The Essential Backpacking Gear List (for Europe)

by Scott | Last updated Feb 8, 2020 | 6 comments

Essential Gear for Backpacking in Europe. Backpacking list for the best gear and accessories to bring to Europe

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In today’s post we’re going to dive into the best backpacking gear for Europe.

I’ve traveled solo through Europe several times just using a backpack. After a few failures by either overpacking, under packing, or straight up bringing the wrong stuff, I finally have what gear to bring backpacking dialed in.

In this post you will discover the best electronics, gear, and accessories to bring with you to Europe.

These items are going to make your backpacking trip to Europe much more comfortable and enjoyable.

Let’s get right into my list of the essential backpacking gear for Europe!

Backpacking in Europe

Some of my favorite trips ever have been backpacking solo through Europe.

There is so much history and beautiful things to see, it’s impossible not to have a good time.

When bouncing between cities and countries you will either be traveling by train, plane, bus, or automobile.

You want to make sure you pack for mobility and only take what you absolutely need.

Everything listed here fits comfortably in my Osprey Farpoint 40, along with all my clothes and toiletries, and leaves room to spare for anything I pick up along the way.

You’re going to find the best backpacking gear for Europe on this list.

The Essential Electronics to Bring on Every Trip

No one can survive traveling internationally without some electronics gear.

You are going to want to bring these essential electronics gear to Europe when you’re backpacking.

iPad or Kindle

I always bring my iPad with me when I travel.

It brings me joy.

I have mine loaded with comic books, books, and some movies.

Not every plane seat has a screen to watch a movie or TV. Sometimes you have to download the airline’s app to watch it (or GoGo Entertainment).

You’ll need something with a dope screen in order to do that, and an iPad is way better than your phone.

Kindles are also amazing.

They are cheaper than an iPad and very lightweight.

Kindles are also really easy on your eyes.

If you plan on doing a lot of reading during your trip, then you definitely need to get a Kindle.

Headphones

If you don’t bring good headphones with you on an international trip to Europe, then you’re a moron.

My mom just got done complaining to me about all the noisy people and crying babies on her last flight.

I’ve been telling her for years to get the awesome noise canceling Bose QC 35 wireless headphones, and now she has finally seen the light.

The Bose QC 35 wireless headphones are the best on the market for sound and noise canceling.

They are also incredibly comfortable to wear for long flights and have a battery that lasts up to 20 hours.

If you have an iPhone, you have to get the Apple AirPods.

I used to be skeptical of them, however, after using them for the past year I don’t know how I lived without them.

They sound great, are comfortable to wear, and there’s no wire to worry about!

The battery lasts around 5 hours for listening, then you just pop them back in the case for a 15-minute charge and you get another 5 hours of listening.

In total you can get up to 24 hours of listening time before the case needs to be recharged, which is amazing.

International Plug Adapter

I’ve tried several international plug adapters, and the MOGICS Bagel is far and away the best one.

The MOGICS Bagel is super compact, has an extension cord, 2 USB ports and 5 plug outlets.

That means the Bagel can charge up to 7 devices at once!

I will never travel without it, and neither should you.

Portable Charger

You need to keep all your devices charged up while you travel, right?

It’s an absolute must to bring a portable charger with you.

In fact, I actually travel with 2 portable chargers.

The Anker 20100 PowerCore is perfect for while I’m on the plane and to help charge devices in my hotel or hostel.

I can get about 6 full iPhone XS charges or 2 iPad Air 2 charges before I have to recharge the battery.

For while I’m out exploring in the city, I bring the pocket-sized Anker PowerCore 10000.

I can charge my phone 2 times completely before I have to recharge this battery.

I always bring it with me when I’m touring a city, so I never run out of juice.

Extra Charging Cords and Cube

You need to have the cords to charge your devices.

Ever since one broke on me in Poland and it was a pain to find a replacement (every store was closed due to a national holiday), I’ve always packed a backup for each cord.

Amazon Basics has cheap and reliable cables for all your devices (Lightning, USB-C, and Micro-USB).

You can also get a multi charging cable that has all 3 in one cord to cut down on space!

Speaker

The Bose Soundlink Mini is my favorite portable speaker.

The sound you get out of this small speaker is incredible, and so is the 10 hours of play time you get on a single charge.

Always bring a portable speaker, because sometimes that’s all you need to get the party started!

