How to Pack Your Backpack for Europe Part 1

[leleevee]

If anyone has backpacked europe please message me because I plan on going in 2013 and need some great advice from people with expirience!

[peakcur]

Hey pretty good tips, keep it up!

[QueCanada]

Thanks!

[aragon667]

aboutt how much money should you have to go on a trip like this?

[viniciusb]

Eat well people! Apples, kiwis and oranges take a long time to spoil. Make sure you wash the oranges because they will spoil first, it's healthier and better tasting then canned foods plus minus the weight of the cans Also, dried meats, cheeses, bread and greens are usually pretty affordable in Europe, make yourself a couple of sandwiches each day and steer away from the loads of sodium and preservatives you get from canned goods.

[rawbin510]

Don´t bring heavy cans of food to europe. Its ridiculous.

Bring enough bread&stuff for the day you fly over and you will be fine.

[redwinehelpsyousleep]

@rawbin510 I do say NOT to take them with you but to pick them up when you get there.I understand the four I stuck in there is overkill, but a can of food is the easiest way to save money and have a ready meal. In my months of backpacking Europe this is my method of having a cheap meal. Like most people's recommendations on travel, these are my opinions on my experiences and are not for everyone.

[IHaveExtraApendages]

That is a lot of stuff. Fill up your day pack inside of your backpack to avoid all that dead space its taking up. Im going to Southeast asia for 2 months and ill be taking half the amount pictured here. I would say canned food is not at all essential.

[CrudeRuud]

Great video and very helpful! I leave for Europe in a couple days and this exactly what I was looking for!! Thanks. :)

[jakobdonskov]

What journal do you have there? It seems big, with a lot of pages in – i’ve been looking for that.

[spicecrop]

Hey good idea to put heavy cans of food in your pack, you will really enjoy the extra weight while you are walking, you also may consider collecting some big rocks for keep sakes. and a brick to hold your map down while you are looking at it.

[redwinehelpsyousleep]

@spicecrop And what do you eat when your on the run? Any food is heavy. Six ounces of meat is still six ounces. At least with a can of soup once in a while you get some flavor and a change from the piles of bread meat and cheese.

[rawbin510]

@redwinehelpsyousleep Cans are the worst way you can supply yourself with food. It s heavy. Its not easy to heat it up on the way and its nasty when eaten cold. Bring dry food (bread etc.) - you can refill your water everywhere. So there's no need to bring cans of soup and ravioli. :D (you can even refill in security areas of the airport [after security checkpoint] if you bring an empty bottle)

Have fun in europe everyone!

[mryellow123]

@redwinehelpsyousleep 6 ounces of dehydrated meat = 24 ounces of hydrated meat.

You carry soup with water already added? 90% waste.

[rawbin510]

@spicecrop You´re totally right. Bringing cans is just stupid. I´m sorry, Scott.

[lostanddumbfounded]

@spicecrop this was hilarious.

[DennyRec]

Very good way to pack. I use a Kelty Red Cloud 110 now. Use to have the 5600. I always put my clothes in a bag. I like the idea of just putting them in the bag. I think the backpacking mode is hard to break. Thanks for the helpful hints. Look out Rome...

[mattloxfl]

Don't forget a can opener for your cans.

[ivankov01]

I would recommend a bag with wheels with backpack straps. I hate carrying my luggage from train to airport, or train to train. You can always get your clothes laundered while your there. Reading material is important.. This guy only has one book. I usually bring a book plus a couple of magazines. The best way to pack is to not have to check a bag at the airport. Have an overhead bag, and a "purse" that you can have while in your seat when flying.

[redwinehelpsyousleep]

@ivankov01 I've tried bags with wheels and shoulder straps, but the bag is meant to be pulled, not put on your shoulders so for me they seemed very uncomfortable, but to each his own. If you can get by without having to check a bag at the airport is great, but carry on size restrictions are rough, a bag 9x14x22 (depending on airline). You also then can't take a pocket knife, bike chain, cork screw or larger bottles of liquids (100 ml or less bottles). - Thanks for the comment.

[ivankov01]

I ran into bag restrictions flying on China Air. Their baggage sizes differed from the States. I was forced to check my bag. It was a learning experience and now I'm going to start packing lighter. I hate the "liquid rule". Having said that, I abide by it, and if I need additional hygenic products I buy them while there. The bummer with the liquid rule is that you can't bring liquor back from your trip unless you check your bag. Why would you need to bring a cork screw?

