Any issues with packs on a bus? Can you bring it on board with you or does it have to go in the luggage compartment?
_T_Greyhound and Packs
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#1
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#2
It all depends on how large the pack is as well as crowded the bus may be. I was able to carry my Z-pack blast onto the dog last year as it barely fit in the overhead area. One note concerning buses… Be careful not to linger at the rests stops or you may be left behind. Actually, saw it happen @ 2am in Maryland even though the driver was told of the person inside. She got on the horn and told everyone about her responsibility to make connecting routes and the VIP'S could wait for the next available bus coming though. Apparently, this happens more often than one may realize.
_Stealthblew_
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#3
suggestion; If you put it in the luggage compartment, tighten down all straps & belt. Each time the bus stops, get off and look to see that your pack is underneath. If you have to transfer busses, make sure your pack goes on the right bus with you.
_bluevist_
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#4
I carried my pack on the bus. You can also put it under the bus. Make sure the pack is tagged. Tags for your bags are given out at the bus depot. I took the bus to and from the A.T. To see more of my 2011 thru-hike, Ga.>Me., go to trailjournals/DreamWalker:)
_DreamWalker_
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#5
Try to find a seat overlooking the luggage compartment so you can keep an eye out that no one takes your pack... some drivers are more conscientious that others at comparing your luggage claim to the tag. I had a pack stolen in Boston because I was tired & not keeping an eye out.... guess who don't care? the cops & the bus co. (that one was a carryon I put in the overhead & fell asleep.... keep a small pack on the seat or floor with strap wrapped around your arm or leg if possible).
_gingerbreadman_
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#6
Try to find a seat overlooking the luggage compartment so you can keep an eye out that no one takes your pack... some drivers are more conscientious that others at comparing your luggage claim to the tag. I had a pack stolen in Boston because I was tired & not keeping an eye out.... guess who don't care? the cops & the bus co. (that one was a carryon I put in the overhead & fell asleep.... keep a small pack on the seat or floor with strap wrapped around your arm or leg if possible).
_gingerbreadman_
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#7
Of the various ways to travel in the US, Greyhound is the worst. Uncomfortable buses, unhelpful staff, locked up terminals, delays. I like Gingerbreadman's tip about sitting when you can see the luggage compartment. Better yet get off the bus as each stop to be sure your stuff is still there.
_rocky & swamp fox_
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#8
I took Greyhound from Ohio to Atlanta to start my thru. I also took Greyhound from to New York to home and back to New York in the middle of my thru when I had to go home for a week in the middle of my hike for family fun.
No problems on any of the trips. My pack went in the luggage compartment underneath. I was on a budget, so using the bus was my best option.
I just chocked the bus rides up to being part of the adventure!
Happy hiking!
Bison AT '09
_Bison_
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#9
In 2011 We got "washed out" of Vermont and took the bus from Hanover (White River Junction) to North Adams. The bus was at lest an hour late getting out of White River Junction as a result of a sprung passenger door. Because of all the flooding we had a difficult time getting into all of the small towns along the way and we got into Springfield, MA about an hour after our connecting bus had left. So we had to wait until about 6:30 p.m. for the next bus. The bus station in Springfield is in a really rough area of town and the guards "recommended" that we remain in the terminal (fortunately they had some fast food joints inside) - Got to see a totally different side of humanity!
Took a Peter Pan bus (no kidding that’s the company name!) from Springfield and fortunately we had a young lady up front who took the same bus day-after-day and she knew the route. The driver was a sub and had no idea where he was going. We stopped in Pittsfield to change bus and the terminal was locked up tighter than a drum. We finally got into North Adams at 11:00 p.m.
One word of caution regarding the bus situation. We were told to open our packs so the driver could “inspect” our packs and he made us remove all of our fuel. Fortunately, we were out of fuel, but he wouldn’t accept our word on the subject. So here we are in the midle of the night (9:30 p.m.) opening our packs and taking out the contents so he could “inspect” them before loading them in the bottom of the bus.
_Hardcharger_