Festival and Travel Guide 2026: How to Choose the Right Backpack for Summer

Summer 2026 is knocking, bringing all the experiences we've been looking forward to since January. Festivals, hikes, weekend trips to new cities, and maybe even a longer journey out into the big world. But before you pack the first things in your suitcase, there’s one question worth taking seriously: do you have the right backpack?

It may sound like a trivial detail, but the backpack you choose can make all the difference between your trip being a dream experience or a tough life lesson. A backpack that leaks when it rains, rubs your shoulders after five kilometers, or simply doesn’t have space for everything you need can ruin even the best vacation.

In this guide, we take a closer look at what to focus on when choosing a backpack for summer 2026. We review two of our best-selling models, discuss why the right sunglasses also belong on the packing list, and give you a complete packing list for this year's festival and travel season.

1. The All-Rounder: 50L Waterproof Nylon Backpack for Adventurous Travels

When talking about the ideal backpack for a festival or a short trip, 50 liters capacity is a classic sweet spot. You get space for what you need without the backpack becoming so heavy that you regret it two minutes into the hike.

Our 50L waterproof nylon backpack is made for exactly that kind of traveler. The material is a sturdy nylon that not only looks good but also withstands a rainy day. And in Denmark, we all know the weather can change in an instant, even in mid-July.

What is the capacity good for?

50 liters sounds like a lot, but once you start packing, it fills up quickly. Perfect for a festival lasting three to four days. You can fit:

• Change of clothes for all days, including an extra sweater for the cold nights
• Sleeping bag or a thin blanket
• Toiletries and hygiene items
• Packed lunch, water bottles, and snacks for the day trip
• Leather, power bank, and cable for the phone
• Rain jacket or light windbreaker

It is also an excellent backpack for a weekend trip to Amsterdam, Berlin, or Copenhagen if you are the type who travels light and avoids checking luggage at the airport. With 50 liters, you can usually manage with carry-on only, saving both time and money.

Materials and construction

Nylon is an excellent material for travel gear for several reasons. It is lighter than many other synthetic materials, it is durable, and it handles moisture better than cotton. This backpack is also treated to be waterproof, so a rain shower doesn’t mean all your clothes are wet when you arrive at the campsite.

The shoulder straps and back panel are padded, so the backpack sits comfortably even after a long day on your feet. The adjustable straps make it possible to get a good fit whether you are small or tall.

Organization and pockets

One of the things that separates a good backpack from a mediocre one is organization. This model has several compartments and pockets, so you don’t have to dig around at the bottom to find your charging cable or passport. The main compartment is spacious, and external pockets make it easy to access the things you use most.

2. For the Longer Adventures: 70L Nylon Camping Backpack with Rain Cover

If you dream of a longer trip in nature, a multi-day hike, or a backpacking trip through Europe, it’s time to look at something bigger. Our 70L Nylon Camping Backpack with Rain Cover is built for exactly that kind of adventure.

With a 70-liter capacity, there is room for everything you need on trips lasting a week or longer. Full camping setup, clothes, food, gear, and all the small things that accumulate on a longer journey.

The included rain cover

One of the features that makes this backpack a clear buy is the included rain cover. When the sky opens up on a hike, it can be from a few minutes to hours of rain. A rain cover protects the entire backpack and ensures that your clothes and gear stay dry, even in the worst conditions.

The rain cover sits in a small pocket at the bottom of the backpack, so it is always accessible. You don’t have to rummage through all the pockets to find it when the weather suddenly changes.

Back support and comfort

When carrying 70 liters plus weight, the back support is crucial. This backpack is designed with a ventilated back panel that ensures air circulation so you don’t sweat more than necessary. Shoulder straps and hip belt are padded and adjustable, and the hip belt is the most important detail on a large backpack. When you learn to use the hip belt correctly, you shift most of the weight pressure from your shoulders to your hips, which means you can walk much longer without getting back tired.

Storage and accessibility

The 70L model has access from the top and sides, so you can reach items at the bottom without emptying the whole backpack. It’s a small thing, but it saves a lot of frustration on a long day. Additionally, there are separate compartments for the sleeping bag and other general luggage, so you can keep things organized.

There are also attached strap systems on the outside where you can secure your blankets, tent, or yoga mats so they don’t take up space inside.

3. Sunglasses Are Not Just a Fashion Statement

When packing for a festival or trip, sunglasses are often something you just throw into your bag at the last minute. But the right sunglasses are actually an important part of your gear, both for your comfort and your eyesight.

Our fashionable square rimless sunglasses combine style with protection. They are a pair of glasses that look good at the festival site and on the beach, but also fit everyday outfits.

