[pct-l] Flying

[Kevin Cook]

Brandon, is this a thru hike?

If so, would the cost to get your backpack there really be a lot compared to
the entire expense? I don't think cost should be your focus on this aspect
of the trip. There are plenty of other places to save. Skip a single zero in
town and you pay to ship your stuff!

You really should consider shipping it. USPS, UPS, FedEx are all better at
shipping things than the airlines :P

How much will it impact your hike if they lost your backpack for a couple
days? Your expenses while waiting off trail, and without your stuff, could
be far more than shipping your gear. Ship it to Campo and it will be waiting
for you :)

I'm lucky enough to have a couple options for rides, so this isn't an issue
I have to deal with. Your email made me think about it, and I would ship all
my hiking hear to Campo. Travel with travel stuff, ie comfy cotton cloths
and hotel style toiletries. Then swap in Campo. Maybe travel with your
bounce box!

I'm curious what you finally decide to do.

On Wed, Jan 19, 2011 at 1:40 PM, Brandon McGinnity <bmcginnity at gmail.com>wrote:

> Timothy, you're hillarious. No hiking here in Dallas, but maybe I can just
> stop washing a set of clothes, go runningi n them a few times? Anyways,
> your
> advice is helpful. And thank you, whoever it was, who told me about
> southwest letting you check bags free, I'll probably fly with them! That's
> a
> big help. My main issue was the cost, and the bag getting lost, heaven
> forbid. I'd lose my mind if they lose my bag, I swear. I'd just rather
> carry
> on if possible. I may just ship my knife and poles ahead, and do just that.
> A ULA catalyst should be small enough for that, right? Without food and
> such, I bet I can squish it down. Maybe I'll just wear most of the clothes,
> too... (not that I carry many anyways).
>
> On Wed, Jan 19, 2011 at 1:10 PM, Timothy Nye <timpnye at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > I can only say what has worked for me; I've done this half a dozen times.
> > Telescope the poles down and duct tape them to pack lengthwise (up and
> > down)
> > so that they don't protrude.  Each time the airline had a large clear
> > plastic bag that the pack could be put in.  I had tape on one of the
> poles
> > that I used to secure the bag.  Never had a problem.  I would suggest
> > calling your airline (or proposed airline) and verify that they have this
> > kind of a bag available.  If not, check with the local thrift stores for
> a
> > cheap duffel that will accomodate your pack.
> >
> > If you're truly worried about pilferage throw in some unwashed hiking
> > clothes.  Not only will this deter theft, but you'll know in advance when
> > your pack is about to emerge from baggage handling.  Of course, so will
> > everyone else.  This should have the added benefit of clearing a space
> for
> > you to saunter up to the carousel, retrieve your pack, hoist it to your
> > shoulder and casually exit as the sea of humanity parts before you.
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>
> --
> -Brandon McGinnity
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