Packing Light: One Backpack for Two Weeks in Europe

Traveling through Europe with minimal luggage is possible, as demonstrated by a recent two-week trip covering six cities and four countries. The traveler utilized a single 32-liter backpack to carry all necessary items, proving that a lighter load leads to more energy for exploration.

Essential gear included quick-dry clothing, an all-in-one soap, and a rain jacket. However, the traveler identified specific items, such as excess film and a maxi dress, that took up valuable space better used for souvenirs. This guide outlines the successful packing strategy and the lessons learned from the journey.

The journey began with a flight from NYC to Berlin, followed by train travel to Vienna, Rome, Milan, Venice, and Zurich. Over the course of two weeks, the traveler explored cities on foot, staying in various accommodations ranging from train bunks to luxury hotels. The primary goal was to pack the lightest ever for the longest trip taken.

After several practice packs, the traveler successfully fit everything into a 32-liter backpack, the largest in their possession. The load included a work computer, camera, chargers, snacks, toiletries, medications, and a packing cube of clothing. Additional necessities included a raincoat, a tote bag, and shower shoes. While outfit variety was limited, the traveler appreciated not feeling weighed down, noting increased energy throughout the day compared to previous trips.

One of the most important items packed was Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castille soap. This 2-ounce bottle served as an all-in-one cleaner for dishes, bodies, and laundry, replacing the need for separate laundry sheets and body wash. The traveler plans to use this exclusively for future trips to save space.

Regarding clothing, the traveler relied on quick-dry shirts and pants made from moisture-wicking materials. These items dried in as little as 20 minutes on hotel balconies. Key apparel items included:

• A Members Only windbreaker comfortable in temperatures ranging from 40 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
• A rain jacket that could be layered under the windbreaker.
• Black and gray New Balance sneakers suitable for all-day walking.
• Rubber slides for protection in shared showers.

The traveler also brought an electric toothbrush and Sea Spray from Lush for hair, citing the latter as a non-negotiable item for effortless styling.

Staying connected and entertained required specific electronics. An outlet adapter with USB ports was crucial for charging a phone, laptop, iPad, and camera across different European plug types. To avoid carrying physical books, the traveler downloaded e-books and guidebooks onto an iPad. These digital guides helped plan daily activities and build excitement for upcoming destinations.

The traveler brought both a digital camera and a film camera. The Minolta Autocord film camera was included specifically to maintain a work-life balance and foster creativity during breaks. Additionally, the traveler downloaded episodes of favorite TV shows and used the Procreate app on the iPad to draw, which helped maintain a sense of normalcy and grounding while abroad.

Despite the success of the packing strategy, there were items that could have been left behind. The traveler brought eight rolls of film but only used four due to rainy weather. Since film is easily purchasable in Europe—found even in street vending machines in Vienna—bringing half the amount would have sufficed. Additionally, bringing two camera lenses (a zoom and a wide-angle) was unnecessary; the zoom lens alone would have been sufficient.

The maxi dress proved to be a poor choice for versatility, taking up space that could have been used for shorts and blouses. Furthermore, 10 pairs of socks were packed, but only six were needed given the two-night stays in most cities, which allowed ample drying time. The light packing strategy paid off by leaving room for souvenirs, including:

• Framed landscape paintings.
• 3D puzzles from Venice.
• Bookmarks and photo books.

The traveler concluded that sacrificing extra clothing was worth the ability to bring home physical reminders of the adventure.