes
- 3 dresses
- 1 blouse
- 2 tshirts
- 1 thin sweater
- 1 denim skirt
- 1 pair of pants
- 1 lightweight sweatshirt
- 1 pair of gym shorts
- Pajamas
- Underwear – 1 bra and 7 pair of underwear
- Shoes – Chacos and sandals
- Rain jacket
- Scarf
- Purse
- Microfiber towel – dries quickly when you’re on the move
- Notebook*
- Passport
- Hydroflask water bottle
- Shampoo – conditioner – soap (bar form)
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Essential makeup*
- Sunscreen
- Moisturizer
- Hand sanitizer
- Rx medicine
- Tylenol
- Benadryl
- Bandaids
- Cough drops
- Spork*
- E-reader loaded with books*
- Chargers (phone charger, external battery pack)
- Adapter for plugs in the countries you’re visiting
- Hair clips & hair ties
- Eye drops
- Period cup*
- Headphones
- Swiss army knife*
- Laundry detergent (powdered)*
Cheers!
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