In Europe, travelers encounter everything from sun-baked Mediterranean coasts to crisp alpine passes, with experiences ranging from immersive city tours to budget hostel stays and epic mountain hikes.
In this guide to the Best Travel Backpacks for Europe, we combine hands-on gear tests and expert reviews from leading travel authorities to help you find the ideal pack for your journey.
Whether you’re wandering the cobbled streets of Paris, hopping between hostels in Budapest, or tackling the Dolomites’ dramatic trails, our recommendations ensure your essentials stay secure and your load remains comfortable.
Read on for our top picks, in-depth performance insights, and practical buying advice to make your European adventure seamless and stress-free.
Top Picks for Travelers
Top Picks for Best Travel Backpacks for Europe
In our curated selection of the Best Travel Backpacks for Europe, we combine Condé Nast Traveler’s 2025 expert roundups and Travel + Leisure’s lab-tested carry-on reviews, alongside community endorsements from the OneBag subreddit—namely the Cotopaxi Allpa 35 L and the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45 L.
These top picks span every travel style—from budget city breaks to rugged alpine treks and sleek digital-nomad needs—ensuring you’ll find the ideal pack for your European adventure.
- Curated Expertise: Our list draws on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2025 backpack guides and Travel + Leisure’s carry-on testing lab.
- Community Favorites: Trusted OneBag subreddit feedback confirms the Cotopaxi Allpa 35 L’s organizational genius and the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45 L’s versatility.
Heavy-Duty Waterproof Backpack
The Earth Pak Waterproof Backpack excels in providing complete waterproof protection, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Its durable construction and ergonomic design ensure comfort and reliability during any adventure.
Product Overview
The Earth Pak Waterproof Backpack is designed for the adventurous spirit who needs a reliable way to keep their gear dry. With a roll-top closure and durable materials, this backpack is perfect for hiking, kayaking, or any wet environment.
Key Features
Practical Insights
The Earth Pak Waterproof Backpack is truly an adventurer's best friend, combining durability and functionality into a sleek design.
Osprey Fairview 70L Women's Backpack
The Osprey Fairview 70L Women's Backpack combines comfort with ample storage, making it perfect for women travelers. Its thoughtful design accommodates everything you need for extended trips.
Product Overview
The Osprey Fairview 70L Women's Travel Backpack is tailored for female travelers seeking comfort and practicality during their adventures. With a generous 70L capacity, this bag is perfect for extended journeys where packing is essential.
Key Features
Practical Benefits
The Osprey Fairview 70L is the best choice for women travelers, combining functionality with a thoughtful design for ultimate comfort.
Pacsafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Backpack
The Pacsafe EXP45 is designed for security-conscious travelers, featuring advanced anti-theft technology and ample organization. It's versatile enough to use as a carry-on or backpack, meeting the needs of modern travelers.
Product Overview
The Pacsafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Pack offers peace of mind for travelers worried about theft. With a spacious 45L capacity, this pack is designed to deter thieves while keeping your belongings secure.
Key Features
User Experience
The Pacsafe EXP45 is the ultimate travel companion for anyone prioritizing security and functionality.
Versatile Expandable Laptop Backpack
This backpack offers a perfect blend of durability and organization, making it an excellent choice for both business and travel. Its expandable design allows for extra packing space, while the USB charging port adds convenience on the go.
Product Overview
The Travel Backpack for Men is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable, stylish, and functional bag for their travels. With its flight-approved carry-on design, you can breeze through airport security without a hitch.
Key Features
Comfort and Convenience
Overall, this backpack is a must-have for anyone who travels frequently, offering versatility and organization in a durable package.
Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L Backpack
The Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L Backpack maximizes comfort and organization for travelers. Its durable construction and multiple carrying options make it a versatile choice for any adventure.
Product Overview
The Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L Travel Backpack is designed to meet the needs of modern travelers with its combination of comfort, durability, and organizational features. This backpack is perfect for those looking to travel for extended periods without sacrificing convenience.
Key Features
User Insights
The Osprey Sojourn Porter is the best for versatility, ensuring you have everything you need for your travels without compromising on comfort.
