10 best backpacks for interrailing 2023 including The North Face and Eastpak

SO, YOU’VE got your train ticket and you’ve started to plan your route around Europe, taking in the sights of Paris, the beaches of southern Spain and the unbeatable cuisine of Italy.

What you need is a backpack. Your trusty pack will be your best friend as you travel around, holding all of your possessions as you galavant around and experience the best the continent has to offer. It should be secure, large enough to fit everything and feature plenty of pockets so you can reach for the important stuff at a moment’s notice. How big should you go though, and what are the best brands around? We’ve got everything you need right here.  

Things to look out for 

Materials 

For travel backpacks, the function is important above all else. This is true of the design, but also the materials it’s made from. For ultimate practicality, you’ll want to find a pack made from a nylon or polyester blend. Not only will this make it as lightweight as possible, but it should also be waterproof, or at least water-resistant. Look out for Gore-Tex fabrics if you can, as these will be 100% waterproof and will ensure your belongings will stay dry at all times, although they will be slightly more expensive. 

Size

Size is important when it comes to travel rucksacks. The size you go for really depends on how much stuff you have, and how long your trip is. The longer the trip, the larger the pack. It’s perhaps worth considering going for two backpacks if you can. You’ll want one large one, which you can treat as the mothership. This will house everything and will act as your suitcase, fitting everything in it for when you’re moving around. A second smaller rucksack should be used as your day-to-day bag, so you can carry your daily essentials in a smaller, more manageable package. 

Details 

It goes without saying you’ll want your travel backpack to have multiple pockets and compartments. Look for bags with one or two main compartments, but with numerous smaller exterior pockets which allow you to grab individual items without having to root around too much. For added security, look for a bag which has zips with padlock holes on them. This is so you can padlock the bag shut when zipped up, which will be handy as you move from hostel to hostel. 

Best backpacks for interrailing at a glance 

• Best large: Eurohike Nepal 65 Litre Rucksack
• Best value: Amazon Basics Internal Frame Hiking Backpack
• Best budget option: Eurohike ratio 28 Daypack
• Best waterproof option: Terra 65-Litre Hiking Backpack 
• Best small: Eurohike ratio 28 Daypack

Highlander Lightweight Camping Rucksack

• Highlander Lightweight Camping Rucksack, £69.99 from Amazon – buy here

If you’re looking for a featured-packed rucksack, this one won’t disappoint. With an 85l capacity, it’s large enough for most trips, while its extremely practical design features numerous pockets and compartments for all manner of storage solutions.

It has an air mesh back system to keep you cool, while heavily padded shoulder straps and a waist belt will transfer plenty of the weight, so it won’t feel too heavy when fully loaded. Other features include the integrated waterproof cover and the ripstop fabric which is lightweight and water resistant. 

Eurohike Nepal 65 Litre Rucksack

• Eurohike Nepal 65 Litre Backpack, £30.56 from Amazon – buy here

For a pack with plenty of design details but with more of an overall minimal look, you might want to consider this Eurohike Nepal rucksack. It comes in a striking red colourway, so you’ll never miss it, but its overall design is slightly more pared back than other styles.

That said, it still comes with plenty of pockets, including zipped exterior compartments and handy side pockets which are perfect for storing drinks bottles or waterproof layers. Elsewhere, there’s also a walking pole attachment, a pocket for a water bladder and an integral security pocket that can safely hold keys or a passport. 

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Amazon Basics Internal Hiking Backpack

• Amazon Basics Internal Frame Hiking Backpack with Rainfly, £47.99 from Amazon – buy here

When it comes to large rucksacks packed with features, it doesn’t get better or more affordable than this Amazon design. With an internal frame for strength, and numerous pockets, compartments and design details, this is a do-it-all bag that won’t let you down, no matter how long the trip. 

The North Face Terra 65-litre Hiking Backpack

• The North Face Terra 65 Litre Hiking Backpack, £155 from The North Face – buy here

The North Face specialises in outdoor gear, so you can rest assured knowing its rucksacks are among the most capable of any brand in the world. This one boasts a 65-litre capacity and a striking blue, brown and bright yellow colourway, as well as multiple pockets and compartments for an impressive amount of storage. 

Eastpack 2-in-1 TravelPack Backpack

• Eastpak 2-in-1 TravelPack Backpack, £95 from John Lewis – buy here

As far as day rucksacks go, this Eastpak design is surely up there with the most adaptable. Its 2-in-1 design works as either a regular backpack or as a duffle bag thanks to its built-in carry handles. Made from a water-resistant fabric, it also comes with an integrated laptop sleeve, should you need to answer any emails on your travels abroad. 

Osprey Transporter 65

• Osprey Transporter 65, £140 from Osprey – buy here

Highly functional thanks to its durable, weather-resistant polyester fabric, this surprisingly large backpack comes with impressive central storage as well as hidden zipped exterior pockets. The overlapping zippers are also coated to protect your belongings from the rain, while the handy travel handle makes carrying it on trains a breeze. 

Eurohike Ratio 28 Daypack

• Eurohike Ratio 28 Daypack, £20 down from £45 from Go Outdoors – buy here

A small bag but one of the best deals on this list, this Eurohike backpack comes with a mesh back panel for day-long comfort, as well as foam-injected padded shoulder straps for even weight distribution. Coming in a simple black design with bright green zip pulls, it’s a versatile, practical bag that works well as a day pack. 

Mountain Warehouse Peak 65L Rucksack

• Mountain Warehouse Peak 65L Rucksack, £34.99 down from £59.99 from Mountain Warehouse – buy here

Another great deal, especially if you’re looking for a mid-size rucksack, this simple, black Mountain Warehouse design has everything you need. Exterior clips keep the main compartment secure, while mesh side pockets are perfect for storing drinks bottles if you’re on a long walk or hike. 

Technicals Tibet 45 Rucksack

• Technicals Tibet 45 Rucksack, £45 down from £70 from Blacks – buy here

Made from a tough, water-resistant polyester style fabric, and with a fully adjustable chest and hip belt, this practical bag offers plenty of security and comfort. It’s got a 45-litre capacity, making it great as a large second bag for days out, for either hiking or exploring cityscapes. 

Berghaus Twentyfourseven 30L Daypack

• Berghaus Twentyfourseven 30L Daypack, £37 down from £55 from Blacks – buy here

Berghaus has produced some of the best, well-made outdoor gear for years, and its backpacks are always among the best value for money out there. Made from a black ripstop-like fabric and with a 30-litre capacity, it’s water-resistant, comfortable for day-long wear and will keep all your essentials safe in its main compartment. It also comes with an integrated drinks system, perfect for mountain hikes or day trips in the city. 

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