PP, did you read the stickies at the top?
Maybe you might not care about a Girl’s Guide to Glamor, but the other two are very helpful.

Hi
I myself am an OVER-Packer. I can’t help it. I am a pretty short (5’1) and usually have a pack that should be a little smaller and a little lighter. I have a bunch of packs that were purchased for different trips, and one I was loyal to for years was the Travel Pack by Eagle Creek, Women’s New World Journey. Travel packs differ from regular hiking/expedition backpacks (i.e. travel packs have front-loading panels as opposed to top-loading; have a removable day-pack) and are easier to deal with in airports (straps zip in or can be covered). They definitely have a smaller capacity that regular backpacks. My last trip I wound up purchasing a regular backpack, the Gregory Diva. I love it. Both types of packs have their advantages. I am still not sure what I prefer. Wait, are you male or female?

An essential to packing is Space Bags, see my posting under tips.

Packing for summer can be tricky if you are bouncing around regions. For example, if you are in the Scandinavian countries, it can be cooler and rainy, so long sleeves and pants are needed, along with closed-toe shoes, possibly rain gear if you are hiking and such, etc. If you are in southern Europe, it will be hot-as-hell and you will need minimal clothing. What is annoying is carrying around clothes for the north when you are baking in the sun waiting for a bus in 105 degree weather with a 50lb backpack. Trust me.

I think everyone on here will tell you to bring layering essentials and not to bring any of your “favorite” clothes, as clothes tend to get ruined or lost (laundry-mat issues, lost/stolen luggage, etc). The shoes you pick are important too. In summer you won’t really need a jacket, unless of course you are in the mountains or cooler regions. Many people travel with ultralightweight fleece, some travel with just a hoodie. Then you think about day and night wear, some people don’t differentiate between the two (mostly guys). The thing is, you can buy clothes and gear along the way if you feel you are lacking. Just think in terms of how comfortable you want to be and what you can handle.

Also, if I am traveling to different regions, I often leave behind a bag of stuff (with friends or at the hostel) I will not be needing for the next location (so long as I am returning— which I usually do circular or loop-like trips) or sometimes I have mailed things home. I try to limit traveling like that though because it can be taxing.

SOme random accessories and things that are good to have in your pack are:
flashlight with spare batteries
extra ziplocks
sewing kit
a small amount of duct-tape (in camping stores you can get really small rolls)
elastic clothesline (for hand-washing and hang-drying clothes)
pack-towel
voltage converter AND adapter (for electronics)
swiss-army type tool

and there are more things that I am not thinking of at the moment…. CHeck out the other forums because this topic has been discussed for years.

Happy planning.

Oh, and a sleep-sheet is important too.

Pack size depends on you, your travel style, and price range. Do you want to carry as little as possible and be able to carry your pack onto the plane, or are you ok checking it so you have a bit more room for stuff? I’m probably never going to be a carry-on person. My ideal pack would is about 55-65 liters. Here are two I really like because they offer side/panel loading, zip-off daypacks, and other travel-friendly features, but they might be a bit pricey for you:
http://www.rei.com/p…
http://www.tahoemoun…

REI Outlet is clearing out this Eagle Creek model in sizes ranging from 45-65 liters:
http://www.rei.com/p…
http://www.rei.com/p…
http://www.rei.com/p…
Eagle Creek makes great packs and offer a really good warranty.

Others here have recommended High Sierra packs like this one:
http://www.amazon.co…

Hey Bud 3000 cubic inch 50L is plenty big make sure you remember WANT AND NEED are two very diff things and remember you will be able to do laundry while you are there i own a Osprey atmos they are kind of expensive but worth every penny hope i helped Pz

Thanks for the help everyone. I’m thinking around 50-55L should be more than enough for me. 65L just seems like too much. I’m def thinking I’d rather go smaller even though I do tend to overpack.