Sleeping bag

Obviously, a sleeping bag is mandatory if you are camping, and nice to have if sleeping indoors in rural areas and cool climates, as central heating has not made it to much of Europe’s countryside. A sleeping bag is only necessary if you will be spending time in the mountains, Northern Europe/Scandinavia, or other cold areas. For the big cities and for Southern Europe in the summer, a sleeping bag is not needed. Don’t forget your sleep sack - many hostels will not allow you to use sleeping bags instead of sleep sacks on beds.