Flying with packs?

[TXCO]

Im starting to look into a new pack and since I end up flying to hunt a lot, I was wondering how people fly with their packs? I use an old REI pack and usually just throw it on the plane loaded up. Im considering kifaru and it seems like it would hold up to the airlines. Id be concerned about a kuiu ison and breaking the carbon frame.

How do you fly with packs? What issues have you had?

Will

 

[Craig Van Arsdale]

I brought my kifaru as carry on last weekend on the way there and checked it on the way back. I have done the same with my Kuiu icon. I carry it on most of the time

 

[blb078]

Couple months ago I flew to Denver w/my Stone Glacier, no issues at all checking it. Airport doesn't care, to them it's just a backpack. I'm sure they threw it around just like every other bag they have. Even if you went with a KUIU it should be fine checking it.

 

[Dixie07]

I used me McHale pack on a trip to Hawaii week before last. I carried it on rather than checking it, mainly because I didn't want the airlines to destroy it. It worked out great I thought. A lost easer to carry around than a duffel bag.

 

[TXCO]

Yea Im more worried about the airplane breaking frame, especially the carbon frame on the icon.

My internal fram has worked great for year but is starting to have some other issues.

 

[RosinBag]

I have used my duplex timberline as carry on with all my important optics in it. No issues

 

[Craig Van Arsdale]

Always going to be a chance that they might break it if you check it. I have seen pics of smashed bow and gun cases. If they run it over its probably going to break what ever pack it is.

With that being said I have flown with my hunting gear quite a bit and never had any issues.

 

[Nick Muche]

My pack doesn't go into checked baggage. I keep all my optics, camera, RF and any other important stuff in it and use it as a carry on. Just tighten it up as much as you can. Haven't had an issue yet.

 

[kuhn4]

I do the same as Nick. I've also pulled the stays out of my Kifaru T1 to get under the length restrictions for a carry-on. Those then went into a checked, hard sided gun case. Some guys will also put their loaded packs into a large duffel bag if checked to protect the pack and loose straps.

 

[Duk Dog]

Carry on when possible. If I have to check my pack I get them to put it inside a clear plastic bag and twist and tape seal the top. That way there are no issues with buckles and straps getting caught or damaged while they move luggage around. Another option is I've taken a rubbermaid action packer and put all my gear and backpack in it and then throw a padlock on the action packer.

 

[tstowater]

I took a KUIU with me to Alaska last year. On the way up and from Anchorage to Seattle, it was a carry on. When I got to Seattle and had to switch planes and the flight was full to the gills, I was required to check it. I'm in the same boat as Nick with optics, etc in the pack. We survived, but I was less than happy. Bag survived also.

As I see more flights that are filled, our opportunity to carry on larger packs will be limited. Beware of this happening. I wasn't worried about the pack being broke, but being "lost" or contents stolen.

 

[actionshooter]

I have flown with an old Dana Archflex Terreplane a couple of times with no issues. Just make sure you tape up all of the straps that can get caught in the machinery, heard a couple of bad stories about that.

 

[TEmbry]

I have a huge cabelas rolling duffel with a hard drop out bottom. I put the bow in the bottom padded with all my clothing. I then put my pack (empty) in the top and fill the remaining space until I reach just under 50 lbs.

I then use another duffle/luggage to pack all my remaining gear into. I keep a small backpack for carry on with all my money, cameras, optics, etc.

This 2 checked bag system has always worked perfectly for me. This year to Alaska ill have to check a 3rd as I'm flying my aire kayak up with me.

 

[Wrongside]

I'll never check a pack again, unless its in a heavy-duty, locked duffle. Years ago, on a trip to Costa Rica, I double contractor bagged my Bora80 and checked it. When I got it back it was in ruff shape, rubbed right to the stays in spots and had been rummaged thru. Some gear, including a pricey compass, missing.

Not sure who I pissed off at the airline that trip...