Protecting backpack on airplane as checked luggage

[kbcj]

I am traveling to Europe and will need to check my pack as luggage (too big for carry-on). Any recommendations for protecting it or what I could put it in so that everything stays in tact?

[Eagle]

kbcj, welcome to the Boards!

In order to answer your question, it would help to know what type of Backpack you're using? If it's a typical "top loader" model with exposed straps, it would definitely be a good idea to protect it in some way during air travel, so the straps aren't torn-off by baggage handling equipment.

There are several ways of doing this.....

Some airlines will "saran wrap" packs to keep the harness secured tightly to the pack. This also provides a good measure of theft protection, as the wrap is difficult to remove. However this is also a problem with arrival in Europe, as one has to borrow a knife or scissors to remove the wrap (keeping in mind that all of your knives are inside the wrapped Backpack).

Some travellers place their Backpack inside a large Duffel bag, one which can be folded up upon arrival. The Duffel usually has a zipper, which can be locked (although airport security screeners may need to access the Pack if they see something suspicious on a scan, so using a TSA-approved Lock would be a good idea).

Some travellers place their Backpack inside a large Bin bag / Trash Bag and then secure the top. This method works to some extent, however these bags are easily torn, so perhaps not the best solution.

Some Backpacks are designed with a "stowable harness". The straps / harness is placed inside a zippered compartment during air travel, and then removed and clipped in place after arrival at destination. I find this is by far the easiest solution!

Cheers!

[herrbert]

You can also request to drop-off you bag at a special counter that is used for more special luggage (including bikes, guitars, and other things), this luggage is handled by hand so it can't get stuck in the normal handling system.

[kbcj]

Thanks! I think I've found a good solution after collaborating with other travelers.

I am putting my pack in an oversized nylon garment bag that is easy to roll up and put away during my travels. It also has zippers that I can put a TSA approved lock on (for the US airports). I'm bringing a pretty large pack (See: www.campsaver.com/mmWINTERFIXCOM/Images/t/kelty_redcloud_5600.jpg), but surprisingly my garment bag is large enough even with the pack nearly full.

The garment bag is the same thick nylon material as my pack, so it should be sturdy enough to survive rough handling.

Thanks for all of your suggestions!