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
The Peak Design Travel Line Backpack is perfect for those who require both style and functionality. Its modular design allows for personalized organization, making it a top choice for photographers and travelers alike.
Best for Digital Nomads: Peak Design Travel Backpack 45 L
Expandable from 35 L to 45 L, with weatherproof recycled nylon canvas, dedicated laptop sleeves, and Fair Trade certification, this pack balances capacity with professional style.
The Peak Design Travel Line Backpack 45L is a versatile bag that adapts to your travel needs. With a stylish exterior and innovative design, it meets the demands of both casual travelers and serious photographers.
Key Features
User Experience
The Peak Design Travel Backpack is a premium choice for those who value quality and adaptability in their travel gear.
Stylish Cotopaxi Travel Pack
The Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Travel Pack stands out with its vibrant colors and durable construction, making it a stylish choice for travelers. Its suitcase-style opening and effective internal organization enhance packing efficiency.
Best Overall: Cotopaxi Allpa 35 L Travel Pack
The Allpa 35 L’s suitcase-style opening, durable recycled nylon shells, and 35 L capacity make it the go-anywhere workhorse for most European itineraries.
The Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Travel Pack is designed for the modern traveler who values both style and functionality. With its vibrant colors and durable build, this pack is perfect for weekend getaways or short trips.
Key Features
Comfort and Convenience
This travel pack is a perfect blend of style, functionality, and durability, making it an editor's choice for travelers who want to make a statement.
Topo Designs Original Backpack
The Topo Designs Original Backpack is an ideal solution for minimalists and travelers looking for an efficient carry-on option for short trips. Its simple yet functional design makes it a standout choice.
Product Overview
The Topo Designs Original Backpack is designed for travelers who appreciate simplicity without sacrificing functionality. With a capacity of 40L, this backpack is perfect for weekends or short trips.
Key Features
Practical Insights
The Topo Designs Original is a minimalist's dream, offering functionality and reliability in a stylish package.
Osprey Transporter 40L Duffel Bag
The Osprey Transporter 40L is a sturdy wheeled duffel bag that provides ample space and durability for all your travel needs. Its unique design ensures smooth transport over various surfaces, making it a reliable companion for any trip.
Product Overview
The Osprey Transporter 40L Wheeled Duffel Bag combines the best features of a duffel and a suitcase, making it a perfect travel companion. Built with NanoTough fabric, it's designed to withstand the rigors of travel while keeping your belongings secure.
Key Features
Travel Convenience
The Osprey Transporter is a durable, reliable bag that will support all your travel adventures.
Amazon Basics Travel Backpack
The Amazon Basics Travel Backpack is a well-rounded option for travelers on a budget. It offers essential features and ample storage without breaking the bank, making it a practical choice for short trips.
Product Overview
The Amazon Basics Travel Backpack is designed for budget-conscious travelers who want a reliable carry-on option. With its practical features and ample space, this backpack is perfect for weekend trips or short getaways.
Key Features
Travel Convenience
The Amazon Basics Travel Backpack is the best budget option, providing great value without compromising on essential features.
How We Chose These Backpacks
We combined expert-driven criteria from Pack Hacker’s 2025 buyer’s guide—including optimal capacity ranges, feather-light carry weights, rugged materials, and smart organization features—with rigorous, real-world stress testing modeled on OutdoorGearLab’s protocols to simulate Europe’s diverse travel conditions.
Capacity needs were benchmarked against popular expandable packs (e.g., 26–32 L models) to balance multi-day storage with mobility, while durability standards drew on Travel + Leisure’s lab tests of 185 backpacks for abrasion and wear resistance.
Each bag then underwent GearLab’s “stress test”—loaded to at least 15 lb and carried over stairs and cobblestones, plus ergonomic hikes, volume measurements via ping-pong-ball tests, and water-repellency trials to ensure top performance on every European adventure.
