It’s that time of year. The most popular time to be backpacking Europe. Last year I backpacked Europe for a month and a half so I’d like to think of myself as experienced. I had such an amazing experience and I’m so so excited for you to take on this journey!
You’re probably wondering how the hell am I going to fit my life into a backpack (trust me, I thought the same thing), but with some great packing essentials and strategies, you’ll be good to go.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase using any of my links (or by clicking any of the images) I may make a small commission at no cost to you.
There have been a number of people who have asked me about my backpacking trip last summer so I decided to create some blog posts on my experience. Here’s the ultimate packing list for a backpacking Europe:
It’s that time of year. The most popular time to be backpacking Europe. Last year I backpacked Europe for a month and a half so I’d like to think of myself as experienced. I had such an amazing experience and I’m so so excited for you to take on this journey!
I know you’ll want to but you won’t be able to bring you’re entire wardroom. Having good mixture and variety of tops will go a long way.
Since you only have enough space to fit what goes in a backpacking, having a few lightweight tops is crucial!! The summer season is the hottest time in europe, so you’ll definitely get hot. Having good quality tank tops / short sleeves will make it easy to wash, rewear, and pack throughout your trip.
Depending on the temperature in Europe and your body temperature, long sleeve shirts are sometimes more versatile. If it gets to hot during the day you can roll up your sleeves and you can leave them down when it gets cool at night.
Dresses are my go to outfit because they’re lightweight, cute, and easy to put on. Keep in mind that if you’re visiting any churches, they sometimes require clothing below the knee and no shoulders showing!
Depending on the temperature in Europe and your body temperature, long sleeve shirts are sometimes more versatile. If it gets to hot during the day you can roll up your sleeves and you can leave them down when it gets cool at night.
Since you’re going to be spending most of your days out and sightseeing. Having a lightweight raincoat is a total lifesaver. I personally prefer having a raincoat over an umbrella because its less bulky and easily transportable.
You’ll want to pack bottoms that you can mix and match pretty easily. Getting plain colored bottoms and stuff that can be worn 3-4x before needing to be washed is the best.
Having a couple cute skirts is the perfect way to dress up or down your tops. I like having a longer skirt and a shorter skirt. I prefer wearing skirts over shorts, because they’re more versatile. Europeans wear shorts, but not as often. I definitely wouldn’t wear them into nicer restaurants.
Jeans never go out of style and everyone in Europe wears them. Having a good pair of jeans is perfect for traveling and you can easily dress up a good pair of jeans for a night out. Having a cute pair of trousers is perfect way to look cute and classy.
From denim sorts, to flowy shorts, to running shorts. You’ll definitely want a variety of shorts to choose from!
Whether you’re wearing it for casual sight seeing or the random hike you choose to do or to sleep in, they’re totally a must have. I prefer to have 1 pair of denim shorts, 1 pair of neutral breathable shorts and plain black running shorts so I can easily mix and match with my tops.
A good pair of lightweight leggings is perfect for plane rides or walking around Europe. I personally try to avoid wearing jeans on plane rides, mostly because I find it extremely uncomfortable. Having leggings is also perfect for dressing down an outfit and they’re extremely lightweight to fit in a bag. My favorite are lululemon leggings because they’re amazing quality and are so breathable! A little more expensive, but they last forever and they do free alterations!!
You’ll want to over do it, but don’t. If you are doing a longer backpacking trip you can always buy new underwear once you are in Europe. Pack the minimum.,
You’ll need a couple good quality bras. I think most of us already have a couple of our favorite bras, so I just bring those. I’d also recommend having one good quick-drying, sports bra
I tend to overpack underwear, mostly because I’m extremely lazy and don’t want to do laundry. I like to choose comfort over sexiness, mostly because you’ll be walking everywhere so you’ll want to be comfortable. I like choosing underwear that’s easily breathable. I also like to pack neutral colored underwear: whites, nudes, blacks, grey.
Depending on what shoes you bring, your sock number will vary. Having good quality socks will be a little more expensive, but trust me you’ll want them! I’d definitely avoid using cotton socks because they tend to trap moisture and make your feet smell. Look for odor-eliminating and quick drying socks. The best are lightweight wool socks to keep your feet cool & moisture free (yes, even in the summer months). You’ll be walking a ton, so having good socks is so crucial!!
Wearing stockings are always in style in Europe. Having good quality pair of stockings is perfect for wearing under your skirts or even layer under your jeans if it gets cold! Stockings are easy to get in Europe (in my opinion), so you can always get a nice quality pair while you are visiting if it becomes necessary!
