5 Must-Haves for Backpacking Europe with Kids

That will save you time and our sanity!

5 Must Have Gear Suggestions

Traveling with your family can be hard…we’ll make it a little bit easier

With these five gear suggestions that will get you through each day of your European trip for any type of travel you have planned.

I had a job change requiring a move across the country. Not only did it open up an amazing career opportunity, but it also opened up three months off work. As we were taking our kids from their friends and their childhood home, we decided to do something special – a trip to Europe! In two months we traversed 15 cities in 10 countries by train and foot. (Feel free to contact us for our itinerary).

Backpacking through Europe with kids was an adventure, and we highly recommend it! Imagine wandering through cobbled streets, exploring ancient castles, and watching your kids’ faces light up with excitement at every new sight. Especially when they say, “We learned about this in school!” But, if you’re traveling with children, you know that a well-packed bag makes all the difference between a dream trip and a logistical nightmare. Here are my top five es

#1: Quality Backpack

Let’s start with the most obvious: a good backpack is a must for every traveler, but especially for families. With kids, you’ll need extra space for snacks, an extra layer or two, and the odd toy that just had to come along. Look for a backpack with comfortable, adjustable straps and a good suspension system, especially if you’re planning long days of walking. Each of our kids carried the majority of their items, and yours can too, but make sure it’s a well-fitted, comfortable backpack that isn’t overstuffed – kids tire quickly, so keeping their load light is key.

A good pack should also have plenty of pockets for easy access to essentials and a secure compartment for valuables. Bonus points for water resistance, as European weather can be unpredictable! We ended up also getting a rain cover for our packs that kept them safe and dry!

We used:

#2: Durable, Leakproof Water Bottles

Whether you’re wandering through Paris during a heatwave or hiking in the chilly Swiss Alps, staying hydrated is essential. And while you’ll find fountains and cafes all over Europe, a sturdy, reusable water bottle saves you money and keeps single-use plastic at bay. Look for bottles that are leakproof, have minimal parts to lose, are easy to drink from, and easy for little hands to open and close.

Insulated bottles are a nice touch (although heavier), especially if you’re traveling through a mix of climates – they’ll keep water cold in the summer and hot chocolate warm on a chilly day!

We grabbed stickers for our waterbottles from every city we visited and added them as we went. Now they’re usable souveniers!

They don’t make the brand we used anymore so we’ved switched brands and are equally happy!

#3: Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are game-changers for family travel! If you’re not already using them, these little organizers will make packing (and unpacking) so much easier. With each family member having their own color-coded set, you can keep everyone’s clothes, gear, and toiletries separate. This is essential when you’re moving around every 2-3 days.

Packing cubes are also great for organizing day packs – one cube for raincoats/sweatshirts, another for snacks, sanitizer, and wipes, etc. – so you can grab what you need without bringing the entire bag. Trust me, it’s a life-saver when you’re trying to be prepared for the day but don’t want to to sort through everyone’s stuff!

#4: Comfortable Shoes

Comfortable shoes can make or break your trip, especially with kids in tow. Europe is full of cobblestone streets, hilly towns, and endless staircases, so sturdy, cushioned shoes are essential. For adults and older kids, I recommend a hybrid hiking shoe – lightweight enough for city walking but with enough support for light trails.

For younger kids, something flexible and breathable but with decent grip is ideal. And trust me on this one: test out everyone’s shoes well before you leave. Blisters are the last thing anyone needs on vacation! (Which reminds me you also need a first aid kit!)

We used:

#5: A Good Camera

Europe is packed with postcard-perfect spots, and your kids’ reactions to each new adventure will be priceless! While phone cameras have come a long way, bringing a compact, high-quality camera adds brilliance to your memories, especially if you’re a photo enthusiast. I recommend a small, durable camera that’s easy to use and can withstand a little adventure – because it will be banged around in your bag and around your neck. Kid-friendly cameras (or, in our case, old phones) let them take photos from their unique perspective, which is always a fun way to remember the trip.

We were looking for a quality, light weight SLDR camera and chose the Sony Next 7.

Why we chose this one:

Larger sensor
Sony mirrorless cameras have a larger sensor than other cameras, which produces more detail, less noise, and better images, especially in low light.
Smaller body
NEX cameras are smaller than traditional digital single-lens reflex cameras, but still have the sensor size and features of an APS-C-sized model. It also makes them lighter weight.
Flip-up screen
A fully flip-up screen that’s great for lining up your shot regardless of where you’re standing.

Final Thoughts

Backpacking Europe with kids might sound like a big undertaking, but with a little preparation, it’s one of the most rewarding ways to travel as a family. These five essentials are my go-to items for a smooth, comfortable, and memory-filled journey. So pack up, head out, and enjoy every twist and turn in the adventure! We encourage you to get lost, find yourselves, try new foods, and bring back old traditions (like family dinners and bedtime stories). Europe with kids is a wild, wonderful ride – embrace it, and don’t forget to savor each step along the way. Safe travels