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Traveling with backpack

PostPosted: Thu Jun 23, 2011 11:55 pm
by j4ever
How do you guys travel with backpack? Do you put it in a large suitcase to transport it or do you pack it full and check it? If you pack it and check it do you just leave the sleeping pad strapped to it? This will be a domestic flight i am taking. Thanks.

Re: Traveling with backpack

PostPosted: Fri Jun 24, 2011 12:25 am
by ExcitableBoy
I have a large duffle bag that I put my backpack into, then I check the duffle. I personally don't pack the backpack and I use the sleeping pad to pad ice axes, pickets, and other pokey items.

Re: Traveling with backpack

PostPosted: Fri Jun 24, 2011 1:57 am
by phlipdascrip
You can check backpacks but the airlines are not liable for any damages to straps, clips or the likes, so you really need to make sure there's nothing dangling around. If they accept a pack with a sleeping pad attached and the pad gets lost, I'd assume they won't replace it.
ExcitableBoy's solution to put it in a duffle bag is great. One time, a friendly lady behind the counter offered me a large and sturdy plastic bag for the whole thing which worked fine too.

Re: Traveling with backpack

PostPosted: Fri Jun 24, 2011 5:05 am
by DukeJH
I too use a monster duffel bag to contain my checked backpack. Once I clear customs and immigration, the bag comes off and is stuffed into the pack and I carry the pack, well, like a pack.

Re: Traveling with backpack

PostPosted: Fri Jun 24, 2011 7:51 am
by j4ever
thanks fellows

Re: Traveling with backpack

PostPosted: Fri Jun 24, 2011 12:26 pm
by Jerry L
I don't think it matters which you choose. I don't bother with duffel bag anymore unless I'm on an extended trip and need the additional space. I only take the backpack and check it. I fly both continental US and international. I've never had any problems. When you stand at a baggage claim area waiting for your bag, you'll see plenty of other backpacks. I personally don't want to mess with the duffel bag unless I absolutely have to.

Re: Traveling with backpack

PostPosted: Fri Jun 24, 2011 1:19 pm
by phlipdascrip
Jerry L wrote:I don't think it matters which you choose. I don't bother with duffel bag anymore unless I'm on an extended trip and need the additional space. I only take the backpack and check it. I fly both continental US and international. I've never had any problems. When you stand at a baggage claim area waiting for your bag, you'll see plenty of other backpacks. I personally don't want to mess with the duffel bag unless I absolutely have to.


I usually do the same thing and have not had any problems either; I tie all loose straps together or wrap them around some nearby loop, and extend the hip belt just long enough so I can close it wrapped around the front of the pack (reversed). I do prefer having it all stuffed in a bag though - peace of mind. Also it protects the fabric of the pack a bit against wear and tear.

Re: Traveling with backpack

PostPosted: Fri Jun 24, 2011 7:05 pm
by jthomas
phlipdascrip wrote:
Jerry L wrote:I don't think it matters which you choose. I don't bother with duffel bag anymore unless I'm on an extended trip and need the additional space. I only take the backpack and check it. I fly both continental US and international. I've never had any problems. When you stand at a baggage claim area waiting for your bag, you'll see plenty of other backpacks. I personally don't want to mess with the duffel bag unless I absolutely have to.


I usually do the same thing and have not had any problems either; I tie all loose straps together or wrap them around some nearby loop, and extend the hip belt just long enough so I can close it wrapped around the front of the pack (reversed). I do prefer having it all stuffed in a bag though - peace of mind. Also it protects the fabric of the pack a bit against wear and tear.


I think this is asking for trouble. I would never check my pack with everything exposed to get ripped. I put it in a duffle, which also holds the axe, pad and odds and ends. The Osprey looks fine to protect things in transit, but I question how long it would last being carried. I think a bombproof bag like the North Face Expedition Duffle would be a safer bet. I have seen people wrap the pack in bubble wrap or plastic then tape all around it, but that seems like a total PITA at each end of the trip. YMMV.

Re: Traveling with backpack

PostPosted: Fri Jun 24, 2011 9:16 pm
by Baarb
zodis wrote:
DukeJH wrote:I too use a monster duffel bag to contain my checked backpack. Once I clear customs and immigration, the bag comes off and is stuffed into the pack and I carry the pack, well, like a pack.


I do the same thing. I have an Osprey Airporter LZ light weight duffel bag which is what we are talking about here. It was expensive but worth it. If you stay in a dormitory type of lodging or hostel and you have to leave your kit out in the open when you leave for the day, you can place your large pack and other stuff inside the duffel bag and lock the zippers together with a small pad lock. You can even get one of those small cable locks and fasten it to your bed post. Happy traveling!


Likewise. I have something similar to the Osprey bag, it's super tough though not waterproof. Not only does it protect your bag from accidental rips and so on, it make all your gear a lot safer - at least that's what I tell myself. I figure people who work at airports are less likely to bother looking through external pockets and nobody is going to want to preferentially steal a 50 lb duffel off the underside of a bus. With locked zips there's less chance of scams involving drugs getting hidden in there too. The bag works as a giant stuff sack too if you're in a rush and don't have time to carefully fit everything back into your backpack.

Re: Traveling with backpack

PostPosted: Fri Jun 24, 2011 10:05 pm
by Lolli
I just pack it and check it in. Never had a problem. Sometimes I have put it in one of those big plastic bags they have for strollers.
Now I have one which where I can zip in all straps, it's a lid on back of it, to close it. Perfect.
I fly mostly international long flights, where the luggage is exchanged between flights, but that's never hurt any of my backpacks anyway.


...touch wood.

Re: Traveling with backpack

PostPosted: Sat Jun 25, 2011 5:53 pm
by Jerry L
jthomas wrote:
phlipdascrip wrote:
Jerry L wrote:I don't think it matters which you choose. I don't bother with duffel bag anymore unless I'm on an extended trip and need the additional space. I only take the backpack and check it. I fly both continental US and international. I've never had any problems. When you stand at a baggage claim area waiting for your bag, you'll see plenty of other backpacks. I personally don't want to mess with the duffel bag unless I absolutely have to.


I usually do the same thing and have not had any problems either; I tie all loose straps together or wrap them around some nearby loop, and extend the hip belt just long enough so I can close it wrapped around the front of the pack (reversed). I do prefer having it all stuffed in a bag though - peace of mind. Also it protects the fabric of the pack a bit against wear and tear.


I think this is asking for trouble. I would never check my pack with everything exposed to get ripped. I put it in a duffle, which also holds the axe, pad and odds and ends. The Osprey looks fine to protect things in transit, but I question how long it would last being carried. I think a bombproof bag like the North Face Expedition Duffle would be a safer bet. I have seen people wrap the pack in bubble wrap or plastic then tape all around it, but that seems like a total PITA at each end of the trip. YMMV.


I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree. There's probably no right answer. As I've said, I've never had any problems. I have 2 large duffel bags (mine are very simple and plain looking). I only will take them for extended stays or when I have too much gear for the backpack. I've read that the North Face duffel bag is highly sought after by thieves. Therefore I bought plain canvas bags which are cheaper and work just fine.