Michael Turner
Immediate recommendation: select a 35–45 L rucksack and keep total weight between 8–10 kg; aim at 5 shirts, 3 pairs of trousers or shorts, 2 base layers, 1 insulating mid-layer, 1 waterproof shell, 2 pairs of underwear per week and 2 pairs of socks per day.
Use two 1‑l compression cubes and one 5‑l toiletry roll; roll underwear and T‑shirts, fold trousers flat. Place heavy items close to the spine and near the pelvis; distribute lighter items toward the top and side pockets. Liquids must fit 100‑ml containers inside a transparent resealable bag, carry‑on rules apply at airports.
Choose merino or synthetic quick‑dry fabrics: one merino T‑shirt resists odor across multiple wears, quick‑dry trousers that wash in a sink and air‑dry overnight reduce clothing count. Schedule a laundromat visit every 4–5 days or use hand‑wash technique with travel soap sheets to halve the number of garments carried.
Limit footwear to two pairs: lightweight walking shoes and compact sandals; wear the bulkiest pair during transit to save volume. Electronics checklist: phone, compact charger, power bank typically under 100 Wh (commonly up to ~20,000 mAh), universal adapter covering types C and E/F and a small multiport USB charger. Keep a passport scan plus a printed copy in a separate pocket; use a slim money belt or RFID sleeve.
Bring a 1–2 kg contingency dedicated to souvenirs; pack a 15 × 20 cm zip bag with basic meds, a mini sewing kit, lightweight zip ties and a 1‑l dry bag to protect electronics in wet weather. Secure the rucksack with a TSA‑compatible cable or small combination lock when leaving luggage in lockers and carry a simple luggage scale to avoid overweight charges.
35–40L rucksack: limit load to ≤8 kg base weight and keep volume under 85%
Choose a 35–40L rucksack; target base weight (bag + contents, minus consumables) at or below 8 kg and total worn weight under 10–11 kg.
Clothing inventory
- 3 merino or synthetic T‑shirts (120–160 g each)
- 2 trousers: one lightweight travel pant, one slightly dressier pair (400–600 g total)
- 1 stowable insulated jacket (200–300 g)
- 1 waterproof breathable shell (approx. 200 g)
- 1 pair supportive walking shoes (800–1,200 g)
- 1 pair light sandals or trainers (≤300 g)
- 7 underwear, 4 pairs socks (merino preferred)
- 1 dress outfit, small and quick‑dry
Gear, hygiene, logistics
- Organisers: 2 compression cubes (small + medium) to reduce bulk ~25–35%
- Liquids: each bottle ≤100 ml; single transparent 1 L resealable bag for cabin rules
- Swap liquids to solids where possible: shampoo bar, solid soap, minimal tube toothpaste (25–30 ml)
- Quick‑dry towel (200–250 g), travel detergent sheets (3–5 strips)
- Electronics: phone, USB‑C cable, 10,000 mAh power bank (~200 g), universal EU adapter, compact charger
- Documents: one paper copy passport ID page, secure cloud scan (encrypted), laminated list emergency contacts
- Security: small TSA‑approved combination lock, zipper clips, money belt or hidden pouch
- Shoe strategy: store socks inside shoes to save space; place heavy items close to the rucksack spine
- Laundry rhythm: wash 4–6 day rotation; use hostel sinks or laundromats; dry on radiators or hang outdoors
- Weight targets: total clothing weight ~2.5–3.5 kg; footwear weight allowance 0.8–1.5 kg
- Weather buffer: include a lightweight umbrella or packable shell; add a 100–150 g neck gaiter that doubles as a face cover
- Leak prevention: store liquid bag in an outer pocket or inside a small waterproof dry bag
If upgrading kit, compare best luggage brands away and consider best pilot backpack when frequent short flights occur.
Select rucksack dimensions and suspension that meet 55 x 40 x 20 cm carry-on limits and fit train luggage spaces
Choose an external size no greater than 55 x 40 x 20 cm and a volume between 30–35 L. Measure the bag fully loaded with all straps, hipbelt and handles attached; airlines and station sizers count everything that sticks out.
