What are the best travel backpacks for European Adventures?

Planning a backpacking trip to Europe where you will be away for more than a month? What are travel backpacks and which brand in Australia makes the best travel backpack range? What are some considerations to take into account before you purchase a travel backpack? 

🤔 What are Travel Backpacks?

Travel backpacks are backpacks designed specifically for traveling longer distances (like across countries, cities, and via airports and trains) rather than for everyday use or short hikes. They're made to carry everything you need for weeks or months, but with features that make traveling easier and more comfortable.

🧳 Key Features of Travel Backpacks:

• Front-loading design: Like a suitcase - you open it from the front, not the top, so you can easily see and grab your stuff.
• Big capacity: Usually between 65L to 80L, depending on how long you're traveling.
• Multiple compartments: For organizing clothes, toiletries, shoes, laptops, etc.
• Comfortable harness system: Padded shoulder straps, a hip belt, and a chest strap to carry heavy loads comfortably.
• Durability: Made with strong materials to survive planes, trains, buses, and all kinds of rough handling.
• Security features: Lockable zippers and hidden pockets to protect valuables.
• Optional wheels: Some have wheels (hybrid models), so you can roll them when it's convenient.
• Removable daypacks: Some travel packs come with a detachable smaller backpack for day trips.

🆚 Travel Backpack vs Hiking Rucksack

To give you a better understanding, we have also broken down the difference between a travel backpack and a hiking rucksack. 

✈️ Why Use a Travel Backpack?

• Easier to move around (think: stairs, cobblestones, metro stations).
• Can be hands-free compared to rolling suitcases.
• Better organization than duffel bags and square luggage.
• More flexible and compact when needed.
• The smaller detachable daypacks are great for airline carry on use or just to use on day trips.

When selecting a travel backpack for a month-long European adventure, it's essential to consider your travel style, destination types, and also your personal preferences. 

✅ Key Features to Consider in a Travel Backpack

When selecting a backpack for your European trip, consider the following features:

• Size and Capacity: Ensure the backpack can accommodate your belongings without being overly bulky.
• Comfort: Look for padded shoulder straps, a supportive hip belt, and an adjustable harness system.
• Accessibility: Front-loading designs allow easier access to your items compared to top-loading backpacks.
• Durability: Choose backpacks made from robust materials with quality zippers and stitching.
• Weather Resistance: A built-in rain cover or water-resistant materials can protect your belongings from the elements.
• Security: Lockable zippers and hidden pockets can help safeguard your valuables.
• Organizational Features: Multiple compartments and pockets aid in keeping your items organized.

🎒 Top Travel Backpacks for travel in Europe

Here are some Caribee backpacks that could suit your month-long European adventure:

1. Caribee Journey 65L or 75L Travel Pack

• Best for: Backpackers preferring traditional carry without wheels.
• Features:
• Detachable zip-off daypack suitable for carry-on use or day trip
• Fully adjustable Vantage harness system with internal aluminium frame for back support and load distribution
• Multiple storage compartments including base shoe pocket.
• Concealable rain cover for wet weather protection
• Weight:
• 65L: Approximately 2.5 kg.
• 75L: Approximately 2.8 kg.

The Caribee Journey 65L and 75L travel backpacks are excellent choices for extended trips like a month-long journey through Europe. Both models are designed with durability, comfort, and organization in mind, making them suitable for various travel scenarios. Easy to carry and very versatile, these traditional style travel packs are still popular amongst travel enthusiasts. 

✅ Pros

• Robust: Proven travel backpack design used by thousands of travellers over the years.
• Adjustable: Harness can be adjusted to give you a perfect fit for your body size.
• Organized Packing: Multiple compartments and pockets facilitate efficient organization.
• Lightweight: At under 3kg, it's relatively lightweight.
• Detachable Daypack: Handy feature to use as airline carry on or for daytrips whist travelling.

⚠️ Considerations

• No Wheels: Unlike the Caribee Sky Master and Adventure Series, the Journey is a traditional travel pack meaning you need to carry this pack full time. Its great as it can go anywhere, but be mindful on how and what you pack.

2. Caribee Adventure 70L Hybrid Travel Pack

• Best for: Eco-conscious travellers seeking convenience of wheeled luggage plus eco-friendly sustainability.
• Features:
• Constructed from recycled PET materials.
• Hybrid design with both wheels and a concealable backpack harness.
• Telescopic trolley system with all-terrain wheels.
• Internal compression system and separate shoe compartment.
• Weight: Approximately 3.4 kg.
• Capacity: 70L.

The Caribee Adventure 70L Hybrid Wheeled Travel Backpack is a versatile and eco-friendly option for travellers seeking the convenience of both wheeled luggage and a backpack. It's particularly well-suited for extended trips, such as a month-long journey through Europe.

🧳 Key Features

• Hybrid Design: Combines the ease of wheeled luggage with the flexibility of a backpack. The concealable harness system features padded shoulder straps and a hip belt, allowing for comfortable carrying when rolling isn't practical. 
• Eco-Friendly Materials: Constructed from recycled PET (RPET) fabrics, made from recycled plastic bottles, aligning with sustainable travel practices. 
• Spacious Storage: Offers a 70L main compartment with an internal compression system and a large mesh sleeve pocket. Additional storage includes two front pockets and a separate base zippered shoe pocket. 
• Durable Construction: Features a premium aluminium push-button trolley system and all-terrain wheels, ensuring smooth mobility across various surfaces. 
• Security Features: Equipped with lockable zip housings to help protect your belongings from theft.

