Whether you’re heading to Paris for a few days or hopping between European capitals, a well-thought-out bag can make all the difference between a smooth trip… and a dreaded 40 lbs bag you curse at every staircase.
Here’s the ultimate backpacker checklist, version 2025, for traveling light, practically, and ready for any situation in Paris.
🧳 1. The right bag
✅ Backpack 40 to 50 liters max = ideal for carry-on and not too heavy
✅ Front opening (like a suitcase) to avoid digging everything out each time
✅ Separate compartments + integrated waterproof cover = a real plus
💡 Tip: 18 to 22 lbs MAX, otherwise you’ll suffer on the Parisian stairs (they’re everywhere).
👕 2. Smart clothing (for 4-5 days)
- 3-4 t-shirts (or light shirts)
- 2 pairs of pants (including a comfortable pair like joggers or leggings)
- 1 pair of shorts (in summer)
- 1 warm sweater or hoodie
- 5 pairs of underwear + 5 pairs of socks
- 1 lightweight pajamas
- 1 waterproof windbreaker
- 1 lightweight scarf or neck gaiter (it can be chilly even in June)
💡 Hostel = laundry = you can wash everything mid-trip!
👟 3. Footwear
- 1 pair of ultra-comfortable walking shoes
- 1 pair of flip-flops / lightweight sandals (shower, summer, relaxation)
- (in winter) waterproof ankle boots if you venture outside major cities
🧼 4. Minimalist toiletry kit
- Toothbrush + toothpaste
- Deodorant (solid or small format)
- Solid shampoo/body wash or 100ml bottle
- Nail clippers, hairbrush
- Sunscreen + lip balm
- Ultra-light microfiber towel that dries quickly
💡 Hostels like AIJ may not always provide towels – make sure to check!
⚙️ 5. Essential accessories
- Reusable water bottle
- Lock for dormitory locker
- Charger + European plug adapter (if outside the EU)
- Portable battery
- Notebook + pen
- Reusable bag for groceries/picnics
- Foldable bag for day trips
💳 6. Documents & security
- Valid passport or ID card
- Foreign fee-free debit card (Revolut, Wise…)
- Travel insurance / EHIC (European Health Insurance Card)
- Photos of important documents in your phone AND online
- Metro card or Navigo pass (if staying several days in Paris)
📱 7. Useful apps for Paris and Europe
- Bonjour RATP (Paris metro & bus)
- Citymapper (transport in all major European cities)
- Offline Google Maps
- Tandem / Couchsurfing / Meetup for socializing
- Too Good To Go to eat cheaply
- AIJ Paris to find the hostel in one click!
🎒 Bonus: what you can leave at home
- ❌ Hairdryer
- ❌ 3rd pair of shoes
- ❌ Heavy jeans (replace with lightweight pants)
- ❌ 5 paper books (1 will suffice… or switch to digital)
- ❌ The anxiety of forgetting something → you can always buy it on-site!
🧭 Why a well-thought-out bag is essential in Paris?
- You will be climbing stairs (a lot).
- You’ll use the metro, bus, Vélib’, and most importantly, your legs.
- You’ll be staying in hostels, so you’ll need to organize and secure your belongings easily.
- And you’ll want to be free to move without feeling weighed down like a mule.