[kmpw48]

I'll soon be embarking on a 20 day summer trip in Europe. Mostly be hostel hopping and am traveling by Eurail. Looked at a lot of packs but haven't settled on one. I'm 5'2'' woman. My main contenders right now are a North Face Terra 45 L Women's or Osprey 55 L Farpoint. The thing I like about the Farpoint is it has a detachable daypack, but I wonder if 55 L is too much? I like the fact that the North Face is 45 L and a women's pack. Do you have any suggestions to help me find the best pack?

[GoonerJah86]

what backpack are you using in this video ?



[Xeen09]

Do you carry it with you into the airplane or you had it checked in?

[FinnPillow]

This makes me wanna go to trip.. But, we're going to Austria next summer! :) Can't wait!! ;)

[redwinehelpsyousleep]

@FinnPillow Austria is beautiful and very clean. I only got to see Vienna and Salzburg, but both very nice cities. Austria is known for coffee, strudel and schnapps (among many other things) so make sure to try some.

[FinnPillow]

@redwinehelpsyousleep How many liters is your bigpack?? :) I have a Osprey Kestrel 58 and it's very good :) But how many liters is yours?? :)

[redwinehelpsyousleep]

@FinnPillow My pack is 65 liters, but I have never filled it to capacity. - I take that back, I filled it to the brim once; when I was moving to England for a year and could only take two carry-ons and two checked bags. In my normal travels I do not use all 65 liters.

[redwinehelpsyousleep]

@FinnPillow My pack is 65 liters, but I have never filled it to capacity. - I take that back, I filled it to the brim once; when I was moving to England for a year and could only take two carry-ons and two checked bags. In my normal travels I do not use all 65 liters.

[jo14wp]

@FinnPillow Last year I spend a few days in a small town called Bregenz close the the Swiss and German border in the west of Austria and it was really wonderful.

[wholtone]

Thanks for the tips. Instead of a compass you can also see where the sun is in the sky (east or west), assuming it's not night time.

[nugro8]

Man, i need your comment soon, please ..

A 65 Litre backpack is gonna use as the baggage bag in airplane. A daypack is gonna use as carry on bag in airplane. I'm considering about your black leather pouch for important document: pasport, etc, however .. how about I put on the passport on the carry on day pack, but money and the card (ID card, ATM card, etc) on the wallet in the jeans pocket in the airport ?

thx

[redwinehelpsyousleep]

@nugro8 Are you saying they're going to think document wallet is another carry-on? They shouldn't, and you get one carry-on and one personal item. For instance a day pack and laptop bag.

[nugro8]

@redwinehelpsyousleep please excuse my broken English.

I mean, to put passport in black leather passport pouch on the belt of the jeans is a good idea, but I don't have the passport pouch at the moment and I'm going to go to Europe next week. Do you think it is secure or not, if I put the passport in the carry on day pack on the airport ?

thx

[redwinehelpsyousleep]

@nugro8 I always keep the most important items like credit card, cash and wallet in my front pockets. When I have shorts that have cargo pockets with buttons, I'll use that for my passport and use my back pockets the least often for important stuff.

[nugro8]

@redwinehelpsyousleep Got it. thx very much

[M29NT]

what is the deal about shower-shoes? I keep hearing people talk about it in these packing vids... anyone?

[redwinehelpsyousleep]

@M29NT The main thing is to keep you off the gross shower floors. Showers aren't cleaned daily like in a hotel. There might be 30 people sharing one shower and some of these people very hairy and smelly. I don't mind a pillow or sheets that haven't been washed, but something about a filthy shower stall gives me the creeps when it comes to my bare feet. Also think if you have any blisters and open sores, you don't want excess funk getting in there. You also walk to and from the shower in them.

[tooieterdpounder123]

I love you! Thank you so much for making this!

[Jehosh27]

Thanks for this! Now, all I gotta figure out is how to make money on the road and I'm all set. Maybe poker..? Heh, I'm not THAT good at it...

[redwinehelpsyousleep]

@Jehosh27 I met some people in the hostels who were making a little cash by playing guitar and singing on the street, granted I'm not sure how much they made, maybe enough for food. I also met a guy who was traveling for about a year and would go into restaurants to wash dishes or do odd jobs for food and a little extra. A great way to meet people and learn the language. Good luck.

[yanksrokmysox08]

This video seems to be directed more towards people traveling in groups. Is there anything more or less you would recommend packing for someone backpacking Europe solo?

