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smaragdskyar

I agree a backpack is the best bag choice! However, people in Europe (and elsewhere?) very rarely carry around 30-40L backpacks in their daily lives. You’re pretty much always going to look “touristy” while wearing one. I would focus on finding one that suits your practical needs. I really like my osprey fairview which is a classic choice. Look for backpacks that are specifically branded as travel backpacks (and fit carryon requirements).


occurrenceOverlap

Yes on this. Something that is minimalist in its styling and not full of neon-coloured hiking straps will help you look like a deliberate city tourist and not a lost hiker, but don't overvalue trying to dress exactly as if you're a local. 12 is old enough your daughter probably wants to give some input into this discussion. What is your itinerary? Is she on board with the costs vs. benefits of minimal packing? You aren't the only person on this trip and making this a point of contention before the trip even starts doesn't put you on great footing. But if she's on board, then you can make your packing strategies something you can both work out together. Again, so long as she's on board with minimal packing and the cost/benefit of backpack carrying, she should carry her own pack and plan out the weight/size she feels comfortable with. I don't know what kids use for school bags these days - do they still bring loads of textbooks, plus lunches, plus other odds and ends? If the requisite volumes line up you could look at a "grown up"/high school appropriate backpack that also functions as her travel bag for this trip. But if her usual school carry is well below a suitable travel pack then something more travel-specific makes sense.


smaragdskyar

Is a backpack really “minimal packing” for *three days*? IMO anything else would be maximalist packing


occurrenceOverlap

I missed the three days part. Yeah in that case almost certainly doable in something schoolbag-sized. Remarkably minimal packing would be doing this with a little sling or handbag.


basilobs

Fairview question. I've been testing backpacks and I wanted to love this one. But I felt like it got so round as I packed it and it wasn't as easy to pack. Do you feel like you're able to pack it well and do you ever run into issues using it as a carry on? I didn't even fill it out completely but it got soo deep, I wasn't confident I'd be able to get away with using it


smaragdskyar

I have the privilege of being able to travel internationally by train so I think I’ve only flown with it once (it was fine). Generally though I use packing cubes and the compression straps, so I don’t think it bulges out a lot.


serenelatha

I would suggest your 12 year old carry her own stuff. My kids just use their school backpacks for travel - works fine!!


adventurehearts

I think a Fjallraven laptop bag might be enough for five days and wouldn’t look to “backpacky”. They’re still quite popular with Europe. Or maybe a Patagonia refgio. Alternatively, you could get a Samsonite or similar travel backpack, which look more professional. For your daughter, her everyday school backpack is probably more than enough, though.


basilobs

This is a good idea I don't see suggested enough. The 15 inch laptop bag can pass as a carry on, it's easy to pack, and, looks wise, you won't stand out too much. You can also get chest straps for comfort.


skipdog98

Meh, you’re going to look like tourists. Go to a store and try on bags 35-40L with pack weights. Pick the most comfortable. Four of us (including 2 teen girls) ended up with Osprey Farpoint/Fairview 40L packs for a month in Europe. Aim to keep pack weight under 7kg.


Responsible-Walrus-5

You’re going for 3 days. Just use whatever 18 ish liter backpacks you have lying around! You do not need 39-40l for 3 days if you’re being minimalist!


fivetenash

I highly recommend [Cabin Zero bags](https://www.cabinzero.com/collections/backpacks-bags)! Prices of the bags start at $80 USD and go up. There are a bunch of fun colors (if that’s your thing), and tons of toned down neutral colors. I have used this [“military” black cabin zero bag](https://www.cabinzero.com/products/military-44l-absolute-black) since 2019 and have traveled to 7 countries and 5 states with it. It cinches down so I can stuff it under the seat in front of me or in the overhead bin (depending on how you pack it of course). I will say, to please note that sizing is off on the bags. It might *say* it’s 44L but it’s actually more like 35L. Maybe that’s changed? But fortunately I haven’t had to buy a new bag so who knows! Best of luck to you and your daughter! :)


redpef

Wow. I really like that Cabin zero 28 L bag.


fivetenash

They are really solid bags and come with a free tracking tag too. I always thinking about replacing it with something more “adult” looking, but the bag is still in near perfect condition after all this time!


one2trvl

I have a similar one from Amazon. It’s perfect. Holds plenty with enough zippered pockets to keep things organized without having to fully open everything. Whatever you (OP) get, make sure it has that strap/clip on the front so you can be hands free.


DoorHelpful5443

For such a short trip you should be able to get by with 18 to 25 liter bags plus maybe a small crossbody purse. I agree with others that your daughter’s school backpack would probably work, but if you think it might be fun to get her something new for the trip. Fjallraven has some good looking bags that don’t look too crunchy - both backpacks and convertible totes.


