PACKING LIGHT FOR EUROPE

Using the Cotopaxi Allpa 28L for Summer Travel

A practical, simple guide to packing light for Europe with only a 28L Cotopaxi Allpa, using smart gear, compression cubes, and a system that works for real travelers.

Congratulations! If you found yourself here, you’re officially one step closer to being a seasoned traveler. Packing smart is half the battle. And trust me, I’ve seen it all. I’ve seen minimalists pack so little that they spent half their trip doing sink laundry, and I’ve seen people with bags so enormous you could practically sleep in them if your hotel oversold your room. My husband and I fall squarely in the middle: we never, and I mean NEVER, check our bags. Yes, overhead bin space has gotten worse (and more expensive), but packing light gives us total freedom. With a 28L pack, a plan for laundry, and a little strategy, you can travel anywhere in Europe without dragging your entire house with you. Here it is: your "Packing Light for Europe, Summer Edition."

Before we jump into the packing lists, it helps to know what kind of traveler you actually are. Are you the free-spirited camper-van type, happy with the basics and a good view? Or are you more of a sleek-hotel-and-cocktail traveler who likes a little polish and predictability? Most of us land somewhere in between — and knowing your style is half the battle. Your travel personality influences not only what you pack, but what you absolutely do not need to bring.

My Big Four: The Best Go-To’s for Traveling Light

I have four key components for traveling through Europe efficiently: my Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Crossbody, the Cotopaxi Allpa 28L clamshell backpack, the Gonex Compression Packing Cubes (I once fit my wedding dress in these!), and the Herschel Portland Packable Tote. Together, these make it entirely possible to bring clothes for a week, a laptop, chargers, cosmetics, toiletries, and a small laundry kit, all while staying organized and mobile.

The Cotopaxi 28L goes hiking, too!

Travel Light, Tread Light

My whole setup isn’t just light on my back, it’s light on the planet. The Cotopaxi Allpa 28L is made from fully recycled fabrics, the Herschel Portland packable tote uses 100% recycled rip-stop polyester, and even my Gonex packing cubes incorporate recycled nylon. I didn’t choose these because I’m perfect; I chose them because they’re durable, practical, and better for the planet. Little choices add up, and if I can pack lighter and tread lighter, that’s a win-win.

Beware the Urge to Overpack

Wendy Action Figure

World traveler, light packing expert, does not come with Cotopaxi 28L, sold separately

Before I send you on your merry way with your checklists, let’s talk overkill. Is there anyone here who is guilty of that? Yours truly, of course! Our first Europe trip had me bringing along a portable safe because we weren’t sure where we’d be staying. My husband insisted we’d be perfectly safe. We were. And I didn’t need the safe. So decide what kind of traveler you are: are you a serious traveler, or a tourist? Can you live without it, or do you really need more clothes than you have days abroad? And no, you do NOT need a safe. I found this suggestion on a blog somewhere, and it sounded good…If something is that valuable, leave it home. I also never leave money, passports, or anything important in the hotel room anyway, so again, no safe needed.

What Not to Pack

First, let’s talk about what you are not going to put in your luggage: your jeans, running shoes, jacket, heavier shirt or sweater, and anything else you can wear instead of packing. That leaves you far more room for everything else.

Organization Strategy

I group things like this: Clothing, Toiletries/Cosmetics, Tech, and Shoes. I love my Birkenstock sandals, they’re cute enough to wear with a dress at dinner and sturdy enough for long walks. That means I travel with just two pairs of shoes. Shoes take up the most room, so limiting them is the biggest space-saver of all.

Packing basics: You must use packing cubes. Not only do they reduce the space your clothes take up, but they also keep everything organized so you can find what you need. Larger items like pants, dresses, and long-sleeve shirts go in the bigger cubes, while lighter items go in the smaller cubes. I also roll everything, think Marie Kondo on steroids. I keep all toiletries in clear bags, separate from tech equipment. My laptop goes in the Cotopaxi sleeve, along with some cords and chargers, and the rest of the daily essentials go into the crossbody bag. I use the packable tote for toiletries, cosmetics, and anything else that needs a home.

So, what DO you bring?

So now, what do you bring? That’s always the dilemma. Every trip, I want to bring my Nikon 35mm, but it’s still too bulky. I compromise and use my iPhone, and honestly, it does a great job. Packing light is all about those tiny trade-offs that make the rest of your trip easier. Below are the checklists we use that make minimal travel manageable without feeling deprived.

Women’s Packing List

Clothing

– 1 wrinkle-free dress
– 2 pairs pants (wear one on the plane)
– Running shoes (wear on the plane)
– Birkenstocks or sturdy walking sandals
– 5 underwear
– 2 bras
– 1 sports bra
– 3–5 socks (3 if possible)
– 2–3 shorts
– 1 tank
– 3–4 t-shirts
– 1 lightweight sweater
– 1 rain jacket (Marmot recommended)
– Sleepwear
– Swimsuit (optional)

Toiletries/Cosmetics

– Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
– Mini shampoo & conditioner
– Deodorant, lotion
– Minimal makeup
– Medications
– Tylenol/Advil
– Sunscreen
– Brush/comb
– Chapstick

Tech

– Universal Travel Adapter
– Key Power Step-Down Converter (if needed)
– Laptop (MacBook Air fits perfectly)
– Phone
– Apple Watch
– Chargers, cords
– AirPods
– Power bank (optional)

Miscellaneous

– Glasses
– Sunglasses
– Laundry detergent sheets
– Sink stopper (optional)
– Travel clothesline
– Packable tote

Men’s Packing List

Clothing

– 2 pants (wear one on plane)
– 3–4 t-shirts
– 1 button-down or polo
– 2–3 shorts
– 5 underwear
– 3–5 socks
– Lightweight sweater
– Running shoes (wear on plane)
– Heavy-duty flip flops (Teva/Chaco style)
– Rain jacket
– Athletic shorts + tee (optional)

Toiletries

– Toothbrush, toothpaste
– Razor/shaving cream
– Travel shampoo/conditioner
– Deodorant
– Sunscreen
– Meds
– Tylenol/Advil
– Brush/comb

Tech

– Universal Travel Adapter
– Converter (if needed)
– Phone
– Chargers
– Laptop/iPad (optional)
– Watch
– AirPods

Miscellaneous

– Sunglasses
– Glasses
– Laundry detergent sheets
– Packable tote