Backpack as checked baggage

[DocH]

Thanks for all of the great advice. I'll probably just try to put it in a plastic bag and hope for the best, as I really don't want to have worry about a duffel bag.

 

[#1antler]

REI sells a lightweight backpack cover bag specifically for air transport. Lightweight, cheap, lockable, and packs very small. So far I've had great luck with it. Big enough for EMR2 and 14 days gear.

 

[wmp1991]

what about knives and things that cannot be carried on? do you check a smaller pack or just try to make that stuff fit in with the gun case?

 

[wyelkhunter]

I believe the standard is actually 22". The only one I can find more than that is Alaska Airlines 24"

Correct me if in wrong but I think the limit is 24" for a carry on bag. Does anyone carry on their 26" frame?

 

[JustOneMoreShot]

On a trip to AK I placed my external frame Cabelas pack into the bottom of my large Cabelas duffle bag and the 4 corners of the pack's frame managed to chew holes thru the rubber waterproof bottom of the duffle bag. It was a really tight fit getting the pack in there and then all my gear and clothes on top of that. Sucks but no big deal as I just use a good bit of strong black Duct Tape over the areas inside and outside and its ok.
I have carried on smaller packs inside the plane and that is what I prefer if possible.

So if you put it inside a duffle make sure that any corners or edges are somehow covered and protected so they dont go thru the duffle bag.

 

[charvey9]

I've checked packs on many occasions. Even when not hunting, I find them easier to carry around than a suit case. I have never had a pack damaged, but it is a concern. On a trip to South America last year I went as far as to duct tape all the straps, flaps, pockets, etc down tightly so that there was some extra support if they "grabbed and yanked" the wrong part of the pack and ripped it open.

I've also carried my pack on before without any problems, even with a 26" frame (22" is supposed to be the max dimension for carry-on) I was able to get it under the seat or the overhead compartment when the bag was mostly empty.