[Burletonboy]

SPORK!!! light my fire metal spork

[redwinehelpsyousleep]

@Burletonboy I never had the opportunity to get a spork. I tried to get one before my second trip but I lived in a small town and the camping store was sold out. The one you recommend is the one I wanted, with the spoon on one side and knife/fork on the other. I do mention it and have a photo of it in the book.

[jcool411]

But I like clean underwear... so not cut out for this

[mintyvision]

wouldnt a spoon be more useful than a fork considering you have half a ton of cold tinned soup in your pack? just kiddin, this is a great vid. its always a nightmare working out how and what to pack.

[redwinehelpsyousleep]

@mintyvision Thanks for the comment! - Here's an excerpt from the book - "Pack a fork in your daypack for your meals outside

the hostel. A spoon isn’t necessary since you can drink

soup or soak up sauce with bread. Your pocketknife

will always serve as your eating knife as well.

At the store where you got your backpack, they

should sell an all-in-one eating tool with a spoon on

one end, fork and cutting edge on the other. These

are normally made of plastic which makes them light

and cheap."

[mintyvision]

@redwinehelpsyousleep ah look at that, you've thought of everything! any plans for guides on other parts of the world?

[redwinehelpsyousleep]

@mintyvision If we could get a sponsor we'd be making all sorts of guides for everywhere in the world. We're doing a ton of USA travel this year, so we were thinking of that possibility, because trains and US hostels are still foreign things to many people. Or maybe a road trip guide.

[workman24]

how much money does it cost?

[redwinehelpsyousleep]

@workman24 The pack or the trip? There is a post on what you might expect to pay on the web site. Check it out.

[workman24]

@redwinehelpsyousleep the trip



[MrStratofish]

Why the fork in the daypack? You just threw it in and carried on as if it didn't need any explanation.

I can see why you might have one around if you take cans of food, but that would be in the main pack, not the daypack.

I'm hardly an expert but been short-term (3-4 weeks) backpacking several times to 3 continents now and can't think of another reason why I ever would have needed cutlery of any type on me.

[redwinehelpsyousleep]

@MrStratofish I always bought random food in markets and at the grocery and a fork has come in handy plenty of times. A half gallon of ice cream is cheaper for a group than each buying a cone and a fork works (I did this in Amsterdam - my wife used the fork and I used my Swiss army knife). A can of spaghetti is much cheaper than grabbing a takeaway sandwich. I sometimes pack a lunch in my day pack instead of searching out a market. I didn't need it everyday, but I did use it.

[JAKESTADAGANGSTA92]

Great video, please ignore the "European Know-It-All", you did a fine job.

[stanley14321]

i like how this guy thinks, he reminds me of how i pack when i go somewhere cuz im kinda paranoid at times

[traveleasterneurope]

Showering in the SINK a la boot camp or hobo style..

[eq5uinox]

if there is anyone who will pass to Italy Im here just message me I will take you around here..........

[akdennisjr]

how much does it cost to backpack threw Europe? And whats the best time of year to go??

[Future0331]

@akdennisjr It all depends where your going also the strength of our dollar but usually its between 3000-5000 dollars and the best time to go (in my opinion) is usually the summer the prices for airline tickets and EUrail passes are lower and the weather is nice (depending on where you go)

[worldofmig]

@akdennisjr the price depends on alot of factors, but for time I would recormend duing the late spring to late summer would be good (from may - erly september) :)

[InTheSticks1881]

Good tips. During the summer, one needs very little if staying hostels.  Travel light.

[yourturbinisdirty1]

WHERE DO U PUT THE CONDOMS?

[redwinehelpsyousleep]

@yourturbinisdirty1 In your pocket of course. You never want to be without one. Also take a few of your trusted brand. I don't think they have Trojan in Europe, or I couldn't find them at least. Durex is very popular over there.

[JoshuaTheAirsofter23]

@redwinehelpsyousleep IN THE UK WE HAVE TROJENS BUT DUREX IS LIKE 110% MOST POPULER

[thembitch]

@redwinehelpsyousleep what the..... LOL...

[CryingWitch1]

shower in the sink?

[redwinehelpsyousleep]

@CryingWitch1 More like washing your head and stinky places, but yeah, a sink shower. When on over night trains, the last time you probably showered was early before you left a hostel and you won't have the chance to shower again until check-in time the next day, so a splash of train water feels great.

