When embarking on a backpacking adventure to Europe here are a few things I learned from my experience.

• Backpack- Could probably be the most important piece of gear you take with you. Reason I say this is because this will be literally be your home for durations of your trips.  Qualities to look for in a good Pack-  Internal Frame (this will provide good disruptions of the weight to your hips) and  5000 Cubic inches of space
• Head lamp- I would recommend one that is LED lite and has red lens for when read at night or in a hostel where you don’t want wake anyone.
• Clothes- any light weight or clothes that will easily dry.   ExOfficio and Patagonia makes some really good gear.
• Swimmers Towel- It dries quick, and maybe more importantly they pack light.
• Silk Sheet- If you are hosteling, some hosteling will charge you for your linens. Plus they are comfortable.
• Sleeping bag- only need if you are going in the winter. (I didn’t take one when I went)
• Thermo-rest- makes sleeping on those hostel beds a lot more comfortable.
• Shoes- A good pair of walking shoes is a must!!!
• Watch- A good watch will definitely help with making the trains.
• Ipod- For those long train rides
• Universal power converter- to keep the Ipod charged