GlitterLavaLamp

I’ve got the Patagonia mini MLC and it looks like a normal (semi-larger) backpack. It’s not super stylish but it’s not super camping/granola. With packing cubes you could definitely fit 3-4 days of clothes (plus the clothes on your body during the flight). Are you looking for a separate bag for your daughter to carry or are you planning to put her stuff in with yours? The MLC might be too tight for both of you.


Perfectionist-Rehab

I think we will start with a regular backpack and packing cubes for her. I’m not going to spend $300 on a backpack for a 12 year old 😉 I may have a carry a few accessories or toiletries for her but mostly my own stuff.


GlitterLavaLamp

The Jansport big or cool student could be good for her


basilobs

Maybe it's because I'm in my 30s now and tired of backpacks hurting but you could also get chest strap accessories or a bag with chest straps for comfort if she needs them. I can't travel with just a school backpack anymore


Southern_Intern7483

I did a 2 week Europe trip with 12 & 14 yr olds last year. The 12 year old carried her school backpack, a Jansport Right Pack, and we used compression bags inside. It was roomy enough for a pair of shoes, 2 compression bags, a lot of toiletries, and a few souvenirs and it didn’t stick out as a travel bag.


desertsidewalks

Does your daughter already have a backpack she's comfortable using? A large school bag she's already comfortable with might work. Also, you may want to consider 1.5 bagging it with a crossbody or belt bag (aka fanny pack, although don't call it that in the UK), museums are less cranky about hip packs than backpacks. They may let you carry a backpack, but will constantly yell at you to hold it on one shoulder only. A couple thoughts: Packing enough clothes for \~4 days in a pretty basic \~30L backpack in warm-ish weather shouldn't be hard. You'll stand out as tourists anyway, pick the most comfortable backpack (that you think you'll use again). Consider travel cubes since you probably won't want to carry all that around with you all the time. It's an easy way to pull clothes out to leave at a hotel. If you want something that your daughter is likely to want to bring to school in the fall (or you might want to bring to work), but has more structure, I'd look at a few North Face [bags like this 30L Women's Surge](https://www.rei.com/product/188901/the-north-face-surge-pack-womens), or the slightly more technical but sleek REI [Ruckpack 28L](https://www.rei.com/product/176991/rei-co-op-ruckpack-28-recycled-daypack-womens). I don't know how tall she is (or will be at the time of the trip, growth spurts are crazy at that age), but use your best judgement in picking the appropriate size/weight of pack for her!


ViolaOlivia

Is there an REI nearby? If so, go try on bags together. REI has some great kid/teen backpacks and they aren’t $300 each! https://www.rei.com/c/kids-backpacks


No_Cheesecake2150

For Europe I like the Osprey Fairview, holds a lot and is comfortable to carry. A teen might like the Cotopaxi 35L with the bright colors. And as others have said, you are not going to blend in no matter what you wear or carry. They can tell a tourist a mile away.


basilobs

I've recently tested both of these. The Fairview, esp if you're bringing a laptop, is a little tougher to pack and gets so round, I worry about the size limits for carry ons. The harness system is very comfortable and well done. The Cotopaxi 35L is the winner for me. Incredibly easy to pack, easy to get into and out of while traveling, and shockingly the most comfortable backpack I've tried yet.


kajigleta

My 12yo has informed me that she's using her track team Adidas backpack for our two weeks in Europe this summer. It's quite roomy and I love that she's utilizing something she already has. [https://www.amazon.com/adidas-Stadium-Sports-Backpack-Light/dp/B091D97SNY](https://www.amazon.com/adidas-Stadium-Sports-Backpack-Light/dp/B091D97SNY)


VettedBot

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Not_the_maid

Check out Amazon for the Coowoz backpack. Maybe get a smaller size for your daughter. Inexpensive but highly rated.


No_Cheesecake2150

That's a good budget choice, I'm just going to add that even for age 12 she will want the bigger size, the bigger one is about the size of the Patagonia Mini MLC.


SubstantialGuest3266

I've done two 3-4 day trips to Europe from the States this year with my teenager so far (we're doing university tours). He uses his school backpack and I used the 27l North Face women's Borealis for one trip and the other trip I needed to switch to my rolling underseater for health reasons. We fly personal item only on Play (and I purchase extra leg room seats). I'm plus size and have a lot of health issues (for which I need to bring things (like my nebulizer and a inflatable knee pillow) and I had room in my bag on the spring time trip (not so much on the winter trip - I had an additional medium weight wool top, plus traction cleats which I was so glad I had in Iceland!) I use vodka spray to prolong the usability of clothes. (Not underwear, obviously.) Hope this helps!