✅ Pros

• Versatility: The hybrid design offers flexibility for different travel scenarios.
• Eco-Conscious: Use of recycled materials supports sustainable travel.
• Organized Packing: Multiple compartments and pockets facilitate efficient organization.
• Lightweight: At 3.4 kg, it's lighter than some comparable hybrid models, such as the Caribee Sky Master 80L III.

⚠️ Considerations

• No Detachable Daypack: Unlike the Caribee Sky Master series and Journey Series, it doesn't include a detachable daypack, which may be a drawback for travellers who prefer a smaller bag included that can attach to the main bag.

3. Caribee Sky Master 70L or Sky Master 80L Wheel Travel Pack

• Best for: Long-term travellers needing ample space, strength and the versatility of wheels.
• Features:
• Hybrid design with wheels and a concealable harness system.
• Detachable 16L daypack for daily excursions.
• Lockable zips and durable construction.
• Weight:
• 70L: Approximately 4.5kg.
• 80L: Approximately 4.85kg.
• Capacity: 70L and 80L versions

The Caribee Sky Master Series is a top-tier travel backpack that combines the convenience of wheeled luggage with the versatility of a backpack, making it an excellent choice for extended trips like a month-long journey through Europe.

🧳 Key Features

• Hybrid Design: Equipped with oversized all-terrain wheels and a premium aluminium push-button trolley system, allowing you to roll the bag smoothly through airports and city streets. When needed, deploy the concealable Bio-form harness system to carry it as a backpack—ideal for stairs, cobblestones, or uneven terrain. 
• Detachable Daypack: Includes a 16L zip-off daypack with multiple compartments, perfect for day trips or as carry-on luggage. The daypack can be clipped to the front of the main harness, keeping your valuables accessible and balanced. 
• Durable Construction: Made from heavy-duty Dobby material, ensuring strength and longevity. The bag also features lockable zip housings for added security. 
• Organized Packing: The main compartment offers a full-length zip opening for easy access, internal mesh zip storage pockets for accessories, and a separate base zippered shoe pocket to keep footwear separate from clothing. 
• Protective Features: Concealable wheel covers in the hip belt protect your clothing from dirt when carrying the bag on your back after rolling it through wet or dirty conditions. 

✅ Pros

• Versatility: Switch between rolling and carrying to suit different travel scenarios.
• Organization: Multiple compartments and pockets help keep your belongings organized.
• Durability: Robust materials and construction designed to withstand the rigors of travel.
• Security: Lockable zippers and the ability to keep the daypack in front enhance security.

⚠️ Considerations

• Weight: At just under 5kg when empty, it may be heavier than some alternatives, which could be a factor if you're aiming to travel light.
• Size: The 80L capacity is generous, but ensure it aligns with your packing needs to avoid overpacking.

4. Caribee Nomad 80L RPET wheel travel backpack

• Best for: Travellers looking for a blend of versatility and light weight design but convenience of wheels.
• Features:
• Hybrid design with wheels and a concealable harness system.
• Detachable daypack that is expandable in size with tablet storage.
• Separate shoe pocket and multiple internal pockets for storage.
• Weight:
• 80L: Approximately 4.15kg.
• Capacity: 80L

The Caribee Nomad 80L RPET travel pack is a new premium quality travel backpack that is positioned between the Caribee Adventure 70 and the top tier Caribee Sky Master Series. It combines the convenience of wheeled luggage with the versatility of a backpack with detachable and expandable daypack, making it an popular choice for backpacking trips to Europe.

🧳 Key Features

• Hybrid Design: Equipped with all-terrain wheels and a premium aluminium push-button trolley system, allowing you to roll the bag through airports and city streets. When needed, you can deploy the concealable harness system to carry it as a backpack—ideal for stairs, cobblestones, or off road . 
• Detachable Daypack: Includes an expandable daypack with tablet storage that is perfect for day trips or use as carry-on luggage. The daypack can be clipped to the front of the main harness, keeping your valuables accessible and balanced. 
• Eco-Conscious: Made from recycled materials that supports sustainable travel.
• Lightweight: At 4.15kg, it's lighter than some comparable hybrid models, such as the Caribee Sky Master 80L III.
• Organized Packing: The main compartment offers a full-length zip opening for easy access, internal mesh zip storage pockets for accessories, and a separate base zippered shoe pocket to keep footwear separate from clothing. 

✅ Pros

• Versatility: Switch between rolling and carrying to suit different travel scenarios.
• Organization: Multiple compartments, pockets plus a detachable and expandable daypack help keep your belongings organized.
• Security: Lockable zippers and the ability to keep the daypack in front enhance security.

⚠️ Considerations

• Adjustability: The main bags harness does not have the adjustability of traditional travel packs like the Caribee Journey Series.
• Size: The 80L capacity is generous, but ensure it aligns with your packing needs to avoid overpacking.

🛒 Where to Buy Caribee Backpacks

Caribee backpacks are available through various retailers in Australia, including outdoor and travel gear stores such as Anaconda , Bags to Go, Luggage Direct, Wild Earth and BCF. You can also purchase directly from their official website: caribee.com

🇦🇺 About Caribee

Founded in the mid-1960s, Caribee is a family-owned Australian company specializing in outdoor and travel gear. Their products are designed to withstand diverse travel conditions, making them a popular choice among Australian travellers. Caribee's commitment to quality and innovation has earned them a strong reputation in the travel gear industry.