Best Carry On Luggage for Europe: Suitcases & Backpacks

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by Maggie Turansky


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Finding the best carry on luggage for 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. 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.

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. So whether you’re looking for a carry-on backpack or suitcase for your trip to Europe, there is something available for you!

Want a quick answer? Our choice for the best carry on luggage is the Samsonsite Winfield 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 directly from Osprey here) or the Osprey Fairview for women (also available on REI here or direct from Osprey here).

Carry On Luggage for Europe Comparison

Luggage Description Prices
Samsonite Winfield 2
Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels, Carry-On 20-Inch, Charcoal
Type: Suitcase
Weight: 6.7lb/3.04kg
Capacity: 52L
Sex: Unisex
Check on Amazon
Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Spinner
Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside Expandable Carry on Luggage, 8 Wheel Spinner Suitcase, USB Port, Suiter, Men and Women, Vintage Grey, Carry On 21-Inch
Type: Suitcase
Weight: 7.8lb/3.5kg
Capacity: 46L
Sex:
Unisex
Check on Amazon

Check on Travelpro
Osprey Farpoint Wheels
Osprey Farpoint Men's Wheeled Travel Pack 36L, Muted Space Blue
Type: Wheeled Backpack
Weight: 5.3lb/2.4kg
Capacity: 36L
Sex: Male
Check on Amazon

Check on REI

Check on Osprey
Osprey Fairview Wheels
Osprey Fairview Women's Wheeled Travel Pack 36L, Night Jungle Blue
Type: Wheeled Backpack
Weight: 5.3lb/2.4kg
Capacity: 36L
Sex: Female
Check on Amazon

Check on REI

Check on Osprey
LEVEL8 Textured Carry On
LEVEL8 Carry on Luggage Airline Approved, Carry on Suitcases with Wheels, Lightweight Hardside Luminous Textured Luggage for Travel, Tsa Approved, 20-Inch Carry-On, Navy
Type: Suitcase
Weight: 7.7lb/3.5kg
Capacity: 35L
Sex: Unisex
Check on Amazon

Check on LEVEL8
Samsonite Underseat Carry-On Spinner
Samsonite Underseat Carry-On Spinner with USB Port, Jet Black, One Size
Type: Suitcase
Weight: 7.0lb/3.2kg
Capacity: 26L
Sex: Unisex
Check on Amazon

Check on Samsonite
Osprey Farpoint
Osprey Farpoint 40L Men's Travel Backpack, Gopher Green
Type: Backpack
Weight: 3.2lb/1.4kg
Capacity: 40L
Sex: Male
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Check on REI

Check on Osprey
Osprey Fairview
Osprey Fairview 40L Women's Travel Backpack, Black
Type: Backpack
Weight: 3.2lb/1.4kg
Capacity: 40L
Sex: Female
Check on Amazon

Check on REI

Check on Osprey
Peak Design Travel Backpack
peak design travel backpack 30l
Type: Backpack
Weight: 3.2lb/1.4kg
Capacity: 30L
Sex: Unisex
Check on Peak Design
Pacsafe Vibe
Pacsafe Vibe 25L ECONYL Travel Anti Theft Pack - Fits 13 inch Laptop, ECONYL Ocean
Type: Backpack
Weight: 2.1lb/1.0kg
Capacity: 25L
Sex: Unisex
Check on Amazon

Check on Pacsafe
Nomatic Navigator Premium Backpack
NOMATIC Navigator Premium Backpack - 15L w/ 6L Built-In Expansion - Water Resistant Anti Theft Backpack - Laptop Bag - Computer Backpack - Expandable Black Backpack
Type: Backpack
Weight: 2.7lb/1.22kg
Capacity: 21L
Sex: Unisex
Check on Amazon


What To Look For In Carry-On Luggage

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 airplane. 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.

Waiting for your flight with your carry on luggage
Waiting for your flight with your carry on luggage

Best Carry On Suitcases for Europe

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.

It complies with carry-on requirements and also has a number of great features that make this a fantastic carry-on suitcase for Europe.