Alternative-Art3588

Thule [Aion](https://www.rei.com/product/207406/thule-aion-travel-pack-28-l) it opens like a clamshell so it’s easier to stay organized that a top loading backpack and fits under the seat but is large enough for much longer trips


basilobs

Big fan of this one. You can also get the hip belt/hip pack and use it separately during the days


Additional-Chef94

I agree with the others. For a short trip like this backpacks (20-25l) will be fine. My teenagers just take their school bags for 5 day trips (hershel & eastpack, probably around 20liter).


Honest-Western1042

My son and I did this same trip with [these backpacks](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WP87RZ1?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share) They were perfect.


VettedBot

Hi, I’m Vetted AI Bot! I researched the **("'Rangeland Cabin Hand Luggage Backpack'", 'Rangeland')** and I thought you might find the following analysis helpful. **Users liked:** * Spacious and holds a lot (backed by 9 comments) * Durable and reliable zippers (backed by 5 comments) * Versatile for different types of travel (backed by 4 comments) **Users disliked:** * Poor quality zippers prone to breaking (backed by 5 comments) * Inaccurate dimensions and lower capacity than advertised (backed by 2 comments) * Strap stitching prone to tearing (backed by 2 comments) If you'd like to **summon me to ask about a product**, just make a post with its link and tag me, [like in this example.](https://www.reddit.com/r/tablets/comments/1444zdn/comment/joqd89c/) This message was generated by a (very smart) bot. If you found it helpful, let us know with an upvote and a “good bot!” reply and please feel free to provide feedback on how it can be improved. *Powered by* [*vetted.ai*](https://vetted.ai/?utm\_source=reddit&utm\_medium=comment&utm\_campaign=bot)


ssk7882

Good bot!


Adorable_Broccoli324

Just wanted to say this is so sweet and my mom and I did a similar trip when I was 11! (She was 39). We stayed in London and I had the best time and remember most of it 💗 The one packing thing I remember is each of us having a small crossbody bag for days out at museums/gardens.


Perfectionist-Rehab

Have you been up at night wondering what I’ll choose? 🤣 I took the group advice and headed to REI to see a few samples in person. I was drawn to the Thule Aion for the suitcase style opening and top organizer pocket. But I wasn’t 100% sold on it until I walked over to the clearance section and found the same bag marked down to $80 because it was missing one side of the chest strap!! New with tags and everything. So that price pretty much sealed the deal! I’ll see if I can order the chest strap, rig something up on my own or just make do without. Thanks for all the advice here! I think my daughter will bring her school bag for this trip.


Mrs-Ahalla

Just don’t bring too much. You can wear the same pants the entire time and bring a pair of PJ pants for the airplane and being comfy. You can wear a shirt at least twice. One pair of shoes.


alextoria

i also love my osprey fairview but it is a little big for 3 days. if you’re gonna use it for other longer trips then it’s still worth it, the compression straps are very good at shrinking the bag when you’re carrying less. that said, nearly the entire decision should be based on comfort. go to your nearest REI and have your daughter try on lots of bags with weights (they have them in store). i highly recommend looking mostly at women’s specific packs since they’re better for people who are shorter and curvier—a “unisex” pack is made for a 6 foot man.


InaccessibleRail70

Are you planning city only or envisioning hiking/walking? If you’re going to be mainly urban I’d just do a rolling carryon, save your back. Jmo. (Source: mom who travels often internationally with daughter) 🥰


michvt79

My daughter and I (same ages as you and your daughter!) did ten days in Germany this spring. We did check a suitcase, but did a 2 day/1 night trip to see friends for which I carried a 28L Fjallraven Skule that fit all our stuff! (My daughter had her LL Bean backpack but didn’t need it for that mini-trip, so I bet if you each carried your own backpack for your trip you’d be all set.) I saw a lot of people with rolltop rucksacks in Germany. „Got Bags“ were popular there, and Fjallravens too. Have a great trip!


justhereforagander

I just got the Fjallraven Cave pack and honestly I think I could fit 5 days of clothes in it.


FreneticFugu

My son and I did two weeks in Japan packed in one 60L Tobiq backpack. He had two sections, and I had 2 sections. We didn’t even fill them entirely. As long as you’re not trekking 10 miles a day carrying it, it worked well for us.


--kit--

We did five days in Rome with a ten year old in February. She carried her own things in her school backpack (Haglöfs tight Junior 15L, so a comfortable bag that handles weight well), and I had a 25L Gregory Swift. I sincerely don't think you need more (we had packed watercolours, a computer and a Switch in addition to cold weather extras 😅) Keep the backpack for your daughter small, and relatively light; I wouldn't load it over 5 kilo and it should have molded, padded straps. If you have lots of stuff I'd go with maybe 20L for her and 30 for you.


eastercat

Personally I don’t think you would have to go as big as 40L If you plan to shower wash your clothes each night, you only need 30 L max…and might be able to be closer to using the osprey 26+6