Loading Page...

How big should my backpack be for Europe?

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.



People Also Ask

I recommend getting a backpacking style pack that is between 30-45L. I specify this size range so that your pack is small enough to be carried on a plane, or stowed away as train luggage, but still larger than your average backpack.

MORE DETAILS

With backpacks this size, it is essential that they fit you properly. TRAVEL: A 50L+ backpack is a great friend to those travelling for a few weeks.

MORE DETAILS

LARGE BACKPACKS (> 40L) Anything around the 40-45 litre mark should still be carry-on compliant depending on the dimensions and the airline. They make for great travel bags when you don't want to check in luggage. Even if you're a heavy packer, you should be able to take a 45L pack away for a weekend.

MORE DETAILS

Backpack Sizes 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.

MORE DETAILS

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.)

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

The perfect size for a carry-on For the most part, that 40L backpack that may seem way too small to fit your life into is just small enough to sneak on a plane without checking it into the hold luggage.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

We recommend a soft-shell suitcase since it provides more flexibility. The cons of wheeled suitcases are that they are difficult to move in Europe's cobblestones and long-winded staircases. That is where travel backpacks perform better. They are easier to carry and do not take much space.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

With 10,000 USD, you could easily travel around Europe for a few weeks. You could stay in budget hostels and eat at local restaurants or cook your own meals. If you plan carefully and look for deals, it's possible to stretch that amount even further.

MORE DETAILS

Carry-on Luggage Size Matters Generally, 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).

MORE DETAILS

The design of the 70L is perfectly suited for airplane carry-on or check in, and the features of the 70L are perfect for any adventure once you arrive at your destination. Being able to compress the 70L allows you to use it as carry-on for all major airlines in the US and Canada.

MORE DETAILS

In general, spaces are a lot smaller, the infrastructure isn't very suitcase friendly and if you're backpacking, you'll probably be flying with a lot of low-cost airlines or taking the train or a bus. All this is what makes travel backpacks the ideal packing method for a European vacation.

MORE DETAILS

For a 2-month trip through SEA, I'd personally recommend a 40L backpack. It's a good balance between carry-on size and having enough space for all your stuff. Plus, it's versatile enough to use for day hikes as well as leaving at hostels/hotels.

MORE DETAILS

70L Capacity
Backpack normal size is 18.90'' L x 26.77'' H x 10.63''D (48 x 68 x 27cm).

MORE DETAILS