Bringing Your Backpacking Pack on an Airplane
Though traveling by car to your backpacking destination can be fun, there will be times where you want to venture to far away lands. In these cases you’ll need to know the ins and outs about bringing your backpacking pack on an airplane.
Flying with your backpack isn’t challenging, but it can be intimidating to someone who hasn’t done it before. You need to know what you can and cannot bring on a plane, how to pack, and how to avoid common travel mistakes.
If you’re starting to get nervous for your flight, don’t worry. We are going to go over everything you need to know about flying with your backpack.
Checking Your Backpacking Pack
If you are bringing your backpacking pack on an airplane, be prepared to check it. Backpacks are typically too large to be used as a carry-on, especially when they are fully packed. Even ultralight backpackers may struggle to pack their things small enough for their backpacking pack to be a carry-on.
There are also far more restrictions around what you can pack in a carry-on. Most backpackers’ packing lists contain a handful of items that are not allowed in a carry-on bag. This means you’ll need to leave this gear behind and manage without it.
Unfortunately, some of these items are too important to go without. Tent spikes, multi-tool knives, propane tanks, and hiking poles are all pieces of gear you cannot bring in a carry-on bag. Even some dehydrated meals are prohibited due to their self-heating element. You can buy these items at your destination, but it’ll be more cost effective (and less wasteful!) to just check your backpack.
You can save yourself a lot of hassle by following this tip – when bringing your backpack on an airplane, make it a piece of checked luggage.
Be Cautious of Backpack Weight
Before you head over to the airport, make sure you weigh your fully packed backpack. Many airlines have their own restrictions on how heavy a checked bag can be. Be aware of the guidelines for the specific airline you are using and make sure your backpack fits them.
For example, American Airlines has a weight limit of 50 pounds for standard checked bags and 70 pounds for business/first class.
This is an easily attainable weight limit for most backpackers to stay under. For reference, your fully loaded backpack should ideally weigh no more than 20% of your body weight. That means only someone who weighs 250 pounds or more should be concerned about a 50-pound weight limit.
However, that is just American Airlines. Different airlines may have different limits. Be aware of these limits and pack accordingly. If you need tips on reducing pack weight, check this article out.
Be Aware of Backpack Straps
When you’re on the trail, straps and pockets are great for organizing and strapping on bulky gear. However, when your bringing your backpack on an airplane you’ll want to rethink these packing strategies.
If you have something like your sleeping bag or tent strapped to the outside of your backpack, you are risking it breaking loose in transit. It’s no secret that checked bags aren’t handled with the utmost care. There are plenty of opportunities for your gear to fall out or become unstrapped from your backpack. Ending up in your destination without your tent or sleeping pad is a major downer.
It is also a good idea to tuck away straps wherever possible. Checked bags move through conveyor belts and straps can easily get snagged in the gears. Consider finding a cover, extra large duffle bag, or a garment bag to put your backpack in to avoid these issues.
What Backpacking Gear is Allowed on Airplanes
The following list is according to the TSA website as of September 2021.
What You Cannot Bring
- Propane
- Lighter or Lighter Fluid
- Bear Spray
- Bear Bangers
- Strike Anywhere Matches
What You Can Bring
Carry-On
- Camp Stove (Must be clean and empty)
- Safety Matches (Only on carry-on, only one book)
- Water Filter
- Water Reservoir (Empty)
- Sunscreen (under 3.4 oz)
- (Some) Foods
- Rope
- GPS
- Sleeping Bag
Checked Bag
- Camp Stove (must be clean and empty)
- Water Filter
- Water Reservoir (Empty)
- Sunscreen (under 3.4 oz)
- Food
- Rope
- GPS
- Sleeping Bag
- Axe
- Crampons
- Hiking Poles
- Gel Food Items
- Cast Iron Cookware
- Bug Spray
What to Buy at Your Destination
When traveling by plane for a backpacking trip, it is likely you will need to swing by an outdoor sports store before heading out on the trail. There are a few important backpacking items that you can’t bring on the plane.
Keep in mind that these rules apply for the flight back home. Buy things in smaller quantities so that you won’t end up throwing away a lot of unused supplies.
Animal Protection
If you are going out to backpack in bear or wolf country, it is a good idea to have some form of protection in case you end up in a threatening encounter. As listed above, bear spray and bear bangers are not allowed on airplanes, not even in a checked bag. Many outdoor sports retailers in the surrounding area of a major forest will likely have these for purchase. You may also find places that will allow you to rent bear spray for a short trip. Either way, the hope is that it will be a waste of money – you don’t want to be in a situation where you have to use it.
Propane
If you’re using a camp stove, you’re going to need propane to cook with it. These are not allowed on airplanes as well. Pick up a small propane canister when you arrive at your destination and share it among your group so you can use up most of it.
Food
As mentioned above, you should try to pack most of your gear in the belly of your backpack to prevent anything from getting lost in transit. If you typically utilize your straps for larger items, you may not have enough room in your bag for everything. One thing that takes up a great deal of space is your food. It is also something you are only going to use once so you don’t have to worry about bringing it back. If you have to stop at an outdoor shop on your way to the trail anyway, this might be a good choice.
Be cautious of using this tip, though. There are times, such as during summer of 2020, where camp food was hard to come by. I had to order it online weeks in advance to get anything other than ice cream sandwiches (who buys those, anyway?). Be sure to have a backup meal plan that you can buy at a grocery store so you aren’t going hungry if the store is sold out. Here are some of our favorite simple backpacking meal ideas.
Tips For Packing Your Backpack For a Flight
When bringing your backpacking pack on an airplane, it is wise to pack it differently than you would for the trail. While many travelers can fare just fine without reorganizing their packs, these tips can add some convenience to your trip.
Pack Clothes in Your Carry-On
Take out some of your clothing to make more room for larger gear that you’d typically strap to the outside of your pack. Bring your clothes in a school bag or small duffel that can act as your carry on. You can do the same with your sleeping bag or sleeping pad. These are items that are safe to bring in a carry-on, so you can save room in your backpack for your larger gear.
Empty Your Water Bladder
Typically, packing your full water reservoir first can save you some work and frustration. This tip doesn’t apply when you’re flying with it. Make sure it is completely empty and fill it up when you reach your destination.
Pack Your Boots
Hiking boots are a pain to travel with. They are large, awkward, and dirty. It’s your best bet to wear your boots on the plane (not the most comfortable option) or put them in a double grocery bag in your carry-on. This keeps them from shedding dirt all over your other items.
In the past, I have also tied them around the strap of my drawstring bag as part of my personal item. I don’t recommend this method – they get in the way, bump into your back, and can smell bad.
Reserve Fresh Travel Clothes
In your carry on, keep a fresh set of clothes to wear on your flight home. If you don’t get the chance to shower before your flight, you will at least be wearing clean clothing. Use some dry shampoo and baby wipes to make yourself more airplane-friendly if you’re in a pinch and can’t wash up. Those seats are close.
Conclusion
Flying to a backpacking destination is exciting – you are headed out on a journey in incredible lands far from home! The process of bringing your backpack on an airplane, however, isn’t as wonderful. Luckily, you now know some of the best tricks to taking a lot of the hassle out of it!
Cover photo by Leonardo Yip on Unsplash