Oh shoes. The hardest part about doing a backpacking trip when you’re a women. I highly recommend only bring 2-3 pairs of lightweight shoes. Avoid the heels and trade them in for cute sandals. Trust me, they’re way too bulky to carry in a backpack and you won’t want walk around on cobblestone in heels!
I prefer wearing sneakers while traveling mostly because I’m extremely flat footed so I don’t like wearing sandals. However, since you’re walking a lot in the heat you might notice your shoes starting to smell a little wonky.
You’re going to need at least one solid pair of sneakers that can take you from class to a spontaneous day trip without destroying your feet. I packed my white Nike Air Force 1s and they went with literally everything in my wardrobe while still being comfortable enough for full days of exploring.
Your feet are going to be your main mode of transportation . I’m talking 15,000+ steps a day wandering through cobblestone streets, climbing up to viewpoints, and getting lost in neighborhoods you definitely weren’t planning to explore (but ended up being the highlight of your day).
I looooove these REEF Women’s Water Visa Platform Sandals and the Crocs Women’s Brooklyn Low Wedge Sandals. They’re stylish and you’d never know they’re insanely comfortable
Birkenstocks and Teva sandals are another solid option. Just please, PLEASE break them in before you leave. Nothing ruins a weekend trip to Barcelona faster than blisters on day one.
I don’t usually walk around in flip flops, but if you plan on going somewhere with a beach then they are definitely necessary. If you are planning on staying in hostels, flip flops are also a MUST for all the communal showers.
These scarfs are always in style and I’m totally obsessed with them! It’s the perfect way to dress up your outfits and make yourself look like a local. You can wear them a bunch of different ways and even wrap it around your purse to change up your look.
I definitely wouldn’t bring my Raybans when backpacking just in case anything bad happens. Buy yourself a cute pair of cheap and stylish sunglasses. It’s a must to protect your eyes from the sun, but if anything bad happens to them it won’t be too big of a deal.
Seriously, if you’re going on a backpacking trip these are a MUST! Packing cubes are the perfect way to stay organized when traveling with a backpack. Separate your tops from your bottoms and have your first-aid medication in a separate bag. You can easily separate your toiletries from your underwear and be able to unpack and pack your bag easily. Roll your clothes inside of these and you’ll be surprised on how much you can actually fit!
Most hostels have the option to rent towels, but if you want to bring you own then definitely get a quick drying travel towel. Don’t bring normal cotton, bath towels because they take forever to dry!
Obviously you won’t be able to refill reusable toiletries along the way. It might be better to buy some travel size toiletries and buy more as you go. Travel size toiletries will be more expensive in Europe but can save you the hassle when going through TSA.
For hostel lockers, your checked luggage or just extra security on your day pack. Travel locks are a must. I prefer to get the locks with a flexible loop and dials rather than a lock with a key.
Some hostels won’t have big enough lockers to store your entire bag. Thankfully I’ve never had anything stolen while staying in a hostel, but I’ve heard stories of people who have! Having a retractable lock to lock up your bag while you’re gone is an easy way to make sure your stuff is safe!
For that random hostel roommate that might snore and the other one that turns on all the lights at 8AM. Also for plane rides that you want to knock out on! I love the Loop earplugs and the Manta Sleeping mask.
I’ve never been a person that gets stains often, but you’d be surprised at how dirty things can get when you are backpacking. A tide to go pen will definitely come in hand and its super small and lightweight!
So important! Make a couple copies of things such as passports, insurance cards, travel insurance, etc. and store them in different places throughout your bag! God forbid something happens to your documents, you’ll have copies!
There’s going to be a lot of stuff in your bag. So definitely get a toothbrush cover token your toothbrush clean and sanitary.
I swear by this all-in-one adapter. I bought this exact one in 2019 which was the first time I ever backpacked Asia and still use the same one. It’s lasted me over half a decade and has been the best travel companion for all the 20+ countries I’ve visited since.
I’ve gone through multiple adapters and find this all-in-one adapter to be the best one I’ve ever used. I love that it has two USB and two USB-C so I can charge multiple devices at once. It’s 100% better than having to hold every adapter individually. I would pack at least 2 for your study abroad trip, just as a safety net in case you end up losing one!
If you’re phone battery sucks as much as mine does, then you’ll definitely need a good charging block. I was always using Google Maps and taking photos on my phone and and my portable charger always came in handy
Not totally necessary, but depending on your hair type it might be. Be sure that it’s dual voltage or you can completely fry your hair device or make the power go out at your hotel. I swear by this two-in-one curler/straightener. I’ve been using it for a couple months now and its the perfect size for traveling.