Prefer a panel-loader (front zip) with a low-profile internal frame. Panel access speeds retrieval on platforms and allows the bag to sit flat on overhead shelves; an external-frame or tall top-lid model usually exceeds the 20 cm depth once loaded.
Use compression straps to reduce depth to ≤20 cm. If depth is close, stow hipbelt by tucking it into a pocket or removing it when permitted; thin, close-to-body hipbelts are easier to tuck than bulky padded versions.
Choose an adjustable torso suspension. Measure from C7 vertebra to the top of the iliac crest and match that length to the bag’s torso range: small 38–43 cm, medium 43–48 cm, large 48–53 cm. Adjustable-length designs let one bag serve multiple carriers.
Hipbelt should be narrow (8–12 cm shell width) with firm padding that seats on the iliac crest so hips bear 60–70% of the load. Look for vertical adjustment points so the belt sits correctly after zipping and compressing contents.
Load lifters angled 30–45° keep the load close to the back panel; a ventilated or low-profile backpanel helps keep the bag shallow while maintaining support. Sternum strap with slide adjustment prevents shoulder slippage without adding bulk.
Target a loaded weight of 8–12 kg. Heavier loads force the bag to bulge past the 20 cm depth and make overhead shelves awkward; when heavy, use baggage racks at vestibules or lower luggage bays.
Train-specific handling: most intercity overhead shelves accept items up to ~45–50 cm deep if laid flat; overhead depth varies widely, so orient the rucksack on its side or face-down to reduce profile. Vestibule racks accept larger items but are less secure during stops.
Avoid large external pockets, long hipbelt pockets, extended top-lids, and hard-shell wheels that increase external measurements. Models to evaluate: 30–35 L panel-loader rucksacks with removable or stowable hipbelts and adjustable torso lengths.
Recommendation: 5 tops, 3 bottoms, 7 underwear, 5 pairs socks + two outer layers (insulating + waterproof shell)
Item checklist and specs
| Item | Count | Fabric & features | Typical weight each | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tops | 5 (3 short-sleeve, 2 long-sleeve) | Merino 150–170 g or poly-blend quick-dry | 150–170 g | Merino can be re-worn multiple days; choose neutral colors |
| Bottoms | 3 (2 trousers, 1 convertible/shorts) | Light nylon-stretch, durable water repellent (DWR) | 330–420 g | One heavier pair worn on transit to save volume |
| Underwear | 7 | Merino or polyamide quick-dry | 30–50 g | Daily rotation; quick-dry cuts laundry time |
| Socks | 5 pairs (3 midweight, 2 low-cut) | Merino-blend or synthetic with mesh venting | 60–90 g per pair | Daily change recommended; 1 pair worn on transit |
| Insulating layer | 1 | Packable down 600–800 fill or synthetic 100–200 g equivalent | 180–300 g | Light warmth that compresses small |
| Waterproof shell | 1 | Breathable membrane, taped seams, minimal bulk | 180–320 g | Choose pit zips or vents to regulate temp |
Layering strategy, rotation and stowage
Adopt a base + two outer-layer system: base garments (tops, bottoms) handle daily wear; insulating layer provides warmth during cool days; waterproof shell offers wind and rain protection while allowing ventilation. Wear the bulkiest items (heaviest trousers or insulating jacket) during transit to reduce carried volume.
Laundry cadence: underwear daily or every other day; socks daily; tops every 3–7 days depending on activity and fabric (merino often extends to 5–7 days). Do sink wash with travel soap, ring out hard, and hang overnight near a heater or on a compact drying line. Quick-dry fabrics shorten downtime.
Compression sack or 2L drybag reduces volume of the insulating layer and extra tops. Use one small packing cube for underwear and socks to speed access. Store the waterproof shell in an external pocket if rain is likely, so it can be reached without removing main gear.
Estimated total clothing weight (excluding shoes): 3.0–3.8 kg when following counts above; adjust counts downward only if reliable laundry access is certain.
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Organize electronics, power banks and adapters – quick access, battery & plug compliance
Keep all power banks and spare lithium batteries in your carry-on, inside a single clear pouch placed in an exterior top pocket to allow immediate inspection.