[Future0331]

@redwinehelpsyousleep Quick question which brand of backpacks are the best me and my freinds are going to Europe for 3 weeks this summer and im just wondering which brand is the best as far as price etc please respond thanks!!!

[step0international]

Wow, seriously, I have absolutely no idea what you can possibly do with all of that stuff! This amount of stuff looks like what people take on their first time,and aterward realize that they have packed way too much! And I agree with the jeans comment...how the heck do you think you are going to clean/dry those out on quick hostel shops?! This is very amature, and very "American" way of travelling. Honestly, this is why Euros find Americans so obnoxious.

[redwinehelpsyousleep]

@step0international I wish you could be a little more specific on what is too much stuff - bringing a flashlight and camera or a pair of pajama pants? I only make these videos based off my months of backpacking experience and that I have lived in Europe for two years. I've addressed the comment about taking less clothing and washing more often, and if not jeans then what? How does someone packing more than you would make an American obnoxious?

[InTheSticks1881]

@redwinehelpsyousleep Jeans will work, yet 60% nylon/40% cotton blend or better , 100% nylon such as RailRiders wash up in the sink and dry fast. Polyester wicking layer under garments are also good, keep one warm and dry and wash up easy. These are high tech solutions and not really needed, just helpful options if you can. It's been many years since my travels and appreciate your vids. This old dog needs to learn. Thanks!

[zimonslot]

@step0international nah... it's because you talk so shamelessly blatent and loud

[faolbushcraft]

@step0international That video you did on European travel was awesome. Oh wait, you haven't made one. You may be taken seriously if you offer an alternative.

@redwinehelpsyousleep Great vid. I lived in Europe for 3 1/2 years and you are right on the money for living out of your backpack while traveling.

[moniquinnn]

Very helpful! I like the part about emailing yourself I just got back from France it would have been a good idea to do that!

[Misssummersong]

im european and i found this so funny. i mean seriously your going to europe not to mount everest :) if you dont have enough stuff you just buy it. =D

[redwinehelpsyousleep]

Like any vacation you could just get on a plane with the clothes on your back, but since I own a digital camera, flip flops, shorts and underwear, I think I'll take it with me and save the cash.

[Sotox92]

this really help me man thx a lot!

[MrDerr32]

MrDerr32 During high season in Europe and in Italy in particular it could be hard to find free rooms in hotels. A better chance is given by Bed and Breakfast places,where the prices are much more affordable for young people. And be careful in trains,try to sleep in turns, and around train stations or even big squares with lots of people stay alert. There are lots of thieves.Well enjoy your trip.

[rtackaert]

What bag and size is this?

[redwinehelpsyousleep]

The brand is Gregory, which I would highly recommend. The size is 67 liters, but I think anything between 50-70 would be sufficient. I don't fill my bag to the brim so I have room for souvenirs, food and water. With a smaller bag you would just take fewer clothes and wash them more often.

[polifonix1]

Jeans?! How are you supposed to clean & dry those while staying in Hostels? This method of packing is serious overkill, and not practical at all. I understand this is aimed at young Americans who are in massive groups spending too much & travelling on trains, but seriously. You don't need half that stuff.

[redwinehelpsyousleep]

Please read the web site for a full response to this comment. I was not able to fit it here.

[breakingbboy]

another question: i would really love to just get on the train without booking any hotels. The risk is that all the hotels can be full so that we wont get a place to sleep for 14 days. Im going in the high seison, july/ august, so im affraid i have to book in advance.

now, whats your opinion about this? can i or cant i just go on an interrail trip without booking, in the high seison?

thank you for your info;)

[egosuperegoit]

Great video, really helpful :) Thanks!

[breakingbboy]

when u sleep on a train, do u just sit on the benches in the train or do u lay down on the ground? i mean, sleeping on the benches really breaks u up cause u get back and neck injuries of it (at least ill get it) and does red wine helps u sleep best or is strong booze with like 30% alcohol better?

[redwinehelpsyousleep]

Trains have many different layouts so it depends which one you get to find the best method of sleeping. Some have airplane style seats that recline for a slightly more comfortable slumber. The 'Riding Trains and Cabs' video shows what its like to sleep in a cab which allows passengers to lay flat.  Couchettes can also be purchased to have a bed, but get expensive.

In regards to the alcohol, I like red wine because it makes me sleepy without a blackout. Benadryl or Nyquil works in safe dosages.

