Best Backpack For Interrailing: Ultimate Europe Backpack Guide
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Knowing the best backpack for interrailing is KEY. If you end up taking the wrong-sized backpack, your train journeys aren’t going to be as great as they could be. So, let’s get down to the best backpack for travelling Europe by train!
So, you’re interrailing Europe and don’t know which backpack to take?
Firstly, YAY! Travelling Europe is one of my favourite things to do, and I’ve got a whole heap of interrailing content on my blog.
Secondly, I want to emphasise how important it is to have the right backpack when you’re backpacking Europe.
Especially if you’re interrailing Europe (travelling by train).
Interrailing Europe means you’ll be getting on and off of trains all the time.
Squeezing through tight spaces, lugging your backpack around in crowded spots, and trying to squish it into overhead compartments and lockers.
So how do you decide on the perfect backpack to take interrailing? That’s what I’m here for!
However, I do want to point out, that backpacks are not a ‘one size fits all’ kind of thing.
My boyfriend and I have different opinions on what the best backpack is and have both tried and tested the ones listed in this post.
Because of this, I’ve listed the pros of each backpack and why it might be suitable for you. Then you get to make that decision!
TOP BACKPACKING TIP: Pay a visit to your local outdoors shop to try different backpacks on. BUT, don’t buy them in the actual shop. They will be way cheaper online and using the links on this page!
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Best Backpack For Interrailing
Let’s start off with my favourite backpack for interrailing Europe, and why it will (probably) always be my favourite.
If you don’t know me or my blog, I’m a backpacking-obsessed 29-year-old who has travelled all over the globe with my boyfriend, Tom.
I recently quit my 9-5 to take my travels full time, so choosing the right backpack is one thing I’m an expert at.
You can find out more about my story here! 🤩
Interrailing Europe? Check out my other posts here:
- Best Time To Go Interrailing (Europe) 2022 Guide: MUST-READ!
- How to Interrail on a Budget: Interrail Europe CHEAP! (2022)
- Interrailing Switzerland: Route, Itinerary and Guide
- Interrailing Spain: ULTIMATE Guide to Travelling Spain By Train
- Interrailing France: Travel France By Train
- Interrailing Italy: Ultimate Guide and Route
- 21 Interrail Tips for First-Timers: Interrailing Europe
- Interrailing Routes 3 Weeks: FOUR Routes You’ll Love!
- What To Pack Interrailing Europe: Packing List Essentials
Best Overall Backpack for Interrailing Europe
Osprey Farpoint Wheels 65
Suitable for both men and women, this backpack is a true winner in my eyes.
Some (my boyfriend) may say it’s too big, but if you’re a packer like me, it’s perfect.
You CAN get away with having a smaller-sized backpack (which I will explain more about later), but this one is perfect for interrailing because of the wheels!
When you’re rushing around train stations and jumping on different trains, having a wheeled backpack is ideal. It’s helped me so much over the past few years (especially as I am fragile when it comes to carrying my backpack!).
I rant and rave about this backpack ALL over my blog because honestly, it’s just changed the way I travel so much.
I now don’t need to worry about lugging around heavy weight, yet if I need to quickly whip it onto my back, I can!
Pros of the Osprey Farpoint 65
- Winning point: It has WHEELS to pull instead of lug on your back
- Size: 65L is a perfect medium for long-term backpacking
- Comfort: Even if you put the backpack on your back, it’s soft, comfortable and has many adjustable straps
- Front-loading: One of the most important things when it comes to finding a backpack. Never buy a backpack that isn’t front loading! (Opens like a suitcase rather than packed from the top)
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Lifetime Guarantee with Osprey!
Whichever backpack you choose, ensure it has a LIFETIME GUARANTEE.
If you’re buying Osprey, they will repair your backpack no matter how long you’ve had it for. If it’s irreplaceable, they’ll even replace it for FREE!
You can get your backpack replaced anywhere around the world at one the Osprey distribution centres.
You can buy the Osprey Farpoint here!
Fitting the Osprey Farpoint 65
As the Osprey Farpoint is pretty big, you’ll want to make sure you fit it correctly so it’s comfortable to wear.
When trying your backpack on, ensure that you unclip all the straps and belts so they are ready to be fitted. Then put the backpack on your back, and make sure the hip belt is positioned on your hip bones. Tighten to provide a secure fit. Also, ensure the shoulder straps are pulling your backpack towards your back and not backwards! (Rookie mistake).
Ideally, the hip straps AND shoulder straps should be supporting the weight of the backpack.
I remember the first time I properly did up my backpack and the weight was spread out across my body, I couldn’t believe the difference it made to my shoulders!
I’m 5″8 for reference in the photo (and the backpack isn’t very full here!)
🌎 Travelling for the first time? You’re in the right place! Check out my travel resources for EVERY type of trip, big or small! (It might even save you some ££!)
Best Smaller Sized Backpack for Interrailing
Eagle Creek Tour Travel Pack 40L
The other backpack I wanted to mention is this Eagle Creek 40L.
I’ll be honest, I’ve never done a hand luggage only trip, but if I was going to, this bag would be my go-to.
Not only have I had friends use it and met people travelling using the Eagle Creek, but one of my favourite Youtubers Backpacking Bananas raves about it in her vlogs too!
If you’re a light packer and can go for the minimal vibes, I’d highly recommend taking a smaller backpack like this interrailing.
If you’re travelling Europe through the summer, then trains will be busy during peak times and they can get hot. Having a small bag like this can be a lifesaver!
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Pros of the Eagle Creek 40L
- Winning point: It’s easily portable! So easy to lug around on trains whilst travelling Europe due to its size!
- Comfort: Carrying this backpack on your back all day isn’t a problem. The adjustable straps can be fitted to your body and it’s comfortable!
- Organisation: I LOVE the pockets and different zips on this backpack, and if you like keeping your things organised and in a certain place, this bag is the one for you.
You can buy the Eagle Creek 40L backpack here!
TOP BACKPACKING TIP: Let’s be honest, backpacks all look the same. Make yours stand out by tying some pretty ribbon or sewing a badge on the front. This is the ribbon I use, but I’ve also used this one in the past. I love it and can spot my bag a mile off!
Interrailing Europe? Check out my other posts here:
- Best Time To Go Interrailing (Europe) 2022 Guide: MUST-READ!
- How to Interrail on a Budget: Interrail Europe CHEAP! (2022)
- Interrailing Switzerland: Route, Itinerary and Guide
- Interrailing Spain: ULTIMATE Guide to Travelling Spain By Train
- Interrailing France: Travel France By Train
- Interrailing Italy: Ultimate Guide and Route
- 21 Interrail Tips for First-Timers: Interrailing Europe
- Interrailing Routes 3 Weeks: FOUR Routes You’ll Love!
- What To Pack Interrailing Europe: Packing List Essentials
Best Backpack for Interrailing: In a Nutshell
So, those are my top two recommendations for backpacking Europe. I could have listed another 100 bags, but I wouldn’t want to give my opinion on anything myself or Tom hasn’t used before.
Overall, I’d always go for Osprey. I know it’s a popular brand, and that’s for a reason! They’re trustworthy, sturdy, lightweight and good quality bags. If in doubt, go Osprey!
Got a question about the best backpack to use interrailing Europe? Let me know on Instagram!
Happy travelling!
Jennie 😀 x
Hey you! 🙋♀️ I quit my job in 2021 to become a full-time travel blogger + visit every corner of the globe possible. Come and join me on my chaotic and hilarious travel journeys!
📷 Instagram: @jennie_wanders
🎥 Youtube Channel: Jennie Wanders (Coming late 2022)
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