How big of a backpack do you need for backpacking Europe?
It is going to be on your back carried through train stations, city streets, and airports. It is important to have a pack that is big enough to carry everything, but not too big to be a major burden. I recommend getting a backpacking style pack that is between 30-45L.
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The truth is that if you're looking for a versatile backpack for travelling Europe, South East Asia or even South America, a 40L backpack will (probably) be the perfect size.
Multiday Packs: 50-75 litersA light packer will have ample room for five nights or more with a multiday backpack, which is typically a 50L backpack or larger. These are designed to carry more food and cooking fuel than a weekend pack, as well as extra clothes and layers.
The one-size-fits-all approach – a 40L backpack. Yet all being said, there is a loose one-size-fits-all approach for most travellers. The truth is that if you're looking for a versatile backpack for travelling Europe, South East Asia or even South America, a 40L backpack will (probably) be the perfect size.
Trips of 5 days or more usually call for packs of 70 liters or more. These are also usually the preferred choice for winter treks lasting more than 1 night.
70L is definitely too big. I believe the 55L is a 40L + a 15L daypack. This will probably work, but double check the length, width, and height, and make sure none of those dimensions are larger than allowed for a carry on.
Trips of 5 days or more usually call for packs of 70 liters or more. These are also usually the preferred choice for winter treks lasting more than 1 night. (Larger packs can more comfortably accommodate extra clothing, a warmer sleeping bag and a 4-season tent, which typically includes extra poles.)
Is 65L backpack too big for Europe? I recommend a backpack around 40L-50L. Personally, I wouldn't go over 65L, but some people like a bigger bag. You can always go smaller, but I wouldn't recommend anything smaller than 35L — unless you're into minimalist travel.
Carry-on Luggage Size MattersGenerally, most of the European airlines limit carry-on luggage to a maximum size of 55 x 40 x 20 cm ( 21.6 x 15.7 x 7.8 in); however, a few airlines do accept bags up to 25 cm wide (9.84 inc) or do not accept more than 35cm tall (13.7 in).
If you will potentially need that extra capacity on a future trip, then definitely get the 75L pack. If you're doing it just because it doesn't seem like much extra weight, even if you don't expect to ever need it, I would go for the 65L pack. That would also curb the temptation to overpack.
If you buy a 55 liter to 65 liter back from a backpack manufacturer than only counts their closed storage in their volume spec, there's a pretty good chance you can carry all of your backpacking essentials inside your backpack, including a bulkier synthetic insulated sleeping bag and a two-person tent.
Size Matters (but Bigger Isn't Better)Like a few other things in life, size matters when it comes to choosing a backpack — but not in the way you might think. Based on many years of dragging excessively large backpacks around the world, I have to say bigger is not better. You do not need an 80 or 90 litre pack.
A 40L backpack sits in the sweet spot between lightweight daysacks and heavy-duty 80L rucksacks. They're extremely flexible – working for average day hikes and overnight wilderness camping. They also give you the extra room needed for climbing gear or winter hikes.
If you go on a 2-week trip to Europe, there is a good chance you'll need at least a 25” suitcase, and perhaps even bigger 28” luggage will be more suitable. Still, within these suitcases, you want to choose one that weighs the least.
65 cu liters is 3966.5 cu inches and 85 cu li is 5187 cu inches...so I'd say 65 liters is pushing it. You'd need to check the dimensions or go with something like my ebags weekender convertible. but it does not have all the cinches/straps as a regular backpack might have.
This is why most new backpackers think they need a larger backpack to travel, but with some clever organising and good packing cubes, a 40L backpack could just be the perfect size. You'll be incredibly surprised at just how small of a space you can fit everything you need for 3, 6 or even 12 months.