Mini Photo Printer

The HP Sprocket portable photo printer is totally awesome and just might be my favorite gadget to travel with.

It’s roughly the size of your cell phone and prints great looking photos.

The HP Sprocket is super easy to use. Simply take a picture, open the app and connect to the printer via Bluetooth, and hit print.

The photo paper has an adhesive backside (just peel the back paper off) so the photo can be used as a sticker, too.

You get to keep the digital copy and hand out a printed picture to the new friends you’ve met on your travels.

Everyone loves it!

Check out my Ultimate Packing List for Europe in Fall!

The Essential Gear to Bring on Every Trip

You’re going to want to bring more than just electronics with you on your trip to Europe.

You’ll need some essential gear that will make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable.

Don’t go to Europe without any of the following backpacking gear.

International SIM Card

Using your phone abroad is becoming a necessity with the need for Google Maps, Yelp, and WhatsApp.

If you don’t want to be bothered by the hassle of purchasing a SIM card once you arrive in Europe (or you don’t have T-Mobile), then I highly recommend getting a prepaid Europe SIM card.

I have used this exact SIM card in Europe, and it works great.

You get 12GB of data and free roaming in 71 countries, including all of Europe for 30 days, and it’s cheaper than buying the same card abroad.

Just don’t upload or download video or pictures and you’ll be fine (do that when you’re connected to Wi-Fi).

Writing Tablet and Pen

You never know when you need to write something down.

I always bring a composition book and pen with me to jot down ideas, recommendations, and to doodle during my travels.

Selfie Stick of Shame

Selfie sticks are lame, except when they’re not!

I always feel shame bringing my selfie stick with me (hence why I call it the Selfie Stick of Shame).

However, in group settings, especially at hostels or with friends, selfie sticks really shine!

There are 2 selfie sticks I really like.

The Benro Selfie Stick and the Yoozon Selfie Stick.

Both come with tripods and Bluetooth remotes and work really well. I love the tripod features on these!

Money Belt

I was pickpocketed in Madrid on my last trip, and out of my front pocket at that!

I was doubly frustrated because I had a money belt and thought, “Nah, it’ll never happen to me, I don’t need to wear it.”

What a moron.

So now that I’ve eaten crow, I’m singing the praises to everyone to get a money belt.

The Alpha Keeper Money Belt is ridiculously lightweight, to the point you don’t even realize you’re wearing it.

It also has no metal, so you can wear it through metal detectors at the airport.

Flashlight or Headlamp

When you stay in a hostel, sometimes the lights are out, and you need to rummage through your bag for something. Or you need a better light to read.

You need to always bring a flashlight or headlamp with you.

I recommend the Tactical Portable LED Flashlight and the GearLight LED Headlamp.

Lock

If you’re staying at a hostel, you need to bring a lock for the lockers.

I recommend either the Master Lock Padlock with a key or the Master Lock with a Combination.

I mostly use the key one because I can’t be bothered to remember the combination, but both work great.

You want to make sure you get a lock that is long shackle (the U-shaped part) because they are easier to work with.

Umbrella

It’s going to rain in Europe.

That’s a fact.

I always like to be prepared and bring an umbrella with me.

I recommend the Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella with Teflon Coating.

The Repel travel umbrella is fantastic.

It holds up in high wind, has a button to automatically extend and retract, and works amazing.

They also have this umbrella available in a bunch of fun designs!

If you are backpacking in Europe, this umbrella will take up no space.

All you have to do is attach it to the side of the bag with carabiners and you’re good to go.

Which brings us to the next item on the list.

Carabiners

Carabiners are incredibly versatile, and I can’t imagine traveling without them.

I use them to hold bags, my water bottle, a flashlight, headphones, and more!

Just clip them on to the loops on the outside of your bag and you’re good to go.

Canvas Tote Bag

Something new I started bringing with me on all my trips is a canvas tote bag.

These AxSickle Canvas Tote Bags fold up really well and are perfect to stash in your bag.

I use a canvas tote bag to put my personal carry-on items for the flight. I also use them for shopping at the market, as a laundry bag, and souvenir shopping while I’m abroad.

They are really versatile, and you can easily attach them to the side of your backpack with a carabiner for easy access.

I usually pack some snacks and reading material in them and clip them to my backpack when I’m on a train.

