What I Packed for 3 Months in Europe - 40L Backpack

Our Europe Backpacking Route

This trip wasn’t random had a practical purpose, and we planned it to make the most of our time and budget. First, I needed to retrieve my wedding dress from Madrid in mid-July. Between that, our wedding, and honeymoon, it didn’t make sense to commit to a lease in the U.S. just yet. On top of that, we were invited back to our favorite housesit from the year before, which gave us the perfect base for part of the trip.

Rather than fly to Europe for just a couple of weeks, we decided to live affordably over there for several months.

The hardest (and most expensive) part is getting across the Atlantic, but once you’re in Europe, it’s far easier to travel affordably. With the cost of living so high in the U.S., this plan simply made sense.

In 2023, this approach worked beautifully. We spent less than $1,600 on “rent” for the entire year, and even that was mostly Airbnbs around holidays or between housesits, plus a ten-day trip to Morocco that cost next to nothing. So, Europe it was.

We started the trip in Aberdeenshire, Scotland for the full month of April. With a car and easy access to nature, we spent a lot of time outdoors soaking up the gorgeous Scottish scenery and hiking with our temporary pups. We also visited my sister in Edinburgh and made a short side trip to the Isle of Skye.

We ended up staying in Sicily as our base for the whole summer, enjoying warm weather, beaches, great coffee and food, and plenty of outdoor time. We also made a few spontaneous trips to Malta and Hungary thanks to cheap flights, and these two destinations ended up being some of the best highlights of our trip.

Finally, we spent most of July in Spain, visiting friends and picking up my wedding dress from Madrid. We wrapped up our European adventure just a few weeks before our wedding back in the U.S.

This whole trip left us with both spring and summer climates to pack for, and the need to be prepared for all of our time outdoors, near the coast, in cities, and in transit comfortably with everything we need. 

Why I Chose to Travel with a 40L Backpack

While in Europe for all of 2023, I carried a Northface Base Camp Voyager 23L for clothes and a Manfrotto Metropolitan for my laptop and camera gear. I was surprised at how manageable the 32L was, however, it was still just a little too small and seemed inefficient for what I needed. I intend to do a full review of this backpack in the future. 

For this trip, I picked up the COR Surf Island Hopper Backpack 40L. After spending weeks (okay, months) researching backpacks, I just wasn’t ready to commit to an Osprey or Wandrd bag due to the price tag. After reading countless reviews and researching brands, the COR Surf 40L seemed like a highly-rated, yet lesser-known option on the market. The best part? It was only $118 and held up really well during this Europe trip. 

This backpack offered tons of pockets, built-in packing cubes, internal compression straps, lots of organization, and was weather-resistant. I was very excited to test this out and after having done so, would definitely take this on an extended trip again. It turned out to be a functional, comfortable, and well-designed choice for long-term travel. I’ll be reviewing this bag in-depth soon so keep an eye out for that!

I also carried a canvas day backpack (around 18L) as my camera bag and purse. I don’t know the brand - it was a gift from Will’s grandmother right before the trip - but I ended up using it instead of my regular camera backpack because of its size and style versatility.

2025 update: I’ve been on well over a dozen budget airlines with the COR Surf 40L and never once had to check it, other than on IcelandAir. It worked perfectly as a carry-on everywhere else.

How to Choose a Travel Backpack (Is 40L Enough for Long-Term Travel?)

When I first started planning my trip, I spent hours researching how to choose a travel backpack. It’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make if you want to travel light without sacrificing what you need. I knew I wanted something small enough to carry comfortably, but big enough to fit the essentials for several months on the road.

After testing different sizes, I found that a 40L backpack is enough for long-term travel - if you’re willing to be intentional about what you pack. It forces you to simplify, prioritize fewer but more versatile clothing, and skip unnecessary extras. The benefits? No checked baggage, easier mobility, and less weight on your back during long travel days.

If you’re trying to figure out how to choose a travel backpack for yourself, here’s what I recommend:

• Look for something lightweight but durable (mine is under 3 lbs empty).
• Prioritize comfortable straps and good back support. You’ll feel the difference after a day of city wandering.
• Check the dimensions to ensure it meets most airlines’ carry-on limits.
• Think about access: I prefer a clamshell (suitcase-style) opening over a top-loader because it’s easier to stay organized.

