Should I bring a separate daypack?

Yes. Bring a small, foldable 10L daypack inside your main bag. Use it for daily sightseeing so you can leave your main backpack locked in your hostel.

How do I prevent theft?

Use a small luggage lock on your main bag's zippers at all times. Keep your passport, phone, and cards in a hidden money belt or inside your zippered daypack, never in your back pocket.

Do I really need a raincoat?

Yes. A lightweight, packable shell is essential. It takes up almost no space and European weather, especially in the north or mountains, can turn rainy without warning.

How to Pack a Backpack for Solo Travel in Europe

Stick to a 40-liter backpack to ensure it fits as a carry-on on European budget airlines like Ryanair or EasyJet. Use packing cubes to compress your clothing and keep your gear organized for frequent hostel check-ins.

Select the right bag. Choose a 35L to 40L backpack with a front-loading zipper (clamshell opening). Top-loading bags are a nightmare when you need to find a single shirt at the bottom of your pack in a dim hostel room.
Prioritize fabric weight. Bring merino wool base layers and synthetic fabrics. Avoid heavy denim jeans; they are bulky, take forever to dry, and add unnecessary weight. You only need one pair of jeans; wear them on the plane.
Use the packing cube system. Use three cubes: one for tops, one for bottoms/underwear, and one for dirty laundry. This keeps your clean clothes from touching your hostel bed linens and saves space by compressing the fabric.
Limit your footwear. Bring exactly two pairs of shoes. One pair of broken-in walking sneakers (wear these) and one pair of lightweight sandals or flip-flops for hostel showers. Do not pack bulky boots.
Pack for one week. Pack enough clothes for 7 days. Europe is full of laundromats and hostel laundry rooms. Plan to do a wash once a week rather than carrying a month’s worth of outfits.

Should I bring a separate daypack?: Yes. Bring a small, foldable 10L daypack inside your main bag. Use it for daily sightseeing so you can leave your main backpack locked in your hostel.
How do I prevent theft?: Use a small luggage lock on your main bag's zippers at all times. Keep your passport, phone, and cards in a hidden money belt or inside your zippered daypack, never in your back pocket.
Do I really need a raincoat?: Yes. A lightweight, packable shell is essential. It takes up almost no space and European weather, especially in the north or mountains, can turn rainy without warning.