Expert Selection Criteria
We distilled the four pillars most critical for European travel backpacks—Capacity, Weight, Durability, and Compartmentalization—drawing directly from Pack Hacker’s in-depth guide.
| Criterion | What It Measures | Ideal Range / Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Total storage volume (liters) | 30–45 L for week-long trips; expandable 26→32 L daypacks |
| Weight | Empty pack weight | ≤ 3 lb (1.4 kg) to minimize shoulder fatigue |
| Durability | Material strength and abrasion resistance | High-denier nylon (e.g., 1880 D CORDURA®), reinforced seams |
| Compartmentalization | Number and utility of pockets, sleeves, and organizers | Dedicated laptop sleeve, water-bottle pockets, zip panels |
Testing Methodology
Our real-world evaluations mirror OutdoorGearLab’s “How We Test” framework, ensuring every backpack delivers on performance, comfort, and reliability.
| Test | Description | Metric / Procedure |
|---|---|---|
| Stress Test | Load each pack ≥ 15 lb and navigate stairs, escalators, and cobblestone pathways | Evaluate frame integrity and strap stability |
| Ergonomic Fit | Expose packs to a controlled spray-chamber simulating rain | Assess shoulder, hip-belt comfort, and weight distribution |
| Volume Measurement | Diverse testers hike 2 hrs with a fully loaded pack | Confirm liters of usable space |
| Water-Resistance | Expose packs to controlled spray-chamber simulating rain | Observe water repellency and seam sealing |
By anchoring our picks in authoritative guidance and testing every pack under simulated European travel conditions, we ensure our recommended backpacks strike the perfect balance of space, comfort, toughness, and organization.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Backpack
In this Buying Guide, you’ll discover the three pillars of the perfect European travel backpack—optimized load distribution, rugged high-denier materials, and smart organization pockets—so you can carry more miles in comfort.
We’ll walk you through pro fitting advice—measuring your torso, seating the hip belt over your iliac crest, and dialing in harness tension—based on REI’s expert recommendations.
Finally, learn simple maintenance routines—hand-washing with gentle soap, air-drying out of direct sun, and renewing your DWR coating—to keep your pack performing trip after trip.
Key Features to Consider
Choose a pack that balances comfort, longevity, and ease of use. Below is a quick comparison of the three must-look-for features:
| Feature | Why It Matters | How to Evaluate |
|---|---|---|
| Load Distribution | Reduces shoulder fatigue and keeps your center of gravity close to your back | Look for load-lifter straps, a padded hip belt, and an adjustable harness to shift weight to your hips |
| Material Quality | Determines abrasion resistance, water-shedding, and pack lifespan | Opt for high-denier nylons (e.g., CORDURA®) with DWR coatings and robust YKK zippers |
| Organization | Keeps essentials accessible and prevents gear from shifting mid-haul | Favor dedicated laptop sleeves, mesh divider pockets, and external compression straps for quick access |
How to Fit Your Backpack
A well-fitted pack transforms heavy loads into a seamless extension of your body. Use the steps below to dial in your fit:
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Measure Torso | From C7 vertebra to iliac crest | Transfers 80 %+ of load to pelvis; should hug the crest without pinching |
| Seat the Hip Belt | Center padding over the top of the hip bones | Keeps the pack close to your body; shoulders should feel light if the hip belt is set correctly |
| Adjust Shoulder Straps | Tighten until snug without bearing major weight | Keeps the pack close to your body; shoulders should feel light if hip belt is set correctly |
Maintenance and Care
Regular upkeep preserves performance and warranty coverage. Here’s a simple maintenance schedule:
| Task | Frequency | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning | After heavy use or seasonally | Hand wash with lukewarm water and mild soap; avoid machine cycles to protect coatings |
| Drying | After every cleaning or wet trip | Air dry upside down in shade; never use direct heat to prevent fabric damage |
| Waterproofing | Annually or post-deep clean | Spray with a professional DWR treatment to restore water beading |
| Warranty Check | At purchase and yearly review | Register online, keep proof of purchase, and review coverage for zippers and seams |
By focusing on these core areas—feature selection, precise fit, and diligent care—you’ll extend your backpack’s lifespan and maximize comfort on every European adventure.
