Checking in Backpacks

[ossie]

Does anyone have any ideas about how to protect a backpack from damage that may happen from conveyer belts and baggage handlers when travelling on commercial airlines? Is this something that I should be concerned about or should my backpack be OK as it is?

[ollster]

Does anyone have any ideas about how to protect a backpack from damage that may happen from conveyer belts and baggage handlers when travelling on commercial airlines? Is this something that I should be concerned about or should my backpack be OK as it is?

I've never had a problem. I tend to secure all the straps buy clipping in, pulling tight, and then using tape or elastic bands to hold them down.

[frenchy_84]

shouldnt be a problem, i travel lot with backpacks and never had an issue. if you have lots of straps hanging out the airline can put it in a tray for all the conveyors.

[johnw]

I agree, it shouldn't be a problem. Just make sure any loose straps are tightened and tucked away. If really concerned you could cover the pack with 2 large garbage bags and secure it all with masking tape (leave the haulage loop free). I tried this technique once and it works but the next trip decided it wasn't worth the effort. Tip: If you decide to do that make sure to retrieve anything needed from the pack before sealing it up .

[photohiker]

Depends on the backpack and the trip.

I've checked the backpack and most times had no damage. When I went to Scotland last year, I knew there would be multiple handling's of the pack and it was lightweight so I packed it in an old suitcase and gave that suitcase to a thrift shop when I got there.

There are various options for pack transport covers about - Osprey do one in several sizes, and I think I've seen Deuter and BD ones down at Anaconda.

[Erica]

I fly with my backpack in a large (110L) bag, made by exped. Its not that light though, so not good for if you're planning on hiking with said cover as well. I haven't had any troubles flying before I got this bag either though, am just a little paranoid.

[Jellybean]

I tend to err on the side of caution (having seen some damaged packs come off luggage belts) and use one of these - http://cgi.ebay.com.au/BLACK-WOLF-OVERA ... 2eaf4ce17e. Have found it useful too when leaving on a walk. We leave any gear we're not taking in it, lock it up and store it somewhere safe before taking off on the walk.

If you're after a cheaper option, the heavy duty bags that airlines tend to have available can also be used.

[Bluegum Mic]

I'm an advocate for having some sort of protection for my pack. Last time I flew to tas (I must add dressed in hiking regatta with a fully laden hiking pack) the lady whisked my pack away on the conveyor belt straight away. She then looked at me and asked if I had a stove in my bag and had it been used. I told her i turned it on for a minute to see if it worked (it was new) which she declared must be inspected to see if it smelt like gas?? Ggrrr (by now it was long gone down the conveyor belt). She said the luggage handlers would inspect but I had a lock on my pack so the bag had to come back up. 5 minutes later the baggage handler appeared with my bag carrying all 20kgs of it by the strap that holds the lid of the pack closed. Needless to say it finally snapped 5 meters in front of me. Thankfully a safety pin worked for the entirety of the OLT.

[Snowzone]

I loop my waistbelt through my shoulder straps and buckle, then I pull all straps tight and tuck in any loose ends. I've never had any problems doing it this way.

I did notice when I flew home from Tassie on Monday, there was a pack came out with its pack liner covering it. I thought this was a good idea as long as your pack liner was larger than the pack and you had time to repack before heading out.
Although thinking a bit more about this, I'm not sure I'd want to risk holes in my pack liner cos that would defeat the purpose of having a liner.

[ossie]

Thank you everyone, very useful info. Am counting down the weeks to OT track now, am beginning walking on March 24th if anyone else is. Cheers.

[wello]

I purchased a large pack cover that zips up at the back to cover all the straps. It's Tahkana brand, and it's now got a few holes in it after 20 flights or so. Better holes in a cover than my pack I say. Mind you, I've seen plenty of people tie up their straps and seem to have few issues. My concern came after a mate of mine lost one side of his waist belt after a bus trip (not even a airport conveyor in sight!). The driver of course knew nothing about it.

Wello