[at-l] Flying With Backpack

[Michael Henderson]

Speaking as an employee of a backpack manufacturer, and knowing the kinds of returns we see from airport damage, it is definitely best to put a pack inside something.  Straps getting caught in conveyor belts are pretty common.  Sometimes it's just a busted strap, but often the pack fabric suffers rips and extreme friction resulting in melting.

Cheapest is to use those big plastic bags at the check-in desk.  Most airlines have them available right there at the desk.  Put your pack in, tape it closed, and you're good to go.  Shipping stores like Mailboxes Etc usually have them too.  Cheap duffel works, too.

Ke Kaahawe
AT92 TYT94 LT01



-----Original Message-----
From: at-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:at-l-bounces at backcountry.net] On Behalf Of KGJ
Sent: Thursday, December 18, 2008 9:15 AM
To: Allen Freeman; at-l
Subject: Re: [at-l] Flying With Backpack

My poles are collapsible/adjustable so they fit in the back pack with the
handles poking out the top.  The top flap covers the handles and I tie
everything down pretty tightly.  I've also put them in a shipping tube, but
that's now another piece of luggage.  I've not had any problems, and the
airlines seem pretty used to backpacks.  I've never used a duffle bag.
I have in the past removed straps and such, but that seems to be overkill.
Now I just tighten things up and tie off all loose ends.  I buckle the waist
band around the pack.
(One airline lost my backpack once when I was on the way to Yosemite.
Luckily it turned up and they brought it to my hostel at midnight!  I think
it was Frontier Airlines; good service!).


----- Original Message -----
From: "Allen Freeman" <allen at allenf.com>
To: "at-l" <at-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Thursday, December 18, 2008 10:16 AM
Subject: [at-l] Flying With Backpack


> Next March I will be flying from Boston to Atlanta to start my
> thru-hike attempt.
>
> Any good hints on flying with a backpack and trekking poles? About all
> I've been able to think of is throwing both the backpack and the poles
> inside a duffel bag. I don't think I will have any prohibited items. I
> use an alcohol stove and will leave my fuel bottle empty. I guess I'd
> end up tossing the duffel bag at the airport, as I don't think it
> would be cost effective to mail it home.
> --
> ~~~~~
> Allen F. Freeman
> allen at allenf.com
> www.allenf.com
> _______________________________________________
> at-l mailing list
> at-l at backcountry.net
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/at-l
>

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