In breve
- A 30–40L pack is enough for 2 weeks if you optimize well.
- Golden rule: if you're unsure whether you'll need it, you probably won't.
- What you'll always regret packing: too many clothes. What you'll always regret forgetting: the adapter, earplugs, a small first-aid kit.
There are two types of travelers: those dragging a 25kg suitcase and those with everything in a 20kg backpack. Both have one thing in common: they both packed too much. The real skill of traveling light isn't learned from a guide — it's learned by unpacking at the end of a trip and realizing you didn't touch half of what you brought.
The bag — which size to choose
30–40L: the ideal format for flying carry-on (no checked baggage, no waiting on arrival, no fees) and for train travel. Enough for 2 weeks if you optimize well. 50–60L: for trips over 3 weeks or camping with gear. Reliable budget brands: Decathlon (Forclaz, Quechua) from €30–50. For lifetime durability: Osprey or Deuter (€100–200).
Clothes — the 3-3-3 rule
The 3-3-3 rule: 3 tops, 3 bottoms, 3 sets of underwear. Full stop. You wash as you go — by hand in the sink or in hostel laundry machines (€3–5). You wear the same clothes multiple days in a row. Nobody cares, because everyone does the same. Go for neutral colors (navy, grey, white, beige) — everything coordinates. One pair of comfortable walking shoes + lightweight sandals covers 90% of situations. A lightweight waterproof jacket (weighs 300g) is essential. What to really leave behind: the 4th and 5th t-shirt "just in case."
Toiletries — compact version
Everything in travel size (under 100ml for flying) or bought on arrival. Must-haves: travel toothbrush + toothpaste, solid shampoo (lightweight, no leak risk, lasts long), deodorant, sunscreen (never cut corners on this). Leave behind: large bottles — body wash is available in any European pharmacy or supermarket for €1–2.
First aid kit
Light, compact, essential: paracetamol or ibuprofen, anti-diarrhea medication (dietary changes hit hard), antihistamine, 5–6 plasters, disinfectant spray 20ml. All of it weighs under 200g and saves you scrambling to find a pharmacy at 10pm.
Accessories that genuinely change the trip
Earplugs: essential in dorms — the snoring traveler at 2am exists in every hostel worldwide. Sleep mask: for the person who turns the light on at 6am. Combination padlock: for hostel lockers. Shower flip-flops: shared showers need them. Universal adapter: €8–12, solves the plug problem everywhere in Europe. 10,000 mAh power bank: a day of navigation, photos, and music drains a battery in 5–6 hours. Reusable water bottle: tap water is drinkable throughout Western Europe — a €10–15 bottle saves €1.50–3 per day.
The final test before closing the bag
Lay everything on your bed. Look at each item and ask: "Do I know exactly what specific moment I'll need this?" If the answer is "no" or "just in case," it stays home. Then pack everything and wear the bag for 10 minutes around your apartment. If it's uncomfortable now, it'll be much worse after 4 hours of walking in the heat.