Best Carry On Luggage for Europe: Suitcases & Backpacks

Finding the best carry on luggage for your trip to Europe can be a bit tricky if you want to get the most bang for your buck and still comply with the countless different airline regulations that are out there.

After having travelled and flown all over Europe for a number of years, we know exactly the types of bags that are perfect for European travel.

Whether you plan to travel carry-on only or just want a supplementary bag to your typical luggage, there are countless options to choose from.

Want a quick answer? Our choice for the best carry on luggage is the LEVEL8 Carry-On (also available direct from LEVEL8 here if you’re after a traditional suitcase.

Our choice for the best carry on backpack is the Osprey Farpoint for men (also available on REI here) or the Osprey Fairview for women (also available on REI here).

Carry On Luggage Comparison

What To Look For

Carry-on luggage can typically be split into two different categories: wheeled suitcases and backpacks and whichever one you want really depends on your preferences and travel style.

For instance, we’ve been using backpacks for ages and love the ease and mobility that come along with them, but many others find that a traditional wheeled suitcase is a better and more convenient bet for them.

Regardless of which kind of carry-on you want, you’re going to want to make sure that it is lightweight, durable and will easily fit into the overhead bin of the aeroplane.

Whether you’re looking to avoid adding to weight requirements on aeroplanes or you don’t want to be carting around excess weight on your back while exploring cities or at the airport, this is of the utmost importance.

Durability is also super important because any piece of luggage takes on a lot of wear and tear during the course of a European adventure, and you certainly don’t want to be dealing with a broken zip, busted wheel or torn bag during your trip.

All of the following travel bags fit these criteria and you’re sure to find something that suits your needs.

Best Carry On Suitcases

LEVEL8 Textured Carry-On

If you’re looking for an excellent carry-on suitcase option, then you can’t go wrong with the LEVEL8 Textured Carry-On 20” (also available direct from LEVEL8 here).

We have gone into great detail about this particular suitcase in our LEVEL8 review, however, some things are worth repeating here.

This suitcase is lightweight – with the weight clocking in at 3.5 kg (7.7 lbs) unpacked and has dimensions that meet the vast majority of airlines’ carry-on requirements, although it’s always worth double-checking to ensure it is compliant, as all airlines are different.

The case features four 360° spinner wheels that make manoeuvring it easy no matter where you are – even on uneven or cobbled streets! The suitcase also has a 38L capacity, so you can fit quite a bit inside without much cramming.

Another great feature is that the case features an in-built TSA-compliant lock, so you can ensure your belongings have an extra level of security. The case comes in a range of colours that can suit any style or personality.

Samsonite Winfield 2

The Samsonite Winfield 2 is a sleek, cool spinner suitcase is an excellent choice for those looking for a wheeled carry-on suitcase for Europe.

Made from an ultra-light polycarbonate material complete with durable wheels and handles, this bag is perfect for both walking over cobblestones and wheeling down airplane aisles alike.

There is a TSA-compliant lock incorporated into the case and there are smaller compartments within to organise your items. There are also compression straps to keep your things more secure.

This suitcase is perfect for those looking for travel carry-on only or who want to bring a few more things along with their checked luggage.

Thule Subterra Carry-On 35L

If you’re after the flexibility of soft sides for a carry-on suitcase while not sacrificing durability and the easy manoeuvrability of a spinner case, then I highly recommend the Thule Subterra Carry-On 35L.

This practical suitcase has a roomy 35-litre capacity and is made from durable materials, while still being soft-sided and flexible. Inside, this suitcase is equipped with a (removable!) compression panel to help tack down all of your items. There are also compression straps inside to further secure your belongings.

The suitcase has 4, 360-degree spinner wheels that are sturdy enough to withstand some uneven terrain. There’s also a smooth, telescoping aluminium handle that is durable and lightweight.

Along with the main compartment, there is also an external zippered compartment that makes it easy to stash smaller belongings for easy access – like your keys, phone or your clear bag of liquids for when you’re going through airport security!

The suitcase also comes in three different colours – black, dark slate and vetiver gray.

Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On

One of the top names in luggage is Travelpro and you really can’t go wrong with the Travelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Carry-On (also available direct from Travelpro here).

This soft-sided suitcase is perfect for those who would have a wheeled travel bag than a backpack as a carry-on and who are looking for a versatile and durable suitcase.

There is also an external USB port with a power bank pocket so you can easily charge your devices on the go. The suitcase is also expandable, meaning that you can cram in a bit of extra stuff if need be.

It also has a durable set of four wheels that can withstand significant wear and tear.

Thule Aion 35L Spinner

If you’re looking for all the features of a sturdy carry-on backpack with the convenience of a spinner suitcase? Then I suggest having a look at the Thule Aion 35L Carry-On.

Equipped with four spinner wheels, this sturdy suitcase can easily manoeuvre down narrow aisles and across uneven pavement.

Available in 2 colours – dark slate and nutria – the bag is made from a durable waxed canvas material that is water-resistant, keeping your belongings nice and dry.

There is a roomy main compartment and some mesh zippered pockets to keep smaller items organised. There are also compression straps and it comes with a removable TPU-lined packing cube. This is great for stashing damp or dirty items as it prevents moisture, dirt and odours from transferring. 

