This backpacking Europe packing list is the result of six months on the road across the continent — and a lot of trial and error. Europe is my absolute favorite place to travel, and I built this complete packing list from real experience: six months across the continent, figuring out what worked and ruthlessly cutting what did not. The number one question I get asked is always, “How do you always look cute while traveling?” or “How did you decide what to pack?” The truth is, it took almost the entire trip to perfect it. I was not willing to sacrifice my style just to fit my life into a backpack, especially when traveling in Europe. Everything in this guide is what I actually packed.
Backpacking Europe in general can be very uncomfortable. You don’t want to add to discomfort by wearing uncomfortable clothes and shoes. I love to find the balance between chic and comfort, without sacrificing the signature look I want to achieve. Packing in the summer is the easiest season because warmer weather means less clothes. A lot of these clothes will work for other seasons, you may just need a few more outer layers.
Versatility is also key when packing for a trip especially when backpacking Europe. Each item on your Europe packing list should be practical and serve multiple purposes. Everything I picked below can be mixed and matched with each other. This means that you can create multiple outfits with the same articles of clothing. For more tips and trick, read my post about How to Pack Light for Long Term Travel. Make sure to also read 15 Europe travel essentials to prepare for your trip. Even if you are going on a short trip, these items will make traveling so much easier!
⚠️ Planning for Europe in 2026? American travelers will need ETIAS authorization before entering Europe from Q4 2026. It costs €20 and takes 10 minutes online.
CHIC COMFORT CLOTHES FOR TRAVEL DAYS
THE COMPLETE BACKPACKING EUROPE PACKING LIST
Shops these items for your packing list:
It is essential to have a travel day outfit on your backpacking Europe packing list. When you are on that eight hour plane ride after a two hour layover, you will want to be comfortable. Being comfortable does not mean that you have to look like a slouch. One easy way to consolidate clothes is to combine your travel day outfit with your workout or hiking clothes. You can look great hiking through the airport or up a mountain to amazing views!
I am obsessed with this exercise dress to add to your packing list. It is both chic and comfortable. Wear it with a jean jacket and your favorite sneakers to style your way through the airport. Something like this is also versatile because it can be worn as a beach or pool coverup.
Comfortable shorts paired with a classic cropped t-shirt is also a great travel day option. They also can be worn separately from each other with any of the tops or bottoms listed below!
VERSATILE DRESSES
Shops these items for your packing list:
- Midi option to dress up or down
- Long dress with sleeves for cultural sites with a dress code
- Your new favorite romper
Dresses are by far the easiest items to add your packing list. They are cute and comfortable while backpacking Europe in the summer! A lightweight dress or romper is perfect for touring during the day, heading to a nice dinner and hitting the town at night. When touring around European cities, you will enter churches and different religious establishments. It is important to be respectful and follow the requested dress codes. A lot of those establishments require your shoulders and knees covered. A long dress is a great solution to not sacrifice your style and be respectful of those rules. This is one of my favorite long dress styles. It comes in multiple colors so if one fits you just right, buy it in multiple patterns!
PANTS AND SHORTS FOR YOUR EUROPE PACKING LIST
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Summer in Europe is hot! Some days it is just not practical to walk around in pants. I love to turn one pair of shorts into multiple outfits. Mix and match these with the shirts below to make each one of your clothing items go a long way. Jean shorts are a classic look that you can easily mix and match with any top and shoes.
Lightweight shorts are fabulous when it comes to travel. I basically lived in my lightweight shorts while backpacking through Europe and all over the world. It is such an easy way to be comfortable and look cute at the same time. These can also be mixed and matched with any top. These are also great to dress up or down depending on the occasion.
Jeans are a classic look on a chillier day. They are heavy, so take that into consideration if you are running out of space. I love that lightweight pants are back in style and they look great with everything. These classic lightweight pants work for any occasion. You can dress up or down and be comfortable the entire time.
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SHIRTS TO PACK FOR BACKPACKING EUROPE
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Of course you need some shirts to go with those new shorts and pants on your backpacking Europe packing list. Similar to the dresses, versatility is key here. I love finding shirts that can be worn touring during the day and to bars at night. Pick a few lightweight shirts that match all of your shorts or pants and you will be set. I rotated between three of my favorites while backpacking.
