We were hoping to travel by train to DC and then Harper’s Ferry to start hiking south. I read in someone’s journal that the trains are really cracking down on what you can carry (pocket knives, scissors, etc) - even prohibiting hiking poles. Has anyone had any experience with this or advice?
Smitty
Last year after I finished my thru-hike at Katahdin I took a bus to Boston, then a train home to VA. I put my trekking poles in my pack (which was empty by this time anyway). I had a pocket knife in there too and nobody knew. I didn’t go through any security at Boston’s amtrak station. Just wait in the station for the train, then get on it and put your bag in the seat beside you to make sure no weirdo’s sit there. Just put poles, knives, etc in your pack and don’t take them out on the train and you will be fine.
Puddle Jumper
Here’s the link to Amtrak’s baggage policy, which could look discouraging, but I’ve never had any problems about poles and I’ve always stored them on the outside of my pack (collapsed.) If you stow them and carefully keep all knives and fuel bottles/canisters well stowed in non-see-thru bags, you should be fine. They’re unlikely to hassle you as long as you explain clearly what the gear is for. The Amtrak and other transit cops do tend to be officious, but they’re also pretty careful not to be overly troublesome to legitimate travelers.
Strategic
Traveled from Boston to HP with full pack ready for hiking and no one took a second look at me, poles in the pack.
bump
put the pack in a large garbage bag tie it with twine for a handle, size restrictions posted in the station are not enforced
george
I’ve made several trips on Amtrak in the last couple of years, including in and out of Harper’s Ferry, getting on and off the trail for section hikes. Poles have been strapped to the outside of the pack. Fuel in the closed side pocket. Everything else was ready to set foot on the trail. I carried the pack on my back onto the train, then flipped it into the overhead rack (or set it on the seat beside me on the commuter trains). Nobody paid me any attention. No questions asked.
dioko
I took Amtrak into Harpers Ferry from Pittsburgh and I had no problems. I had poles, a SOG knife, and propane in my pack. Nobody asked an questions. I mean, if you have a hiking pack, wear hiking clothes, and have a ton of hiking gear, they understand you aren’t a terrorist.
buff_jeff