Finding the best backpack for traveling through europe depends entirely on how you travel. Some people prioritize fitting everything into a single bag to avoid checked luggage fees, while others value security or a compact size for daily city exploration. Your choice hinges on whether you need maximum capacity for a week-long trip or a lightweight, versatile bag that slides under an airplane seat. The tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L and the Osprey Daylite Expandable 26+6 split most buyers, offering a choice between full-trip capacity and a slim, everyday profile.
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1. tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L
Best for: Travelers needing a reliable, organized bag for week-long trips.
This bag is built for those who want to pack like they’re using a suitcase but carry like they’re using a backpack. The main compartment opens fully, which makes packing and finding items much easier than digging through a top-loading sack. It’s a solid choice for someone who wants to stay organized without needing extra packing cubes.
The tech compartment is a standout, fitting up to a 17-inch laptop. If you’re a digital nomad or just need to keep your electronics safe, this feature is very helpful. However, this bag might be too large for a traveler who prefers to carry only the bare essentials or someone who finds 40L of gear too heavy for long walks.
Good if:
- You want a suitcase-style opening for easy packing.
- You need to carry a large laptop.
- You prefer sustainable materials made from recycled bottles.
Skip it if:
- You want a very small bag for day trips.
- You’re sensitive to the weight of a full 40L pack.
2. Osprey Daylite Expandable 26+6
Best for: Someone who wants a lightweight personal item for quick trips.
This pack is all about flexibility. When you need a little more space, the bag expands to add 6 liters of storage. It’s designed to fit under most airline seats, which is perfect for travelers who want to avoid the overhead bin scramble entirely.
The AirScape backpanel helps keep you cool, which is a big benefit if you’re walking through warm European cities. It’s quite light at 1.85 lbs. This bag isn’t for the traveler who plans to pack their entire wardrobe for a two-week vacation, as the capacity is limited compared to larger, dedicated luggage bags.
Good if:
- You want to avoid overhead bin fees.
- You need a bag that stays cool on your back.
- You value a lightweight, compact design.
Skip it if:
- You need to carry gear for a long-term trip.
- You require a dedicated space for a very large laptop.
3. Samsonite Better Than Basic Travel Backpack
Best for: A traveler who wants a clean, professional look for city trips.
This bag focuses on being a practical personal item. It features a book-style opening, which is a great touch for keeping your belongings tidy. The dedicated laptop sleeve fits up to 15-inch devices, making it a good companion for business travelers or students.
The inclusion of a trolley sleeve is a smart addition for those who travel with a rolling suitcase as well. If you’re looking for a heavy-duty hiking pack, this isn’t it, as the design is clearly meant for urban environments and standard travel.
Good if:
- You want a sleek, modern look.
- You travel with a rolling suitcase and need a pass-through strap.
- You need a dedicated spot for a 15-inch laptop.
Skip it if:
- You need massive storage for heavy adventure gear.
- You’re looking for a specialized anti-theft bag.
4. Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Backpack
Best for: Travelers worried about security in crowded tourist spots.
This bag is built with safety in mind. It includes slash-resistant mesh panels and locking zippers, which provide extra security when you’re walking through busy markets or museums. The organization is excellent, with RFID-blocking slots for your passport and cards.
It’s designed to be lightweight, so it doesn’t feel like a burden during a long day of sightseeing. It isn’t the right choice for someone who needs to carry a lot of clothes or bulky items, as the 11L capacity is limited to smaller essentials and tech.
Good if:
- You’re visiting busy cities with high tourist traffic.
- You want built-in protection for your passport and cards.
- You prefer a smaller bag for daily carry.
Skip it if:
- You’re packing for a trip longer than a weekend.
- You need to carry more than a 13-inch laptop.
5. Ponhog 50L Convertible Duffle
Best for: Travelers going on trips lasting 5-7 days.
This is a large-capacity bag that acts as a 3-in-1 tool. You can carry it as a backpack, a duffel, or a shoulder bag, which gives you great flexibility depending on the situation. It even includes a separate shoe compartment, a feature that’s rare in smaller packs.
Because it holds 50L, it’s perfect for people who don’t want to worry about running out of space. However, it’s a larger bag, so if you’re a smaller person or you prefer to travel light, you might find the size to be more than you need for a quick getaway.
Good if:
- You need the largest capacity possible for your trip.
- You like having a separate place for your shoes.
- You enjoy the versatility of a convertible bag.
Skip it if:
- You want a small bag that fits under an airplane seat.
- You struggle with carrying heavy, fully-loaded packs.
6. MATEIN Carry On Backpack
Best for: Travelers who want an expandable bag that fits different needs.
This bag starts as a standard carry-on but expands to 45L when you need more room. The compression straps are a great feature, as they help keep your gear from shifting while you walk. It also has a hideaway strap design to convert it into a briefcase.
It’s a very versatile piece of luggage for anyone who jumps between weekend trips and longer vacations. The only limit is that it’s a larger backpack, so it may feel bulky if you don’t use the compression straps to keep the profile slim.