Travel Pillow

Most pillows in hotels and hostels suck.

Too firm, too soft, too thick, too thin; they just never seem to feel right.

Your sleep is important, especially when you’re traveling and constantly on the go.

I always bring a MyPillow Travel Pillow when I’m abroad.

It’s small, comfortable, and makes traveling so much more enjoyable.

Shoe Deodorizers

Your shoes will stink from all the walking you will do in Europe.

Fact!

I always travel with these Sof Sneaker Balls Shoe Deodorizers, and they keep my shoes smelling good day after day.

Sleep Mask

The super soft and comfortable Alaska Bear Sleep Mask is the last sleep mask you will ever need.

I use this for all my travels and love how it blocks out all the light and I hardly notice I’m wearing it.

Ear Plugs

The EarPeace HD Ear Plugs are hands down the best ear plugs I’ve ever used.

They block out snoring, cars, and loud people.

They also have special inserts to block out even more noise.

The EarPeace HD Ear Plugs are super comfortable, don’t pop out while you sleep, and come in a nifty metal carrying cylinder.

Refillable Water Bottle

You can save so much money traveling by bringing a water bottle with you.

I never go on a trip without my Avex 40oz water bottle.

This water bottle will keep your drink cold for up to 24 hours, which is fantastic!

Travel Towel

If you’re staying at a hostel, you need to bring a travel towel.

Travel towels feel like you’re drying yourself with a chamois, but they work.

A good one should be quick drying and have a little tag to hang it up.

I’m 6’2” and I use the large Dock & Bay Microfibre Towel and love it.

It folds down small, is lightweight, comes in a nice little bag, and there are several colors to choose from.

Final Thoughts

You only want to bring what you absolutely have to when you’re backpacking in Europe.

The great luxury is that anything you forget or run out of you can purchase wherever you are.

That being said, you do want to make sure you bring the essentials with you to make your travels easier and more comfortable.

Make a list of everything you want to bring and then lay it out before packing.

I always lay everything out before packing it to make sure I have everything I need. That way you don’t forget anything you really need to have with you.

Now I’d Like to Hear from You

I hope you enjoyed my list of the essential backpacking gear for Europe.

Now I would like to hear from you.

What did you think of my backpacking gear list for Europe?

What were your thoughts on the electronics and gear I recommended?

Is there anything you think I left out?

Let me know by leaving a quick comment below!

6 Comments

Graeme Stewart on April 20, 2021 at 20:26

This is a very good list. I would swap out the canvas totes for something even lighter. And padlocks!!! I have bought 2 combination locks for a trip soon and they both jammed. From 2 different companies. Luckily I had not put them on my bag and was testing them. Amazon gave me refunds.

I later checked on the comments on Amazon and about 20% of the people had the same problem with combination locks.
Reply
- Scott on April 21, 2021 at 08:49
  
  Graeme, thanks for the comment! I’m glad you liked the tips. I will agree with you that a good padlock is a must! Especially if you are staying at a hostel. I have had the same Master Lock padlock for several years and it works well. Just try to remember your combination or to bring the key. Mine has 2 keys and I have one on me and then one hidden in my little area in case I lose the one I had on my person. Cheers!
  Reply
Mikey D on August 24, 2019 at 11:23

Great recommendations! I was wondering your philosophy on clothes and shoes. How many changes of clothes and how frequently and easy it is to wash them.
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- Scott on August 24, 2019 at 17:21
  
  Thanks! I typically bring 4 t-shirts and 1 button-up shirt for going some place nice. There are laundry rooms all over Europe and in hostels. Same price as in the states, really. So I end up washing my clothes once a week. As for shoes, I usually just bring my Kurus, which are great, comfortable shoes and are perfect for walking all around town all day. I’ll have a Europe packing list coming out next week that goes more into all this.
  Reply
Laurie Morrison on August 20, 2019 at 13:49

I am not a techie person, but I love my Ankor Power Core 10000! It is amazing how fast your phone loses power when you are taking pictures all day! On our recent trip to Europe, I did not miss one photo opportunity because I was able to recharge my phone with this device. It is about the size and weight of a cell phone, very potable.
Reply
- Scott on August 20, 2019 at 13:54
  
  That’s awesome! I love having mine with me, too. It’s perfect for taking with you while you explore the city and will keep your phone charged all day.
  Reply