If you’re curious what actually fits, scroll down to see my complete 40L backpack packing list below where I break down everything I packed for three months in Europe, including clothing, gear, and wellness essentials.

Packing List

Now, let's break down my exact packing list, tailored to meet the demands of a 3.5-month European backpacking trip.

Clothing

• Merino wool base layer
• 3 short-sleeved tops
• 2 long-sleeved tops
• 1 dress shirt
• 1 sweater*
• 1 pair hiking/travel pants
• 2 pairs jeans/pants*
• 1 pair denim shorts
• 3 dresses
• 2 sports bras/tops
• 1 one-piece swimsuit
• 1 regular wireless bra
• 6 pairs socks (4 invisible, 2 Darn Tough merino wool)
• 7 pairs underwear

Outerwear

• 1 compact puffer coat
• 1 compact rain jacket (with hood)

Shoes

• Rain/hiking boots
• Leather sandals
• Running shoes

Accessories

• Sunglasses
• Travel scarf
• Jewelry
• Compact umbrella

Toiletries

• Makeup
• Razor
• Menstrual cup
• Skincare (see below)
• Hairbrush
• Toothbrush
• Non-toxic SPF

Electronics

These were mostly kept separately in my travel/day bag.

• Plugin adapter
• Laptop & charger
• DSLR Camera + battery
• iPhone
• Tripod
• Battery charger
• Drone + remote controller (DJI Mini 3 Pro)
• Cable organizer
• Portable hard drive
• Card reader
• 2 portable LED lights

Extras

• Lifestraw filtered water bottle
• Canvas tote bag
• 20L drybag
• Packing cubes
• Small canvas bag (for laundry)

*Note: Our bags didn’t arrive in Scotland until 5 days later (Thanks, IcelandAir), so I bought an extra pair of pants shortly after arriving. I also washed my sweater and it shrunk and gave it to my XS sister. So now no sweater, but extra pair of pants.

Wellness & Self-Care Essentials I Never Travel Without

While I make a point to be a minimalist traveler, my self-care and wellness makes my travels so much more sustainable and I just love consistent, grounding rituals. I always pack a small kit to help regulate my energy levels, stay healthy, and build a bit of routine in my day no matter where I'm at. These are compact, multi-purpose items that don’t take up much space but make a massive difference in how I feel while traveling.

• Magnesium Glycinate - fantastic for stress management (because travel can be stressful sometimes!), your nervous system, and consistently getting the best sleep of your life.
• LiquidIV - a must have on long, overseas flights, long travel days, hiking days, etc. to stay hydrated. Golden Cherry is the best flavor imo.
• Methylated B-Complex - My body has an impaired ability to absorb B vitamins (genetic thing) so I regularly supplement with these to keep my moods and energy stable. The plus with these are that a little goes a very long way. I take like 1/4 capsule 2-3 times per week so these will last you forever.
• Methylene Blue - If you didn't know, this is all the rage in the health world right now. Repairs your mitochondria, boosts energy, and helps me feel fantastic and vibrant every day. Caution: Pack carefully, in a layer or 2 of protection at least - if this spills you're screwed.
• Multivitamin - Probably a good thing for everyone to take regularly, honestly. I like the prenatal vitamins for hair, skin, and nail growth but that's just me.
• Matcha Tea - ever since having to cut out coffee and caffeine due to health reasons (I know, I feel sorry for me too), matcha has been my sacred morning ritual. Yes, I'm a snob, and yes, I pack my own because I want the quality no matter where I'm at. Plus, the container is cute.

My Skincare & Beauty Essentials for Travel

As if my supplements and such weren't putting me in the high-maintenance category, my skincare will. I seriously tone it down when on the road because even I don't want to pack and unpack an 11-step Korean skincare set every day. But if you do want a good travel-friendly one, I'd recommend this Peach & Lily Travel Set or COSRX Travel Set.