On the exterior, there is a small zippered compartment giving you quick access to essential items without having to unzip the whole bag. There is also a larger pocket that is perfect for stashing something like a jumper or jacket.

Osprey Farpoint Wheeled / Fairview Wheeled

If you like the idea of a travel backpack but also love the option of having a wheeled travel bag, then the Osprey Farpoint Wheeled (also available on REI here) backpack for men or the Fairview for women (also available on REI here) is the perfect option for you!

Giving you the best of both worlds, it combines the functionality and ease of a backpack with the wheels and handlebars of a suitcase.

This backpack combines everything we love about the classic Farpoint backpack along with some super durable wheels and a telescoping handle. The bag opens up like a traditional suitcase and also has fully lockable zippers.

It is also equipped with a supportive and advanced harness that is comfortable to wear if you choose or zips completely away if you plan to use it as a wheeled suitcase.

Best Carry On Backpacks

Osprey Farpoint / Osprey Fairview

The Osprey Farpoint for men (also available on REI here) or the Osprey Fairview (also available on REI here) for women are really some of the best travel backpacks out there on the market and you cannot go wrong with purchasing one of them.

Michael and I both use the full-sized Farpoint 55 and 70 respectively; however, if you’re looking for a carry-on backpack, then these backpacks are the perfect choice for you.

The backpack is roomy and ideal for those on a short trip to light packers who want to travel carry-on only as it meets the carry-on size requirements for most airlines. It has a large main compartment that opens like a suitcase so that you can store all of your main belongings.

There is also a smaller compartment complete with a laptop sleeve to stash valuables and smaller items and the zippers are easily lockable to ensure that you can keep your valuables secure.

There is an advanced harness and comfortable suspension system and the harness also completely zips away under a panel in order to get the straps all out of the way.

This backpack comes in two different sizes making them ideal for all body types.

Peak Design Travel Backpack

If you’re after a comfortable, sleek and practical carry-on backpack, then look no further than the Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L. This travel backpack is one of the best on the market and has an intelligent design that makes it perfect for a quick trip or a longer journey.

The backpack comes in a range of colours to suit plenty of personalities and it has a minimalistic and clean look that can easily blend into the stylish streets of Europe without calling a lot of attention to yourself.

The backpack itself is also very comfortable to wear with nicely padded shoulder straps and a chest strap attached, should you need it. It has a panel opening into the main compartment, allowing for easy access for all of your belongings.

There are also plenty of zipped pouches inside the backpack to make organising smaller belongings more simple. The backpack also features a large laptop sleeve to safely stash electronic items along with a large top pouch, perfect for things like a wallet or keys.

It is very roomy and is equipped with heavy-duty zippers. There is also an option to expand or compress the backpack should you need it.

Pacsafe Vibe 25L

No list of bags for Europe would be complete without including a Pacsafe option, and the Pacsafe Vibe 25 is a great choice for a minimalist traveller.

This 25-litre backpack has so many incredible safety features that are sure to make your belongings feel secure while also having a cool and sleek look that will blend in well on the streets of a European city.

The bag comes equipped with interlocking zippers (you can add your own TSA lock!), slash-proof material, RFID-blocking technology and plenty of other anti-theft features that ensure you can breathe easy if you’re concerned about the safety of your belongings.

Like the Osprey bags, it opens up like a traditional suitcase and also comes equipped with a padded laptop sleeve and a small (locking) compartment to store smaller items.

Thule Aion 28L Expandable Backpack

If you’re after a backpack that can easily be used both as a carry-on while flying and seamlessly transition into a day pack, then I highly recommend the Thule Aion 28L.

As the name may suggest, this backpack has a 28-litre capacity; however, it is expandable to 32 litres – perfect if you need to fit in a few extra items for your flight (but don’t necessarily want to carry them around when exploring your destination).

The main compartment of he backpack has a large panel opening giving you easy access to your belongings. There is also a zippered top pocket that’s perfect for stashing smaller items like keys.

Inside, there is a padded pocket that’s big enough for a 16-inch laptop and a 13-inch tablet. There is also a TPU divider that can keep dirty, damp or smelly items separate from your clean things.

The bag is made from a 100% recycled and water-resistant material that comes in 3 colours – black, nutria and dark slate.  It’s durable and comes equipped with comfortable, padded straps. There are also exterior pockets perfect for a water bottle or an umbrella.

Nomatic Navigator Premium Backpack

If you’re looking for a small and durable option, then the Nomatic Navigator Premium Backpack is an excellent choice. Better for those looking for a supplementary bag to their main (checked) luggage, this is one of the best backpacks for travellers out there.

At 21 litres (or 15 litres if not fully expanded), this is a great carry-on bag for a short city break in Europe or as a small carry-on bag to keep your items safe when out and about for the day.

The backpack has plenty of pockets and handles, is incredibly lightweight at 2.7lb/1.22kg and is fully waterproof.

It also has great magnetic water bottle pockets and is fully RFID-blocking, so you can feel safe with your belongings.

Finding the best carry-on option for Europe can seem like such a struggle with so many options out there. Hopefully, this list helps narrow down your decision and you’re able to find the perfect bag to suit your needs!

Are you on the hunt for luggage that meets carry-on requirements? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!