6 weeks in Europe fall with family only carry on- packing advice!

Did you notice that there are two matching forums which also can contain somehow answers to your questions?

Packing:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/packing

Best Walking Shoes for Travel
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/best-travel-shoes

Few tips:

• In most European towns you can find good-quality second hand clothing shops.
• To avoid carrying everything all the time you can also send parts of your luggage within Europe by DHL and other shipping providers.
• Hotel groups such as Meininger and others are family oriented and offer washing machine and shared kitchen usage to their guests.
• Luggage storage at train stations is recommended for a lighter day. In Germany you can find the number and size of available luggage storages at a train station on this DB website by entering the German station name, e. g. München instead of Munich.

Good luck.

Remember that if you are flying European airlines they have weight limits on carryons.

I'm curious about your 80 liter backpack. What are the dimensions and weight? 80 liter is not normally usually considered carry-on size. Honestly, 80 liters sounds like overkill to me. Are you camping?

Key to clothing is layering and a quick trip to the laundromat every 7 to 10 days.

For your trip I would bring a packable waterproof/windproof raincoat, a packable puffer vest or jacket, a base layer, several short and long sleeve tops, a couple merino or cashmere sweaters and several bottoms plus socks and unders/pjs. Add a pair of gloves and gloves liners, a knit cap and a scarf and I'd be good to go. Even with an extra pair or 2 of shoes plus toiletries, small first aid kit and tech stuff it will all fit in my 34 liter spinner.

You're traveling mid September to end of October. That's summer into fall.

curious about your 80 liter backpack

To be honest: my first thought was the backpack scene in Runaway Bride (link)

Pack for week increments and plan to do laundry in one week intervals. I would consider it actually dangerous to travel with that much luggage while trying to keep up with kids that young. Clearly you’ll need to manage most of the kids stuff too, but this seems like overkill.
I’ve seen articles on kids’ luggage that functions like scooters, so there’s pros and cons to them but I’d consider it!

The key will be planning in laundry stops.
I'm travelling for 6 weeks around that time with similar destinations. If you pack for a week and plan to do laundry, you can pack in a 40L pack. Maybe one for you and one for your husband and a carry on sized roller to fit the kids' stuff? Might be a lot more manageable.
I'm planning on layers - shortsleeved and long-sleeved shirts, a couple cashmere/merino sweaters to layer, a fleece half zip, puffy jacket and rain coat. Hat and gloves.
As for shoes, two should be good. What kinds of activities will you be doing? If it is hiking and city exploring, your boots and Vessis will be a good combo.
Good for you for getting out there with a toddler and 5 yo! What an amazing family experience!

Jeanm is correct that an 80L backpack is rarely a carryon. I'm thinking they are more like 40L? Even then, with two roller bags, that's a lot of luggage to handle in addition to whatever kid gear you're bringing (comfort items, stroller, double stroller, car seat, booster seat, child carrier backpack?). Before you go out and buy rolling bags, do some serious thinking about how you will get through airports, on and off trains, etc. Is the 5yoa child "big" enough to handle his or her own items? There are lots of themed sets that include a backpack and roller bag. Or is he or she likely to want to ride along in the stroller with the little one? If you're bringing a stroller, would a soft duffel-type bag(s) be better because they can fit in the basket underneath?
Pay close attention to the size and weight limits of whatever carrier you expect to fly between Ireland and Germany, in addition to whatever airline you're flying over on. You'd do yourself a mercy to check as much as possible.
As far as what to bring, I'd say as little as possible. Layers, of course, but you should expect to do laundry at least weekly and any time one of the kids has an "accident" or throws up all over. I assume you'll be staying in apartments rather than hotels and that you will be looking for in-unit laundry. Keep in mind that most places won't have a dryer. The combo machines don't work well, IMO, and hanging is probably faster. So quick-drying clothes are important.
I doubt very much that you would need sandals on this trip. Make sure your hiking boots are well broken in. I suggest your second pair of shoes should be comfortable, lightweight and packable (i.e., fold-down heel or otherwise squishy).

Are you planning to take your little ones to Oktoberfest?! I don't advise that.