Observe Wh thresholds: ≤100 Wh – airline approval not required; 100–160 Wh – airline approval required, commonly limited to two spare units per passenger; >160 Wh – prohibited on passenger aircraft. Convert mAh to Wh with Wh = (mAh × V) / 1000. Examples: 10,000 mAh @3.7V = 37 Wh; 20,000 mAh @3.7V = 74 Wh; 27,000 mAh @3.7V ≈ 99.9 Wh.
Keep spare cells in the cabin: power down devices, insulate battery terminals with electrical tape or place cells in their original box, store single cells in dedicated plastic cases or individual resealable bags, and mark any unlabeled unit with its calculated Wh using masking tape.
Carry a compact universal adapter set that includes Type C, E, F, G, L and J heads; select a fused UK head when using UK outlets; note mains are typically 230V 50Hz – confirm laptop chargers accept 100–240V before plugging in.
Replace multiple bulky chargers with a single GaN USB-C PD unit: a 65W GaN charger with two USB-C ports plus one USB-A will charge most phones, tablets and mid-range laptops simultaneously; choose 100W PD only if the laptop requires >65W. Bring one short USB-C–to–USB-C and one USB-A–to–USB-C cable, each labeled with heat-shrink or colored tape.
At security keep the clear pouch accessible and present power banks with visible capacity markings and any airline approval screenshots saved offline. Never place spare lithium batteries in checked baggage; tape exposed terminals and retain original retail boxes when possible to reduce short risk.
Put toiletries and medications in 100 ml/3.4 oz containers inside a single 1 L (quart) clear resealable bag; keep prescription drugs in original pharmacy packaging in your carry-on.
Liquid limits and container choices
Airport security accepts individual containers up to 100 ml/3.4 oz; all containers must fit inside one transparent resealable bag no larger than 1 litre (approx 20 x 20 cm or quart-sized). Liquids include gels, creams, pastes, aerosols and lotions. Replace bulky liquids with solid alternatives: shampoo bars (~30 g), conditioner bars, castile soap bars, toothpaste tablets in a small metal tin. Use PET bottles with locking flip caps, leakproof silicone bottles or 50–100 ml travel pump bottles; label each bottle with contents and volume using a permanent marker. Double-bag liquids and place an absorbent cloth beneath to contain leaks.
Medications, documentation and refill planning
Carry medications only in hand luggage. Bring a minimum 30-day supply plus 7–14 extra days when passing through rural areas. Keep original pharmacy labels with patient name and dosage and carry a dated doctor’s note listing generic names and dosing schedule. Prescription liquids and injectable medicines may exceed 100 ml but must be declared at security and presented with documentation. Insulin and syringes are allowed; store insulin in an insulated pouch or small gel cooling pack with a cabin-approved cooling rating and keep prescription and instructions accessible. Check legality of controlled substances before departure and carry supporting paperwork.
Create a custom map layer (Google My Maps or similar) marking pharmacies, supermarket chains, airport terminal pharmacies, train-station kiosks and zero-waste refill shops along each planned stop. Save offline maps and note opening hours and public holidays for each pin. In areas with sparse services increase medication buffer to at least 7 extra days beyond planned stay.
Prioritize generic active ingredients when listing refill needs: acetaminophen/paracetamol, ibuprofen, omeprazole, loratadine. Print a one-page card with generic names plus local translations and present it at pharmacies when brand names differ. To cover unexpected needs, buy from major chains (example: Boots, DM, national “Farmacia” outlets) or from supermarket pharmacy sections; airport terminals and major train stations commonly stock basic hygiene and OTC items.
Split passport, cards and emergency cash across pockets and a hidden pouch to speed border checks and reduce theft risk
Store the primary passport in a chest-level zip pocket on the body-facing side to present at border control; use a slim RFID-blocking passport sleeve so the document can be slid out quickly without exposing other valuables.
Keep one laminated paper photocopy in an external pocket and a second copy inside a hidden sewn-in pouch; keep an encrypted photo of the passport in a locked cloud account and on an offline encrypted note on your phone as an additional backup.