UV protection is essential

Many cheap sunglasses from market stalls and tourist shops have dark lenses but lack real UV protection. This is actually worse than having no sunglasses at all. When the lenses are dark without a UV filter, the pupil dilates to let in more light while UV rays pass through freely. This can cause eye damage over time.

Well-invested sunglasses with proper UV protection are therefore not a luxury expense, but an investment in your eyesight.

The frameless design

Rimless glasses have a minimalist look that works for many face shapes and outfits. They are also lighter than full-frame glasses, which is an advantage when you wear them all day at a festival. The square lenses give a timeless look that won’t date the photos you take in the summer.

Practical for travel and festivals

These glasses are light and compact, so they take up minimal space in your backpack or pocket. They are sturdy enough to survive a festival weekend but stylish enough to wear while strolling around a new city.

4. Complete Packing List for Festival 2026

To get the most out of your festival experience, it's a good idea to pack smart from the start. Here is a complete packing list suitable for a typical Danish festival:

Clothes and footwear

• Change of clothes for all days plus an extra day (liquids and mud happen)
• Warm sweater or hoodie for cold festival nights
• Rain jacket or poncho
• Rubber boots or waterproof sneakers
• Comfortable everyday shoes for dry days
• Sandals or flip-flops for shower and relaxation
• Enough socks and underwear

Bed and shelter

• Tent with enough space for the number of people
• Sleeping bag suited to the weather (summer sleeping bag for typical festivals)
• Sleeping pad or air mattress
• Small pillow or inflatable neck pillow

Food and drinks

• Refillable water bottles
• Snacks and energy bars for breaks between performances
• Protein bar and nuts for quick energy
• Small cooker and pots if you want to cook yourself

Hygiene and health

• Sunscreen with high SPF
• Insect repellent, especially for the evening hours
• Hand soap and hand sanitizer
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Bandages and wound plasters
• Pain relief medication
• Any personal medication

Electronics and practical items

• Phone and charger
• Power bank with full capacity
• Flashlight or headlamp for nighttime
• Earplugs for sleeping in a tent next to neighbors
• Cash and payment cards
• Tickets (printed or on your phone)
• ID and travel documents

Sunglasses and accessories

• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Hat or cap for the sun
• Sunscreen lip balm
• Small backpack or bum bag for day use at the festival site

5. Tips for Packing Light and Smart

It's easy to overpack, especially for a festival. Here are some concrete tips to keep the weight down and have what you actually need.

Pack according to the weather forecast, not the worst case

It's tempting to pack for every eventuality. What if it rains every day? What if it's cold? What if there are sandstorms? Stop and check the weather forecast. Pack according to the expected weather, plus one backup option. You'll save a lot on weight.

Use compression sacks

Compression sacks for clothes are a gamechanger. You can almost halve the space your clothes take up by rolling them up and packing them in a compression sack. This is especially effective for sleeping bags, sweaters, and pants.

Share the equipment with those you travel with

If you’re traveling with friends, there’s no need for everyone to have a stove, a full first aid kit, or a huge tent. Share the responsibility so the group as a whole has everything necessary, but no one carries more than needed.

Pack heavy loads closest to the backpack

When packing your backpack, there’s a simple rule: heavy items belong close to your body and high up in the backpack. This keeps the center of gravity close to your body and makes the backpack much easier to carry.

Test your backpack before departure

Before you leave home, pack your backpack and take a walk around the neighborhood with it. Does it pinch anywhere? Is the hip belt sitting wrong? Is something rattling annoyingly? It’s better to find out a block from your house than two kilometers into the trail.

Learn to say no to the "maybe" things

We pack everything we "might" need. An extra pair of shoes. One more book. Another sweater. Go through your packing list and ask yourself: "Will I be happy carrying this the whole way?" If the answer isn’t a clear yes, leave it at home.

Conclusion: The Smart Investment in Travel Gear

It pays off to invest in the right travel gear. A good backpack that fits your needs and is made of durable materials will last for many years and make all your future trips better. The same goes for sunglasses and the other accessories you bring on your journey.

For the shorter festival trip or weekend adventure, we recommend our 50L waterproof nylon backpack. It’s versatile, practical, and waterproof enough to handle Danish summer weather.

If you’re planning a longer trip, a multi-day hike, or a backpacking journey, the 70L camping backpack with rain cover is the right choice. It has the capacity and features for the big adventure.

And no matter which backpack you choose, don’t forget to bring a proper pair of sunglasses. Your eyes deserve the protection, and you’ll look great in all the festival photos.

Good summer, great adventure, and safe travels from us to you. See you on the other side of the horizon.