What backpack should I take Interrailing? The best 6 rucksacks to take

Interrail AdviceInterrail Planner

We keep this article up to date to ensure we make the best backpack recommendations. Updated for 2024 interrailers!

This is a common question for interrailers and quite rightly, as it’ll be your most important piece of kit. You’ll be carrying your backpack around busy cities and lugging it onto trains so it’s vital you find one you find comfortable and practical.

What size backpack should I take?

You need to consider what you want to take interrailing. This will depend on where you go and at what time of year but keep in mind that most, if not all, hostels will have washing facilities so you can wear the same clothes multiple times. Don’t overpack, you’ll regret it when you have to carry it in the summer heat. Take a look at our tips on what to pack for interrailing and how many clothes to bring interrailing.

We recommend taking a main backpack of between 50 and 70 litres for a 3 week interrail. You should also take a day sack for exploring cities. Some of the bags we recommend come with handy detachable day sacks.

The best backpacks to take interrailing

We’ve selected six of our favourite backpacks to take interrailing. We’ve linked up with Amazon so you can click on each bag and get further information. They come in at various price levels but we recommend you spend the most you can afford on a backpack. It’s likely you will use it again!

Osprey Farpoint 70L

A very practical bag, with handy features like front-loading, detachable 13L day bag and a zip to ‘hide the rigging’. It's one of the lightest back-packable travel packs for its capacity and packs like a suitcase but is worn like a backpack.

This is the 70L size but the 55L version is also suitable for interrailing.

Best choice for: interrailing over 2 weeks
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Our Pick

Deuter Women's 42+8L Alpine Guide Backpack

This one’s also front-loading, so it packs up like a suitcase, too! Specifically designed for women, with a carrying system that suits shorter backs.

The hip straps feature pockets that can be used like a bum bag, but are also detachable in case you don't need them. An ultra durable backpack from a very reputable brand.

The backpack is also compatible with 3 litre hydration bladders, ideal for more active Interrail trips in the summer months.

Best choice for: comfort and maneuverability
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Vango Quest 65L

An interrailing favourite. This is a versatile and hard-wearing Interrail backpack made from recycled materials - one of the best backpacks for interrailing!

The Quest is designed to maximise space with a removable 20L Day Pack, ideal for day trips. Features of the Interrail backpack include lockable kissing zips for added security, quick zip access, adjustable harness for optimum fit and comfort, ergonomic hip belt, and a flight cover.

Best choice for: accessibility and durability
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Mountain Warehouse Tor 65L

This is a great budget option - more of a classic expedition-style backpack, but still suitable for interrailing. You can access the bag from the top or bottom, so things that are stuffed at the bottom are still easy to access.

There are 6 pockets and the main compartment can be divided into two areas so you can keep things separate. The straps are also very adjustable so you can get a comfortable fit on your back.

Best choice for: the budget conscious
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Great value

Osprey Ariel 55L

Lightweight, breathable backpack with the AirScape suspension system that takes the weight off your shoulders.

The air mesh ensures that your back never comes into contact with the frame of the bag itself, which ensures air can flow through and you can feel a breeze on your back as you walk. Similar systems are deployed for the shoulder and hip straps, so you can pack more but feel less weight!

Best choice for: heavy loads
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Mountain Warehouse Voyager 50L Wheelie Rucksack

This is an easy-to-manoeuvre wheeled bag, which also sits comfortably on your back thanks to the adjustable straps that zip away neatly when not in use.

It's effectively a suitcase, as it is front-loading and gives you the choice of carrying like a normal backpack or wheeling it along the city streets. It's a practical purchase that could be used for many other holidays, and it's great value!

Best choice for: suitcase lovers
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