We always packed clothes for two weeks and laundry after 2 weeks.
Recommend planning to identify where you will do laundry in advance. Coin operated laundry places are not easy to find in much of Europe.
In the UK, they are called launderettes and there is a website telling you where they are.
You aren't going to the UK, but perhaps there is a way to find laundrymats.

Having your hotel or B&B do your laundry will cost way too much,
I remember finding that my sox cost as much as it would do have a hotel wash them.
Hopefully, you won't need to change diapers.
Two pairs of shoes should be enough.
It will be chilly in October.

Mark, thanks for the laugh.

The only place we haven't found self service laundromats was Norway. Fortunately, the Hurtigruten ferry has a laundry room. Outside of cities, campgrounds can be a good place to find laundries. And there is always a drop-off laundry somewhere.

"""Are you planning to take your little ones to Oktoberfest?! I don't advise that."""
Why not? So many families bring their kids. But for sure, not in the evening. In the morning or early afternoon it is a perfect fun also for kids.

If you will be renting a car anywhere, be sure to verify if they can provide car seat(s). I know in France, and probably in all of Europe, child seat rules are strictly enforced. I wouldn't want to have to tote one around. Another concern oif mine is wrangling all that luggage and the kids...80L backpacks would be a bit too large to handle along with the luggage and kids....getting on and off trains, for example. Try to get something smaller and lighter, plus pack with planning to do some laundry about once a week. We try to pack things we can sink wash and hang dry at our lodgings. If you are in a place for three nights things should easily dry over 2 nights. I agree with those who say the dryers in Europe,even if stand alone, don't dry very quickly, and the washers and dryers have small capacities. A weekly (or so) laundromat visit might be wiser. One person can take the kids to a park while the other does the wash and maybe gets to visit with the locals in the laundromat. We did that when ours were small (not as small as yours, but it worked out well. Some down time from sightseeing.)
You have discussed shoes for the adults, what shoes do you plan for the little ones? Your 5 year old will need good waterproof shoes/boots as wellI. If you are doing some hiking, remember to have good shoes for the kids. Will the two year old be in a backpack carrier, or walking? Do you plan on a stroller? If so, are you bringing one, buying one there, renting one?
I second the mention of baggage size for European carriers. They are much more restrictive. Heed the suggestions made here by the forum members. They know their stuff.
Your itinerary sounds good. I assume your Germany/Oktoberfest visit means Munich, one of my favorite cities. The Deutsches Museum is a wonderful science and technology museum with really neat artifacts and displays. Your 5 year old will be fascinated!
Look for puppet shows, see the glockenspiel at the rathaus in Marienplatz; the little ones will love it.
Have fun!

are your parents still coming?

https://www.amazon.com/IKYWT-Vacuum-Backpack-Expandable-Resistant/dp/B0F1KMC2J2

This is the backpack- at max size it’s 21”x14”x6”
It doesn’t seem too big on my back and the straps seem comfortable…

Do you think this will work or should we get a different backpack? We aren’t taking many flights in Europe just from US to Ireland, Ireland to Munich and then from Naples back to US- otherwise we are taking trains.

Thanks everyone! That runaway bride meme made me lol.

I don’t know how to reply to specific comments but to answer a few questions
- yes taking the kids to Oktoberfest just during the day for rides and stuff.
- No my parents aren’t coming anymore :(
- we are only renting a car in Ireland and I’m trying to rent one with a car seat but was planning to bring these just in case - please let me know if anyone has experience with this.

https://shop.saferide4kids.com/products/ridesafer-travel-vest

I do plan to bring this stroller and a toddler carrying sling to wear her as well.

https://www.amazon.com/Terrain-Lightweight-Stroller-Breathable-28x17-5x39-8/dp/B07S3XK19G

https://babytula.com/collections/ergonomic-baby-carrier-toddler

I did see those ride on luggage’s and maybe one will suffice for the kids clothes - I would like to bring as little as possible!
I was looking at this

https://miamily.com/products/carry-on

I will take any suggestions for kids footwear that is amazing- my son has wide feet.

Thank you all!

That backpack does look smaller, I guess because you vacuum pack the contents. Be sure to wear it full to see if it’s going to work for you.

