Greetings Hikers!!
This has probably been discussed before in the Forums, but I’m just curious…
What would be the best way to protect a backpack during airline travel?
I plan to put mine inside a cardboard box (after the TSA folks chech it out).
What have some others tried before?
Big Daddy D
We use el-cheapo gym bags with a strong zipper. Pull all the straps tight, buckle the belt and leave anything questionable like a stove (no gas), knife and such outside the pack at one end in a zip loc. If they want to look inside after its scanned they won’t trash the thing. Army duffle? If we fly somewhere with a place to ditch the bag we use a huge yellow dry bag for both packs; bomb proof.
Bushwhack
I’ve always used my backpack AS luggage when I have it on a plane or bus.
If it can withstand baggage handlers, than surely it can withstand the trail.
bearbait
but the straps getting caught in the roundy-rounds with bigger bags. Besides, they look all pretty and inviting…unless they have 2000 miles on them without a wash job, then snooper beware.:eek:
Bushwhack
Bearbait’s strategy is the simplest. I’ve checked my Kelty on dozens of planes as is. Loose straps? Many were extraneous to begin with and I cut them off long ago. For the rest, you can tuck em in, cinch em down, tie to each other to get them out of the way.
Backtrack
We bought 2 old, very durable heavy sacks (Im not sure what they are really called) from the Army Surplus store. We throw our bags in them. The things weigh a lot just empty.
the solemates
When i use to have an external frame pack i put it into an old Army duffle bad…got to New Mexico and the frame was snaped. Airlines paid for it when i got back. Went with an internal frame since them.
Anthony
I’ve used this method several times and it’s always worked out fine: I turn up at the airport, back pack ready to go (as if i were just about to hit springer!). When you check it in they will look confused. Ask them to give you an airline plastic bag, they usually have them at the desk. It’s clear, about the size of a large trash bag and has the airline logo on it. That’ll keep it from getting wet between the plane and terminal buildings.
They may just point you in the direction of outsize baggage but you can ask them to do the same thing. Just make sure of the obvious, straps secure, contects secure etc. It’s also really easy to spot coming along the conveyor amongst all the flatlander suitcases :happy
Cheers
Cheers
Whenever i am checking my backpack in, I ask them to check it, then allow me to tighten the straps in front of them and use a cheap roll of Saran Wrap type plastic to roll around the pack straps. This prevents any possibility of them being caught on conveyor belts, doors, etc. As long as the security people are watching, I have never ahd a problem letting me do this.
-xtn
airferret