The Ultimate Travel Backpack Guide: What to Pack for Day Trips, Weekends & Longer Adventures

Photo by Tobi

After years of solo travel across Europe and beyond, I've learnt that the secret to stress-free adventures isn't packing more—it's packing smarter. Whether you're planning a day trip or a week exploring European cities via FlixBus, having the right backpack and knowing exactly what to pack makes all the difference.

In this guide, I'll share my tried-and-tested packing lists for three types of trips: day adventures, weekend escapes, and longer journeys. No fluff, no "just in case" items—just what actually gets used.

Why Choose a Backpack for Travel?

Before we dive into what to pack, let's talk about why I always choose a backpack over wheeled luggage:

• Freedom of movement: Navigate cobblestone streets, train stations, and stairs without wrestling with wheels

• Carry-on friendly: Avoid checked baggage fees and carousel waits at airports

• Hands-free travel: Keep your hands free for coffee, snacks, or taking photos

• Lightweight travel: Forces you to pack only essentials, keeping your load manageable

• Perfect for public transport: Essential for budget travel on coaches and trains

  
  

Choosing the Best Travel Backpack

The foundation of good packing starts with the right bag. I use a 20L backpack from Brakeburn that strikes the perfect balance between size and functionality.

What to Look for in a Travel Backpack:

• Size: A 20L capacity is ideal—small enough for everyday comfort, large enough for weekend essentials

• Weight: Choose lightweight materials that won't add unnecessary bulk

• Compartments: Multiple pockets help organise tech, documents, and daily essentials

• Comfort: Padded straps and back panel are crucial for all-day wear

• Aeroplane-friendly: Must fit under the seat or in overhead compartments

• Durability: Water-resistant material protects your belongings in unpredictable weather

What to Pack: Day Trip Essentials

For day trips—whether I'm exploring a new city or enjoying a local adventure—I keep it minimal. Here's my lightweight travel backpack must-haves list:

Day Trip Packing List:

• Camera: For capturing memories without relying solely on phone battery

• Reusable water bottle: Saves money and reduces plastic waste

• Portable charger: Essential for navigation, photos, and staying connected

• Compact umbrella: British weather is unpredictable, always be prepared

• Headphones: For podcasts during travel or tuning out on crowded transport

• Small notebook and pen: For jotting down recommendations, directions, or travel journal notes

  
  

Total weight: Under 3kg, leaving plenty of room for snacks, souvenirs, or layers you shed throughout the day.

What to Pack: Weekend Escape (2-3 Days)

Weekend trips are my specialty, especially budget-friendly escapes via FlixBus to European cities. These overnight coach journeys require slightly different packing, but I still keep everything in one small travel backpack.

Weekend Trip Packing List:

Everything from the day trip list, plus:

Clothing & Comfort:

• Thick coat (winter/spring): Doubles as a blanket for overnight coach travel—game changer for FlixBus journeys

• One spare t-shirt: Enough for a quick change after arrival

• Underwear: 2-3 pairs, depending on trip length

• Neck cushion: Makes overnight travel infinitely more comfortable

Toiletries & Essentials:

• Face wipes: For freshening up after overnight travel

• Travel-size toiletries: Mini versions only, must be under 100ml for security

• Snacks: Nuts, protein bars, or dried fruit for budget-friendly sustenance

Pro tip: Wear your bulkiest shoes and coat on travel days to save backpack space. Layer clothing instead of packing multiple thick items.

What to Pack: Longer Adventures (Week+)

For trips lasting a week or more, I add a few strategic items whilst still maintaining my carry-on only philosophy. The key is creating a capsule wardrobe that mixes and matches.

Longer Trip Packing List:

Everything from the weekend list, plus:

Additional Clothing:

• One dress: Versatile piece that works for day or evening

• One skirt: Pairs with different tops for multiple outfits

• Foldable flat shoes: Lightweight alternative to trainers for smarter occasions

• 2-3 additional t-shirts/tops: Stick to neutral colors that coordinate

Beauty & Personal Care:

• Makeup essentials: Minimal selection, travel-sized only

• Sunscreen: Non-negotiable for any climate

• Hair straighteners: Compact, dual-voltage model

Travel Documents & Organization:

• Printed documents: Including passport photocopy for emergencies

• Small portable daypack: Foldable backpack for daily excursions while main bag stays at accommodation

The Capsule Wardrobe Approach

I pack around 5-7 clothing items that all coordinate together. This typically means:

• 3-4 tops (including what I'm wearing)

• 1-2 bottoms (skirt and/or trousers)

• 1 dress

• Layers that work across different weather conditions

Choose a color palette—mine is usually black, navy, and one accent color. Everything mixes and matches, creating multiple outfit combinations from minimal pieces.