A white button down is definitely one of my favorite shirts to travel with. It can be worn as an outer layer if it is a chilly night, walking around a city and as a beach cover up. I actually wore it on one of the chillier days in Paris and it was perfect for the occasion. This front tie shirt is my ultimate Europe travel vibe. You can tie it shorter to be a crop or let it hang loose. I also love this black crop to rock a classy and sexy look with any of the bottoms you have available.
SHOES TO PACK
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Shoes can be tricky for any type of travel because they take up the most space in your luggage. Each pair that you pack should be comfortable and practical. As much as you may want to add those stilettos or pumps, they are not comfortable and need a bag of their own. Europe is also covered in cobblestone streets so your ankles will be in trouble if you go for the uncomfortable option. These are my tried and true shoes to travel with. You can never go wrong with a classic white sneaker and a pair of Birkenstocks. A gold pair of flats are a great addition because they won’t take up too much space and dress up any outfit.
BACKPACKING EUROPE BAGS
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- The ultimate backpack for travel
- The perfect day bag for exploring a new city
- Crossbody bag for the evenings
Another tricky aspect to backpacking is choosing which bags to bring. In case you haven’t picked up on the theme, we are going for fashionable and practical. I usually have one purse that can work for both day and night. I also always have a backpack for touring during the day. These are some of my favorite options!
Additional packing resources:
Fit all of these clothes in the packing cubes that will change the way you travel!
Learn more about how to pack light for long term travel.
Heading to Europe? Buy this outlet converter.
Remember to bring these 15 items that every traveler needs.
I hope that this list helps you put together a complete packing list for your backpacking trip through Europe. Always remember that you can buy clothes once you are over there. It is better to under pack in this circumstance and buy anything that you feel like you are missing.
Planning your trip beyond the packing list? Read our backpacking essentials guide for our top 10 must-have items, and our 50 Europe travel tips for everything you need to know before you go.
We started Voyage after doing Yacht Week a couple of times and realizing we wanted something different — the parties, yes, but also the culture, the food, the places, and actually being able to enjoy the next day. So we built it ourselves. Voyage is our boutique sailing trip through the Mediterranean — Greece, Croatia, Italy, BVI, and growing. Think stunning anchorages, themed nights, local dinners, and a loose itinerary that bends around the group. Stay longer at a swim stop, get to an island early, make it yours. We party, we explore, we recover — and groups are small enough that everyone knows everyone by day two.
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BACKPACKING EUROPE PACKING LIST FAQ
What size backpack do you need for backpacking Europe?
A 40–50L backpack is the sweet spot for backpacking Europe. Big enough to fit everything you need for several weeks, small enough to use as a carry-on on most flights. I personally travel with a 40L — it forces me to pack smart and I never feel like I am carrying too much.
How many clothes should I pack for backpacking Europe?
Plan for 5–7 days of clothing maximum regardless of how long you are traveling. With access to laundromats or sink washing, you can repeat outfits on any length trip. Choose neutral colors that mix and match, and prioritize fabrics that dry quickly overnight — merino wool and synthetic blends are ideal.
Do I need a travel adapter for Europe?
Yes — European outlets use Type C, E, and F plugs (the round two-pin style). Americans will need a universal travel adapter. I recommend one with built-in USB ports so you can charge multiple devices at once without carrying multiple plugs. Buy one before you leave — they are expensive and low quality at airport shops.
Should I bring a money belt to Europe?
A money belt or hidden travel wallet is worth bringing for busy tourist areas and overnight trains where pickpocketing is most common. Keep your passport, backup credit card, and emergency cash in it. For day-to-day use in most European cities you will be perfectly fine with a crossbody bag that zips closed.
What documents do I need for backpacking Europe?
You need your passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates), any required visas, travel insurance documentation, and from Q4 2026 you will also need ETIAS authorization before entering the Schengen Area. Keep digital copies of everything in your email and cloud storage as a backup.
