Backpacking in Europe for 3 Weeks with a 20L Backpack, by Girl Bye World Hi on YouTube. 10 min 44 s.
- Video length
- 10 min 44 s
- Time to do it
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Check your airline's personal item size limit before you pack. Measure your empty backpack against those dimensions so it fits under the seat without a fee.
Lay out every item on the bed and cut the pile in half. Choose quick-dry fabrics you can wash in a sink and wear again two or three days later.
Roll each garment tightly and pack it into compression cubes. Press the air out of the cubes to shrink the bundle before it goes into the bag.
Put the heaviest cube at the bottom against your back and lighter items on top. Slide the power bank, adapter and notebook into small side pockets.
Pack only two or three outfits plus one layer for cold weather. Plan to do laundry every four to five days in a sink or hostel machine.
Wear your bulkiest shoes and jacket on travel days to save space in the bag. Keep sandals and one spare pair of shoes inside the pack.
Keep a small pouch with passport, phone and charger at the top of the bag for easy access at security and boarding.
Do a test walk around the block with the loaded pack. Adjust the straps and remove anything you did not miss during the walk.
Tips and common mistakes
Wash clothes in the sink with a little soap and roll them in a towel to dry faster.
Wear layers on flight days instead of packing your warmest jacket.
Leave one small empty space for souvenirs or laundry you pick up on the road.
Check each airline's bag rules separately, since limits differ between carriers.
Questions
Can a 20L backpack really last three weeks?
Yes, if you pack quick-dry clothes and plan regular laundry. The creator traveled seven countries with one 20L bag and made small adjustments along the way.
Will a 20L bag fit as a personal item on European airlines?
Many budget European airlines allow a small personal item under the seat, but sizes vary. Measure your bag and check your specific airline's limit before flying.
How often do I need to do laundry?
Plan on every four to five days with two or three outfits. Sink washing with quick-dry fabrics keeps the cycle short.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
