Updated on November 9th, 2024

Traveling for a month across Europe is an exciting, unforgettable experience. However, choosing the right travel gear for such a long journey can make or break your trip. 

Many travelers, including myself, traditionally opt for backpacks because they’re practical, but after hearing so much about Rimowa backpacks. I decided to give it a try. Was it the right decision for a backpacking trip? 

If you’re about to embark on a long trip, especially to a diverse continent like Europe and are considering upgrading your luggage, this post is for you. 

In this article, I’ll describe how my Rimowa bag held up during my month-long adventure. 

Choosing the right Rimowa model

Before embarking on my trip, I spent time researching the best Rimowa model for backpacking. Since I planned to be constantly on the move, I needed something lightweight, spacious enough to carry essentials, and durable.

After weighing my options, I chose the Rimowa Never Still Backpack. This sleek, high-end backpack offered the perfect balance between practicality and luxury.

Image Source: Rimowa

Made with premium materials like canvas and full-grain leather, my priority was finding something that was not only durable but easy to carry and large enough to hold my essentials for a month-long trip. 

The backpack’s compartments, including a business pocket for my laptop and devices, plus a separate travel compartment that opened flat like a suitcase, made it a versatile choice. 

It was also compact enough to fit in overhead bins and eliminated the hassle of having to check-in.

I also appreciated the adjustable padded shoulder straps, which added comfort during long walks and transport transitions.

Initial concerns before the trip

Despite the positive first impressions, I did have some concerns about whether the Rimowa Never Still Travel Backpack was truly the best choice for a backpacking trip.

Would it be able to handle the wear and tear of a backpacking trip or crowded city sidewalks? 

I had flashbacks of struggling with luggage on past trips, wondering if I should have opted for a more traditional backpack instead.

After using it daily across various terrains, from bustling city streets to rural paths, I can confidently say that it held up well. The padded back and adjustable buckle system offered great support, making it comfortable to carry even when fully packed. 

The weather-resistant materials also protected my belongings from sudden rain showers — a feature that proved invaluable during unpredictable European weather.

Next, could I fit a month’s worth of clothes and essentials inside? 

Image Source: Rimowa

Packing for a month-long trip

One of the biggest challenges for any extended trip is packing efficiently. Here’s how I managed to fit everything I needed for a month in Europe using the Rimowa Never Still Travel Backpack: 

Used packing cubes

Packing cubes were my secret weapon. They allowed me to organize clothes by category while compressing them to fit into the backpack’s compartments, keeping everything neat and accessible.

I also focused on packing versatile clothing—pieces that could easily be mixed and matched for different outfits, ensuring I had enough variety without overpacking.

Used multi-functional items

To maximize every inch, I chose multi-functional items like a jacket that could double as a raincoat and shoes that worked for both casual and semi-formal occasions. The backpack’s multiple compartments helped me stay organized, making it easy to locate smaller items like chargers and toiletries.

Additionally, I used small packing hacks like tucking socks and underwear inside shoes and utilizing the gaps between items for smaller accessories. 

I also made sure to pack flat items—like documents or thin electronics inside a flat pouch and kept them at the bottom to create a more streamlined fit. 

I was able to fit much more than I initially expected without overcrowding it by layering efficiently and using every pocket and divider in the bag. 

Kept weight in check

Even though this Travel Backpack is carry-on-sized, I still wanted to avoid overloading it like I would a checked bag. I managed the weight by placing heavier items like electronics and toiletries in a separate small bag or hand luggage (totes) that I carried on board. 

This approach kept the bag light and made it easy to carry through airports and train stations without worrying about weight.

Mobility and transportation in Europe

One of the biggest perks of using the Rimowa Never Still Travel Backpack was its impressive mobility. Carrying it through crowded airports and busy train stations was a breeze. 

The padded shoulder straps and lightweight design made long days of walking much easier, even while carrying additional bags.

Using public transportation, like trains and buses, was seamless with this backpack. Its compact size allowed me to stow it easily in overhead compartments or under my seat, ensuring I was never fumbling with cumbersome wheeled luggage while boarding or disembarking.

Europe’s older cities posed a unique set of challenges. However, navigating narrow staircases, especially in hostels with minimal elevator access, made me appreciate the backpack’s lightweight design even more. 

In these situations, a bulky suitcase would have been far less convenient, whereas this travel backpack allowed me to move easily up and down stairs without needing to search for an elevator.

Cobblestone streets, a common feature in many European cities, can be a nightmare for wheeled luggage. Thankfully, the backpack eliminated that concern entirely. I didn’t have to worry about maneuvering wheels over uneven surfaces or struggling to lift a heavy suitcase over curbs.

Moreover, when using smaller rentals or cabs, the Rimowa backpack’s compact nature meant I could easily fit it in the back seat without disrupting space. During metro rides, I could comfortably carry it in crowded cars without feeling like I was in the way.

Another plus was the compact size of the backpack, which fit neatly into the limited storage spaces of shared hostel rooms. Unlike bulky wheeled luggage, the backpack was easy to stow away, freeing up space and allowing me to avoid clutter in tight quarters.

When I needed to access items quickly (like passports or tickets), the backpack’s multiple compartments were a lifesaver. Whether I was navigating bustling cities like Paris or hiking in the Swiss Alps, the backpack still proved to be a reliable and versatile travel companion.