This is the backpack- at max size it’s 21”x14”x6”

That works out to 29 liters. ( 1764 cubic inches)

I interpret their '80 liter' to reflect the amount of 'uncompressed' contents that can be squeezed in with their compression system.

The issue becomes the weight; not just how much you can physically carry, but what limits airlines have for carry on luggage.

You are not going to be able to bring that bag and a typical rolling carry on into an airplane cabin ( perhaps some airlines would permit it in 1st class, but that would be the only way)

Rather than buying 2 rolling carry on size bags, you might be better off getting a 25-26 inch wheeled bag and just plan on checking it, rather than dealing with 2 smaller bags that in all likelihood would have to be checked. One less item should make life easier.
My $0.02

I'm not understanding this bag at all. Have you filled it with all your items on your packing list? Is it comfortable to be walking around and up and down stairs fully packed? While handling the roller/spinner plus kid plus paraphernalia? How much does the empty bag weigh? Does it have a trolley sleeve?

I'm sorry, but it looks terribly gimmicky to me. Honestly, my 34 liter spinner usually weighs 17 lbs. fully packed. I could live out of it for weeks. No way would I want to drag around another 40 liters and 20 lbs of stuff, especially on my back. And the cute ride along bag weighs more than 9 lb. empty.

Before you buy a thing, work on a packing list for every family member. Again, think in layers and assume you'll visit a laundromat now and then. Bring minimal toiletries, first aid, ... You can always go to a store.

Figure out how you are going to travel. Will you be purchasing a seat for the 2 year old on all flights? If so, you will be allowed 4 carry-on bags on most airlines. Figure out which airlines you will be flying and check their carry-on and checked baggage rules. The dimensions and weight limits are all over the place. Some are very restrictive. Are you traveling by trains or buses? How will handle all the bags plus all the extras and the kids?

I would look at 2 normal size lightweight carry-on spinners/rollers (like the Travelpro Max 5) and 2 normal backpacks with trolley sleeves.

For personal items, maybe smaller, lighter day packs for you and/or your husband with any your valuables/inflight necessities/train picnics/whatever along with a small backpack with the kids' stuffies/books/whatever that the 5 year old can wear.

Good luck! Packing carry-on only is a process.

I am just thinking of handling all your stuff while holding the kids' hands getting on and off trains. When you are small and walking onto a train and all those adults are around you, I think of how intimidated I would be. When ours were little, like yours, I remember the tension in getting around with a little one walking and me just having a purse and small bag. If the littlest one will be in a backpack type carrier, what will you do with your regular backpack? It is really important to always be aware of people behind you and around you as you turn and maneuver yourself. I have been smacked more than once by a careless traveler with a large backpack. I can only imagine how tough it could be for a toddler in one to be surrounded by lots of people on a train or metro, etc.
The idea to pack things up and practice moving around for a GOOD LENGTH OF TIME, while pulling or pushing a suitcase(s)m and holding the hands of your little one(s) is a great idea. Maybe a long walk at home would be good practice. You may find that you are overwhelmed with the paraphernalia.

I wouldn't pay $369 for a 9-lb suitcase if it drove me to the airport. When someone suggested a ride-on suitcase, I'm sure they meant one that the child would propel himself on. Otherwise, it doesn't free up any adult hands.
I doubt very seriously that the harness system would be accepted in Europe. You should be able to rent car seats along with the car.
As far as your choice of backpack, it weighs more than my rolling carryon. Five lbs is a LOT for a backpack. And I'm not at all impressed with that tricky vacuum bag thing. What if that fails? The Forum has many threads with backpack recommendations. The best way to buy a backpack is to go a REI and get help trying them on and wearing them around the store with weights in.
I agree with the suggestion to get one "large" spinner bag, as lightweight as you can find, and check that. Here is a good option at a great price that weighs less than 7 pounds and holds 85L:
https://www.sierra.com/osprey-27-ozone-spinner-suitcase-softside-black~p~8nrvv/?filterString=luggage-and-suitcases~d~9641%2Fosprey~b~10092%2F
Make sure that one of you is able to carry it up and down a flight of stairs while also wearing a travel backpack or the ergo baby. The other parent will need to have the stroller in one hand and the 5-year-old's hand in the other. If you don't have stairs in your home, walk to a neighbor's house and ask to use theirs.