I backpacked around Europe for 6 months. Here are the items I couldn't live without — and the ones I wish I'd left behind.

I spent six months traveling Europe with two backpacks.

Emily Pogue

• I took a six-month trip around Europe and only brought two backpacks with me.
• I'm glad I packed things like a portable white-noise machine and flat travel pouches.
• Next time, I'll leave my ballet flats and bulky power-strip adaptor at home.

Packing for a six-month trip around Europe wasn't easy. I deliberated for a good two months about what to take with me and what to leave behind. Since I only had two backpacks...