Finding the best travel backpack for Europe can be confusing because there are so many options. While most people use standard hiking backpacks to travel, there are also other non-traditional bags. In this guide, we’ve picked our favorite panel-loading bags, top-loading bags, and non-traditional bags. Before you choose a bag, make sure you know the benefits and disadvantages of each style of bag and what to look for in a travel backpack. We’ve created a guide for how to choose a backpack for traveling Europe, and I highly recommend that you check it out before buying a backpack. Osprey is my favorite backpack brand, so it is no surprise that the Osprey Porter is a great panel-loading backpack for traveling in Europe. This pack is sturdy and offers a lot of room for all your gear. I also love how it is very streamlined and lightweight, which makes it much easier to navigate crowds. The shoulder straps zip away behind a flap, which is very helpful when stowing it on planes/trains/buses.

Personally, I think the 65 liter version is a bit too big, but if you don’t mind checking your bag (or if you aren’t going to be flying), it would probably be fine. My only complaint is that its waist belt isn’t padded, so it isn’t great for really long journeys. height x width x depth In: 22 x 14 x 9 Cm: 56 x 35 x 23 In: 26 x 15 x 11 Cm: 65 x 38 x 28 The Osprey Farpoint 55 is another great travel pack, and I think it is a great alternative to the Osprey Porter. This pack has a total of 55 liters of space, but the 55 liters are split up between the main backpack (40 liters) and the detachable day pack (15 liters). The day pack clips onto the main backpack, which can be handy when traveling. I think 40 liters is a pretty good size for a main bag. There is also the Osprey Farpoint 70, which is a bit bigger and runs around $200. height x width x depth (Does not include daypack) In: 25 x 13 x 12 Cm: 64 x 34 x 30 If you’re not concerned about having a bag that can be considered a “carry-on,” then the Osprey Waypoint series might be a good option (the 65L might be small enough for some airlines).

I also like the Waypoint’s suspension system as it is probably the best of the bunch. The Waypoint comes in two volume sizes — 65L and 85L. Additionally, the Waypoint is available in a men’s and a women’s version, which is nice. The Waypoint includes a detachable 15L daypack that clips onto the outside of the pack. The Waypoint is the largest travel backpack that we recommend, but it is an excellent choice for people who aren’t concerned with ultralight travel. Click here to view: Women’s 65L and Women’s 85L — Men’s 65L and Men’s 85L. I’m a fan of the Kelty Redwing because it is a comfortable pack with a lot of room and plenty of external pockets. I’ve always found Kelty’s material to be tough and their suspension straps to be comfortable. The older version of the Kelty Redwing can usually be found for around $80-$100, so it is a nice option if you’re on a budget. Measures 18 x 25 x 14.5 inches (W x H x D) While many people travel with travel backpacks (like those listed above), there are other good options for carrying your gear.

Most notably, convertible bags are very desirable for a lot of travelers. Convertible bags are basically soft-sided suitcases with backpack-style shoulder straps. backpack similar to everlaneThese bags have a large compartment, which makes packing simple, and they can be carried like a suitcase, a shoulder bag, or a backpack. bahama backpack beach chairThis style of bag won’t be as comfortable as a dedicated travel backpack, but it does provide added flexibility, which can be very helpful in some situations.best pack frame for hauling meat Patagonia makes great products and the MLC (Maximum Legal Carry-on) is an extremely popular option for people who want to travel with a convertible-style bag. 65 litre backpack weight

Additionally, the MCL is the top choice for flashpackers because it is fashionable and makes you look like more of a local when you use it with the shoulder strap.hauler backpack frame The eBags Mother Lode Weekender is another great travel bag option. best canyoneering backpackAdditionally, this bag is great for budget travelers because it only costs around $80. But even though it doesn’t cost a lot, this bag is well-made and gets tons of amazing reviews. Despite some of their shortcomings, top-loading backpacks are still a popular choice for traveling in Europe. This style of bag is generally a bit more comfortable and reliable (i.e. no zippers to break) than front-loading bags, but they are more difficult to pack/unpack. I’d generally recommend a front-loading bag when traveling in Europe, but some people prefer the durability of a top loader.

Osprey Atmos 50 – $200 The Osprey Atmos 50 was my first backpack, and it is still holding up well after three trips to Europe. It is super lightweight, built well and extremely comfortable. It also has the “airspeed” back mesh which allows air to flow to your back (which is super nice when it is warm). This is a great choice for a top-loading bag. AirSpeed suspension has a fully adjustable torso length and adjustable hipbelt Shoulder harness adjusts over a 3 in. range for a fine-tuned fit Updated pad design with spacer-mesh contact surfaces and ventilated foam that provides breathable and supportive cushioning Hipbelt uses dual-density foam for improved support and spacer mesh for breathability; exclusive adjustment system lets you customize the fit while wearing the pack Hipbelt pads extend up to 3 in. on each side for 6 in. total adjustment range LightWire alloy frame creates low-profile air space, optimizing balance and ventilation Floating top lid has a large pocket and an under-the-lid mesh pocket