[breakingbboy]

and how safe is it to fall asleep in the train while your backpack is unprotected for thieves? i mean, would it b better to lock it to the storage so nobody can steal it? thx for ur advice man

[redwinehelpsyousleep]

When you're sleeping on trains it is best to lock your pack to a seat, luggage rack, or a friend's pack like in the 'Backpack Safety on Trains in Europe' video or if you have the seat space, sleep against it. Keep all valuables on you so no one can reach in your pack and pull out your camera or passport. I've never felt unsafe, but there are thieves everywhere, so you just need to be smart and aware of your surroundings.

[breakingbboy]

thx for the advice man;) have u done a lot of interrail trips?

[XCritonX]

@breakingbboy Dont worry. Even if you are awake the thugs will have their way with you.

[evilfreddy2006]

What if you are traveling alone? Do you still recommend that much? If so, would the larger bag be safe by leaving it at the hostel while touring?

[redwinehelpsyousleep]

This packing video is intended for one person but you can always minimize your weight if you can live without some items. I only try to take things that I find necessary and I'm comfortable and not bothered by the weight. Backpacks are usually safe at hostels whether you are traveling alone or with others. It's best if your hostel has lockers or a storage closet that locks. If not, keep your backpack under or on your bed and make sure to take your valuables with you in your daypack.

[Jammy1800]

dont take a proper water bottle just buy water along the way, same with cans of food. This guy packs way to much, you wanna half that rucksack size. also you need small internal bags within your rucksack, in this way you can get to things without unpacking everything.

[redwinehelpsyousleep]

In the video I mention to pick up water and cans along the way. A bag half the size would be about the size of a school back or 25-30 liters, which in my opinion is not enough room for a trip longer than 2 weeks. My bag weighs roughly 30 pounds and is perfectly comfortable for someone my size. Internal frame backpacks, like the one in the video, are designed with comfort in mind, so the bag shouldn't ever feel heavy. If you pack properly, you shouldn't ever have to unpack everything.

[hippoconon]

which day pack would you recommend? What day pack is that on this review I really like it?

[redwinehelpsyousleep]

Any daypack that is comfortable for a full day and miles of walking. Mine is Arc'Teryx. It has great shoulder padding and a waisbelt and sternum strap for added support.

[ckisawesome]

i would also reccomend bringing a video camera, trust me if you videotape the whole thing and do some vlog type things you will be glad

[ckisawesome]

dont pack frickin cans of food i would say take them out of the cans and put them in a bag or something or get some foil packaged food

[redwinehelpsyousleep]

The good thing about cans is that they don't crush, leak or go bad. The can doesn't weight that much, so keep it in there and like I say in the video, don't take them across the pond with you, pick one up while you're there. Always, always, always have some sort of food on you. This will save you tons of money when you're starving so you don't buy restaurant food or buy anything on the trains (if they even offer it).

Scott

[reenachitra]

iam travelling to india from LA, i always have this doubt where to put gift watches in carry on or checked?

[redwinehelpsyousleep]

I try to not put anything of value under the plane if possible. I've heard many stories from other travelers about items that didn't make it to the other side. Buying travel insurance is one way to go, but the hassle to get money isn't always worth it.

Keep anything of value as close to you as possible.

[HXRGuitar]

I can deal with everything but um? wear underwear for 2 to 3 days dont think so i can do the socks but no the underwear

[jcanucks]

I might as well strap a 100lb. brick to my back after watching this guy. I'm not bringing cans of food in my bag or a water bladder.

[redwinehelpsyousleep]

I recommend to have food and water at all times to save money and be comfortable when on long train journeys when food isn't available. People who starve on trains waste money by purchasing food in stations instead of markets or groceries. Cans of food are the perfect way to save a few Euros and filling a water bladder or bottles costs nothing.

Scott

[k9ripper85]

hello! im in spain still and about to pack my backpack again. just wanted to say thanks again!

[k9ripper85]

thanks for the tips! i'm goin backpacking to spain in a few days and this really helped!

[redwinehelpsyousleep]

I've read plenty of blogs with people that recommend 30-50 liter bags for round the world trips. My only piece of advice is, simply have room for what you take, food, water and what you want to bring home. Don't over pack!  Remember that this bag will be on your back for hours sometimes and it needs to be comfortable.

[Intensiteetti]

A solid How-to video. One of the best i have seen. Thanks dude.

[nzjuan]

Awesome vid Dude! REEEEALLY helpful. What do you think ok a 65 litres High Sierra to go during the Summer ???

[ykb946]

awesome thank you

[ykb946]

what kind of backpack is that & the liters?? great video thanx