Home » Backpack Packing List Recap – Europe for 3 Weeks

Backpack Packing List Recap – Europe for 3 Weeks

My Backpack Packing List

Hey all! This is an update to the post I wrote before my trip titled “A Breakdown of Minimalist Backpacking for a Europe Trip in June.” I took a quick break from recapping my travels in Europe to write something a little more on the informative side.

So today I’m going to share my backpacking experience and lessons learned with those interested in trying something similar. More specifically, this will be a backpack packing list on what you can realistically fit in a carry-on day pack for a 3-week time period. I’m talking about something 25L – 30L in capacity and capable of fitting under an airplane seat.

The backpack I use is an REI model that’s discontinued. However, I would still recommend any of their new products. I’ve had the one pictured below for about 2 years and have taken it on countless trips with no problems.

Packing for Europe

Alright! Here’s the list of things I brought to Europe for the three weeks. Keep in mind, it was June. Therefore, winter clothes were not needed. However, I did bring some items specific to my trip for deep water soloing. Additionally, I factored in doing a full laundry round at least once (it’s not as gross as you probably think!).

Disclaimer! This is my personal backpack packing list, so I fully expect that it won't work for everyone. Hopefully, it can at least serve as a starting point for the essentials and quantity of things to consider bringing.

I’ve broken down the items into categories. Click on each tab to navigate through everything.

The List

Clothes

Toiletries and Essentials

Electronics and Gear

Misc

Wearing on Me

Clothes

Toiletries and Essentials

Electronics and Gear

Misc

Wearing on Me

Over the time I was in Europe, a few things were lost and others acquired. In the end, it evened out. Remember, most things, even essentials, can be bought once at the destination!

How to Pack

Usually, I’ll pack the day before to make sure everything fits alright. I’ll also wear clothes that don’t compact well onto flights to save a little extra room. For packing everything, I go with the rolling technique instead of folding. Basically, all you do is roll the pants together, shirts together, etc. There are plenty of YouTube videos for that.

Packing cubes and vacuum bags are cool too, but I find them not to save additional room unless you have bulky clothes for a ski trip or something of the sort (this is coming from someone obsessed with organization). Plus, once I’m at the destination, all the items typically get tossed on the bed anyways!

My Favorite Item

I had to look back at my notebook to remember what I wrote for this, but I instantly agreed with it again.

Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones

They are a little on the expensive side, but the price is well justified. Best noise cancelling earphones. Period. These especially came in handy for the number of flights taken on this trip. No matter what you’re doing, they are perfect for when you just need some silence from the outside world.

What I Wish I Had

There are actually a few things on this list, but each one I felt was worth it.

First Aid Kit – Honestly, anything would do. I obtained several cuts on this trip. Band-aids were in short supply when crashing Vespas.
Quality Socks – Maybe it’s just my feet, but unless you’re wearing sandals every day, some dry-fit, odor resistant sock would be nice.
Tropic Shoes – Super stoked about this one. These are going to be my travel shoes very soon, and the only pair I’ll need!
Solid Cologne – Though I had deodorant, having a small, non-liquid cologne would be a power move.
Poncho – Or a compact waterproof jacket. I was stuck in rain more than once. Patagonia has some sleek choices.
Dryer sheet – This is more of a hack, but placing a dryer sheet in the backpack will keep the jumbled mess at least smelling good!
Sandals – This is now iffy since I’ll have the Tropic shoes. I think I’d still bring a pair.

What I Could Have Done Without

On the other side, there were not as many things I’d scrap. But the ones I did will save space.

Tank-top – It was just another shirt that was worn only in the morning or at night. If I was back in Cancun, it’d be different!
Athletic shorts – Even with the amount of hiking, it fell under the same spell as the tank-top.
Tripods – I really learned my lesson here. Cheap tripods BREAK. Having one quality tripod with adapters would suffice.

Well, that’s all I’ve got. I hope this backpack packing guide was helpful for anyone testing out a similar trip. Also, tell me what you think! I’d like to hear suggestions or if anyone has their own tips and tricks for minimalist packing. I know I left some stuff out! Leave it in the comment section below.

Michael Lakus

IT professional, athlete, musician, ponderer of many things... Born and raised in Florida, I began traveling internationally after college. I created this site primarily to remind myself of where I've been and to share my experiences on traveling with a quirky, stress-free, travel attitude.

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