Durability and performance in different environments

The true test of any luggage is how well it holds up in various conditions, and my Rimowa Never Still Travel Backpack certainly faced its share of challenges across Europe’s diverse landscapes.

It handled rainy days in London, dusty roads in rural Spain, and even long hikes through forests without any issues. The water-resistant canvas material kept my belongings dry during unexpected showers, and the reinforced leather bottom added extra durability. 

I was also impressed with how well it held up after being crammed into overhead compartments, tossed into car trunks, and maneuvered through crowded spaces—it truly lived up to its reputation for durability.

Despite the rough treatment it received throughout my month-long journey, the backpack showed minimal signs of wear.

While it wasn’t as rugged as traditional hiking gear, the Rimowa Travel Backpack provided more than enough protection for a city-focused backpacking trip, and its lightweight design made it more comfortable to carry for long periods.

Comparing Rimowa to traditional backpacking gear

After a month of travel, you may be interested in knowing how the Rimowa Backpack compares to the usual go-to for backpackers—a traditional backpack.

One thing I would count as a pro is the fact that the Never Still Travel Backpack offered far superior organization compared to the typical backpack. 

Its numerous compartments made it easy for me to keep my items neat and accessible. This was a massive advantage over the usual one-compartment hiking backpacks, where items can often get lost at the bottom.

While traditional backpacks are built for rugged environments, the Rimowa Never Still adds a layer of style and sophistication that’s hard to match. It’s sleek enough for urban settings yet functional enough for adventurous trips.

Furthermore, the padded shoulder straps and breathable materials made carrying the backpack comfortable, even after long days of walking. 

However, in extremely rugged terrains (like uneven mountain trails), I could see how a more traditional backpack with a hip belt might offer better support.

Nevertheless, picking up the backpack from the Rimowa store was the best decision I could have made for this trip, given that I have had a poor experience with a cheap suitcase.

Tips for future travelers

If you’re planning a long trip with a Rimowa suitcase, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Pack light

For extended trips, packing smart is key. Opt for versatile, multi-functional clothing items that you can mix and match throughout your journey. Invest in packing cubes or organizers to help you organize and compress items efficiently, and take advantage of the backpack’s multiple compartments for easy access and to keep things neat.

If you’re traveling with electronics or heavier items, make use of the padded laptop sleeve to balance the weight across your shoulders, or keep them in a duffle bag to stay under airline weight limits while ensuring easy access during transit.

Choose the right model

Balance is crucial when selecting a Rimowa model for longer backpacking trips. The Rimowa Never Still perfectly balances practicality and luxury, ideal for short—to mid-length travels. 

However, if you need more space, consider upgrading to the Rimowa Check-In for additional storage or pairing the Rimowa Never Still Travel Backpack with the Hybrid Cabin for added flexibility. 

This combination will provide the convenience of a carry-on bag while ensuring you have enough capacity for essentials.

While the Hybrid Cabin is perfect for navigating cities and smoother terrains, destinations with rougher landscapes or places where wheeled luggage isn’t ideal will benefit from the adaptability of a backpack. 

The Never Still offers the convenience of hands-free mobility, making it perfect for day trips, crowded areas, or navigating cobblestone streets and stairs in Europe’s older cities. Its multiple compartments allow for easy access to essentials, and its compact design ensures it can be stowed in limited spaces, like shared hostel rooms.

For longer trips or multi-destination adventures, the hybrid approach of combining the Rimowa Never Still Travel Backpack with your preferred luggage (like the Hybrid Cabin) ensures you’re prepared for any situation. 

This combination provides the durability of a hard-shell case for transport and the flexibility of a backpack for more rugged environments.

Takeaway: For a convenient backpacking trip, choose Rimowa

To bring my experience of using Rimowa for my 30-day European voyage to a conclusion, here is my take:

The Rimowa Never Still Travel Backpack proved to be a reliable and stylish travel companion during this trip. If you’re looking to upgrade your luggage for your next adventure, I highly recommend giving the Rimowa Never Still Travel Backpack a try. 

For more travel tips and to find the perfect Rimowa model for your next adventure, read: Does Rimowa Cabin Fit in Overhead Compartment? A Story of Rejection, Acceptance and Fitting in.

FAQs

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Rimowa luggage:

What does owning a Rimowa say about you?

Owning a Rimowa reflects a sense of sophistication and attention to quality. It shows that you value premium craftsmanship, durability, and timeless design, all while appreciating functional innovation for modern travelers.

Is Rimowa considered a status symbol?

Yes, Rimowa has become a symbol of luxury travel, favored by discerning travelers who prioritize both form and function. Its iconic design and high-end materials contribute to its reputation as a status symbol in the travel world.

Do Rimowa suitcases easily get scratched?

While the aluminum corners and frame of Rimowa bags can pick up scratches over time, these are often seen as signs of character, showing the suitcase has been on many journeys. The polycarbonate shell of the Rimowa bag is more resistant to scratches, maintaining its sleek look even after extensive use.

Are Rimowa suitcases overly heavy?

Despite their durable build, Rimowa suitcases are designed with lightweight materials. The Hybrid Cabin bag, for example, strikes the perfect balance, offering a sturdy structure without weighing you down, making it easy to navigate through airports and city streets.