Card distribution
Carry the main debit/credit card in a small RFID wallet alongside the passport sleeve for fast payment checks at checkpoints; store a backup credit card in an inner zip pocket near the main compartment; place a prepaid or emergency card inside the hidden pouch. Never store PINs on paper next to cards – memorize them or keep them encrypted in a password manager with 2FA.
Emergency cash and hidden-pouch specifics
Maintain an emergency reserve of roughly €150–€250 split across three locations: 50% inside the hidden sewn-in pouch, 30% in a money belt worn under clothing, 20% in the daily wallet. Hidden-pouch dimensions: ~12 x 6 cm, flat profile, water-resistant nylon, zip or velcro closure. Sew it into an interior back seam or beneath the laptop shelf with bar-tack reinforcements and a concealed zipper flap to reduce tampering.
At border control, place passport plus boarding document in the passport sleeve and hand only that sleeve; leave backup cards and larger cash secured. If a payment method is requested, present the chest-pocket card to avoid exposing the hidden stash. Use body-facing pockets and at least one body-worn stash (money belt or sewn pouch) to split risk between opportunistic theft and targeted pickpocket attempts.
FAQ:
How large a backpack should I use for a month-long trip across several European countries?
For about four weeks, most travelers find a 40–50 liter pack sufficient if they plan to wash clothes at least once a week. If you carry bulkier items (winter coat, hiking boots) or like extra gear, choose 50–65 liters. Keep the packed weight under roughly 10–12 kg if you prefer walking long distances and using public transit; heavier loads will tire you faster. Also bring a small daypack (10–20 L) for daily outings and city use. Before flying, check airline carry-on dimensions so your pack can double as cabin luggage when possible.
What clothing pieces should I pack for variable spring weather across Europe?
Layering works best: start with a moisture-wicking base layer (synthetic or merino), add a mid layer (light fleece or thin sweater) for warmth, and carry a lightweight waterproof shell that blocks wind and rain. Pack two pairs of comfortable shoes — a pair of walking shoes and one smarter, compact option for evenings — plus three to five breathable shirts, two pairs of trousers (one casual, one that can look dressier), underwear and three to five pairs of socks (include at least one pair for hiking if you plan outdoor days). Include a scarf or buff, a compact hat, and a thin packable down or synthetic jacket for chilly nights. Choose quick-dry fabrics and neutral colors so items mix and match and laundry is easier.
How should I handle passports, cards and cash so they stay safe while backpacking?
Keep your passport and one backup ID in a zipped internal pocket or a flat travel wallet that goes under clothing. Carry only the cash and cards you expect to need that day; store extras in a hidden compartment or the hostel/hotel safe. Use RFID sleeves if you worry about skimming, and photograph or scan important documents and email the copies to yourself. For bank cards, notify your bank of travel dates and carry a backup card from a different network. Avoid flashing expensive gear in busy tourist spots and lock zippers when you sleep in shared accommodation. Travel insurance that covers theft and loss gives extra protection.
Can I travel between European cities with only carry-on luggage, and what are the liquid rules?
Yes, many people manage multi-city trips with carry-on only. Choose versatile clothing, plan to do laundry every few days, and limit footwear to two pairs. For liquids in carry-on, European and most international rules require containers of 100 ml (3.4 oz) or smaller placed together in a single transparent resealable plastic bag, usually up to 1 liter capacity. Power banks and spare batteries must go in hand luggage, not checked bags, and airlines set weight limits for hand luggage that vary widely — budget carriers often have stricter size and weight allowances, so check each airline before you fly.
Which electronic devices and chargers are worth bringing for a long backpacking trip across Europe?
Bring a smartphone that doubles as maps and translator, plus its charger and a compact multi-port USB charger that fits local sockets. A power bank is handy for long travel days; keep it in carry-on and check the watt-hour limit allowed by your airline. Pack a small universal plug adapter that covers Type C and Type E/F sockets used across most of Europe. If you take a camera, choose a lightweight mirrorless model or a compact with spare memory cards rather than bulky gear. Consider an e-reader instead of multiple books, and a lightweight travel router or SIM/eSIM for reliable mobile data if you need frequent internet access. Store all chargers and cables in a small pouch to avoid tangles and make security checks faster.
