What is the best backpack for backpacking Europe?

The best backpack, period, is the Kelty Redwing 3100

Here's a very detailed review on it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYQBsy5K6nc

I don't have any suggestions for specific backpacks, only a couple of places to get great deals on them. steepandcheap.com and backcountryoutlet.com.

Not sure if you're already an avid backpacker or not, but a couple of tips if you're not...find a way to pack some Febreze (takes the smokey smell of bars out of your jeans really well) and the largest zip lock bags you can find (great for the really smelly clothes as well as saving you precious space by shoving clothes in there and squeezing out all the air while you seal it shut).

I would recommend an internal frame backpack. I went to Prague on my way to travel most of europe over 4 months while studying abroad with a duffel bag. Almost immediately I hated it. It was cumbersome and hard to carry with my while we looked for a hostel to stay in. When I returned to London I immediately when shopping for a nice rucsack (backpack). I ended up buying a Kerrimore (a British brand). It really depends on you, as they very in size and organization style. The one thing I would recommend is get a color that you will be able to spot easily and quickly in the airport (mine is orangie-yellow).

Don't be that american in the hostel or on the streets with the busted rolly bag hoping your gear doesn't fall out. I've done this many times and an Osprey pack is the way to go. http://www.ospreypacks.com/

I use the Aether for my wilderness exploits all over the world and through the urban adventures as well. They're comfortable, durable, and relatively affordable. Whatever pack you decide to get, make sure you get the Osprey Airporter to cover it. Airlines will only cover damage if the bag has a maximum of two straps.

Rolly suitcases work for business, but travelling 75% of the time for work has shown me that those wheels and their joining surfaces won't last long to frequent travel.

Check out TAD Gear's F.A.S.T line of backpacks:

http://www.tadgear.com/home.php

They are durable, discreet, and have tons of features, probably the best of which is the "transporter tail" that lets you wedge in whatever the situation calls for in a pinch. The construction is better than any other pack I have tried (MILSPEC +), and they are made in small batches to ensure quality. I've used mine as a briefcase, suitcase, climbing bag & dive bag.
The other benefit is you can use all the external attachment points to hook in whatever size pouches you need for what you are doing.

Definitely avoid rolling bags - as pointed out they fall apart quickly and most European streets aren't like American sidewalks (try rolling over cobblestones for 100m). If you can't carry it, don't pack it.

And forget the Canadian flags - I have seen so many over the years I have travelled its almost a guarantee whoever wears one is American anyway. Speak softly, act humbly and be friendly and that will keep you out of trouble 99% of the time.

Seal Line Urban Backpack Done & Done. Versatile, waterproof, durable and great looking.

While the suggestions on this board are very good, it's important to determine what your style is first.

In my years of traveling, I have always preferred to take an internal frame backpack. Around 60L is good for a few weeks. The trick is to not overpack your bag. take the bare minimum that you will be "comfortable" with. I like to pack my bag around 1/2 to 2/3 full to leave room for anything I pick up along the way. Therfore, a bag that can cinch down to a smaller size is important. So with that in mind here are a few suggestions:

1. If you're looking for a good bag at a great price go with the REI Mars pack. You can search their outlet page to find the previous years model for around 120 bucks. The good thing about this bag is that its sturdy, has good support, and best of all has a front access panel as well as your traditional top access. This bag opens much like a duffle bag so you can easily reach the contents on the bottom of your pack without having to dig through your pack. Downside is that the padding on this bag is substantial, for comfort, but also gets very hot.

2. Osprey makes a bunch of great packs. Better build quality than REI but also much more expensive. The good thing about these bags and others from similar manufacturers is that they have great ventilation on the back through a trampoline suspension. Basically a mesh net that keeps the pack off your back so air can flow through. Downside is that there is not front access. Not bad for camping and backpacking but not ideal for traveling. Look at the Atmos.

3. Any Daypack: I have friends that I travel with that swear that the best way to go is to travel light. I found myself jealous of them from time to time seeing them carry just a daypack sized backpack. Literally, a couple tees, pair of shorts, etc. bare minimum. This is the ideal way if you are comfortable carrying a limited number of items. But know yourself! I've also traveled with friends that try to go this route but still carry too much stuff and end up having an overstuffed bag. As a result they are carrying a heavy load in a bag with no support and end up being uncomforable the whole way.

Unless you know which hotels and hostels you will be at the entire time, i would stay away from rolling luggage. Those roller bags aren't ideal on cobblestone roads and rolling though deep puddles after a rainstorm. There's a chance you might be walking from place to place trying to find a room and you really cant beat a backpack. Just leave the hiking boots at home.

Couple last points.. avoid those hybrid packs that look like rolling luggage but also have a feature to pull out backpack straps because the internal frame of the roller takes up too much space and weighs too much as well. Also, get a cover for you pack (REI sells them) to protect your bag when you check them in at the airport. This will go a long way in protecting your straps, clips, and buckles.

"Lowe Alpine TFX Wilderness Backpack"http://www.fieldandtrek.com/lowe-alpine-tfx-wilderness-backpack-718036

You should definitely use a backpack. I backpacked Europe last year for 4 months. Don't even think about taking a suitcase or a rolling bag. If you plan on moving a lot you will be much happier just throwing your bag on your back. The "best answer" says you will look like a tool with a pack but I guarantee you will be ridiculed wit a suitcase. Also, forget the Canadian flag, Europeans will make fun of you for doing that, they think it is really funny.

As far as packs go, you should look for whatever feels comfortable to you. Depending on how much you plan to bring you should look for a 40-55L pack. I used a 50 and had room to spare but I picked up a lot of things so it was full by the time I came home. Also, make sure you have a day pack. I had a little 30L pack that fit in a tiny stuff bag the size of a soda can.

Just a tip for your trip though, stay on the move and see as much as you can. You'll have a blast! If you are going to Switzerland,(you would be crazy not to), go to Interlaken and stay at the Balmers Herbage hostel. They also have the sickest bungee jump there.

If you're looking for an actual pack, Osprey Waypoint series.

Joseph is correct- the Rick Steves backpack is the best. My wife and I each have one and have travelled Europe four times for a month at a time. To begin get Rick Steves' book Europe Through the Backdoor. Read this before you go on any European vacation or the Rick Steves book written for the specific country or city. It will save you a fortune and make any visit better giving you insight that most miss out on.

a donkey