I am flying from R.I. to Atlanta in April. I have never
flown with a backpack before. What suggestions on how
to package it or transport it? Is there someway to wrap it up so it is acceptable baggage? I know I won’t be able to take it as carry on.
Old gray mare
When I flew I used a duffle bag type bag to put it in. The airlines need to be able to get at it. Have done this several times and it went well.
socks
i’ve approached this two ways. the easist would be to put your pack in a duffle bag, then your trekking poles, if you use them, would have a place to go.
the other thing i have done is i ship all the non-carry-on-stuff to a PO where i am going and carry my pack on. but i guess it all depends on how big your pack is.
jerm
Similar to what socks suggested I got a large laundry bag and was able to put my pack and gear inside it and checked it in that way. I took my hiking poles apart and packed them inside the middle of the pack and protected them with cloth and other soft items around them.
Dad’s Grin
OSPREY manufactures a backpack cover/“duffle bag” specifically for this purpose. It should be available at any outfitter store that handles the Osprey brand of packs. But it could be used for any brand of backpack.
WILDCAT
When I checked my backpack, the airlines simply placed a large plastic bag over my entire pack. My poles were strapped on the outside, and there was no problem whatsoever when I picked it up at the baggage claim.
Lady Longlegs
Because my pack is a relatively small one, I put my most expensive gear (sans sleeping bag and pad) in it and take it on the plane as carryon luggage. the sleeping bag, pad, and a few other things can be checked through in a small duffle.
Cece
Ive flown w packs many times and being a budget traveler i have used the laundry sack method above make sure you clean your stove…fuel residue raises eyebrows,and stow trekking poles inside(inthe middle)as they can be strained/dented.
terrapin
Most airlines will wrap your pack in a plastic bag if you request it. This works great - the biggest risk to your backpack would be having a pack strap torn off en route. If you are worried about your $300 sleeping bag getting crushed, you could carry it on.
freebird
I shipped mine ahead via FedEx. The airline never had a chance to lose it, it was there when I arrived and I didn’t have to deal with hauling it to the airport and all the potential security issues.
Nimblefoot
I’ve flown with my gear in a duffle before. There are generally no problems. Although, if you transfer flights you do run a risk of the duffle getting lost. I’ve known of one hiker to whom this happened to. It’s probably pretty rare when you look at overall statistics. There’s most likely a post office in the Atlanta airport where you could send the duffle back home. You could also just ship all your gear to a post office to pick up. I would think it would be inconvienant with shipping costs, etc. Another idea is if you could locate a large heavy duty plastic bag where you could slide your pack into instead of a duffle. You could use a contractors bag found at most hardware stores. Once you’re in Atlanta just throw away the bag and be on your way.
guru
Army Navy stores have those big army like canvas bags. pack fits perfectly in one of those. No security issues when I did it.
Blip