Good if:
- You need to expand your storage space on the go.
- You want a bag that converts to a briefcase.
- You appreciate compression straps to keep items tight.
Skip it if:
- You want a minimalist, non-expandable bag.
- You’re looking for a small personal item size.
7. Amazon Basics Travel Laptop Backpack with Multiple Pockets and Compartments
Best for: Business travelers who prioritize laptop safety.
This bag is designed for people who need to protect a 17-inch laptop. The padded tech spot and the air-mesh back panel make it a comfortable choice for long days at the office or traveling between meetings. It’s water-resistant, which adds a layer of protection for your electronics.
It includes a luggage strap, making it easy to attach to a rolling suitcase. It’s a straightforward, functional bag, but it lacks the specialized security features found in security-focused packs.
Good if:
- You have a 17-inch laptop to carry.
- You want a comfortable, breathable back panel.
- You need a bag for business travel.
Skip it if:
- You want advanced anti-theft locks.
- You need a bag with a dedicated shoe compartment.
8. Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L Travel Backpack
Best for: Long-term travelers who need a durable, high-quality pack.
Osprey is known for its build quality, and this bag is no exception. The StraightJacket compression system is excellent for cinching the bag down when it isn’t full, helping it fit in overhead bins. The harness and hip belt tuck away cleanly for travel.
This is a serious bag for someone who travels often and wants something that will last. Because it’s a 46L bag, it’s heavier than smaller daypacks, so it’s best suited for those who are used to carrying a full-sized travel pack.
Good if:
- You want a durable, long-lasting bag for international trips.
- You need a system that compresses the bag when under-packed.
- You want a reliable hip belt for weight distribution.
Skip it if:
- You’re looking for a tiny bag for daily city use.
- You don’t need the extra weight and structure of a 46L pack.
9. LOVEVOOK Travel Carry on Backpack
Best for: Travelers who want an all-in-one set with packing cubes.
This 40L bag comes with three packing cubes, which is a great value-add for keeping clothes separated. It’s designed to be TSA-friendly, and the 180-degree opening makes security checks much smoother. The USB charging port is a nice convenience for charging devices on the move.
It might be too large for those who prefer to travel with just a small daypack, but it hits a good middle ground for most European trips.
Good if:
- You want packing cubes included in your purchase.
- You need an easy way to charge your phone while walking.
- You want a bag that opens fully for security.
Skip it if:
- You already own your own packing cubes.
- You’re looking for a very small personal item.
10. MATEIN HER Carry on Backpack 22x14x9
Best for: Women who want a stylish and highly organized travel bag.
This bag is specifically designed to fit the 22x14x9 airline requirements, making it very easy to use for carry-on travel. It includes folding boards to keep clothes crisp, which is a unique feature that helps prevent wrinkles. The hidden anti-theft pocket is a great touch for security.
It’s a well-thought-out bag for a 5-7 day trip. The only real trade-off is the specific design focus, which might not suit someone looking for a more neutral or rugged aesthetic.
Good if:
- You want to keep your clothes wrinkle-free with folding boards.
- You need a bag that meets standard carry-on limits.
- You want a dedicated, secure anti-theft pocket.
Skip it if:
- You prefer a rugged, outdoorsy look.
- You need a bag larger than 45L.
How we picked the best backpack for traveling Europe
Most of these backpacks share the same core features: a dedicated laptop sleeve, a luggage pass-through strap, and a suitcase-style opening. The tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L, LOVEVOOK 40L, and MATEIN Carry On are very similar in size and function, making the choice between them more about personal preference in style and the inclusion of extras like packing cubes. If you find two bags that look the same, look at the extra features—like the shoe compartment in the Ponhog or the folding boards in the MATEIN HER—to decide which one solves your specific packing problems.
Still Not Sure?
How often will I really use it?
If you only travel once a year, a simple, durable bag like the Amazon Basics Laptop Backpack is a solid choice. If you travel every month, you may want the build quality of the Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L. The more you travel, the more you’ll appreciate comfortable straps and reliable zippers.
What do I already own that this has to work with?
Think about your current suitcase. If you have a rolling bag, look for a backpack with a trolley sleeve, like the Samsonite Better Than Basic. If you travel with a large laptop, ensure your choice, such as the tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L, explicitly states it fits your screen size to avoid disappointment.
What am I most likely to regret choosing?
The most common regret is buying a bag that’s too heavy or too big for your needs. If you aren’t used to carrying 40L of gear, start smaller with the Osprey Daylite Expandable 26+6. It’s easier to pack light and upgrade later than to lug around a giant bag you can’t manage.
When traveling within Europe, you must follow the carry-on baggage rules set by the European Union to ensure your backpack meets the airline’s size and weight limits.
For a trip to Europe, choose the tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L if you need maximum capacity and organization for a full week, or the Osprey Daylite Expandable 26+6 if you prefer a compact, lightweight bag for shorter trips and daily use. Check your airline’s specific dimensions before you head to the airport.