I cannot stress this enough: noise cancelling headphones will save your sanity. Whether it’s drowning out crying babies on budget flights, blocking out your roommate’s 3am FaceTime calls home, or just creating your own little bubble when you need to focus on assignments, these are worth every penny.
I had my Apple Airpods and my overhead Beats Headphones. I used them on literally every single flight, train ride, and late-night study session. The battery life is insane (like 30+ hours), and the noise cancellation actually works. My friend had the Bose QuietComfort 45s and loved them just as much.
Bonus: they’re perfect for those moments when you just need some alone time but you’re sharing a room with three other people. Put them on, close your eyes, and pretend you’re somewhere else for a bit.
Bring your phone is an obvious one, but definitely iportant to keep yourself occupied or to listen to music. This includes extra chargers for those devices as well!
Bringing a laptop while backpacking is becoming more and more common. I brought my laptop with me and find myself using it more often than I thought. Whether it was to plan my next day or to write my next blog post, it definitely came in handy. If you don’t see yourself consistently using your laptop, then it’s a waste of space.
I know, we live in an era where some phone cameras are better than actual cameras, but I loved Having my camera. I use the Canon G7X which has amazing quality and is the perfect vlogging camera (the screen flips up if you’re trying to take a selfie). If you want to go the more artsy way then you can use a Fujifilm Instax mini, however that might get annoying to carry around because it’s bulky and you have to carry film.
For all your adventures underwater and above ground, a Go Pro is a study abroad essential! I loved taking it with me when I was ATVing the streets of Greece and paragliding in Switzerland.
A hanging toiletries bag is super helpful to keep everything organized in your bag and when you shower. Having all your toiletries in one pre packed bag is so helpful when you are using communal showers in some hostels!
Definitely a buy as you go type deal, but if you have a strict hair product routine then prepack these. They can be bought abroad, but the quality isn’t always the greatest and it’ll be more expensive!
I usually use body wash, but when backpacking I prefer having a soap bar. It lasts longer and you won’t have to take it out going through TSA.
If you forget this then I’m sorry for your dentist lol. A travel size and portable toothbrush is always a must. You can by toothpaste as you go, but bring a good quality toothbrush.
I prefer using stick deodorant when traveling because it’s portable, lasts longer, and isn’t liquid!
My go to chapstick is Aquaphor. But having chapstick with sunscreen is a total must, especially in the summer season. I suffered some really bad lip sunburn and it looked like I had lip injections for about a week!
Bring a couple disposable razors and shaving cream depending on how fast your hair grows. This can also be bought along the way but starting off with one might be a good idea.
Most people in Europe don’t wear that much makeup so I’d definitely do a more neutral look while you travel. It’s a win win situation because you’ll force yourself to bring less makeup and it’ll make your bag lighter! Plus in the summer IT IS HOT. You don’t want to be wearing a ton of make up because it will literally melt off. Here’s some of the basics I’d bring:
For when your clothes start smelling a little wonky but you’re too lazy to do laundry. Definitely comes in handy when you’re rewearing a lot of the same clothes
Honestly I don’t go out of my way to buy travel size perfume, because I never use it all. Go to your nearest department store and ask for sample of some perfumes instead. It’s free and the perfect sized perfume to travel with.
You’ll be taking public transportation a lot of the time, so bring some wet wipes to use. Whether that’s for your hands or when you go to the toilet. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.
I always have at least one ziplock baggy of antibiotics and prescription medication. Most people are more prone to getting sick in a different country and nothing is worse than getting sick in the middle of your trip. Be prepared by having some antibiotics on hand.
Most medication needs to be bought at a pharmacy. Yes, even things like tylenol. Avoid the hassle by bringing some in your bag. You’ll never know when you’ll need it!
If you get car sick then definitely bring this! Sometimes I found myself getting nauseous even on boat rides and plane rides which has never happened to me before! It must’ve been the consistent travelling that made me more prone to getting motion sickness!
The eating in Europe never ends and it’s better to be safe than sorry. Nothing’s worse than getting a bad meal at a restaurant and then getting sick a few hours later!
So, I hope that gave you an idea of the ultimate packing list for backpacking Europe in summer. I tried to give y’all the best advice I could based on my own experience backpacking Europe. Most of these items on this checklist was extremely helpful during my trip and I hope its the perfect packing list for backpacking Europe for you too. Until then, bon voyage!
Xoxo, Angelique