Furthermore, when I'm traveling I often am so preoccupied with where I am and things to do and see that makeup even goes on the backburner. Thus, here are my favorite easy, travel-sized go-tos:

• ROUND LAB Mugwort Calming Cleanser
• Eminence Organic Eight Greens Youth Serum
• Eminence Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil
• COSRX Birch Sap Moisturizer (for summer)
• Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream (for winter - I'm obsessed)
• Sky & Sol Tallow Sunscreen - you could ditch the moisturizer if you use this every day
• Typology Tinted Serum (the only foundation I'll ever wear)
• Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Perfume

You can also find some of my other beauty favorites on my favorites, discount codes, and affiliates page here.

My Favorite Travel Items for Europe

Best Layering Set - Kari Traa Base Layer Top and Base Layer Pants

Stylish, warm, and lightweight — I wore this set under everything from dresses to rain gear in Scotland and Italy. It’s merino blend, which means it doesn’t hold odor and dries fast. Perfect for minimalist travelers.

Best Waterproof Boots (That Aren’t Ugly) - Igor Rain Boots

These were clutch for both rainy city walks and muddy countryside hikes. They’re surprisingly comfortable and look polished enough for cafes or casual dinners.

2025 Update: While these started out comfy for the 1st month, they eventually started hurting my feet when. wore them. I think they were just too stiff. I have since upgraded to these LL Bean East Utility Boot which have been wonderful in snow too. My only complaint is that they squeak when you're inside after being in rain or snow, but otherwise they're super warm and comfy. I'm still on the lookout for the perfect travel boot.

Best Compact Travel Jacket - Mac-in-a-Sac Puffer Jacket

Packs down to the size of a grapefruit, weighs next to nothing, and kept me warm on alpine mornings. Wore this daily in the UK and in Italy. Major plus is the reversible colors. Not sure why I love this as much as I do but it's so handy for outfit changes. While I love these jackets, I currently plan to upgrade to an Arc'teryx Cerium Hoody for my next trip.

Best Travel Socks - Darn Tough Merino Wool Socks

Merino = no stink, no blisters, and you can wear them multiple times without washing. I brought two pairs and rotated them all trip. Particularly excellent for long travel days.

Best Water Filter for Travel Days - LifeStraw Filtered Water Bottle

You'll see me rave about these constantly. A lifesaver in airports, train stations, and rural towns where I didn’t want to risk local tap water. I never bought bottled water the entire trip other than to make tea occasionally. Pro tip: Grab and extra filter or two here, they're super cheap.

My Travel Camera - Canon 6D Mark II

It’s not the lightest option, but it’s worth every ounce in photo quality. This is what I use for all the photos on my blog and Instagram. Maybe I'll switch over to the lightweight Sony Alpha life someday, but for now I really love this thing.

Travel Hacks for Backpacking in Europe

Packing Cubes - Personally I have never found that these save me tons of space, however, they are invaluable for the organization. It’s SO much easier to pull out one packing cube at a time as opposed to finding things from a big chaotic pile each time. I’d like to try Peak Design’s Compression Packing Cubes in the future though, as they’re highly recommended within the travel community. 

Capsule Wardrobe - I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but having a set color palette for your wardrobe is a game-changer. Especially if you’re like me and you get bored wearing the same things and want to go shopping just to switch it up. It’s usually recommended to go with neutrals. As I get bored easily, I just pack according to my color palette (True Autumn) so everything easily mixes and matches this way.

If you don't know what your seasonal color palette is, this neat, free tool will help you find it

Reversible Clothing - This is a hugely underrated travel hack. When using a capsule wardrobe system, you can greatly increase your options with just a few reversible items. Check out this Prana Reversible Crop Top and the Mac in a Sac Puffer Jacket I mentioned above (I’m obsessed with it).

Multi-use Items: The more uses 1 item has, the better. For example, try traveling with 1 bottle of Castille soap to use for your shampoo, soap, and laundry soap. A good pashmina scarf can be used as a pillow, blanket, scarf, makeshift beach/picnic blanket, or head covering for religious sites. The Lifestraw water bottle linked above both purifies any water source but also keeps your drinks cold.

