How ya’ll bringing meat back? ( I’m flying in)

[Rome]

I’m flying in for a Spring bear hunt and flying back. I’ve read a few options on threads here as well as spoke to my buddy who’ll hunting with me. Just wanted to get other people’s opinions.

Some say just get one of those backpack coolers, b it I can’t imagine that’d be big enough. Especially if my buddy and I both have success.

Others have said to get a decent cooler, pack it with block ice and put the hide and meat in there as checked luggage.

This seems like the simplest solution. I figure I’d just hit a Walmart once I’m out there and get a decent cooler, and pay the fee for an extra checked bag. Otherwise shipping it back is crazy expensive based on conversations I’ve had with friends who did that before.

Does my plan sound alright?

 

[JNDEER]

Not specific for bear- but I fly with norchill style cooler bags or similar. For weight and size they will maximize your ability to bring back meat. I usually get a soft nylon duffel that weighs next to nothing and I can fit 2 of them in it plus random stuff I need for my trip. The norchill bag then is used as a check bag with roughly 45# of meat in it. Though I only travel with the meat frozen or very chilled. This way you avoid over size and weight bags. Most hard side coolers weigh 12#+

 

[mthayr]

75L YETI Panga (waterproof) is just shy of the "oversized" baggage limit, and if you can debone/process/freeze your meat/hide before hand (or have it processed locally), a cheap synthetic 50-degree sleeping bag from Walmart will provide all the insulation needed to get it home. The cargo bay in the belly of the plane is typically pretty cold compared to the cabin, especially at 30,000 feet. Bonus, you can collapse the Panga and fit it in your other luggage on the way out so you only pay for the extra baggage on the way back.

 

[Krolly]

Your plan is fine. See how it goes. Stop and buy a cheap cooler or two and check them in as extra baggage. Make sure they will not leak. Airlines do not allow leaking baggage. Use the frozen packs you keep in a freezer if you can.

You can’t buy meat for as cheap as it will cost you a pound to bring it home this way.