Packing for Backpacking in Europe (Winter Months)
PACKING TO TRAVEL LIGHT? WHAT?
I went on my first backpacking trip in Europe recently, (honestly still feels a little surreal to say this). As someone who is really quite good at overpacking this was a learning experience in a lot of ways.
Packing light to travel feels like a little bit of an art form, and maybe to some minimalists, it seems like the easiest thing in the world. For someone who isn’t… here’s how I packed for my first trip with what did, and didn’t, work.
You definitely can’t be afraid of being an outfit repeater. LOL!
I’ve got a few tweaks, and I’ll continue to tweak this until I feel like I’ve got it down pat.
None of this is sponsored, so it really is what has and hasn’t worked for me.
Hopefully this helps & Happy Packing!
Starting with my BACKPACK:
I’m currently using the Ozark Trail 40L Crestone Hydration-Compatible Backpack Black Daypack Hiking (This is a brand from Walmart, this specific bag is not in stock, but you can find similar ones on the Walmart website (Click Here For Other Ozark Trails Backpacks), or any hiking backpack that you like best.
I snagged this one from my dad. Thanks, dad! I like that it holds a lot and that the zipper opens almost to the bottom so you can lay it out almost like how you’d pack a duffel bag.
Electronics & Important Docs:
- Passport / Travel Documents
- Charging Cables: Apple Watch Cable / iPhone Cable / Portable Charger Cable
- Portable Charger: (INIU, I’ve used this loads, and it lasts a several days, has 2 USB ports and 1 USB-C port. Highly recommend if you’re in the market for a portable.)
- Universal Adapter: the one I have is not worth plugging as it was kind of wonky to try and fit in to some outlets in Poland… it did work, but you can probably find better ones.
- Small Cross-Body Bag: This is the Madden brand for Walmart. I won’t lie, this is fine for what I need, but it doesn’t actually zip shut. It has a pocket within it that I can zip my cards and such, but I’d honestly prefer a bag that zips shut.)
- WOULD CHANGE: Purchase a better crossbody & potentially a better universal adapter
Toiletries:
- Hairbrush & Hair Ties
- Moisturizer: I prefer a one with SPF, especially since I don’t tend to wear much makeup while I travel this light.
- Toothbrush & Toothpaste
- Travel Deodorant
- Travel Shampoo & Travel Body Wash
- Nivea Facial Bar (w/ reusable ziploc): Honestly a great option because it’s one less liquid to fit in the ziploc bag for TSA. Highly recommend.
- Hand Sanitizer
- Razor
- Feminine Wipes
- Makeup Remover Wipes: I only brought a big pack because I had a few left. Would purchase a travel size.
- Perfume
- Makeup: Eyeliner, Brow gel, lip/cheek tint, eyebrow pencil, mascara
- Travel Kleenex
- Midol
- WOULD CHANGE: Shampoo & Conditioner Bars / Pro-Biotic (I’m so paranoid I’ll eat something that doesn’t sit right).
Sleep & Intimates:
- Socks x6+ the ones I was wearing: would bring less if I was able to do laundry in my sink/bathtub
- Underwear x6+ what I was wearing: would bring less if I was able to do laundry in my sink/bathtub
- Leggings (PJs)
- T-shirt (PJs)
- Sports Bra + Regular Bra
- WOULD CHANGE: Less socks & underwear if I’m able to do laundry in my hotel room
Daytime Outfits:
- Jeans x2 (I wore 1 pair the day I traveled)
- 3 Sweaters
- WOULD CHANGE: I ended up changing 1 of these out with 2 cute simple T-shirts because my jackets are so warm that I didn’t need this many sweaters. Would go without the extra sweater.
Winter Items:
- Scarf
- Beanie: Never wore this once…
- WOULD CHANGE: Not bring the beanie, probably should have brought gloves.
NOT PICTURED ITEMS I BROUGHT:
- Raincoat: I wore this over my puffer jacket a lot as this isn’t actually very warm.
- Columbia Puffer: Warm, fits under my raincoat, 10/10… I do need to get one with a hood, because some days I didn’t need my raincoat and a hood would have been nice. I would bring this again.
- Comfortable Walking Shoes: Blundstone Boots for me. I walk several miles a day when I travel and I love my Blundstones because they’re waterproof. I would bring this again.
- Bag (shopping bag/Walmart bag) for Dirty Clothes: I used this for dirty clothes in my backpack between being able to wash in my hotel. I would bring this again.
- Notebook / Pen: I would bring this again because I’m a journal girlie, and I didn’t bring my laptop or iPad so it gave me a place to write.
ITEMS I WILL BRING ON MY NEXT TRIP:
- Shampoo & Conditioner Bar: I want less liquids to bring
- Travel Laundry Detergent Packet: I would bring a couple of these to do laundry in my hotel rooms.
- Microfiber Hair Wrap Towel: They are so small they don’t take up space, and I have a lot of hair.
ITEMS I MIGHT BRING ON MY NEXT TRIP:
- Travel Size Dry Shampoo: You don’t understand how difficult it’s been to find a travel-size dry shampoo at random stores here in the UK where I’m staying at the moment.
- Travel Size Fabreeze: If I can find it I might bring it.
Thinking about solo traveling? Check out the things I’ve learned from my time solo traveling as a scaredy-cat!
I HOPE THIS HELPS YOU WITH WHAT YOU MIGHT NEED WHEN PACKING LIGHT TO TRAVEL NEXT TIME!