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.

The Samsonite Winfield 2 is perfect for those looking for travel carry-on only or who want to bring a few more things along with their checked luggage.

Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels, Carry-On 20-Inch, Charcoal

Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On

One of the top names in luggage is Travelpro and if you’re on the hunt for the best carry-on luggage for Europe, 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.

All in all, if you’re looking for a really solid carry-on for Europe, the Travelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Carry-On is a perfect choice for you.

This suitcase has numerous features that make it perfect for travelling in Europe. For now, it has a durable set of four wheels that can withstand significant wear and tear.

Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside Expandable Carry on Luggage, 8 Wheel Spinner Suitcase, USB Port, Suiter, Men and Women, Vintage Grey, Carry On 21-Inch

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 or direct from Osprey here) backpack for men or the Fairview for women (also available on REI here or direct from Osprey 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 wheeled 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.

So, if you’re looking for a durable hybrid carry-on bag, you seriously cannot go wrong with the Osprey Farpoint Wheeled 36.

Osprey Farpoint Men's Wheeled Travel Pack 36L, Muted Space Blue

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 airline’s 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 of the LEVEL8 Textured Carry-On 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.

Level8 Textured Carry-On 20"
Level8 Textured Carry-On 20″

Samsonite Underseat Carry-On Spinner

If you’re looking for a smaller wheeled bag, then we will round out this list of the best carry-on luggage for Europe with the Samsonite Underseat Carry-On (also available direct from Samsonite here).

The compact bag packs a lot inside of it (both literally and figuratively) and, as the name would suggest, is small enough to fit underneath your seat on the plane.

The bag is equipped with four spinning wheels, making it easy to navigate down the aeroplane or train aisles, water-resistant nylon material and durable handles and zippers.

The Samsonite Underseat Carry-On also comes with a built-in USB port so you can charge your devices and there is a padded laptop sleeve to store your electronics.

The handle is also fully adjustable to eight different heights, meaning that even if you’re short or tall, the bag will be comfortable.

Samsonite Underseat Carry-On Spinner with USB Port, Jet Black, One Size

Best Carry On Backpacks For Europe

Osprey Farpoint / Osprey Fairview

The Osprey Farpoint for men (also available on REI here or directly from Osprey here) or the Osprey Fairview (also available on REI here or direct from Osprey 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 for Europe, 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 the Osprey Farpoint or Osprey Fairview ideal for all body types.

Osprey Fairview 40L Women's Travel Backpack, Zircon Red

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.

The backpack 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.

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 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.

Peak Design 30L Backpack
Photo Credit: Peak Design

Pacsafe Vibe

No list of bags for Europe would be complete without including a Pacsafe option, and the Pacsafe Vibe 25 (also available direct from Pacsafe here) is a strong contender for the best carry-on backpack for Europe.

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, 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, the Pacsafe Vibe bag opens up like a traditional suitcase and also comes equipped with a padded laptop sleeve and a small (locking) compartment to store smaller items.

Pacsafe Vibe 25L ECONYL Travel Anti Theft Pack - Fits 13 inch Laptop, ECONYL Ocean

Nomatic Navigator Premium Backpack

If you’re looking for a small and durable carry-on backpack for Europe, 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.

The Nomatic Navigator Premium Backpack also has great magnetic water bottle pockets in it and is fully RFID-blocking, so you can feel safe with your belongings.

NOMATIC Navigator Premium Backpack - 15L w/ 6L Built-In Expansion - Water Resistant Anti Theft Backpack - Laptop Bag - Computer Backpack - Expandable Black Backpack

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 the best luggage for European travel that meets carry-on requirements? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!

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Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Comments

  1. My concern is where to put the luggage if you want to do an excursion or just walk around. I don’t want to be pulling luggage along the way.

    Reply
    • Hi Marion, many hotels will allow you to leave your luggage there after check-out, so you don’t need to wheel it around all day. Also, depending on where you’re visiting, there may also be public luggage lockers that you could hire 🙂

      Reply

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