Rolling vs. Folding: Okay there’s a huge debate about this topic and I feel obligated to mention it for consideration. I have never noticed much of a difference between packing and rolling my clothes. I opt for folding because I find everything stays put better than rolling. And I’m OCD and don’t want to look at the different sizes of all of my clothes when they’re rolled. Yes, I actually overthink this

Packing Considerations

What worked for me might not make sense for every trip, especially if you’re heading somewhere much colder, hotter, or focused on totally different activities. Here’s what I kept in mind while packing — and what I’d suggest thinking through for your own trip:

• Climate diversity: I packed for a mix of climates — from rainy, chilly days in Scotland to warm, sunny afternoons in southern Italy. Layering pieces like merino wool and a compact puffer coat made a big difference.

• Cultural context: I made sure to include a few modest pieces (like a long skirt and scarf) for visiting religious sites and more traditional areas. I didn't have any planned for this trip, but you never know.

• Versatility: Every item I packed could be mixed and matched. Dresses I wore to dinner also doubled as casual daywear. My rain boots worked in both cities and countryside walks.

• Practicality: Comfort won out over style in most cases (although I tried to find pieces that offered both). I left the heels at home and didn’t regret it for a second.

• Activities: I thought through what I actually planned to do - some city exploring, countryside hikes in Scotland, and the occasional dinner out - and packed with that in mind. That helped me avoid stuffing my bag with things I’d never use

Packing Lessons I've Learned

If I’ve learned anything about myself and travel, it’s that I’m really not naturally a practical person. But I’m improving - because after all, when it’s cold and rainy, you eventually decide the stylish-but-useless option isn’t worth it.

What’s become clear over time is this: fewer, higher-quality items always win out over stuffing your bag with cheaper or “just in case” extras. The investment pays off in comfort, durability, and feeling good about what you’re wearing. I’m also learning to prioritize health and wellness over extra clothes because feeling good physically matters to me more than having endless outfit options.

The right fabrics - like merino wool or quality leather also go a long way toward keeping you comfortable across different climates without needing to pack so much. I’ve also learned to prioritize 1–2 “travel” items that pull double duty: something that works for hikes or countryside walks and still looks great in the city. A high-quality wool sweater or a good pair of leather boots can make the difference between feeling thrown together and feeling confident while on the move.

All of this helps me pack lighter, look more put-together, and avoid that overwhelmed feeling that comes with digging through a cluttered bag.

What’s Weighing Me Down

Here’s a list of the things I packed that, upon use and consideration could have been left behind or optimized further. 

• Camera tripod - I debated bringing this as my tripod is quite bulky. However, I’ve been really upset the last few trips I didn’t have it. While it takes up space, I’m not ready to let this go yet.
• Hairbrush - kind of silly, but I’m planning on swapping to a small, compact hairbrush that takes up less space.
• Cosmetics - I brought more makeup than I probably needed, but I want to be better about taking photos with me in them while traveling. And I love dressing up on occasion and it’s SO nice having the option of a few different lip colors! I have two toiletry bags that can be optimized further in the future but until then…It is what it is.
• Dresses - Dresses always take up a good amount of space compared to other clothes, but I know I’ll be really happy to have 3 options when I’m in warmer places. Wearing dresses simply brings me too much joy to pretend I don’t need them.
• Running Shoes - I have 3 pairs of shoes and wish I could be okay with just 2. I used my running shoes more than my rainboots for this trip, as I didn't need them at all after leaving Scotland.
• Headphones - my Bose headphones are kinda bulky but 100% worth it for airplanes and cafe work sessions. Down the road when I have money to spend on a second pair, maybe I’ll get some smaller ones. In the meantime, I’m loving these.

Conclusion

It’s easy to overthink or try to prepare for every possible scenario, but in the end, what mattered most was choosing versatile, high-quality pieces that made my travels simpler, not harder.

I hope this breakdown of what I packed and what I learned helps you shape your own packing strategy for long-term travel. If you’ve got questions, or if you want to share what’s worked for you, I’d genuinely love to hear from you.

FOUND THIS USEFUL? PIN IT FOR LATER!