Backpack Travel Must-Haves: My Non-Negotiables

Regardless of trip length, these items always make the cut:

1. Reusable water bottle: Saves money and reduces waste

2. Portable charger: Never get caught with a dead phone in an unfamiliar city

3. Small first aid kit: Plasters, paracetamol, and any prescription medications

4. Headphones: For entertainment, navigation instructions, or blocking out noise

5. Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, or dried fruit for budget travel

6. Compact umbrella: Weather protection without taking up space

   
   

What NOT to Pack: Lessons Learned

After years of trial and error, here's what consistently stays home:

• "Just in case" clothing: If you haven't worn it in the last month, you won't wear it abroad

• Multiple pairs of shoes: Two pairs maximum (wear one, pack one)

• Full-size toiletries: Buy travel sizes or decant into smaller bottles

• Excessive tech: One charging cable per device, not three

• Heavy books: Use e-readers or audiobooks instead

• Fancy jewelry: Stick to simple, versatile pieces

  
  

Packing Tips for Travel Backpack Success

Rolling vs. Folding

I use a combination: roll t-shirts and casual items to save space, fold structured pieces like dresses to minimize wrinkles.

Strategic Layering

Pack heavier items at the bottom (closest to your back), lighter items on top. Keep frequently needed items in external pockets.

Compression Bags

For longer trips, compression bags can reduce clothing volume by 30-40%, though I find they're unnecessary for weekend escapes.

Wear Your Bulkiest Items

Always wear your heaviest shoes and thickest jacket during travel—this saves significant backpack space.

Backpack Travel in Europe: Special Considerations

Traveling across Europe by coach and train requires specific packing strategies:

For FlixBus Travel:

• Pack a thick coat that doubles as a blanket for overnight journeys

• Keep valuables in a small bag you can use as a pillow

• Store snacks and entertainment in easily accessible pockets

• Wear comfortable clothes suitable for 8+ hours of travel

For Train Travel:

• Ensure your backpack fits in overhead racks or under seats

• Keep passport and tickets easily accessible

• Pack light enough to manage stairs at stations without assistance

For Hostels & Budget Accommodation:

• Bring a small padlock for lockers

• Pack flip-flops for shared bathrooms

• Consider a sarong or large scarf that doubles as a towel, blanket, or beach cover-up

  
  

Choosing Lightweight Travel Backpacks: Features That Matter

When selecting your travel backpack, prioritise these features:

For Aeroplane Travel:

• Dimensions under 55cm x 40cm x 20cm for most airlines' carry-on limits

• Structured shape that won't collapse or sag when full

• Laptop compartment if you travel with technology

  
  

For Comfort:

• Padded, adjustable shoulder straps

• Chest and hip straps to distribute weight

• Breathable back panel to reduce sweating

• Grab handles for easy lifting

  
  

For Organisation:

• Multiple compartments to separate clean from dirty, tech from toiletries

• External water bottle pocket

• Quick-access front pocket for documents and snacks

  
  

My Final Thoughts on Backpack Travel

The best travel backpack is the one that works for YOUR travel style. My 20L backpack from Brakeburn has seen me through day trips, weekend escapes to Brussels, and week-long adventures in Mexico—all without checking a single bag.

The key to successful backpack travel isn't about having the fanciest gear or the most packing cubes. It's about understanding what you actually need, keeping it light, and leaving room for the experiences that matter.

Whether you're planning your first solo adventure or you're a seasoned traveller looking to streamline your packing, remember: less really is more. Every item you don't pack is one less thing to worry about, carry, or potentially lose.

Now stop overthinking it, grab your backpack, and go explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size backpack is best for travel? A 20L backpack is ideal for lightweight travel. It's small enough for aeroplane carry-on and everyday comfort, whilst being large enough for weekend essentials when packed strategically.

How do you pack light for a week in one backpack? Focus on a capsule wardrobe (5-7 coordinating clothing items), travel-size toiletries, and multi-use items. Wear your bulkiest clothing during travel.

What should I pack in my backpack for Europe? Essentials include: passport and copies, reusable water bottle, portable charger, lightweight layers, comfortable walking shoes, and a compact umbrella. Add items based on your trip length using the lists above.

Can you travel with just a backpack? Absolutely! I've travelled extensively across Europe with just a backpack. The key is strategic packing and choosing versatile items that serve multiple purposes.

What are backpack travel must-haves? My non-negotiables: reusable water bottle, portable charger, headphones, snacks, compact umbrella, and a small first aid kit. Everything else depends on trip length and destination.