Backpacks and Airlines

I always carry a Rick Steves backpack and have never been asked to put it in the measuring bins in 5 years of European travel. I think you will be fine.

Mine always fits in the overhead bin. No worries.

Since the backpacks are soft-sided, not cramming them full is the key. Some airlines publish a rather restrictive weight limit for carry-on bags, too, so it's not only outer the dimensions that count.

what companies are you going to be using , many of the Low Cost carriers have a one bag policy and others have size and weight restrictions, check the carry-on limited and rules very carefully . I see folk being caught out on every European trip I take and I take a lot.

Yes, you need to specify which airlines you are taking, on which routes, and with what kind of tickets. The rules vary, and within Europe they can be strictly enforced. If you really don't want to check a bag ever, you will need a measuring tape and a scale to be sure you meet the rules for each flight.

The point above about two bags is also important. Some of the tickets on Easyjet only allow one carry-on - period, not a carry-on plus a personal item. Other Easyjet tickets do allow both a carry-on and a personal item.

it is actually a bit of a spectator sport in many airports watching folk fall foul of the baggage rules, worst offenders seem to be these little Japanese girls that travel with everything including the kitchen sink.

If you are flying any of the budget airlines within Europe, just figure checking your pack as part of the cost, you will save yourself much grief. Add to that since you would be travelling point to point (no changing planes) the chance of a lost bag is almost zero.