Conclusion
By combining Pack Hacker’s expert criteria, Travel + Leisure’s rigorous lab evaluations, and OneBag community insights, this guide highlights exactly what to look for in a Europe-ready backpack: the right capacity for multi-day trips, lightweight yet durable fabrics, and smart compartmentalization for easy access.
Our top picks—from the bomb-proof Cotopaxi Allpa 35 L to the expandable Peak Design Travel Backpack 45 L—cover every budget and use case, whether you’re a digital nomad, adventure hiker, or style-conscious city explorer.
You now have the tools to assess backpacks side-by-side, dial in your fit, and maintain your pack for years of use. When you’re ready to buy, compare prices on Amazon, REI Co-op, and Backcountry, set alerts with CamelCamelCamel or Keepa for the best deals, and register warranties like Osprey’s All Mighty Guarantee for lifetime coverage.
With these insights and resources, you’ll pack confidently, travel comfortably, and focus on the experiences that make Europe unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the typical carry-on size limits for backpacks on European airlines?
Most carriers set cabin-bag dimensions at 55 × 40 × 20 cm, plus a small personal item. Budget airlines (e.g., Ryanair) may restrict free allowance to 40 × 20 × 25 cm unless you pay for priority boarding.
Which anti-theft features should I look for in a travel backpack?
Prioritize lockable zippers, slash-proof fabrics or straps, and RFID-blocking pockets to deter pickpockets in crowded stations and tourist hotspots.
How do backpack warranties work for top brands?
Osprey’s All Mighty Guarantee™ repairs or replaces packs for any reason—regardless of age—at no charge (you cover return shipping). Peak Design’s lifetime warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship with simple online claims.
The Earth Pak Waterproof Backpack seems awesome, but I’m not a huge fan of the roll-top closure. Do you think it would be a hassle? I’m mostly going to cities, not hiking. 🤷♀️
The roll-top is great for waterproofing, but if you’re mainly in cities, you might find it a bit cumbersome. Have you looked at other options like the Pacsafe EXP45?
I wouldn’t worry too much! I used it in the city for a week, and it was fine. Just take your time when closing it, and you should be good!
I recently bought the Osprey Fairview 70L for my trip to Europe, and I absolutely love it! The comfort and storage options are amazing. I can fit all my essentials and then some. However, I wish it had a few more pockets for organization. Anyone else have this backpack? How did you find it? 🤔
I have the same one and I agree! It’s super comfortable for long days of walking. I also added packing cubes, which helped with the organization a lot!
I had the 50L version and found it a bit bulky at times. How do you manage with the weight on your back?
Glad to hear you’re enjoying the Osprey Fairview, Sarah! It’s definitely designed with travelers in mind. What was the first place you visited on your trip?
I’m kind of torn between the Peak Design Travel Line Backpack and the Osprey Sojourn Porter. One’s more stylish, but the other seems more practical. Any recommendations?
Both are great choices! It really depends on your priority. Do you need more style or functionality?
If you’re a photographer, go for the Peak Design! If you’re just traveling, the Osprey might be more versatile.
I have the Peak Design, and it’s fantastic for organization, especially for gear. But the Osprey has more space and is easier to carry around.
I’m looking for a good travel backpack that I can also use for work. The Travel Backpack for Men caught my eye because of the USB port. Is it really as convenient as it sounds?
I have that one! The USB port is super handy while traveling. I used it on my last flight and it worked perfectly!
The USB port is a great feature for on-the-go charging! Just keep in mind you’ll need a power bank. Have you considered other options as well?
The Cotopaxi Allpa 28L caught my eye because of the colors! 🌈 But is it practical for a week-long trip? I need to pack a lot. Any thoughts?
Definitely a statement piece, but you might find it limited for a whole week. Just depends on how light you can pack!
I took it for a weekend trip and loved it! I packed light, though. If you’re planning to take a lot, maybe consider the Osprey Fairview instead.
The Cotopaxi is stylish for sure! It’s more suited for short trips or as a daypack, but with packing cubes, you could make it work for a week.