I Spent 3 Weeks in Europe With a Carry-on Backpack — Here's What I Regret Packing, and What You Actually Need

My Carry-on Confessions: The Packing Regrets That Haunted Me Across Europe

Let's be real, even with the best intentions, packing regrets happen.  Here’s a rundown of the items that weighed me down, literally and figuratively, and served little purpose during my 3-week European adventure:

• Excessive “Just in Case” Clothing: Oh, the siren song of “what if?” I packed three “nice” tops for potential fancy dinners that… never materialized. Turns out, exploring charming bistros in jeans and a comfy sweater is perfectly acceptable (and way more practical for cobblestone streets!). Lesson Learned: Be honest about your itinerary and ditch the aspirational wardrobe. Pack for your actual planned activities, not the fantasy version.
• Uncomfortable & Unnecessary Shoes: Two pairs of stylish-but-toe-pinching boots? Rookie mistake. Europe = walking. A lot of walking. My feet screamed in protest after day one. Those extra boots added unnecessary weight and took up precious space. Lesson Learned: Prioritize comfort and versatility. Invest in one pair of super comfy, all-weather walking shoes and maybe a lightweight, packable sandal or dressier flat if absolutely essential.
• Full-Sized Toiletries (Despite My Best Efforts): I thought I was being clever by bringing travel-sized containers, but I still overdid it on the lotions, potions, and hair products “just in case my skin freaked out” or “my hair lost its volume.” Spoiler alert: European drugstores exist! And they have perfectly good (and often cheaper) toiletries. Lesson Learned: Embrace minimalist toiletries. Pack truly essential travel sizes for the first few days, then buy anything extra you need locally. Solid toiletries are also a game-changer for saving space and avoiding leaks.
• Heavy Guidebooks (Pre-Downloaded Apps Era): Yes, I brought a paper guidebook. In 2023. It was heavy, bulky, and mostly sat in my backpack untouched. My phone, loaded with offline maps, translation apps, and online guides, was infinitely more useful. Lesson Learned: Embrace digital resources! Download offline maps, language apps, and save articles/guides to your phone or tablet. Physical guidebooks are charming, but impractical for carry-on travel.
• Too Many Tech Gadgets & Accessories: Chargers for every device (even the ones I barely used), a bulky portable charger that felt like a brick, and unnecessary cables… the tech clutter was real. Lesson Learned: Streamline your tech. A universal adapter, a single multi-port USB charger, and only essential cables are sufficient. Consider a power bank only if you know you'll be off-grid for extended periods.

Carry-on Champion: The Essentials That Saved My Trip (and My Back)

Now for the good stuff – the hero items that earned their keep and made my carry-on Europe trip manageable and enjoyable:

• Versatile Clothing Layers: Think lightweight merino wool base layers, a packable down jacket, a versatile scarf/sarong, and clothes in neutral colors that mix and match easily. These were my MVPs! Layers adapted to unpredictable European weather, kept me warm or cool as needed, and created multiple outfit options from a small capsule wardrobe. Essential Tip: Focus on fabrics that are quick-drying, wrinkle-resistant, and lightweight.
• High-Quality, Comfortable Backpack: My Osprey Farpoint 40L backpack was a game-changer. Comfortable straps, organized compartments, and the perfect size for carry-on restrictions – it distributed weight effectively and made navigating airports and train stations a breeze. Essential Tip: Invest in a reputable travel backpack with good support and consider features like a hip belt and sternum strap.
• Packing Cubes – Organization Godsends: These fabric organizers were my secret weapon against backpack chaos. They compressed clothing, kept everything neatly separated (shoes away from clothes!), and made finding items so much easier. Essential Tip: Get a set of packing cubes in varying sizes to organize clothes by type (tops, bottoms, underwear) or outfit.
• Travel-Sized Laundry Supplies: A small bar of solid laundry soap and a travel clothesline allowed me to wash socks, underwear, and lightweight items in my hotel sink. This significantly reduced the amount of clothing I needed to pack and kept everything fresh. Essential Tip: Choose quick-drying fabrics and take advantage of free laundry services offered by some accommodations.
• Reusable Water Bottle & Coffee Cup: Staying hydrated and caffeinated on the go is crucial. A lightweight, collapsible water bottle and a reusable coffee cup reduced plastic waste, saved money on bottled water/coffee, and were environmentally conscious choices. Essential Tip: Choose collapsible versions to save space when empty.

The Ultimate Carry-on Takeaway:

Packing light for Europe is absolutely achievable, and it enhances the travel experience immensely.  The freedom of movement, the ease of navigating public transport, and the reduced stress of lost luggage are priceless.  Learn from my packing regrets, prioritize versatility and comfort, and focus on the essentials.  Your back (and your sanity) will thank you! Now go forth and conquer Europe, carry-on style!